Should Black British Actors Play African-Americans In Films?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4295854/Samuel-L-Jackson-slams-Brits-playing-African-Americans.html

[emmie]

don't they already. There are countless talented British black actors and if they can master the accents then why not.

[Mamyalynne]

I love Samuel and he's entitled to his opinions of course - but I'm happy to leave the casting to those whose job it is.

[emmie]

strange that it should come from such a well respected thespian, perhaps he is just jealous as American can not always do British roles, or accents.

[jackthehat]

Once again, it comes down to the casting-directors and producers.....they are the ones who have final say on who gets the part.
If they think that a black British actor is more suited to the part than a black American actor they have the right to cast that person.

[vulcan42]

Samuel L Jackson has now changed his story slightly stating he was blaming the 'Hollywood' system, not the British actors. Sounds like flack diverting to me.

[emmie]

the only time i complained of a sort was when Kevin Costner played Robin Hood, his accent grated at every word.

[youngmafbog]

As with any actor, if they can play the part correctly (including any appropriate accent) then I dont see the problem.

[hereIam]

I agree with emmie, I think our actors do far better American accents than they do ours ...

[Peter Pedant]

// the only time i complained of a sort was when Kevin Costner played Robin Hood, his accent grated at every word.//

Dick van Dyke as Bert the chimney sweep in Mary Poppins caused .... comment

[Samjenko]

You're forgetting Dick Van Dyke.

[hereIam]

I rest my case !

[emmie]

true but he was good in the part and that was a different era,

[vulcan42]

There has been some awful Robin Hood voices over the years but we are as much to blame. We've had a Scottish R H (Sean Connery) and Richard Greene with his west country accent just didn't sound right in the great forest.

[emmie]

not forgetting Russell Crowe, his accent was not really right for the part but he can do a good American accent if you watch L A Confidential.

[anotheoldgit]

I wonder if the Native Americans ever moan about White Americans playing their roles?

The late Chuck Connors springs to mind, as Geronimo.

http://movie-dude.co.uk/Chuck%20Connors%20%20Geronimo%20(1962).jpg

[mikey4444]

I too are somewhat surprised that someone like Samuel should come out with this load of old pony....a actor is an actor is an actor....he of all people should know that.

[emmie]

Jeff Chandler as well played Cochise.

[ABerrant]

"Samuel L. Jackson ... criticizing British actors playing African-Americans in movies."

What a hypocrite!

He, an African-American, played caucasian Nick Fury in the Marvel franchise.

And don't get me started on his Star Wars role as Mace Windu. Were no Haruun Kal actors available???

[mikey4444]

Talking of Russell Crow, I thought we might all enjoy the interview where he flounced off Radio Four !

[emmie]

mikey, sorry he is one of my favourite actors.