The anticipation is over! Today we bring you the first day of the 9th annual What A Character Blogathon, hosted by yours truly (@IrishJayhawk66) and my fellow co-hosts, the classic film loving ladies: Paula of Paula’s Cinema Club @Paula_Guthat and Aurora of Once Upon A Screen @CitizenScreen.

As announced, this annual event celebrates the supporting actors. Quirky and silly roles abound. Oft from the service industry, like a frustrated hotel house detective or the reliably sarcastic maid, to the cohorts like the cigar-chewing stage manager or perhaps the reliable sidekick. In so many ways, the character role is often our favorite scene-stealing performances of a film. We invited bloggers to scribe on their favorite characters. Let’s begin!

Maddy Loves Her Classic Films celebrates EVE ARDEN as the go to actress for a no nonsense, sassy, sardonic, witty, and capable gal pal or secretary: https://maddylovesherclassicfilms.wordpress.com/2020/12/01/the-9th-what-a-character-blogathon-eve-arden/

Ruth of Silver Screenings (@925screenings) reviews “The Enduring Appeal of the Character Actor” via  David Lazar’s new collection of essays, Celeste Holm Syndrome: On Character Actors from Hollywood’s Golden Age: https://silverscreenings.org/2020/12/03/the-enduring-appeal-of-the-character-actor/

For my own entry (Kellee @IrishJayhawk66), I’m honoring BARRY FITZGERALD, the tiny man with a big heart on the silver screen: https://kelleepratt.com/2020/12/05/barry-fitzgerald/

Kayla (@kaylar622) of Whimsically Classic gives us the deeper look at scene-stealer SZ “CUDDLES” SAKALL. As she says, “SZ will always be remembered for his colorful film appearances. His lovable, flustered persona is endearing as is the way he delivers his lines in mangled English. I absolutely love him and am always excited to see him when he pops up in a film.” https://whimsicallyclassic.wordpress.com/2020/12/05/what-a-character-blogathon-sz-sakall/

Wide Screen World takes a look at the film career of RAYMOND MASSEY, whose acting chops took him from the British stage to the silver screen of Hollywood and television to play historic figures such as John Brown to Abe Lincoln: http://widescreenworld.blogspot.com/2020/12/ray-massey-in-hollywood-and-england.html?m=1

Lesley (@zleegaspar) of Second Sight Cinema explores the “unsparing honesty” of Writer At Work: MARY ASTOR: https://secondsightcinema.com/writer-at-work-mary-astor/

Lady Eve’s Reel Life (@TheLaydeeEve) discusses MARCEL DALIO, who she says spanned a career of masterpieces of the French Cinema to classic Hollywood, bringing distinction, warmth and humanity to every role: http://www.ladyevesreellife.com/2020/12/marcel-dalio-what-french-character.html

Toni (@ToniRoberto) of Watching Forever gives credit where credit is due for RICHARD DEACON, as the often uncredited actor of quiet indignation: https://watchingforever.wordpress.com/2020/12/04/giving-overdue-credit-to-character-actor-richard-deacon/

Gill (@realweegiemidge) of Real Weegie Midget Reviews talks about the cinematic memories of DIANA RIGG: https://weegiemidget.wordpress.com/remembrances/remembrances-2020/remembering-the-delightful-diana-rigg/

Jacqueline (@JacqTLynch) of Another Old Movie Blog explores the work of TOM TULLY “who exuded grace even in his most snide, sinister, and crusty roles, and yet who could display such unassuming warmth…” https://anotheroldmovieblog.blogspot.com/2020/12/tom-tully-what-character-blogathon.html

Paddy (@CaftanWoman) of the Caftan Woman bring us a peek into the prolific career of multi-facted character actor HARRY CORDING, “could be counted on to bring the menace or to let the hero show how brave he is by defeating the strong man”: https://www.caftanwoman.com/2020/12/what-character-blogathon-harry-cording.html

Can you guess who was the first African American given a long-term contract with a film studio? It may not be who you think. Le of Critica Retro (@startspreading) shares her thoughts on unsung pioneer, ERNIE MORRISON aka “SUNSHINE SAMMY” https://criticaretro.blogspot.com/2020/12/ernie-morrison-ou-sunshine-sammy-um.html

Maddy Loves Her Classic Film adds another entry with BERNARD HEPTON, “who left behind a wonderful array of performances for us to enjoy”: https://maddylovesherclassicfilms.wordpress.com/2020/12/04/the-9th-what-a-character-blogathon-bernard-hepton/

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Check back throughout the day as entries continue to pour in. You can also explore the host trio’s twitter accounts for links, as well. To our participants, to our followers reading along, and to my fellow hosts… THANK YOU!! Enjoy….