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I've been thinking about this issue ever since watching Johnny Depp closely during his recent trial, and also, listening to him in interviews on YouTube videos explain his acting techniques and how he embodied various characters. I found it fascinating. I came to the conclusion that he is highly intelligent, and has a very high emotional quotient as well (compassion, intuition, suspension of reality).
There are so many remarkable actors (both genders) and I think they were likely very intelligent too.
The entertainment world is full of drugs so it's easy to fall into that. But I've also noticed in my personal life that highly intelligent people get bored easily and often like to have altered experiences. I started noticing this back in the days of psychedelics (LSD, mushrooms, etc.) I think that's what people like Johnny Depp end up doing -- along with trying to numb out negative experiences (that's an issue for a different thread).
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I doubt that will be proven one way or another, but I would suspect a big mix. Most celebrities with an average or low IQ would never let it be known publicly. Those with a high IQ might, but there are probably no such studies being done. If I had to guess, I would expect that the more versatile that can portray a variety of character types, such as Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and yes, Johnny Depp are very intelligent.
Those that spend their career portraying the same character type, could be anywhere on the intelligence scale. I suppose it does take a certain amount of intelligence just to be able to memorize one's lines.
I just think that it takes a lot more to be a good actor, or an excellent one. People don't realize how difficult it is. It can be learned somewhat, but most of the excellent actors are a natural at it. And to me it seems they have not a small degree of intelligence. A lot of actors research roles and interview subjects, then apply that information to approaching the role.
Some actors, like Johnny Depp or Jim Carrey (who I think is under rated as an actor) have the ability to embody their character. I loved Carrey in The Truman Show and especially, The Majestic. There are so many other actors who, when I've seen them interviewed appear to have a high degree of intelligence.
It's great that actors are doing podcasts now because to get material that is far beyond the fluff of mainstream media/media junkets.
I've been thinking about this issue ever since watching Johnny Depp closely during his recent trial, and also, listening to him in interviews on YouTube videos explain his acting techniques and how he embodied various characters. I found it fascinating. I came to the conclusion that he is highly intelligent, and has a very high emotional quotient as well (compassion, intuition, suspension of reality).
There are so many remarkable actors (both genders) and I think they were likely very intelligent too.
The entertainment world is full of drugs so it's easy to fall into that. But I've also noticed in my personal life that highly intelligent people get bored easily and often like to have altered experiences. I started noticing this back in the days of psychedelics (LSD, mushrooms, etc.) I think that's what people like Johnny Depp end up doing -- along with trying to numb out negative experiences (that's an issue for a different thread).
What do you think?
Having met a few movie actors, yeah, the good ones are generally very intelligent. To get to where they are considered for the top roles, they have to navigate minefields and roadblocks, emerge on top and be able to deliver what is wanted/needed. One hit wonders may just have been lucky, but those with a growing filmography have serious smarts.
I just watched Miss Potter today which popped up on YouTube while I was recuperating on the couch. What a delightful movie. Renee Zellweger is a first-rate actress. I have yet to see her film about Judy Garland.
I also watched a documentary on YouTube that popped up about Paul Newman. What an amazing actor and man. All the history and the old clips of his movies and interviews were really interesting.
Really, so many actors are amazing, too numerous to mention. I once knew a woman who has a master's in theater arts. She now works in the industry as a talent agent. But even people at her level (bit parts) are truly amazing at what they do. So much nuance to expressions, voice inflection and body language. Some come by it naturally.
I can see why Vince Gilligan would want Robert Forster in Breaking Bad. Gilligan is probably in the 99.9th percentile himself. I bet Forster loved playing the vacuum cleaner guy with an unusual and obscure side gig (main gig?!)
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