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Student Opinion

Who Is Your Favorite Actor?

A guest writer shares his love and admiration for Tom Cruise, who has captivated him for more than 40 years. Which actor has inspired you, moved you or touched your heart?

By Jeremy Engle

Are you a big fan of acting, whether on the silver screen, your television set or a theater stage? What are the qualities that you think makes a great actor? Who are your favorite actors and why?

In a guest essay, “ My Life With Tom Cruise ,” Nathan Englander writes about his love and admiration for the “Top Gun” and “Mission: Impossible” actor over the past four decades:

The other night, after the dishes were washed, the coffee machine set, the dog let out and the kids asleep, I planted myself on the couch with the TV remote in one hand, scrolling, and my phone in the other, scrolling. Settling on the bigger screen, I clicked on “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation” to find Tom Cruise dangling by his fingertips from a Russian cargo plane while sporting a business casual suit. I thought: He looks great up there — how old is that guy with the superhuman grip strength? Turns out he was exactly where I am now. Not hanging by my fingertips, but newly 53. Mr. Cruise’s birthday had just passed when “Rogue Nation” premiered in 2015. Getting all reflective, I thought about how Mr. Cruise is one of the few actors to keep my — and our — unbroken attention for so long. And in this sequel-laden era, he somehow manages to age agelessly between installments while keeping those new chapters feeling fresh. I thought about how, just shy of a decade older than I am, Mr. Cruise really has been at my side for pretty much my whole life.

Mr. Englander wonders aloud, “How can one person manage to keep the public gaze for more than 40 years?”

Not only does Mr. Cruise defy the sort of wear and tear that most of us call “existing,” he does it without seeming ridiculous. The best example might be the most current: Mr. Cruise in “Top Gun: Maverick,” which is vying for an Academy Award for best picture on Sunday night. For those who haven’t seen the “Top Gun” sequel, it’s about an old man (Mr. Cruise), the sole member of a squadron of collagen-rich pilots at their Hollywood peak who has the skill to save America from — from whom? Your guess is as good as mine. The enemy has no flag, no ethnicity, no religion or style of governance. It would be a classic jingoist film, but today — like school lunches and peanuts — it is jingo free. Which highlights the ability of Mr. Cruise, a producer of “Maverick,” to pivot with the times. And to me, that capacity to read the current moment and step confidently into a role is a far better and more appealing way to stay young than whatever is gained by passing on every slice of buttered toast or never stepping, brimless, into the bright light of day. I think it’s more the internal youthfulness than the external that keeps me watching, that solid self-assurance — or at least the fantasy of it — that Mr. Cruise continues to deliver that delivers for me. I know we’re talking about a public persona more than a person, but the insane kind of certainty he radiates is reassuring and so different from the internalized terror and second-guessing that fiction writers like me feed on. And it doesn’t feel as if he’s still making movies to cash a check, big as they are.

He concludes the essay:

At the end of his speech at the 2023 Producers Guild Awards last month, Mr. Cruise said , “I want to thank all the audiences for whom I serve first and foremost for allowing me to entertain you.” With 40 years behind us, I’m planning to stay along for the rest of the ride.

Students, read the entire article and then tell us:

Who is your favorite actor and why? Using the essay as inspiration, tell us what accounts for her or his greatness: What makes that person appealing or admirable? How has that actor touched your heart?

What do you think makes a good actor — on the big screen or on the small stage? Personality, charisma, technique, emotional range, ability to inhabit the character? You may read The Times’s “ 10 Best Actors of the Year ” or “ 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century (So Far) ” to help with your response.

Are you a fan of Tom Cruise? Have you seen “Top Gun: Maverick” or any other of his more than 40 films? Mr. Englander writes, “I think it’s more the internal youthfulness than the external that keeps me watching, that solid self-assurance — or at least the fantasy of it — that Mr. Cruise continues to deliver that delivers for me.” Do you agree that Mr. Cruise’s fantasy of self-assurance is essential to his longevity and charm? Does Mr. Englander’s paean to the Hollywood superstar make you appreciate him more?

Mr. Englander writes that “Mr. Cruise really has been at my side for pretty much my whole life.” Are there any actors who have been at your side throughout your life? If so, what has their constant presence meant to you?

Have you ever dreamed of becoming an actor? If yes, what would your acting career be like?

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Jeremy Engle joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2018 after spending more than 20 years as a classroom humanities and documentary-making teacher, professional developer and curriculum designer working with students and teachers across the country. More about Jeremy Engle

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Ielts cue card sample 267 - describe your favourite actor or actress., describe your favourite actor or actress..

• who this actor/actress is
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Essay on My Favourite Actor Shahrukh Khan

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Favourite Actor Shahrukh Khan in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on My Favourite Actor Shahrukh Khan

Introduction.

Shahrukh Khan, often known as the “King of Bollywood,” is my favourite actor. His charismatic personality, exceptional acting skills and charming smile make him an icon.

Early Life and Career

Born in Delhi, Shahrukh started his career with television. His Bollywood debut was in 1992 with “Deewana”. He quickly rose to fame due to his talent.

Acting Skills

Shahrukh’s acting skills are versatile. He has played romantic, negative, and comic roles with equal finesse. His performances are always captivating.

Humanitarian Acts

Beyond acting, Shahrukh is known for his philanthropy. He supports various charities, showing his kind heart.

In conclusion, Shahrukh Khan’s talent, versatility, and kindness make him my favourite actor.

250 Words Essay on My Favourite Actor Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan, fondly known as the “King of Bollywood,” is my favourite actor. His charismatic personality, coupled with his prodigious acting skills, has established him as one of the most influential figures in the Indian film industry.

Artistic Excellence

Khan’s artistic excellence is evident in his diverse roles. From playing a romantic hero in “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” to a vengeful son in “Baazigar,” his ability to immerse himself into his characters is unparalleled. His performances are marked by an emotional depth that resonates with the audience, making his characters memorable.

King of Romance

Shahrukh’s portrayal of romantic characters has earned him the title “King of Romance.” His on-screen chemistry with various actresses has been instrumental in creating some of the most iconic romantic films in Bollywood. His charm and charisma have made him a quintessential romantic hero.

Humanitarian Efforts

Off-screen, Khan is known for his humanitarian efforts. His Meer Foundation provides support to women who have survived acid attacks and major burn injuries. This aspect of his life showcases his empathy and commitment to social causes, making him a role model.

