Hollywood UK: UK's Hollywood

Abstract

This article examines the role of British actors in Hollywood during its Golden Age, focusing on how they navigated identity and stereotype. It analyzes figures such as Charlie Chaplin and Ronald Colman, demonstrating how they adapted to Hollywood’s expectations while negotiating their national identities. The article shows how Chaplin suppressed his English background to construct a universal persona, while Colman embodied imperial masculinity. It highlights the tension between personal identity and public image, emphasizing how British actors both conformed to and reshaped cinematic stereotypes.