Eleven years ago, it began with a spark of inspiration. What every film fan can agree upon… what do we all look forward to in our cinematic fandom? What is the celluloid glue that holds us all so dearly? Our love of character actors.
From the earliest years of Turner Classic Movies (TCM), the network has broadcast interstitial shorts honoring various character actors. Many of the most popular supporting players have been highlighted over the years including tributes to Marjorie Main, Edna May Oliver, Beulah Bondi, William Demarest, and Butterfly McQueen. Thus, the WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon was born. Paula, Kellee, and I decided to dedicate a blogging event in their honor. Eleven years later we are still at it.
Paula of Paula’s Cinema Club and @Paula_Guthat, Kellee of Outspoken & Freckled and @Irishjayhawk66, and yours truly, Aurora of this blog and @CitizenScreen, would like to invite you to take part in the 11th WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon. The task is simple. If you happen to be a blogger who appreciates the laughter, the good taste, the double takes, the heart, the tears, and the warmth all the character actors have brought us through the years, this is for you.
A heartfelt thank you to all who have participated in this event so graciously for the past decade. The dedication, enthusiasm, and passion with which you have approached our beloved character actors have been a joy to read and we know that will be the case again this year. Now to the nitty gritty details.
The What a Character! Blogathon
When: Sunday, January 8, 2023
How:
- Let the hosts know which character actor you choose by leaving a comment below (or contacting them directly)
- We prefer no repeats within the same blogathon (same from prior years are fine)
- Character actors can be from any era of film or television
- Please include the name and URL of your blog and your Twitter handle to help us promote your work properly
- Publish your post on or before Sunday, January 8, 2023
- Blogathon contributions will be distributed across a morning, afternoon, and an evening post, each one posted by each host
- Include the stunning event banner (courtesy of Paula Guthat) on your blog to help us promote this special event
- HAVE FUN and spread the word!
Who-What-Where
Eve Arden at Silver Screenings
Jack Carson at A Shroud of Thoughts
Elisha Cook, Jr. at The Last Drive In
Ruth Donnelly at A Person in the Dark
Richard Erdman at Paula’s Cinema Club
Mary Field at Another Old Movie Blog
Jay C. Flippen at Shadows and Satin
Charles Grey at Real Weegie Midget Reviews
John Hoyt at Vienna’s Classic Hollywood
Allen Jenkins at Whimsically Classic
Martin Landau by Nika Carter
Peter Loree at Wolffian Classic Movies Digest
Montagu Love at Strictly Vintage Hollywood
Paul Lynde at Outspoken & Freckled
Dorothy Morris at Taking Up Room
Edna May Oliver at Once Upon a Screen
Takashi Shimura at Classic Film and TV Corner
Tell me, what better way is there to kick off your New Year than with a loving tribute to one of your favorites second bananas?
Once upon a screen... 
Hi there, can you add me with Charles Gray?
Great! Will do in a bit. Thank you, Gill.
Cool, asked your blogthon partners in crime.. can you spread the word.
Yes, we’ll share liste. 🙂
Can I have Ruth Donnelly?
She’s all yours. Thank you, Marsha
Hi, Aurora, Paula and Kellee. I’d like to write about Takashi Shimura please. Maddy
Done! Thank you for joining us.
How about Jack Carson? I would love to write about him.
LOVE LOVE Jack! Great. Thank you.
Hi, all! I’d like to write about Dorothy Morris, please.
LOVE LOVE Jack! Great. Thank you.
I’m not sure why it repeated the previous comment. But, Dorothy Morris is on the list. Thank you!
I’d like to feature John Hoyt. Thanks for arranging another tribute to the great character actors.
Adding you, Vienna. Apologies for the delay.
Can I write about Allen Jenkins?
Thanks!
could i write about Peter Lorre as would love do a tribute a tribute about him.
Hi! Just saw this comment in the spam folder. Apologies for the delay in responding. We would live to have you join is with Peter Lorre!!
I would love to do Martin Landau – Martin Landau on this later
Hello! Apologies for jot getting back to you sooner. I found that a few comments went into spam. Landau is a terrific choice. I’ll add you to the list! Thank you
Please give me the link to your blog
Hi Aurora. Here’s my piece for the Blogathon.
https://classicfilmandtvcorner.wordpress.com/2023/01/06/the-11th-annual-what-a-character-blogathon-takashi-shimura/
Thank you!! Cannot wait to read it.
Hi Maddy. Can you please remind me of your Twitter handle?
Hi, Aurora – Can I join the blogathon with Jay C. Flippen? (shadowsandsatin.wordpress.com – @thedarkpages)
Absolutely!! Will add you as soon as I’m done with Jury Duty today
Thank you! 🙂 I hope it passes quickly (and uneventfully)!
Me too. I can’t catch a break to just relax.
Hi, Aurora. Here’s my post for the blogathon,
https://viennasclassichollywood.com/2023/01/06/john-hoyt
Thank you, Vienna! So excited.
Hi, Aurora. Here’s my post for the blogathon.
https://viennasclassichollywood.com/2023/01/06/john-hoyt
Hi there, here’s my post for the blogathon… https://weegiemidget.wordpress.com/random-real-stuff/starring/films-and-tv-three-pictures-of-charles-gray/
Thank you so much, Gill