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What do background actors say to each other?
What are actors saying to each other when they have to look like they're having a conversation in the background? Do they have lines, or are they shooting the breeze? Thanks—love, love the show.
—James, Studio City, California
The B!tch Replies: Tradition holds that the extras mumble the word rhubarb whenever they have to react audibly without saying anything in particular. But when they have to chat at some restaurant or something without being heard, background actors gossip—fiercely. Like Lindsay Lohan or Paris Hilton after too many Red Bulls.
Typically, a movie's assistant director is charged with instructing extras on how to behave during a scene. But most of the time, they give no specific instruction on what to say, says Jo Kelly, author of The Truth About Being an Extra.
For instance, Kelly says, "I did a movie with Queen Latifah—Beauty Shop—and I was having my hair done. So, I told the guy cutting my hair, 'Cut my hair too short, and I'll kill you.'
"If you're in a restaurant scene, you might be talking about the food."
However, with enough experience and self-control, a background actor can discuss anything—gay rumors, one-night stands—while the cameras are rolling, as long as the voice level stays under control and the A.D. remains satisfied.
"I was on a day job for [a network drama]," Kelly tells this B!tch. "And there were two gay actors working with me, and they were telling me exactly who was gay in Hollywood, right there, during the scene."
On another gig, Kelly found herself listening to a fellow extra talking about a quickie sex romp she'd had—minutes earlier.
"It was for [a popular sitcom]," Kelly recalls. "The scene was supposed to be at a funeral for a pet, and my colleague is explaining that during the lunch break she picked up a guy at a gas station and screwed him."
Honestly. There is just no respect for fake dead pets these days.
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