Comfortable Stereotypes and an American Work Permit

It seems for British black actors to make their mark artistically and get meaty parts they have to migrate to television and film work in the USA. The roles they play across the pond seem to have more development and are more challenging with less chances of them being a one-dimensional stereotype as in the UK.

For example Eamonn Walker did the television rounds including a stint on ITV’s The Bill during the 80’s and then moved on to seminal US TV prison drama Oz and features such as The Lord of War and Unbreakable but how come a talent like him has been let go to US primetime television when he should be given more opportunities in Blighty? In fairness he has come back to the UK for highbrow British work such as a modern day adaptation of Othello with Christopher Eccleston which was well received but how come 10 years into the new century there still aren’t that many prominent roles for black actors on UK TV? We had the ascension of Richard Blackwood (promoted lazily like a modern day Lenny Henry) before his television career burned out by mediocre material (the writing for Ed Stone of Dead should have had more edge) and a lack of talent nurturing but if he went to America at his peak would his popularity be any different like ex Grange Hill child star, Sean Maguire who is doing the rounds as a journeyman actor?  I am sure the writers wouldn’t pigeonhole him to oblivion.

Lenny Henry himself had a go at Tinseltown but with his career it was natural progression rather than a conscious decision to break out for better roles. Anyone would have done what he did along with countless breakouts before and after him (Tim Roth and Gary Oldman being prime examples of UK ex-pats).

Now one of the next generation of talent is Adrian Lester as an example of having a well developed character starring in The Hustle but when that series is done and dusted will there be anything as equally challenging or high profile on UK TV or will he follow in the footsteps on Aemonn and Lenny and work with people who have a better pipeline of diverse material in development? Even their shows such as CSI and Law and Order contain solid multi-ethnic characters. Also Mr Lester has mastered the American accent for the recent stage hit Cat on a Hot Tin Roof which is as good a calling card as any. For here, other than the odd break out show, the only other parts seem to be thug/drug dealer or a stereotyped actor on any of the soaps (excellent one off dramas such as the BBC’s Shoot the Messenger are too few and far between). Playing wide boys and geezers is no advancement and smack of a lack of progress in those that hold the keys.

On US television 30 years ago black talent were usually for the most part cast as pimps or drug dealers and since then things have moved on thankfully but if only you could say that of this side of the pond. And what for young black actors who want to get in the industry? Fair enough you have Adrian Lester as an inspiration but from there what? The USA? Or even bolder write and make your own film the way you want it?

And for Indian/ Chinese actors? Forget about it. We will still be televisual curry /rice merchants on Eastenders etc and apart from Buddha of Suburbia (made nearly 20 years ago!)it will still be one-dimensional for a good few years. Welcome to Ghettoisation, soon to be in 3D.