Typecasting: Blessing or Burden?

At 6’9” with a voice that hits the bottom of the piano, I’m no stranger to my "type." My stature and subharmonic range make me an immediate candidate for specific roles before I even open my mouth. In this industry, many performers view being typecast as a cage. I’ve come to realize it’s quite the opposite.

While there are countless aspects of this business beyond our control, we have total authority over how we perceive our natural gifts.

The Power of the Typecast

I know this might be a polarizing take, but there is immense power in being typecast. As my vocal coach Wendi Bergamini once told me: “Typecast still means cast.”

That mental shift changed the game for me. If you don't fit the "industry standard" look, stop trying to blend in. My height and deep resonance initially led me to an array of villains and "muscle" roles. They weren't always my first choice, but they got my foot in the door. By accepting what I was initially viewed as, I earned the right to prove my range, showing that a “villain” type could also be the charming crooner or conflicted leading man.

Opportunities don’t always lie where you are looking for them.

Oftentimes, the smartest career move is to master your "type" so thoroughly that you become the only choice for the role. Once you’re in the room, you can prove you’re more than a silhouette. Industry professionals notice that discipline, and it’s often the reason you get the call for a completely different, unexpected opportunity later.

Being physically imposing is my specific lane, but this advice applies to anyone who stands out; whether it’s your weight, your voice, or a look that doesn't fit a "cookie-cutter" mold.

Remember: There are thousands of standard leading men and ladies. There is only one you. Don’t just let your uniqueness shine, leverage it.