Bit part facts for kids

A bit part is a small acting role in a movie, TV show, or play. Actors in bit parts talk directly with the main characters. They usually have only a few lines, often five or less. In the United States, these roles are sometimes called "under-fives." In British TV, they are known as "under sixes."

A bit part is a step up from being an extra. Extras usually just appear in the background without speaking. A bit part is also smaller than a supporting actor role. Supporting actors have more lines and are more important to the story.

An actor who often plays bit parts is called a bit player. Some actors do this as a hobby. Others do it to earn money while trying to get bigger roles.

What is a Bit Part?

A bit part is a speaking role, but it's very short. The actor gets to interact with the main stars. This makes it different from an extra role. Extras are background actors. They usually do not speak or interact with the main cast.

Even though bit parts are small, they can be very important. Sometimes, a bit part helps move the story forward. It might be a character who gives important information. Or they might cause something big to happen.

Bit Parts vs. Other Roles

Think of acting roles like a ladder.

• At the bottom are extras. They are part of the crowd. They don't have lines.
• Next are bit parts. These actors have a few lines. They interact with the main characters.
• Above that are supporting actors. They have more lines and are key to the story.
• At the top are leading actors. They are the main stars of the show or movie.

Actors who play bit parts are sometimes listed in the movie or show's credits. This is different from extras, who are almost never listed.

Cameo Appearances

A special type of bit part is a cameo. This is when a famous actor or celebrity plays a very small role. They might only appear for a few seconds. Often, these cameos are not listed in the credits. It's a fun surprise for the audience to spot them!

Famous Examples

Sometimes, a bit part can become very memorable. In the 1947 movie Miracle on 34th Street, Jack Albertson played a postal worker. His small role was important to the story. It showed how the post office helped prove Santa Claus was real.

Even if a role is small, actors can make it special. The famous acting teacher Konstantin Stanislavski once said: "There are no small parts, only small actors." This means that any role, no matter how tiny, can be played well.

Another actor, Dabbs Greer, was known for his many bit parts. He once said that every character actor, even in a small role, feels like the lead in their own way. This shows how much passion actors put into every performance.

Show Boat Example

In the 1951 movie Show Boat, the character Queenie was a cook. In the original stage play, Queenie had a big supporting role. But in the movie, her part was made much smaller. The actress, Frances E. Williams, was not even listed in the credits. This shows how bit parts can sometimes be uncredited.

However, another actor in the same movie, William Warfield, played Queenie's husband, Joe. His role was also cut down. But he sang the famous song Ol' Man River. Because he sang, he did get credit in the movie. This shows how singing or a special skill can sometimes lead to a credit, even for a small part.