The Screen Actors Guild had uncharacteristically good news to announce Oct. 29 when the union released its annual casting data report. The study, which analyzed casting data based on gender, age, and race/ethnicity of performers, found that the number of roles played by non-Caucasian actors was at an all-time high in 2005 and '06 — a continuation of a 15-year trend — and that the total number of lead roles (for minority and nonminority actors) in episodic TV grew by 10 percent from 2005 to '06.
"With the public continuing to demand full inclusion in film and television programming, we are proud to be a leading voice in the industry," SAG president Alan Rosenberg said in a statement. "While we are also pleased to announce the largest percentage share for ethnic minorities to date, we cannot be content with the current levels of representation in each category, as they do not reflect the current demographics of our country. We will continue to insist on greater access to employment opportunities and accurate depictions of the American scene."
However, the increased visibility of minorities in entertainment reported by SAG is marginal at best. The number of roles for women — particularly those over 40 — and seniors remained low and unchanged from SAG's last study, released in 2005, and most roles played by ethnic minority actors were secondary or supporting. Asian/Pacific Islanders was the only ethnic category to finish with a higher percentage of total roles in 2006 than in '05 — an increase from 3.1 percent to 3.4 percent. The number of leading roles in episodic TV increased within that group in 2006.
The number of African-American leads fell by 49 roles. The percentage of roles played by Latino/Hispanic actors was also down, although their number of leads in features grew from 31 to 52 roles and their supporting roles in features grew from 302 to 364. Roles played by Native-Americans, the least-represented ethnic group studied, fell from 0.4 percent of total roles in 2005 to 0.2 percent of total roles in '06.
Indeed, the entertainment industry still has a long way to go toward reflecting an accurate picture of modern America. In May the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the country's minority population had reached 100.7 million — up from 98.3 million a year ago. According to Census Bureau director Charles Louis Kincannon, "About one in three U.S. residents is a minority."
Turning Tides
Jarvee E. Hutcherson, national president of the Multicultural Motion Picture Association and executive producer of the 15th annual Diversity Awards, was glad that even small strides are being made in diversifying entertainment. "On television and in movies, you're seeing much more of a diverse melting pot of celebs and stars and television actors of all different backgrounds," he said. "However, there is room to improve...but certainly I think we're making great strides in all directions."
According to Hutcherson, the financial success of films written by, produced by, and starring African Americans, such as Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?, has made industry executives realize such "urban" films can be major money-makers. Perry's comedy recently topped the box office in its opening weekend, bringing in more than $21 million. The 2004 multiethnic ensemble drama Crash, made for less than $7 million, not only won the best picture Oscar but has also grossed more than $54 million domestically to date.
Karen K. Narasaki, president of the Asian American Justice Center and chair of the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition, said TV has become more diverse in part because shows featuring multiethnic casts have garnered high ratings. However, the APAMC stated in its recent television-diversity "report card" that a total of 29 Asian Americans were cast in regular roles in prime-time programs during the 2005-06 season — only two more than the previous year. Among the major networks, ABC earned the highest grade for Asian Pacific American actor inclusion, although none of the networks significantly improved.
"It is the case that there has been some progress made, both in the number of roles and in quality," noted Narasaki. "ABC, no doubt, has been a standout in terms of expanding the number of roles.... Eight or nine years ago, ABC was in the basement in terms of ratings. Starting with George Lopez, then Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy helped them turn around.... They really understand it."
The Multi-Ethnic Media Coalition, which includes the APAMC, also praised ABC in its TV diversity report, released last month. The coalition found that more Latinos are represented on TV in general — as evidenced by shows such as Ugly Betty — and more Latinos are being hired in behind-the-scenes positions.
Actors Helped, Hindered
"There has certainly been an increase in the number of 'best friend' roles available. Yet lead roles for actors of color remain invisible," actor Tatiana Suarez Pico wrote via email. "It's a mistake to advertise [SAG's report] as if there has been some tremendous progress.... It's like saying, 'Look, 100 actors of color, you had two roles offered to you before; now you have four. That's a 100 percent increase.' I maintain that as long as producers and studios...don't advocate casting policies that increase diversity in TV, film, and theatre, the advances in this realm will continue to be dismal."
Lawrence Kimpson, an African-American actor in his 40s, agreed. "Look on Back Stage's casting [notices] right now. Look and see how many roles are available for minorities. Go to Craigslist and you'll see the same thing," he wrote via email. "When you are a minority, the only roles you get are pretty much negative stereotypes.... If I [have] to see another African American dance around for a burger, I don't know what I'm going to do."
Caucasian actor Heather Keller said she's had fewer auditions and lost more roles to minority actors during the last three years. "It is next to impossible for me to get an audition, and when I do, it always comes down to being between me and someone who is ethnic. The producers generally go ethnic," Keller wrote via email. "I am very glad that there is now a lot more work for ethnic actors. Unfortunately for me, being Caucasian is now a minority when it comes to the TV/film world."
Caucasian actor Barbara Niven, a national SAG board member and chair of the guild's women's committee, said she hasn't seen that trend among women in her 50s age group. She said she is working more now than ever. "I think my parts get more delicious now. When you're younger, you rely maybe more on your looks or maybe on being the pretty girl. That's the time when you need to get in and really learn your craft, so you're prepared to develop your career as you develop your life," she said, adding that she has shot 18 movies in the last three years and has a recurring role on the new ABC midseason drama Eli Stone. "You can hear all the negativity and buy into it and give up," Niven said. "I think what you just have to do is work it like a business and work harder than anyone else."
Caucasian actor and standup comic Leslie Berger, who chairs Women in Film's actors group, said she doesn't go on as many auditions as she would like. But, like Niven, she says the key is to keep working and maintain a positive attitude. "There are [fewer] roles for women over 40 and even less for plus-sized actresses...but I personally can't sit around and mope about it. It is what it is," she said.
Berger added, "There are a lot of loving, giving people in this entertainment industry, a lot of compassionate people. I just hope the right people who have control...become a little more compassionate." SAG's complete Casting Data Report is available at www.sag.org.