Respect [ riˈspekt ] – noun
1) Ali G’s favorite word
2) due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others

I was watching a popular TV show a few months ago. This particular episode was set on the Caribbean island of Haiti with American actors playing Haitians. I hadn’t worked with them and was interested to hear their accents, so I tuned in.

I sat, I watched, I was saddened. Not one of the actors had a Haitian accent. Instead, they’d opted for a West African sound which is obviously nothing like Haitian. French is the official language of this island nation but no one would know it from these portrayals. No beautiful lilt, no French Rs, no nasal vowels, rien de tout (nothing at all).

We are all impressed when we hear foreign actors do flawless American accents; Nicole Kidman (To Die For), Cate Blanchett (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Hugh Laurie (House) and Idris Elba (Obsessed). And conversely, we know how we feel when they fail at this task. I’ll not mention anyone out of respect.

An actor’s job is to play full and honest characters to the best of their ability. This includes doing proper research. Actors should be as committed as Leonardo DiCaprio in Blood Diamond, Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda, Gwyneth Paltrow in Shakespeare In Love and Renée Zellwegger in Bridget Jones’s Diary.

If you’re an actor, look at yourself. Look at your look. What roles could you be called in for? Be ready. Don’t wait and give a “close enough” accent.

Respect your audience. Respect your craft. Respect yourself.