| What
does it mean to be an actor? How do actors do what they do? How do
they deal with the frustrations and rejections? This is the story
of my personal experiences in Los Angeles. Along the way I'll share what
I've learned.
A Laughing Matter
I developed "The Riddler's" fiendish laugh at Hollywood parties. I listened to myself laugh and discovered that the funniest jokes brought out the high-pitched giggle I use on the show. With further study I came to realize that it wasn't so much how I laughed as what I laughed at that created a sense of menace." -- from a 1966 interview with the late actor/impressionist Frank Gorshin, best known for his role as "The Riddler" on the classic Batman TV series, performing a Tony-nominated one-man show about George Burns, and a number of other impressions.
Comments |
"When I was first approached to play "The Riddler," I thought it was a joke. Then, I discovered the show had a good script and agreed to do the role, but only on a show-to-show basis. Now I am in love with the character. |
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Trevor -- Happy Holidays to you, and thanks for your comments over on my own blog. I'll put a link on it for yours and come over and visit occasionally.
Break a leg in all you do...
Evan
Posted by: Evan | December 21, 2005 08:35 AMHope you had a Merry Little Christmas! :o)
Posted by: Audrey | December 26, 2005 08:36 AMFiguring out what makes you laugh can be a really fun tool for finding your character. Is it dirty jokes, or the Three Stooges, or a dog getting kicked in the head?
Anyway, a laugh is a laugh, and it is the juxtaposition of the cause and effect (see Kuleshov Effect) that creates the illusion of character. I think.
Posted by: Joseph | December 28, 2005 08:37 AM