It's every budding actor's dream - a starring role in a TV show or film that becomes a major hit. But then they try to move on - and find that their iconic character just won't let them.

The latest actor to complain about being shackled to his famous alter ego is Alfonso Ribeiro.

You may know him better as Will Smith's highfalutin cousin Carlton Banks from 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He's said being overshadowed by his character has "stopped me from being able to be an actor".

The 45-year-old told Metro: "It has forced ME to be my character, hosting game shows and America's Funniest Videos.
'I could be a deranged killer!'

"I would like to try some stuff that is different from how the world sees me, just sink my teeth into… shoot, I could be a deranged killer!

"But I doubt someone would automatically think of me when they go, 'We need to cast a killer, let's get the dude who played Carlton.'"

He did also say the role was "rewarding in many ways" - and you could argue that an actor is lucky to get one part in a hit show in their career.

Here are some other actors who have found it impossible to leave their most famous parts behind - and some who have managed to reinvent themselves.

Mark Hamill

Perhaps the ultimate example of an actor known for one role, Hamill (above right) is and always will be Luke Skywalker.

His non-Star Wars films remained relatively low-key so he went to Broadway, taking the title role in Amadeus in 1983. But when director Milos Forman made a big screen version, he is reported to have rejected Hamill, saying: "I don't want Luke Skywalker in this film."

Hamill got around the typecasting by becoming a successful voice actor, including as The Joker in the Batman animated series.

...[ Continue to next page ]

Share This Post