In conclusion, Shahrukh Khan’s prolific acting career, coupled with his humanitarian efforts, makes him my favourite actor. His ability to portray diverse characters with authenticity and his commitment to social causes demonstrate his multifaceted personality. He is not just an actor, but a phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.

500 Words Essay on My Favourite Actor Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan, often known as the “King of Bollywood,” is my favourite actor. His charisma, versatility, and dedication to his craft have made him a global icon. With a career spanning over three decades, Khan has not only captured the hearts of millions but has also significantly contributed to the evolution of Indian cinema.

Artistic Versatility

Shahrukh Khan’s versatility as an actor sets him apart. He has played a variety of roles, from romantic leads in films like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” and “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” to complex characters in “Chak De! India” and “My Name is Khan.” His ability to bring depth and nuance to every character he portrays is a testament to his profound understanding of human emotions and the craft of acting.

Charisma and Appeal

Khan’s charisma is another factor that makes him my favourite actor. His charm transcends the screen and resonates with audiences worldwide. He has a unique ability to connect with his audience, making them laugh, cry, or feel inspired through his performances. His wit and intelligence, often displayed in interviews and public appearances, add to his appeal.

Professionalism and Work Ethic

Khan’s professionalism and work ethic are admirable. He is known for his commitment to his roles, often going to extreme lengths to deliver an authentic performance. For instance, for his role in “My Name is Khan,” he spent months researching and preparing to portray a character with Asperger’s syndrome accurately. His dedication to his craft is a significant source of inspiration.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Off-screen, Khan is known for his philanthropic efforts and contribution to social causes. He actively supports causes like child health and education and is associated with several charities. In 2018, he was honoured with the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum for his leadership in championing women’s and children’s rights in India. His commitment to making a positive social impact makes him more than just an actor to me.

In conclusion, Shahrukh Khan is my favourite actor for his artistic versatility, charisma, professionalism, and commitment to social causes. He has brought Indian cinema to the global stage, and his influence extends far beyond the silver screen. His life and work serve as a reminder that success in the film industry is not just about fame and fortune, but also about dedication to one’s craft and a commitment to making a positive impact on society.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Shahrukh Khan
• Essay on Shah Jahan
• Essay on Sea

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Describe Your Favorite Actor

If you plan to take the IELTS Test, you should be aware that one of the test components is the IELTS Speaking Task 2 often known as the IELTS Cue Card Section .

It is one of the toughest areas of the IELTS Test , therefore you need a lot of preparation.

Why? It is because you will have to speak for a longer period about a subject you may not have a lot of ideas about. You also have a limited amount of time to prepare. Worry no more!

A few sample responses for the cue card topic ‘Describe your favorite actor’ are included in this article. Continue reading to learn more.

What is the IELTS Cue Card Question?

The examiner will offer you a subject card in IELTS Speaking Task 2 . This card is referred to as a cue card.

On the card, you will get a required topic and some ideas on what to add. The theme will be inspired by someone you know, an event you have attended, or a hobby you have. You have one minute to prepare and outline your speech.

The examiner will provide you with a piece of paper and a pencil so that you can jot down your thoughts.

Before you begin your speech, the examiner will give you one minute. You have up to two minutes to speak without interruption from the examiner.

The examiner will listen to you without saying anything, but they may nod or make a gesture to encourage you to continue speaking.

When your two minutes are over, the examiner will tell you to stop and may ask you a few questions about what you just stated. You must react swiftly and succinctly to these queries.

How to Answer this Specific Cue Card Question: “Describe Your Favorite Actor”

Topic/question, guidelines to answer this question.

You should say:

• Who this actor is
• How you come to know about this actor
• If this actor is famous both locally or internationally 

And explain what about this actor makes him/her your favorite.  

• Think of an actor that you really like and admire. It could be a local or international actor, just as long as you have enough knowledge about them.
• Once you have decided on which actor to discuss, stick to it. Do not change your mind as you do not have plenty of time to do so.
• Start writing down ideas and concepts. State who this actor is and mention if he is well-known in local and international scenes. Describe how they look and share how you come to know about this actor. Include some of their most notable movies and achievements. Lastly, explain what about this actor makes them your favorite.
• Remember that you only have a little time to prepare. Do not write sentences. Just write keywords and phrases.
• Make use of extensive vocabulary and complex grammar structures. These two account for 50 percent of your marks in this part of the test.
• Take notes as quickly as you can but ensure that your penmanship is readable by you. The examiner does not care what and how you write on your notes. They will evaluate you depending on the content and delivery of your speech.
• You are allowed to take a look at the notes you have written. The examiner will not prohibit you if you do so. Make this to your advantage.

Sample Responses for “Describe Your Favorite Actor”

Sample response 1:.

“I enjoy Hollywood movies, as well as the actors and actresses who appear in them. In fact, I rarely miss an Oscar or Emmy award show on television. One of my favorites is Julia Roberts. She is an American actress whose adept performances in a variety of roles helped her become one of the best-paid and most powerful actresses in the 1990s and early 2000s, and she is still going strong today.

Julia Roberts’ Hollywood movie career began in 1988 with a prominent role in the movie “Mystic Pizza,” and she didn’t have to look back after that, as her career went off like a rocket. Since then, she has appeared in numerous movie office hits, including “Pretty Woman,” “Flatliners,” “Sleeping with the Enemy,” “The Pelican Brief,” “Something to Talk About,” “Mary Reilly,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and “Stepmom”. She also became well-known for her roles in the romantic comedies “Notting Hill” and “Runaway Bride”.

Julia has been one of Hollywood’s golden girls for almost three decades, thanks to her incredibly charming and charismatic acting abilities in a wide range of movies. It’s no surprise that she’s won so many Academy Awards throughout her movie career. In any case, she is my favorite actress because she has a fantastic personality off of the screen, where she has remained relatively scandal-free compared to many other modern actors and actresses.” 

Follow-up Question 1: 

Do you think actors are usually given VIP treatments?

“Unfortunately, I think it is a fact and many can attest to that. In my country, most actors do not have to wait in long queues because of such treatments. It’s just the reality. They do not ask for it, but it’s being given to them, and most of them take it. However, there are those actors who are dignified and do not do such things, and I have so much respect for them.”

Follow-up Question 2: 

How do you think the quality of movies has changed over the years? 

“I think it has changed a lot for the better. But that is not to say that movies before are of bad quality. I am referring to the cinematography and the different techniques movies are now using to make them more appealing and look natural, especially the fiction ones. In addition, how cool are those 3D movies!”

