Actors’ Day
Take part in a local theater production, perhaps by auditioning or simply supporting local actors. Give some appreciation to this difficult but entertaining skill.
Actors have been an iconic part of the history of humanity, telling stories of love and tragedy through all forms of life, inspiring the imaginations of millions.
As the conveyors of stories, actors are artists of their craft, and there’s just not enough love for them! Actors’ Day aims to show appreciation for actors in our lives by showcasing their history and how they have influenced people’s lives.
Learn about Actors’ Day
Actors’ Day is an important day from two sides of the coin. On one hand, it is a good day in terms of paying honor and tribute to the different actors and actresses that have had an impact on our lives. You may have a favorite actor or actress, for example. You may simply enjoy watching movies and films.
We all recognize the work of those in this profession, and so it is good to take the time to think about the amazing work that they do. This includes actors and actresses that may not have made it big-time yet. Recognizing their work can make a bigger difference than you may realize.
On the other side of the coin, so to speak, this is a great day for those involved in the profession to try and take their career to the next level. Even if you are at the very bottom of the ladder, and you are wondering whether or not you should step onto it, Actors’ Day can give you the push that you need to take your career in the right direction. Why not sign up for your first acting class, for example?
History of Actors’ Day
Thespis stepped onto the stage at the Theatre Dionysus to become the first known performer to speak a character’s words and express their story back in 534 BC.
Because of this, actors today are sometimes commonly referred to as Thespians because of their craft. Acting since the times of Ancient Greece has become an art form, a form of entertainment that has transcended time. While in Ancient Greece the forms of acting occurred with drama plays and as the Roman Empire flourished, theatrical plays were filled with spectacle and diverse.
As time passed, the Middle Ages, during its time of Catholic influence, attempted to deem acting as a dangerous, immoral, and a pagan art form, which lowered its popularity significantly. The Renaissance period then brought it back and transformed it again with morality plays and then came William Shakespeare in the 1700s, who solidified theater acting in its place.
Since then, acting has become a highly respected art form, as famous actors from all over the world play characters from plays, books, and scripts, and then convey those characters through theater plays, Broadway shows, and films.
These actors were all male, and it wasn’t until the late 19th century that women began to appear in plays and movies in their own right. Actors’ Day is all about celebrating the way actors make us feel when they portray our favorite characters and help us appreciate the art form as a whole.
Actors’ Day Timeline
534 BC
First actors perform on stage
With origins in Ancient Greece, drama is born in public festivals where actors dress in costumes and play roles on a stage. [1]
1564
William Shakespeare is born
Actor, poet and playwright, Shakespeare is born in Stratford-upon-Avon. [2]
1660
Women are allowed on stage in England
With the ruling of King Charles, women are legally allowed to be actors in theater productions, where their roles had previously been played by boys. [3]
1933
Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is founded
Established to negotiate and enforce collective bargaining agreements for fair pay and working conditions, the Screen Actors Guild begins. [4]
1964
First black actor to win an Academy Award
Sidney Poitier wins the Oscar for his role in the film Lilies of the Field.[5]
How to Celebrate Actors’ Day
Take part in your local theater, whether it’s a high school, college, or a youth theater in your community! Take acting classes to see how you do! If you don’t feel that you’re the best at acting, then support your local theater by donating money, theater props, or buying tickets to see your favorite plays.
Research information about your favorite actors in film and television, and take this day to watch their greatest works. Host a movie night with friends and family and share this holiday with everyone!
Another way to celebrate Actors’ Day is to pay respect to all of the actresses and actors out there who work hard to make us happy and entertain us. Yes, we all know Tom Hanks and the Brad Pitts of the world, but what about the actors and actresses that have small roles in television shows and movies?
It is likely that these actors and actresses are waiting for their big break in the industry, and so by paying tribute to them on this date, you could really put a smile on their face and give them the confidence they need. You never know; they could have been thinking about calling it a day, and your comment could be the difference. It could be that little sign of faith they need to keep going. After all, acting is a notoriously difficult industry to be involved in. Making it to the top is not easy, and we should always encourage people when we can.
Why not have a movie-inspired party to celebrate the date? There are plenty of scary movie costumes. You can dress as Chucky in blue dungarees, a striped shirt, and a pair of red canvas shoes. For the face, use a classic Chucky mask, or opt for a red wig and use some face paint for the stitches. Jigsaw from Saw is yet another character that is as recognizable as he is chillingly scary.
Get into character by donning the iconic white mask with red embellishments and a dark suit. You will also send chills down everyone’s back by turning up as Ghostface from Scream. Don the white “Dali-esque” mask and a dark cloak, and complete the look with a bloody toy dagger. Of course, you don’t have to go down the scary route. There are lots of other characters that are easy to dress as and instantly recognizable, such as Lara Croft and Jack Sparrow.
Actors’ Day FAQs
Who is the highest paid actor?
As of 2023, the highest paid actor is Tom Cruise with earnings that come in at around $100 million for his role in Top Gun: Maverick.
Can actors have tattoos?
While some celebrities, like Angelina Jolie and Idris Elba, have been able to get away with having tattoos, it is recommended to most working actors to avoid tattoos as it could limit their roles. [1]
How to become an actor?
Becoming an actor can be as simple as preparing a headshot and auditioning for local productions, but it may also require going to acting school and getting signed by an agent.[2]
Do actors really smoke?
Most actors who smoke on stage or on set do not smoke tobacco cigarettes but to avoid a nicotine addiction they often use cigarettes that contain herbs. [3]
Have actors ever died during filming?
Sadly, several actors have died while filming movies, including Luke Perry (2018), James Dean (1956), Natalie Wood (1983), and Philip Seymour Hoffman (2014). [4]
