Acting is a challenging art form, requiring actors to embody a wide range of characters and emotions. But have you ever stopped to wonder how actors convincingly play corpses on crime shows like “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”? The answer may surprise you.
According to a recent article on Ask Us, playing a convincing corpse is no easy task. Actors must control subtle movements such as twitching eyelids, tiny breaths, and even pulsing veins in tight close-up shots. Some actors even specialize in playing corpses, honing their skills to perfection.
During a set tour for NBC’s St. Denis Medical, cast member Mekki Leeper shared a fascinating insight into the world of corpse acting. He revealed that one actor who specializes in playing corpses auditions for such roles regularly and always lands the part. This actor has developed a foolproof strategy for knowing when to breathe during a scene – he holds his breath as long as possible and listens to the dialogue carefully. When a main character speaks, he knows it’s his cue to take a quick breath.
Interestingly, even celebrities are not immune to the allure of playing dead on screen. “Law & Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay revealed in an interview with Seth Meyers that famous actors often approach her for guest spots on the show – as lifeless bodies. Meyers himself admitted to expressing interest in playing a dead body on the show during the 2007-2008 writers strike. However, he was surprised to find that he had lines to memorize in the script, as he had only wanted to be a silent corpse in a park scene.
Hargitay shared a humorous anecdote about a supermodel who expressed a similar desire to play a dead body on the show. Despite offering her a speaking role, the supermodel insisted on being a corpse, much to Hargitay’s amusement.
It seems that the appeal of playing a corpse on screen is a common desire among actors, both seasoned professionals and celebrities. The challenge of portraying death in a realistic and convincing manner requires a unique skill set, making corpse acting a specialized and intriguing aspect of the acting profession.
In conclusion, the art of playing a corpse on screen is a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of acting. Actors who specialize in this niche area bring a level of skill and dedication to their craft that is truly commendable. So, the next time you watch a crime show and see a convincing corpse on screen, remember the talented actors who bring these characters to life – or rather, to death.
