When it comes to the acting profession, many aspiring actors and actresses spend decades chasing dreams of fame and fortune. For the vast majority of artists, that opportunity will never come; thousands of people struggle for years without reaching any level of fame. The requirements for success in Hollywood are simple, but many entertainers never reach the highest levels of the acting profession. Most of the top Hollywood stars are beautiful and talented and possess a strong stage presence. At a minimum, the most successful artists fall into two of the aforementioned categories.
One of the most important traits that successful entertainers share is a striking appearance. Performers who impress viewers often have a memorable face or body. Simple people rarely make a splash on the big screen, mainly because they don’t stick out in viewers’ memories. Not all stars are attractive, of course. Many of Hollywood’s top stars have a prominent feature, an unusual face, or a particularly large or small frame. Although John Goodman does not look like most of the leading men, he is well known for his large size and dramatic facial features. Rachel Dratch is another good example. The “Saturday Night Live” star has landed roles in numerous big-name movies, even though she isn’t classically attractive. Her unique face, not to mention her outstanding comedic talent, sets her apart from the crowd.
However, when it comes to female leads, beauty is a distinctive asset. Most of the most successful actresses in Hollywood are dramatically beautiful in a way that makes them stand out. Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, and Jessica Alba are shining examples of women whose beauty plays a significant role in their attractiveness. These three women regularly appear on the most beautiful lists, magazine covers, talk shows, and gossip websites. The same is true for the main men. Hugh Jackman, Bradley Cooper, and Ryan Reynolds receive as much attention for their looks as they do for their acting skills. In many cases, the appearance of the actors is more important than their talent. Many viewers look to television and movies for an escape from reality, and the beautiful artists help fuel the fantasy.
One of the most obvious common traits of successful Hollywood entertainers is the ability to act. Talent is important for any actor or actress, and even more so for people who don’t fit the stereotypical definition of beauty. A great artist has immediate appeal, no matter what she looks like. Actresses like Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren are known more for their stellar acting skills than their beauty. Tom Hanks and Christopher Walken are in the same position. They don’t fit the traditional definition of stunningly attractive leading men, but their acting chops surpass the talents of their more handsome peers.
Contrary to popular belief, acting is not the most important common trait among Hollywood’s biggest stars. Many popular actresses and actors who have been criticized for their acting abilities continue to receive regular job offers. In those cases, beauty and sympathy play an important role. Public approval is an important factor in casting. An actor who looks great on screen and receives a positive reaction from fans can succeed regardless of his acting skills.
An actor or actress who is both beautiful and talented will not become a star in Hollywood without one important trait: stage presence. This intangible trait is almost impossible to teach, but it is crucial for an artist. It allows a person to appear on the screen and look good in front of the cameras. An actor or actress may enhance some of the factors that go into a strong presence, such as sparkling eyes, confident physical movements, and a lively sense of energy. When it comes to film and television actors, stage presence is often measured by a screen test. The actor stands in front of the camera so the director can tell if she comes to life on screen or fades into the background. A strong stage presence is perhaps the most crucial trait shared by the best actors and actresses in Hollywood. Without it, the performances would not be pleasant to watch on the screen, and viewers would soon lose interest.
Not all major Hollywood stars possess extreme beauty, stellar acting skills, and a strong screen presence. However, the more fully an artist embodies each of the three categories, the more entertaining it is to watch and the higher a star can climb.