Sample Response 2: 

“Watching Bollywood movies is almost a ritual for most Indians, including myself. Furthermore, many Bollywood movie actors are treated as if they were gods. Today, I’d like to discuss one such movie star who is well-known in my nation. His name is Aamir Khan. He is currently the only Eastern actor to be named “first” among the world’s highest-earning actors in movies.

Aamir Khan, also known as Mr. Perfectionist, has made a name for himself by playing equally well in a variety of movies, including action, drama, comedy, romance, and history, among others. He is also a successful movie director and producer. And, while moviegoers are well aware of what a superstar he is in the Indian movie business, few are aware that, unlike many of his Hollywood and Bollywood peers, Aamir Khan possesses the miraculous ability to regularly open movies based only on the strength of his name. He has had that influence for decades and has been reaching new heights with practically every movie he has made for at least a decade. 

Anyway, Aamir Khan is so well-known because he works so hard on his movies to ensure that they are excellent at all costs. He is also well-liked since he enjoys taking on hard assignments. Furthermore, all of his movies contain inspiring storylines that appeal to a wide range of viewers.”

Follow-up Question 1:

What kind of movies do you like? 

“Actually, I do not prefer a specific genre over the other, I like all kinds of movies as long as the storyline is excellent, and the actors in it can portray their roles well. But over the years, I can say most of the movies I liked the most are drama and suspense movies.”

How do you think the movie industry has been affected by the current pandemic?

“Unfortunately, I believe that the movie industry is one of those that are greatly affected by the pandemic. Because of health protocols and the never-ending threat of being infected, producers and actors have to make a lot of adjustments, and thus, lesser movies are being produced these days.” 

Vocabulary List for Answering the Question: “Describe Your Favorite Actor”

Below are some words from the sample responses for the cue card topic ‘ Describe your favorite actor .’ with their definitions and example sentences to guide you.

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My Favorite Actor – Essay, Article, Speech, Paragraph [Ranbir Kapoor]

My favourite actor – essay, article, speech, paragraph.

“With any part you play, there is a certain amount of YOURSELF in it. There has to be, otherwise it’s just not acting. IT’S LYING.” – Johnny Depp document.body.onclick= function() { window.open(https://www.amazon.in/music/prime?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=charminpatel-21', 'poppage', 'toolbars=0, scrollbars=1, location=0, statusbars=0, menubars=0, resizable=1, width=950, height=650, left = 300, top = 50'); }

What is Acting?

The art or occupation of performing fictional roles in plays, films or television is called acting. The actor or actress has the ability to perform a particular character and not just perform but literally living the character for the particular role given to him. Acting has so much to do with stories, emotions, drama, expressions, music and timing. An actor justifies his character on the screen or live and gets appreciated. Acting can only be done if the role has you as a part of it. If you do not involve and indulge into what the role demands then you will not be liked by the audience. There are many actors who don’t look that great but have managed to steal hearts of people through their acting skills, few of them are Irfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpai etc. If you are a good actor then looks are a secondary concern to the audience.

My favourite actor is Ranbir Kapoor, not just because he has got looks to drool for but his acting as well. I love this actor after one movie that doesn’t seem unrealistic but more of real, ‘Wake Up Sid’. I would definitely call that movie is one of the best one. He doesn’t just have female fan followings but males as well, his acting makes you fall for him and not just once but twice, thrice maybe multiple times. He might be taken as one of the actors who is blessed by having acting skills from blood or genes but it’s his hard-work that has made him reach to the peek of success in just a few years.

What type of movies he does?

All the actors who work in this glamorous field definitely put so much hardwork to it but your success sometimes does depend on the type of choices you make for the selection of movie. Ranbir Kapoor by far has selected some really great movie which are love stories, romantic comedy, motivating and a lil bit of realism in it. The audience especially youth can connect with his movies which is a great deal. He is one of the finest actors in Bollywood and definitely my favourite.

He’s the rising and shining star of Bollywood. The way he delivers the dialogues and the perfect timings are something that every girl would have imagined themselves right there in his arms with a ‘I wish’ sigh on their lips. He is this person on screen whom you call like goals as in someone with whom you want to spend your life with. I don’t know what real life Ranbir is like but the reel life one is definitely a sweetheart and watching him on screen is a treat to me. If I ever get a chance to see him I definitely would have the fangirl moment.There are many great and popular superstars from Amitabh Bachchan to Shahrukh Khan but Ranbir Kapoor is something. He is the blend of perfect looks with amazing acting. If you watch him on the screen you get this feeling that this guy must be the nicest in real as well, I don’t know about others but this was something that has always crossed my mind. He is the guy every girl has hots for, maybe.

If someone is your favourite you cannot stop admiring that person I guess and that is what is happening with me but anyhow I love him, this is how I can sum it up.

2 thoughts on “My Favorite Actor – Essay, Article, Speech, Paragraph [Ranbir Kapoor]”

essay was written nicely.

I liked the essay ànd I found the exact point that I was searching for……thank you

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Speaking Part 1: Favorite Actor/Actress

Topic :Actor/ Actress

Q 1.  Your favourite actor?

Ans 1. My favourite actor is Keanu Reeves. He is very handsome and charming. He is not only a good actor in reel life but also a great person in real life. Instead of having a difficult life, his rise to stardom is appreciable. Although he is a famous Hollywood celebrity, he throws no starry tantrums. He often hangs out with homeless people and treats everyone as equals. He does a lot of charity and gives donations.

Ques 2.  Have you ever seen actors in real life?

Ans 2. A) No, I have never seen actors in real life but I would love to meet my favourite actor at least once in my lifetime.

B) Yes, I have seen actors in real life too. Last year I went to Mumbai on official trip. I saw many Bollywood celebrities at Mumbai Airport. I also got the chance to click photographs with two of them. Meeting a celebrity is always a memorable moment.

Ques 3. Do you want to become an actor?

Ans 3. A) No, I don’t want to become an actor. I’ve always focused on my studies and   never thought of becoming an actor. I wish to become a doctor because they provide treatment for different types of diseases. They also save lives.

B) Yes, I want to become an actor because that’s my dream since my childhood. Moreover, I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in arts, drama, acting and performing. I think I am a born actor and have excellent acting skills. So, I am more interested in doing what I am best at.

