Co-Star vs Guest Star: What's The Difference?

Ready to shine a spotlight on a topic that often causes confusion but is SUPER important for your acting journey? Let's break down the difference between co-star and guest star roles - and trust me, knowing this can be a total game-changer for your career!

The Co-Star Breakdown

Co-stars are the unsung heroes of television! These are typically those smaller roles (usually 5 lines or under) that help move the story along. You might be "Barista #2," "Kid in Line," or "Woman with Dog."

Co-star roles are ESSENTIAL to the story - they deliver crucial information to the main characters/guest-stars or create that perfect reaction moment that makes a scene work.

And here's something important to note – a co-star role might have NO dialogue at all! That's right, not all acting requires talking (shocking, I know... it's like finding out your favorite actor doesn't actually look like that in real life! 😱). 

Being cast and billed as a co-star without lines doesn't mean you are considered background/extra – it often means you need to convey something significant through expression and physicality alone. No shade to our amazing background actors who work incredibly hard (we see you and appreciate you!), but often those non-speaking co-star roles require trained actors who can nail that specific moment perfectly on cue. And since some people who do extra work aren't always trained but doing background as a hobby, producers often don't want to chance it. (Although every once in awhile a background actor does get bumped up, yay!)

The Guest-Star Spotlight

Guest-Stars get the juicier story lines! These are substantial characters who often have their own narrative arc within an episode or across multiple episodes. They might be the the patient in a medical show, or the key witness in a courtroom scene.

These roles typically come with more screen time, character development, and (let's be real) a bigger paycheck! 💰

Breaking Down the Business Side

Here's why understanding the difference MATTERS for your career:

Casting Considerations

• Co-stars are often cast locally to save production costs. For example; if a show films in Atlanta, they'll frequently look for southeast-based actors rather than flying an actor in from LA or NYC. This creates AMAZING opportunities for actors building careers outside the major markets!  So, find out who the local-casting directors are in your community.  How? IMDb is a great resource, or just read the credits at the end of an episode.
• Guest-stars are more commonly cast out of LA or NYC, but local casting directors sometimes get to include submissions too. So don't count yourself out!

Resume Building

• Many actors (regardless of age or experience) start with co-star roles to build their resume and get that precious on-set experience.
• Having several co-stars on your resume shows casting directors, producers/showrunners, and network/studio execs that you have some experience, understand set etiquette and can be relied upon.
• That progression from co-star to guest-star on your resume tells a story of your growth as an actor.

The Money Talk

• Guest-star rates are significantly higher than co-star rates.
• Both receive residuals if it's a SAG-AFTRA production (cha-ching! 💸).
• Guest-stars often get better perks on set too (like a bigger trailer, woo!).

Career Strategy Tips

1. Embrace co-star roles as valuable stepping stones. Each one is an opportunity to build relationships with directors, casting directors, and other actors.

2. Treat every co-star role like it's a guest star. Bring your A-game, be professional, and make an impression (that doesn't mean over-act, for most co-star roles keep it simple & subtle)! That CD might remember you for a bigger role next time.

3. Use each experience as a learning opportunity. The set of a major TV show is like a masterclass in acting - observe everything!

4. Understand the difference on your resume. List them correctly! Guest-stars deserve more prominent placement and should be listed higher in your TV credits.

   If recurring (same character for more than one episode) there are a few different ways you can list it. I recommend listing as:  Guest-Star Recurring OR if many episodes you could list it as Guest-Star (recurring 8 episodes). I've even seen Guest-Star (8 episode arc). See some samples below:

   (RESUME/CV SIDE NOTE: Your resume could be the reason you're not getting called in.
   Let’s fix that. These quick-read blogs will help you stand out—for all the right reasons: "Resume Tips for Actors: 6 Easy Tweaks That Pop", and "Nailing Your First Impression: Crafting the Perfect Actors Resume" - check them out by CLICKING HERE)

    

Why Every Role Matters—Even the Small Ones

Sometimes magic happens and an actor books a guest star role right out of the gate! If that's you, amazing! But for most, the journey follows a progression that builds over time - and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Let me tell you a little story. I once worked with an actress who booked a single co-star role on a network show. A few years later, the producers from that show created a brand new series—and remembered her. They cast her in a guest-star role for the pilot—no audition, just based on how memorable and professional she’d been. Her scene ended up being cut (ugh, it happens)—but the story didn’t end there. During season one, they brought her back for multiple episodes as a guest star, and by season two… she was upgraded to a series-regular. She went on to appear in five more seasons of that show. And it all started with one small but mighty co-star booking. Huzzah for showing up fully—no matter the size of the role.

Remember, every major TV star you admire started somewhere, often with those small but mighty co-star roles. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint, and each role is a stepping stone to bigger and brighter opportunities.

Ready to Level-Up Your Co-Star Game?

Want to nail co-star roles with confidence and use them to build momentum toward guest stars and beyond? I’ve got you covered!

For my adult actors (18+): Join my comprehensive 4-week Co-Star class at Actorsite, where I'll teach you everything you need to know about nailing these crucial roles with a proven 6-step framework that'll set you up for success! 

For my young superstars: I teach special Kid & Teen Co-Star 1-Day Intensives several times a year! Don't miss this opportunity to give your young actor the skills they need to shine.

Learn more and register here: http://www.actorsite.com

Now go out there and BOOK IT! Whether it's a co-star or guest star, each role is one more credit, one more experience, and one step closer to you #livingthehollywooddream! ✨

Let's gooooo! 🌟