Being an actor, and a good one at that, comes with a lot of perks. You get to travel, see new places, and meet interesting people.
However, the life of an actor is not all fun and games. There is a lot of hard work that goes into becoming a successful actor. One of the most important things that an actor needs to do is to create a believable character.
Part of creating a believable character is making sure that the actor looks the part. This means that they need to have the right hair, makeup, and clothing. It also means that they need to have the right body type and physical features.
But how about body art? Can actors have tattoos? Or is it hard to get acting jobs with tattoos in visible areas?
The answer is that it depends.
Can Actors Have Tattoos?
One thing is for sure – there’s no regulation prohibiting actors from getting tattoos. This applies to all people in the industry, whether talking about Hollywood, Broadway, or regional theater.
Whether your tattoos are suitable will depend on the role you’re auditioning for. It will also depend on the company you’re auditioning for, as some have different guidelines than others.
Some casting directors and producers are okay with actors having tattoos. However, other casting directors and producers may not be okay with it. It really depends on the project that you are auditioning for.
If you are auditioning for a role that requires you to have a lot of body exposure, then it is unlikely that the casting director or producer will be okay with you having tattoos in visible areas – unless the character you are playing also has tattoos in visible areas.
However, if you are auditioning for a role where you will not be showing much skin, then it is more likely that the casting director or producer will be okay with you having tattoos.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. There have been many successful actors who have had visible tattoos and have still been able to a variety of roles. So if you have visible tattoos and are worried that they will hold you back from getting acting jobs, don’t worry too much. Just be prepared to answer questions about it in your auditions.
Should I Cover My Tattoos for Auditions?
If you have tattoos in visible areas and are worried about how they will affect your ability to get acting jobs, you may want to consider covering them up for auditions.
There are a few different ways that you can cover up your tattoos.
One way is to use makeup. This is a good option if your tattoos are small or if they are in areas that can easily be covered up with clothing.
Another option is to use tattoo covers. These are special stickers that you can buy that will cover up your tattoos. They come in a variety of skin tones, so you should be able to find one that matches your skin tone well.
If you have larger tattoos, you may want to consider wearing long sleeves or pants to cover them up. You can also try wearing a bandage over the tattoo.
At the end of the day, it’s always recommended to be honest about your tattoos with the casting director or producer. They may be okay with it, or they may not. But it’s always better to be upfront about it rather than trying to hide it and have them find out later.
Safe Tattoo Areas for Actors
If you’re dead set on becoming an actor and conquering Hollywood but at the same time you love tattoos, don’t worry – there are still plenty of places where you can get tattoos without worrying about them affecting your ability to get acting jobs.
These are the so-called “safe” tattoo areas. They are called safe because in case there’s a need for it, they can be easily covered up with clothing.
Some of the safest tattoo areas for actors include:
- upper arm (bicep area)
- side of the ribcage
- lower back
- buttocks
- thighs
In contrast, some of the riskiest tattoo areas (because they’re a nightmare to cover) for actors include:
- face
- neck
- hands
Famous Actors With Tattoos
There are many famous actors who have tattoos.
Everyone and their dog knows Dwayne Johnson. The popular “Rock” has a bunch of tattoos, including a bull and the Samoan flag on his left arm. That hasn’t stopped him from becoming the best-paid actor in Hollywood, has it?
Johnny Depp is another actor who loves tattoos. He has multiple tattoos, including a “Wino Forever” tattoo on his right arm.
Angelina Jolie is yet another famous actor with multiple tattoos. She has a wide variety of tattoos, including a dragon on her lower back, a tiger on her upper left arm, and the coordinates of her children’s birthplaces on her left shoulder blade.
Actors & Tattoos: Final Word
So, can you have tattoos in the film industry?
Definitely.
However, it really depends on the role you’re auditioning for. If you’re up for a role that requires you to show a lot of skin but doesn’t necessarily involve an inked-up character, then you might have to cover up your tattoos or at least be prepared to answer questions about them.
But if you’re dead set on becoming an actor and conquering Hollywood, don’t worry – there are still plenty of places where you can get tattoos without worrying about them affecting your ability to get acting jobs. These are the so-called “safe” tattoo areas.
At the end of the day, it’s always recommended to be honest about your tattoos with the casting director or producer.
Last but not least, with the growing acceptance and popularity of tattoos around the globe and especially in the US, it’s safe to say that having tattoos is unlikely to hold you back from becoming a successful actor.