(270 words)

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• MY FAVOURITE ACTOR: Will Smith
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Eisa and his classmate, Mohammed, wrote about their favourite actors for a class project. Here’s what Eisa found out about Will Smith.

Will Smith is an American actor, producer and rapper.He was born on September 25, 1968. He has enjoyed success in TV, movies and singing. In 2007 Newsweek described him as the most influential actor in Hollywood. He was nominated for four Golden Globe awards and two Oscars and received four Grammy awards. In recent years he had many important films, for example “One Strange Rock”,”Aladdin”,and “Gemini Man”. He likes dance music and he likes boxing. His favourite boxer is Muhammed Ali. He enjoys being with his family. He relaxes by listening to music.

Eisa Almansoori

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My Most and Least Favorite Actors – Essay Sample

I believe that everyone has his/her own actor or actress, either American or European. My favorite actor is Mel Gibson, “a movie star and a controversial filmmaker” (Mel Gibson). He has an entirely different style from most of the other actors/actresses that I think highly of. He tends to be tougher beyond the limits. Moreover, his characters usually lack subtleties and at one level are quite uncomplicated to recognize. But he has performed in some of my much loved movies of modern times like Braveheart, Forever Young, and Ransom. As for my most favorite actress, I think that it is Audrey Hepburn. Audrey is very close to the ideal actress. She also was a great woman, spending much of her life doing wonderful things for others, “most notably through UNICEF” (Audrey Hepburn). On the screen she possesses what many have tried to grab hold of, but nobody else has matched. If I was to select one word to summarize her acting, it would probably be ‘style’. From the way she walked, to her clothing, to her manner of speech it all seemed natural yet powerfully mysterious. I have loved every single movie that I saw staring her: “ Breakfast at Tiffany’s , Love in the Afternoon , and Roman Holiday” ( Audrey Hepburn).

The actor that I do not like the most is almost certainly Ben Affleck. I do not think that he is a professional actor as of yet as far as his acting seems unnatural and immature. He really lacks seriousness and being more emotional would have really helped him in his acting. My most disliked actress is undoubtedly Whoopi Goldberg. In my personal opinion, she can hardly be called an actress at all, due to the fact that her acting skills are not sufficient enough to represent cinematography. Her roles are extremely easy to play and the only thing that saves the situation is that she can be hilarious sometimes.

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Published on March 10, 2022 by English Proficiency Editorial Team

IELTS Cue Card Sample Question – Describe Your Favorite Actor

If you plan to take the IELTS Test, you should be aware that one of the test components is the IELTS Speaking Task 2 often known as the IELTS Cue Card Section . 

It is one of the toughest areas of the IELTS Test , therefore you need a lot of preparation.

Why? It is because you will have to speak for a longer period about a subject you may not have a lot of ideas about. You also have a limited amount of time to prepare. Worry no more! 

A few sample responses for the cue card topic ‘Describe your favorite actor’ are included in this article. Continue reading to learn more.

What is the IELTS Cue Card Question?

How to answer this specific cue card question: “describe your favorite actor”, sample response 1:, sample response 2: , vocabulary list for answering the question: “describe your favorite actor”.

The examiner will offer you a subject card in IELTS Speaking Task 2 . This card is referred to as a cue card. 

On the card, you will get a required topic and some ideas on what to add. The theme will be inspired by someone you know, an event you have attended, or a hobby you have. You have one minute to prepare and outline your speech.

The examiner will provide you with a piece of paper and a pencil so that you can jot down your thoughts.

Before you begin your speech, the examiner will give you one minute. You have up to two minutes to speak without interruption from the examiner. 

The examiner will listen to you without saying anything, but they may nod or make a gesture to encourage you to continue speaking.

When your two minutes are over, the examiner will tell you to stop and may ask you a few questions about what you just stated. You must react swiftly and succinctly to these queries.

Topic/Question

Describe Your Favorite Actor

Guidelines to Answer this Question

You should say:

• Who this actor is
• How you come to know about this actor
• If this actor is famous both locally or internationally 

And explain what about this actor makes him/her your favorite.  

• Think of an actor that you really like and admire. It could be a local or international actor, just as long as you have enough knowledge about them. 
• Once you have decided on which actor to discuss, stick to it. Do not change your mind as you do not have plenty of time to do so. 
• Start writing down ideas and concepts. State who this actor is and mention if he is well-known in local and international scenes. Describe how they look and share how you come to know about this actor. Include some of their most notable movies and achievements. Lastly, explain what about this actor makes them your favorite. 
• Remember that you only have a little time to prepare. Do not write sentences. Just write keywords and phrases. 
• Make use of extensive vocabulary and complex grammar structures. These two account for 50 percent of your marks in this part of the test. 
• Take notes as quickly as you can but ensure that your penmanship is readable by you. The examiner does not care what and how you write on your notes. They will evaluate you depending on the content and delivery of your speech. 
• You are allowed to take a look at the notes you have written. The examiner will not prohibit you if you do so. Make this to your advantage. 

Sample Responses for “Describe Your Favorite Actor”

“I enjoy Hollywood movies, as well as the actors and actresses who appear in them. In fact, I rarely miss an Oscar or Emmy award show on television. One of my favorites is Julia Roberts. She is an American actress whose adept performances in a variety of roles helped her become one of the best-paid and most powerful actresses in the 1990s and early 2000s, and she is still going strong today.

Julia Roberts’ Hollywood movie career began in 1988 with a prominent role in the movie “Mystic Pizza,” and she didn’t have to look back after that, as her career went off like a rocket. Since then, she has appeared in numerous movie office hits, including “Pretty Woman,” “Flatliners,” “Sleeping with the Enemy,” “The Pelican Brief,” “Something to Talk About,” “Mary Reilly,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and “Stepmom”. She also became well-known for her roles in the romantic comedies “Notting Hill” and “Runaway Bride”.

Julia has been one of Hollywood’s golden girls for almost three decades, thanks to her incredibly charming and charismatic acting abilities in a wide range of movies. It’s no surprise that she’s won so many Academy Awards throughout her movie career. In any case, she is my favorite actress because she has a fantastic personality off of the screen, where she has remained relatively scandal-free compared to many other modern actors and actresses.” 

Follow-up Question 1: 

Do you think actors are usually given VIP treatments?

“Unfortunately, I think it is a fact and many can attest to that. In my country, most actors do not have to wait in long queues because of such treatments. It’s just the reality. They do not ask for it, but it’s being given to them, and most of them take it. However, there are those actors who are dignified and do not do such things, and I have so much respect for them.”

