The Actors' Evolution
"The only thing an actor owes his public is not to bore them."
- Marlon Brando
"In the period following WWII when most of the films were idealized with conventional portrayals of men and women, young people wanted new and exciting symbols of rebellion. Hollywood responded to audience demands - the late 1940s and 1950s saw the rise of the anti-hero - with stars like newcomers James Dean, Paul Newman and Marlon Brando, replacing more proper actors like Tyrone Power, Van Johnson, and Robert Taylor. [In later decades, this new generation of method actors would be followed by Robert DeNiro, Jack Nicholson, and Al Pacino.] Sexy anti-heroines included Ava Gardner, Kim Novak, and Marilyn Monroe - an exciting, vibrant, sexy star." (Dirks, 2013)
The 1950s marked the beginning of the real rise of the Hollywood culture. Actors and actresses were suddenly in great demand when it came to the industry and thousands upon thousands flocked to L.A. Most of these changed led to the culture we have in our society today. Acting was seen as a real job and created substantial income if someone became successful.
Header image credits: (Library of Congress)
Body image credit: (Latker, 2007)
Body image credit: (Latker, 2007)