Many film, theater, and television production companies cannot afford to hire an entire cast of well-known A-list actors due to budget constraints and other factors. Supporting roles are frequently given to lesser-known actors or actresses willing to work for minimal union salaries, or scale, in order to afford the services of a famous actor or actress in a leading role. In contrast, an all-star cast typically includes a number of A-list actors and actresses in both lead and supporting roles. A benefit performance of a well-known play or a special live event for public television will frequently pique the interest of established actors, resulting in an all-star cast for a one-time production.
The advantages of having an all-star cast for an audience are obvious. Attending a performance with one or two favorite performers can be thrilling, but a performance with a dozen well-known actors would be unforgettable. The appearance of an all-star cast is also expected to benefit venue owners, as their individual names and reputations have already proven to be box office draws. Because of the increased public interest in individual performers, promoting a play or film with an all-star cast can be far more effective than standard promotional campaigns.
An all-star cast is often referred to as the “ultimate ensemble cast.” When actor Dustin Hoffman agreed to play Willy Loman in a television adaptation of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, other famous actors and actresses, including John Malkovich and Charles Durning, stepped in to fill the other roles. Titanic, directed by James Cameron, featured an all-star cast portraying real-life characters from all passenger classes. The use of well-known actors in supporting roles helps to keep the production’s energy level in check. Dustin Hoffman’s performance as Willy Loman might have come across as over-the-top or intimidating if he hadn’t had this supporting cast to play against.
Many films were promoted as having a “all-star cast” during the studio days of motion pictures, primarily for the sake of potential audiences. During their careers, many well-known actors and actresses were bound by contracts to appear in a certain number of films. A large cast of actors capable of playing strong lead and supporting roles is occasionally required by a script. All-star casts were largely necessary for films like The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind, as the scripts included numerous demanding roles that would have overwhelmed inexperienced or unknown contract actors. For example, the cast of The Wizard of Oz would require strong singers and dancers as well as comedic actors.
Putting together an all-star cast for a modern television or film production can be difficult, but many times the actors will become so enthusiastic about a project that they will agree to waive their standard performance fees or make other concessions for the producers. After a television show, such as Friends, becomes a hit, it is not uncommon for unknown actors to become all-star cast members. Many modern Broadway productions, particularly dramas, now feature an all-star cast to allow established actors to hone their craft while also providing audiences with a chance to see a dream cast of recognizable actors in a more intimate setting.