Follow-up Question 2: 

How do you think the quality of movies has changed over the years? 

“I think it has changed a lot for the better. But that is not to say that movies before are of bad quality. I am referring to the cinematography and the different techniques movies are now using to make them more appealing and look natural, especially the fiction ones. In addition, how cool are those 3D movies!”

“Watching Bollywood movies is almost a ritual for most Indians, including myself. Furthermore, many Bollywood movie actors are treated as if they were gods. Today, I’d like to discuss one such movie star who is well-known in my nation. His name is Aamir Khan. He is currently the only Eastern actor to be named “first” among the world’s highest-earning actors in movies.

Aamir Khan, also known as Mr. Perfectionist, has made a name for himself by playing equally well in a variety of movies, including action, drama, comedy, romance, and history, among others. He is also a successful movie director and producer. And, while moviegoers are well aware of what a superstar he is in the Indian movie business, few are aware that, unlike many of his Hollywood and Bollywood peers, Aamir Khan possesses the miraculous ability to regularly open movies based only on the strength of his name. He has had that influence for decades and has been reaching new heights with practically every movie he has made for at least a decade. 

Anyway, Aamir Khan is so well-known because he works so hard on his movies to ensure that they are excellent at all costs. He is also well-liked since he enjoys taking on hard assignments. Furthermore, all of his movies contain inspiring storylines that appeal to a wide range of viewers.”

Follow-up Question 1:

What kind of movies do you like? 

“Actually, I do not prefer a specific genre over the other, I like all kinds of movies as long as the storyline is excellent, and the actors in it can portray their roles well. But over the years, I can say most of the movies I liked the most are drama and suspense movies.”

How do you think the movie industry has been affected by the current pandemic?

“Unfortunately, I believe that the movie industry is one of those that are greatly affected by the pandemic. Because of health protocols and the never-ending threat of being infected, producers and actors have to make a lot of adjustments, and thus, lesser movies are being produced these days.” 

Below are some words from the sample responses for the cue card topic ‘ Describe your favorite actor .’ with their definitions and example sentences to guide you. 

Additional Reading — IELTS Speaking Cue Card Questions

• Describe a Person You Admire
• Describe Your Best Friend
• Describe Someone Famous that You Want to Meet
• Describe a Person Who You Think is a Good Leader
• Describe a Neighbor You Like
• Describe a Place You Want to Travel Next
• Describe a Historical Place that You Have Been to
• Describe a Place You and Your Friend Went to Recently
• Describe a Place Where You Spend Most of Your Free Time
• Describe a Country that You Want to Visit
• Describe a Gift that You Have Received Recently
• Describe an Item of Clothing that You Bought for Someone
• Describe a Piece of Art that You Want to Buy
• Describe Something that You Recently Lost
• Describe a Vehicle that You Want to Buy
• Describe an Activity that You Find Enjoyable
• Describe a Place Where You Love to Shop
• Describe an Event that You Recently Attended
• Describe One of the Busiest Days of Your Life
• Describe a Hobby that You Do with Your Family
• Describe a Difficult Decision that You Made
• Describe a Time When You Felt Lucky
• Describe the First Time You Had a Mobile Phone
• Describe a Time When You Helped a Stranger
• Describe a Time When You Tried to Do Something but Weren’t Successful
• Describe Your Favorite Teacher
• Describe Your Favorite Photograph
• Describe Your Favorite Subject in School
• Describe Your Favorite Song
• Describe a Situation that Made You Upset
• Describe a Time When You Had an Argument with Someone
• Describe One of the Happiest Travels You Ever Had
• Describe an Incident When You Got Scared
• Describe a Time When You Felt Relieved
• Describe a Workaholic Person You Know
• Describe an Interesting Course You Took
• Describe a Time When Someone at Work Gave You a Compliment
• Describe a Quiet Place at School Where You Like Spending Your Free Time
• Describe a Time When Something Unfortunate Happened at Work

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Billion Essays

My favourite actor

Brad Pitt is one of my very favourite actors and I am a huge fan of his movies. He is a famous Hollywood actor and has got several prizes for his superb work in movies.

Honestly he is a good actor who is known world-wide. He is the husband of another famous female actress Angelina Jolie. His full name is William Bradley “Brad” Pitt and he is around 50 years old now. For his excellent performance in acting he has received a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and three Academy Award nominations in acting categories. He has done some film production works as well. He is a fine actor with a natural gift of depicting the characters. Often his performance in movies gets very high applauses and because of that he was nominated for Oscars more than once.

He usually acts in drama and action movies but his acting varies from the character of a vampire to a war hero and legendary characters as well. I have enjoyed most of the movies acted by him and his performance in movies like Seven, Interview with the vampire, The legend of the falls, 7 years in Tibet, Meet Joe Black was simply excellent. I find him to be a very high class actor and a superb person with his tremendous activity in social welfare works. All these reasons make him to my favourite actor.

Essay on Shahrukh Khan in English

Shahrukh Khan essay for Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Find paragraph, long and short essay on Shahrukh Khan for Students.

Essay on Shahrukh Khan

My favourite actor is Shahrukh Khan. He is one of the most versatile actor in Bollywood. He is a superstar and people know his as King Khan of Bollywood in the film industry. He is one of the most famous personalities in Asia and the richest actor in the world. He is very talented and good looking. Not only the youngest but old people also like his work.

I am one of the biggest fans of Shahrukh Khan. Since I have born, I have grown up watching his movies. I have watched Shahrukh Khan’s all movies but Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge is my favourite movie. He is the best actor in the world. He has so many abilities in acting and he always tries new things as an actor. You can give him any kind of role and he will do the best of him.

He is a very simple, loving, smart and caring person. He is also a producer. He is known as SRK and King of Romance. SRK has always enthralled his audience with an amazing movie. He has a unique style to carry himself.

Shahrukh Khan is a very good human being. He is a good person by nature. He helps poor family and needy ones. When he came to Mumbai he has no relatives, no friends there. He has no godfather with him who would had promote him. He worked very hard and got such rank and fame. This is the main reason why he is my favourite actor.

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212 Words Essay on My Favourite Actor

My favourite actor is Ashok Kumar. He is a veteran Indian actor of the day. He began his acting career during the forties at Mumbai in Hindi films. He has acted with almost all the top artists of India in more than 500 films in main roles. His standard of acting has been uniformly superb, bringing him continuous fame and glory.

