This may sound like a paradox since being an actor means you pretend to be fictional characters that don't exist in reality. But this is about actors who've created alternate identities that are supposed to exist in reality, yet are fictional.
(Or those whose supposed true identities themselves are not their true selves or are so steeped in mystery that no one actually knows who they really are or what they're really like.)
Probably the best known for this was Andy Kaufman who both created false identities and kept his real life & identity such a mystery that people even questioned if his death was real.
Kaufman created an obnoxious stand-up comedian character named "Tony Clifton" and a lot of people didn't know Kaufman was Clifton (which was understandable since sometimes the character of Clifton was not played by Kaufman!) Clifton even appeared onstage with Kaufman and after Kaufman's death, adding to the questions of Clifton's identity.
Another honorable mention is John C. Reilly's character "Dr. Steve Brule."
Brule is obviously Reilly just by sight, yet Reilly claims he does not play Brule and doesn't know Brule.
Please post if you know of any other characters or actors like this.
(Or those whose supposed true identities themselves are not their true selves or are so steeped in mystery that no one actually knows who they really are or what they're really like.)
Probably the best known for this was Andy Kaufman who both created false identities and kept his real life & identity such a mystery that people even questioned if his death was real.
Kaufman created an obnoxious stand-up comedian character named "Tony Clifton" and a lot of people didn't know Kaufman was Clifton (which was understandable since sometimes the character of Clifton was not played by Kaufman!) Clifton even appeared onstage with Kaufman and after Kaufman's death, adding to the questions of Clifton's identity.
Another honorable mention is John C. Reilly's character "Dr. Steve Brule."
Brule is obviously Reilly just by sight, yet Reilly claims he does not play Brule and doesn't know Brule.
Please post if you know of any other characters or actors like this.
Last edited by Captain Steel; 06-11-20 at 11:31 PM.