"Posh Boys" Playing Gangsters: Eddie Marsan on Class Representation in TV and Film
Eddie Marsan comments on the film and television industry's fixation with casting upper-class actors in gangster roles. He highlights the challenges faced by actors from disadvantaged backgrounds in gaining recognition.
Challenges for Actors from Disadvantaged Backgrounds
"If you want to be an actor in this country, and you come from a disadvantaged background, you have to be exceptional," Marsan explains, emphasizing the high barriers for underrepresented groups in the industry.
Industry Attitudes and Representation
Marsan critiques opinions like those of Laurence Fox, suggesting some fear that increased diversity in casting will "level the playing field" for all actors.
"People like Laurence Fox fear greater representation on screen will 'level the playing field'."
These comments were made on Thursday, 6 November 2025, at 21:53 UK time.
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Author's Summary
Eddie Marsan highlights how the entertainment industry favors privileged actors, demanding exceptional talent from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed and challenges resistance to greater on-screen diversity.