As an actor, Ashok Kumar is perhaps the most successful man in the Indian film industry. He has acted in various types of roles with skill and perfection. He was awarded the topmost prize of ‘Dada Sahib Phalke Award, for his steady outstanding performance in Indian films.

As a person, Ashok Kumar has earned a reputation of being a perfect gentleman in the film industry. His fair dealings with the people of the trade and also personal amiable nature have made him popular to the high and low in the society.

I like Ashok Kumar as a great actor of all times His famous films beginning with Bandhan, Kangan, Mahal, Pakeeza, etc. up to his latest film have survived the test of time. Ashok Kumar is a name even today that earns respect and reputation from all quarters without any dispute or difference. So Ashok Kumar is my most favourite actor.

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Paragraph on My Favourite Actor- by Anand

Introduction:

My favourite actor is Aamir Khan. He is one of the most versatile actors in the Hindi film industry.

Known as ‘Mr. Perfectionist’, Aamir Khan has always enthralled his audience with amazing movies.

I have always been a fan of Aamir Khan ever since I first saw his debut movie ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’. Aamir Khan started as the chocolate boy in the film industry and matured as an actor as he did more and more movies. His idea of reading the script first and then selecting the role is what appeals me about him.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

His Movies Which Impacted Me:

Taare Zameen Par:

Aamir Khan’s passion for his movies is very evident. It has been claimed by people in the industry that Aamir involves himself so much in the movie that he almost ghost-directs it. A very pertinent example of the same is his movie ‘Taare Zameen Par’ which was being directed by someone else initially but later was taken over by Aamir Khan. It was a blessing in disguise for the movie as it turned out to be one of the most touching movies of today. People have claimed to have roken down to tears after watching the movie.

Another one of his movies which impacted me was ‘Ghulam’. Ghulam tells the story of a simple and satisfied vagabond who is forced to give up his carefree ways and fight the guy who continuously terrorized the community. The movie was a commercial hit but it was well appreciated by the critics as the movie which left a strong message for the society i.e. the power of unity against oppressive rule.

His latest movie ‘3 idiots’ was the highest grossing movie in Bollywood. Unlike the other high grossers, this movie had emotion, drama, social message etc. the movie was critically acclaimed and proved that Aamir Khan is really the most versatile actor in Bollywood film industry.

Aamir’s Approach to His Movies:

Aamir Khan is not just a volatile actor but a director with a vision different than the others. His movies are usually ones with an underlying message rather than having mindless entertainment. Some of his movies which have received wide acclaim from the film industry and beyond are Lagaan, Sarfarosh, Fanna, Earth, Rang De basanti etc.

His movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was a movie with which many could associate themselves as it was made very realistic. The aforementioned movies show that he is one of the rare actors/directors who believe in intelligent filmmaking. He is the actor who does just a couple of films each year unlike other actors. He never attends award functions and claims that such awards are superficial in nature and lack credibility.

Conclusion:

Thus, Aamir Khan is one of the best actors in the industry and is my favourite. His movies have been lauded at several prestigious international film festivals including the Cannes, BAFTA’s and the Oscars. Aamir Khan is the living example of how if you are passionate about something you do, you can become perfect at it. This is one of the main reasons why he is my best actor.

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9 Things You Might Not Know About Bridgerton Star Nicola Coughlan

Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington on the hit Netflix romance drama, had a winding path to TV stardom.

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Debuting on May 16—with a second batch of episodes dropping later in the summer on June 13— Bridgerton Season 3 focuses on Penelope Featherington, played by Coughlan, and her efforts to secure a husband in Regency-era London. Though, as the trailer suggests , her friendship with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) looms heavily over her search.

While 37-year-old Coughlan has found a home on Bridgerton as Featherington and her scandal sheet alias Lady Whistledown, the Irish actor faced a less-than-regal path to television stardom. Here are a few things you might not know about her life and late-blooming career onscreen.

Coughlan wanted to act from an early age

Born on January 9, 1987, Coughlan grew up in Oranmore, Ireland. It didn’t take long for her to gravitate toward the arts.

Coughlan caught the acting bug at age 5 when she saw her sister, Clodagh, perform in a school play. “I was always roping my friends into making my own movies and plays,” she told The Guardian . She earned her first true role at age 9 playing a “Little Girl Feeding Swans” in the 1997 action movie My Brother’s War .

Coughlan continued her education and added minor voice roles to her résumé over the next few years, but making the full leap into acting wasn’t easy.

She worked in retail before her career took off

After studying English and classics at the National University of Ireland, Galway , Coughlan enrolled in separate courses at the Oxford School of Drama and the Birmingham School of Acting. Both institutions turned her down for their multiyear programs.

Unable to find acting work or attract an agent as an adult, Coughlan worked in retail jobs selling beauty products and frozen yogurt, according to The New York Times . Her bank account dipped below $100 on multiple occasions.

Still, an undaunted Coughlan didn’t give up. “Deep, deep down, she believed in herself,” said playwright Camilla Whitehill , one of her best friends. “She did have some awful—like, truly, truly awful—part-time jobs that were depressing as hell. But I never really doubted her.”

She was unsure of her breakout show Derry Girls

At age 30, Coughlan starred in the 2016 play Jess and Joe Forever in London and finally secured an agent. It was this new connection that allowed her to audition for what became her breakout role as Clare Devlin the TV series Derry Girls .

Only, she had no inkling of its ensuing success. “The day before the premiere [in 2018], I went to get my hair done, and I asked my hairdresser if she’d post on her Instagram that my show was coming out, so that some of her clients might watch it,” she told Bustle in April 2022. “None of us were well known actors. There was no specific reason for me to think people would tune in, you know?”

But they did— Derry Girls became one of British Channel 4’s biggest comedies and reached even bigger heights on Netflix, beginning in 2019. The streamer reported in 2023 that the show’s three seasons drew more than 17 million total viewing hours.

She also auditioned for Stranger Things

While Coughlan is no stranger to Netflix viewers thanks to Derry Girl s and the Shonda Rhimes –produced Bridgerton , she almost wound up on the streamer’s science fiction hit Stranger Things . Coughlan told Buzzfeed in April 2022 she auditioned for the Season 3 part of Robin Buckley, now played by Maya Hawke .

