A supporting actor performs roles in a play or movie other than that of protagonist. A female who performs these roles is usually referred to as a supporting actress.

These roles range from bit parts to secondary leads. They are sometimes but not necessarily character roles. A supporting actor must also use restraint not to upstage the main actor/actress in the play/movie. In earlier times these were often ethnic stereotypes. The title is usually specific to the performance, that is, a person may be a supporting actor in one film and the leading actor in the next. An individual who typically plays supporting roles is considered a character actor. A bit part is a supporting acting role with at least one line of dialogue. ... A leading actor, leading actress, or simply lead, plays the role of the protagonist in a film or play. ... Ethnic stereotypes in popular culture, involve a stereotypical representation of the typical characteristics of a members of an ethnic group in music, literature, print media, film and the performing arts that is often false or over-simplified. ... A character actor is an actor who predominantly performs supporting parts, often in similar roles throughout the course of a career. ...

Supporting roles may be pivotal or vital to the story. In recognition of important nature of this work, the theatre and film industries give separate awards to the Best Supporting Actor and actress! Best Supporting Actor or Best Supporting Actress is an accolade given by a group of film or theatre professionals in recognition of the work of supporting and character actors. ...