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Danny Dyer says it’s a ‘f***ing disgrace’ that working class actors aren’t given the same chance as ‘posh’ stars in the industry

BBG News

As a working-class individual who has struggled to make it in the arts, I wholeheartedly agree with Danny Dyer’s sentiments. I’ve seen countless talented individuals from council estates being overlooked while the spotlight shines on those with posh private school educations. It’s like we’re playing a game of musical chairs, and the music never stops for us.

Danny Dyer expressed disappointment, stating it’s truly unfortunate when people from working-class backgrounds do not have the same opportunities to shine onstage and in films as their upper-class counterparts.

As a lifestyle and community advocate, I firmly believe that it’s time we prioritize our youth, specifically those growing up on public housing estates, given the recent shift in political power towards the Labour Party. These young minds are our future, and they deserve every opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Let’s invest in them now for a brighter tomorrow!

A man with three children and three grandchildren, who is often recognized from his roles in films like “Human Traffic” and “Mean Machine,” as well as performances in two Harold Pinter plays on both the West End and Broadway stages.

In the year 2000, I had the privilege of joining a celebrated production titled Celebration, following which I graced the stage in No Man’s Land the next season. This extraordinary opportunity came my way after meeting the legendary playwright Harold Pinter in 2000. Upon our first encounter, he recognized something in me and took me under his wing, mentoring me until his passing in 2008 at the age of 78.

On Wednesday, Danny expressed his view that there is a significant divide between the elite and the general public, referring to David Cameron’s departure from office during the Brexit debate. He characterized Cameron’s actions as avoiding responsibility by going to France with his feet up, implying a lack of accountability.

He said: ‘The new government must start addressing the lack of working-class people in the arts.

‘It’s vital we give young kids from council estates opportunities to make something of their lives.

‘Never has there been more of a disconnect between the elite and everyone else.

‘It’s a f***ing disgrace.’

Steve Coogan, the mind behind Alan Partridge, stated at the age of 58 that the era of working-class acting talents such as Michael Caine, Terence Stamp, Tom Courtenay, Sean Connery, and Albert Finney seems to be fading away.

In an interview for The Guardian’s G2 supplement, Coogan remarked about the 1960s in Britain: “A multitude of working-class film actors emerged from our shores and gained international acclaim: Caine, Stamp, Courtenay, Connery, Finney.”

‘They were stars because they were real and visceral and resonated with ordinary people.

The key factor behind their success was the availability of subsidies, which empowered individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds to explore and pursue artistic creativity.

‘Now, the arts have been downgraded to a luxury, not an intrinsic part of what defines us.’

Based on my years of experience working with various organizations, I have come to understand that not all entities can be measured using traditional profit and loss criteria. For instance, when it comes to non-profit organizations or community projects, their value lies in their social impact and contribution to society rather than financial returns. These initiatives are often put aside because they may not generate immediate profits, but they play a crucial role in improving the lives of people and communities, something that should not be overlooked. I strongly believe that we need to find ways to measure and appreciate their value beyond traditional financial metrics, as they contribute significantly to the well-being of our society.

Although it’s hard to measure, this intangible aspect plays a crucial role in our country’s importance and has consistently allowed us to excel creatively on a global scale.

Over the past few years, it has become apparent that the affluent middle class has been able to dominate the art world due to its financial resources. The absence of government funding or subsidies has further facilitated this trend.

Currently, we find ourselves in a repetitive pattern where affluent individuals create dramas centered around other wealthy characters, intended for elite performers.

‘There is an export market for posh country mansion content but it turns the arts into an extension of the tourist industry – and it means so many stories from neglected perspectives aren’t being told.

As someone who has spent a significant portion of my life immersed in the arts, I firmly believe that they have the power to bridge divides and bring people together. Art has been a constant source of solace, inspiration, and connection for me throughout my life, helping me navigate difficult times and find meaning in the world around me.

In addition to several stars voicing their opinions against roles being given to actors from elite private schools such as Eton or Harrow (for instance, Damian Lewis and Eddie Redmayne), there are also actors like Brian Cox, Christopher Eccleston, and Steven Berkoff who have expressed similar sentiments.

Previously, actor Brian Cox from Succession stated: “Both Damian and Benedict are pleasant young men, but I believe our nation hasn’t fully moved past the era of feudalism.” (Paraphrased)

Previously, the actor Christopher Eccleston, who played Doctor Who, expressed that actors from working-class backgrounds or of ethnic minorities often need to put in more effort compared to their privileged, white counterparts to secure acting roles.

He said that Britain’s ‘three biggest film stars’ were ‘white public schoolboys’, referring to Redmayne, Cumberbatch and Lewis.

Distinguished alumni from other prestigious public schools who have achieved great success are actors like Tom Hiddleston and Dominic West, both of whom studied at Eton.

Previously, actor Steven Berkoff expressed the opinion that high-class actors have largely dominated the scene, mainly due to the fact that their wealthy parents were able to enroll them in drama schools.

The seasoned actor, famous for portraying sinister roles such as General Orlov in Octopussy and Lt Col Podovsky in Rambo: First Blood Part II, expressed the opinion that up-and-coming actors who are less fortunate should receive assistance.

He said: ‘I would fund scholarships for all the drama schools, to allow more men and women from working-class backgrounds to study drama.

“The majority of actors attending drama schools today typically receive financial support from their families and previously attended private schools.”

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2024-07-31 13:41

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