Coughlan admitted Hawke “was far better than I ever would have been,” and took the rejection in stride. “It’s a good lesson to actors: Watch the stuff you didn’t get, because you’ll totally understand how it’s not personal,” she said. “You’re just right for some things, and you’re not right for other things.”

She edits Bridgerton for her family

It’s no secret a large part of Bridgerton ’s appeal has been its steamy romance scenes. This initially came as a bit of a shock to Coughlan’s mother who, according to the actor , “didn’t know it was gonna be so saucy.”

Coughlan claims the third season will similarly be a “spicy one,” featuring Penelope’s relationship with Colin. Because of this, Coughlan told SiriusXM Hits 1 she added a clause in her contract requiring Netflix to send her family an edited version of this season. “People think I’m like saying it as a joke,” she said . “I grew up Irish Catholic. That’s just not how we vibe.”

Coughlan had a brief role in Barbie

Raking in more than $1.4 billion worldwide at the box office, Barbie was the biggest blockbuster of 2023. But even if you saw the Greta Gerwig –directed feature, you might have missed Coughlan’s brief appearance. The actor played Diplomat Barbie, one of the many variations of the doll that appeared in the movie.

Due to scheduling conflicts , her role was limited to one small scene. Coughlan still gushed about her short time on set—including her costume, which was inspired by a Barbie she had as a child. “It’s been the most fun thing today, maybe the most fun I’ve ever had in the single day of a job,” she said .

She advocates for female actors and characters

Coughlan is outspoken in her support for women in TV and has encouraged showrunners and screenwriters to craft more throughly-written female characters. In a March 2021 essay for The Guardian , Coughlan praised her Bridgerton character Penelope’s on-screen friendship with Eloise (played by Claudia Jesse) for its complexity. “We have been written as real human beings, not facsimiles of what we think a Regency woman was,” she wrote.

She also cited TV series like Fleabag , Broad Cit y , Parks and Recreation , and Euphoria for building truly authentic female characters. “I, for one, am excited by all the difficult, brilliant, complex women to come, who have yet to grace our screens,” Coughlan wrote. “Long may the sisterhood reign over us.”

Judi Dench inspires Coughlan

Coughlan has built an array of celebrity friendships and connections, including RuPaul and Kim Kardashian . But when it comes to acting, the one person she would like to work with most is Dame Judi Dench .

“It’s her tenacity and also her work ethic. I think that’s something that in this industry you have to really value because it is hard work, you know,” Coughlan said of the 89-year-old Dench. “She’s someone who, you know, at her age she always says she’s honored to still be working, and I love to hear that.”

Coughlan also stars in the comedy-drama Big Mood

Before the third season of Bridgerton arrives, you can catch Coughlan in the new comedy-drama series Big Mood on Tubi . The show follows two longtime best friends who re-examine their relationship as they start the next phase of their lives.

Coughlan explained to AP Entertainment she filmed the two series simultaneously, leading to some stressful days on set. “I remember that I was so tired, I would just start crying randomly. And I would be saying, ‘There’s nothing actually wrong with me. I am just very tired.’ I had to learn my Big Mood script on the Bridgerton set,” she said.

Tyler Piccotti first joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor in February 2023, and before that worked almost eight years as a newspaper reporter and copy editor. He is a graduate of Syracuse University. When he's not writing and researching his next story, you can find him at the nearest amusement park, catching the latest movie, or cheering on his favorite sports teams.

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The monsters that made me: Growing up disabled, all of my heroes were villains

Horror movies challenged my relationship with myself

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Share All sharing options for: The monsters that made me: Growing up disabled, all of my heroes were villains

Every monster needs an origin story. Here’s mine.

I was born with a rare condition — radioulnar synostosis — which restricts the movement of my forearms. I am unable to turn my hands over palms up, the way you might accept loose change or splash water on your face or land an uppercut. I have lived with this condition all my life, and yet it wasn’t until my late 20s that I started referring to myself as “disabled.”

This word carries immense baggage, and many of us within the wide spectrum of disability tend to minimize our experiences or, as in my case, suffer from feelings of impostor syndrome. Could be worse , I often tell myself. You don’t deserve to call yourself disabled .

Coming to terms with my disability took a long time, to not only accept my identity, but also to discard the lingering shame and stigma that coincide with being disabled. A major part of this reconciliation was thanks to an unlikely source of solace — horror films.

I’ve been a horror obsessive as long as I can remember, but I only recently figured out how to articulate why the genre resonates so strongly with me. On-screen depictions of deformed, disfigured killers and creatures serve as reflections of my own otherness. The phantasmagoric realm of horror, though dark and violent, provides an outlet for me to express the discomfort, frustration, and anxiety surrounding my corporeal limitations.

From a young age, I subconsciously related to monsters, madmen, and every combination thereof. Many even taught me to frame disability in a positive fashion. The archetypal antagonists from the golden age of horror cinema — the Wolfman, Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster — all underwent a transformation to be imbued with extraordinary, otherworldly gifts. Their differences were a source of power, inverting the traditional view of disability as a hindrance, a burden.

My attraction to horror began innocently enough. There were clamshell VHSes galore at my babysitter’s house, including all the Disney classics, many of which were plenty horrific, like the “Night on Bald Mountain” sequence in Fantasia . I carefully studied the imposing figure of Chernabog, the winged, devil-horned demon summoning lost souls from the underworld. To me, he seemed benevolent rather than evil, a counterpoint to the sparkling sunrise that banishes him back to the shadows, an essential element of natural balance.

Disney’s version of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” oddly lumped as a double feature with The Wind in the Willows , presented another kindred spirit — the Headless Horseman. Decked in black and adorned with a blood-red cape, clutching a saber in one hand and a flaming jack-o’-lantern in the other, the Headless Horseman, for me, came to represent the extreme limits of human endurance. A cannonball takes the ill-fated soldier’s head and still his body lingers, perseveres.

Another seminal gateway wasn’t even a horror film. On its surface, The Wizard of Oz is a saccharine Technicolor musical romp, but the dream world its characters inhabit is full of menace — maniacal flying monkeys, spear-wielding Winkie guards, and my favorite, the iconic Wicked Witch of the West. Despite her green flesh and pointy chin, I found her beautiful, alluring, and endlessly more compelling than the picture-perfect Glinda. Astride her broomstick, flinging fireballs, stalking Dorothy and her companions through Oz, the Wicked Witch became the reason I watched an old tape of The Wizard of Oz so many times that the reel snapped.

