'Posh boys' playing gangsters: Eddie Marsan on TV and film industry's obsession with upper-class actors

'Posh Boys' Playing Gangsters: Eddie Marsan on Class and Acting

Eddie Marsan, a highly versatile British actor known for his roles in the Sherlock Holmes films and Mission: Impossible III, comments on the challenges faced by actors from disadvantaged backgrounds. He observes a strong class divide within the industry, where many actors come from privileged families.

Barriers for Disadvantaged Actors

Marsan highlights the difficulty for emerging actors without financial support. He says:

"If you want to be an actor in this country, and you come from a disadvantaged background, you have to be exceptional to have a hope of a career."

In contrast, he remarks that actors from privileged families may advance even if their talent is average:

"If you come from a privileged background, you can be mediocre."

Industry Observations and Role

Reflecting on his own experience, Marsan shares how he started in his 20s after leaving an apprenticeship as a printer when offered a place at drama school Mountview, where he is now a vice president:

"I was a bit lost, to be honest… I was serving an apprenticeship as a printer when Mountview offered me a place."

He stresses the importance of supporting young actors who lack the financial means to fund their careers.

Concerns about Representation

Marsan also critiques figures like Laurence Fox, saying they fear broader representation that might “level the playing field” on screen, implying a resistance to diversifying casting beyond privileged backgrounds.

Summary

Eddie Marsan emphasizes that financial backing remains crucial for acting careers, revealing class disparities that hinder talented yet disadvantaged actors in the UK industry.

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Sky News Sky News — 2025-11-06

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