There's been some debate among my friends over what a woman who acts is supposed to call herself: Is she an actor or an actress? Or a female actor? Or a woman who acts?
The L.A. Times today which illuminates the debate, though does not give any answers.
Some contend that actress actually means a "small actor."
In days gone by, the term connoted a woman of ill repute (even worse than that of her male counterparts, which is saying something).
The actress Gene Tierney considered the word a "title," not a job description.
David Mamet is vehemently--and colorfully--opposed to the use of the term "actress."
Actress Fiona Shaw is in the minority of those who actually consider the word "actress" a badge of honor; usually the best you can hope for is that it not be considered an insult.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences still uses the word "actress," while the Screen Actors Guild uses the term "female actor."
On the other hand, the SAG award statuette is very definitely male, which may dilute the message of equality a bit.
In the meantime, I don't seem to be offended by the suffix "-ess" and the blog is already named, so for now, I continue to call myself...
Gina Wilhelm Actress
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences still uses the word "actress," while the Screen Actors Guild uses the term "female actor."
On the other hand, the SAG award statuette is very definitely male, which may dilute the message of equality a bit.
In the meantime, I don't seem to be offended by the suffix "-ess" and the blog is already named, so for now, I continue to call myself...
Gina Wilhelm Actress
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