As she pointed toward the camera with her spindly fingers and sharp nails, I imagined the Wicked Witch was singling me out, inviting me into her world. There, everyone was different, from the Munchkins, notably played by a cast of dwarf actors, to the main trio of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, who were all “defective” in their own ways, physically and mentally handicapped by the absence of some critical inner faculty. Why Dorothy was so desperate to return to the bleak, monochromatic reality of Depression-era Kansas was beyond me. I would have much preferred to stay in Oz.

By the time I finished elementary school, my tastes sharpened, and I craved harder, more acidic fare. My appetite had been steadily whet by a diet of gory comic books and yellowed Stephen King paperbacks. Cable television in the ’90s was also rife with kindertrauma-inducing spectacle. I was allowed to watch Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Goosebumps , since both were on kid-friendly channels. When left unsupervised, which was often as the child of a single mom who had to work multiple gigs, I could sneak episodes of Tales from the Crypt or X-Files . I knew there was a world of adult horror, and I wanted nothing more than to breach this forbidden zone.

Where to watch the movies mentioned in this piece

• Fantasia : Disney Plus
• Disney’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow : Disney Plus , as a part of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad 
• The Wizard of Oz : Max
• The Evil Dead : For digital rental or purchase on Amazon and Vudu
• The Brood : Max , Criterion Channel
• Castle Freak : Shudder, AMC Plus, and for free with ads on Tubi

I caught glimpses of it at the video rental store, where I was compulsively drawn to the horror section. I scanned the shelves, memorizing titles for future reference, studying the macabre cover art, scrutinizing the stills of sliced throats, hacked limbs, and oozing ectoplasm. Although I wasn’t allowed to take home anything rated R, I soon found loopholes that granted me access to films I was desperate to ingest.

Staying over at a friend’s house, we would wait until the grown-ups were asleep, then flip to HBO (a luxury we could not afford at my own home). It was there I first watched The Evil Dead , a personal landmark of my initiation into splatter flicks. My friend and I insisted we weren’t scared, as we cowered in our sleeping bags, squealing with perverse delight when the first possessed teenager stabbed her friend in the ankle with a pencil. We chattered throughout the movie to compensate for our obvious nerves, but by the time Ash Williams descended into the cellar searching for shotgun shells with a ravenous Deadite on the loose, the two of us had gone mute with fear.

Ash, armed with his trademark chainsaw, was clearly the hero (and himself destined to become an amputee in the sequel), but it was the Deadites who entranced me. When the demons seized control, the bodily degradation took effect. First, the teenagers’ eyes went white, and before long, their flesh wrinkled, turned sallow, decayed, bile and pus dripping from spontaneous lacerations. I had never witnessed anything so utterly bloodsoaked, resplendent in viscera, a film that relished in the ways a body can be corrupted.

Bodies are frightfully fragile, and we are all one small step away from an accident or illness that can permanently debilitate. Few filmmakers understand the body’s capacity for biological horror more than David Cronenberg , whose oeuvre introduced me to a world where disability is infused with latent eroticism and regenerative potential.

In high school, I got a job at the same video rental store I prowled as a kid. Now I had the freedom to take home whatever I pleased. The older guys who managed the shop would recommend titles to test my limits — Salò , Cannibal Holocaust , Irreversible . Cocksure teenager that I was, enduring “the most fucked up movie ever made” became my solemn quest. But disturbing or violent as they may be, few video nasties were capable of truly scaring me. Knowing I was a devotee of both horror and sci-fi, one of the clerks suggested I check out Cronenberg, so I took a chance on The Brood .

I was deeply unsettled by the story of an estranged couple fighting over custody of their daughter. What frighted me wasn’t the deformed, dwarflike progeny — birthed by the ex-wife and telekinetically driven to brutally murder anyone who crossed her. The broodlings were devoted to their mother, as was I, and would do anything to protect her. What shook me was Cronenberg’s metaphorical treatment of divorce, especially after watching my own parents’ messy split. The rupturing of a family resulting in physiological consequences illustrated the link between body and mind, a relationship of which I was all too aware, having dealt with depression as long as I could remember.

For many people with disabilities, physical and mental anguish are synonymous, feeding into one another. Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and alienation frequently accompany disability. More often than not, disability is chronic, permanent, and insoluble. It can be mitigated, people can adapt, but full-blown cures are elusive. My disability is one such case. I may have accepted this reality, come to terms with my fate, but the journey has not been without frustration, anger, and despair — the monster’s currency.

This explains in part why monsters act as they do. Pain begets pain. Violence begets violence. Fear begets fear. As such, the monster embodies the way we perpetuate trauma, wherein the victim becomes the aggressor. This is why we sympathize with Frankenstein’s monster or the Wolfman, because we understand that they were not born to be monsters — they were made that way by forces beyond their control.

Which is precisely why I cannot totally fault my all-time favorite Lovecraftian abomination, the titular Castle Freak from Stuart Gordon’s low-budget opus, another film I chanced upon at the video rental store. The freak is imprisoned from childhood by his deranged mother, routinely tortured until his face and body are a tapestry of grotesque wounds and scars. He escapes the confines of his dungeon and spies on the American family who has moved into his home, taking a special liking to the couple’s blind daughter.

While the freak wastes no time eviscerating unlucky victims, the lecherous, alcoholic father, played by the incomparable Jeffrey Combs, is no less redeemable. The freak’s feral nature is the byproduct of a lifetime’s abuse. The father, by contrast, has no excuse. Watching this film for the first time, I empathized with the freak and thought of my innate freakishness and the times I’ve lashed out or been cruel. What was my excuse?

Even as the maimed, distorted bodies of creatures like the Castle Freak or the Brood or the Deadites or the Wicked Witch mirrored real-world disabilities and offered me an escape, a safe environment where it was appropriate to root for the villain, I realized that I didn’t want to hurt people, to injure others as I’d been, whether physically or mentally. And more than anything, I was determined not to use my disability as a scapegoat, to behave like a monster and blame it on the way I was born.

Strange as it sounds, I learned to take ownership of my mistakes and embrace my faults through horror films, to forgo hiding behind a mask like the boogeymen in slasher movies. Horror demands that we not avert our gaze from “abnormal” bodies. It challenges our prejudices, our preconceptions. These are films that celebrate disfigurement and deformity instead of shunning it. I reject the notion that horror merely co-opts disability as a cheap scare tactic. When I watch a scary movie, I do not see exploitation — I see exaltation, the disabled not as demonic but as divine.

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