Navigating show business or attempting to make it big has alwaysbeen a familiar tropein all kinds of media, and the anime medium is no exception. Stories that utilize this trope show characters in their struggle to improve their skills and prove themselves, all while dealing with regular life issues.
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These characters are relatable, as most viewers understand the feeling of inadequacy, failure, or the fleeting thrill of success that come with acting, whether on a small or large stage. Their experiences help drive the stories to important messages and lessons related to the entertainment industry or striving in general. With that, here are seven iconic actors in the world of anime.
7Ren Tsuruga – Skip Beat!
Ren Tsuruga works as an actor for LME, an entertainment company in the world ofSkip Beat!. His attractive face and body got him the title of Most Desirable Man in Japan, a card he plays well with his co-stars, often getting them to fall for him.
Ren had a turbulent upbringing, owing to the shadow his popular parents cast over him. But Ren has come a long way since then. When he began acting, hewas an average guy, facing rejections like anyone else. Now he is a popular actor who takes his career seriously and does it for “pure” reasons.
6Ryouma Ichijou – Love Stage!!
Love Stage!!is aBoys Love animethat follows the story of the main characters Izumi Sena and Ryouma Ichijou. Their story begins as children and is spurred by common acting experiences. Ryouma first fell in love with Izumi when they were ten and eight respectively, starring in a commercial made for the ‘Happy Wedding’ magazine.
Ryouma initially thought Izumi was female and his feelings grew. But when they reunite years later, he finds out the truth. Ryouma is now a popular actor who has to come to terms with his feelings for Izumi and his sexuality. InLove Stage!!, Ryouma Ichijou leads one of the most memorable love stories.
5Kyouko Mogami – Skip Beat!
Kyouko Mogami began as a kindhearted girl who centered her life around her childhood friend Sho Fuwa. Because she was raised by Sho’s parents, she felt close to him and held him in high regard. ButSho betrayed herand made her bitter.
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Because of this, Kyouko joins the entertainment company LME as an actress to become more famous and important than Sho. Her career is driven by vengeance, and this is why Ren Tsuruga calls her motivations “impure”. But Kyouko is stubborn and relentlessly pursues her goal. She goes on to star in drama productions like Dark Moon and Box “R”.
4Louis – Beastars
Beastarsfollows the story of civilized animals in the struggle between carnivores and herbivores at Cherryton Academy. After the death of Tem, a member of the school’s drama club, Louis’ leadership skills are tested.
As theBeastarsdeuteragonist, Louis uses acting as a mask for his insecurities. He is the son of Ogma who leads the Horns Conglomerate, and because of this, Louis lives his life under a lot of pressure. He puts upa prideful and forceful appearancebut is actually kind underneath. Louis plays the role of the head actor of the drama club, as well as the Shishigumi boss.
3Chizuru Ichinose – Rent A Girlfriend
Chizuru Ichinose is also known as Chizuru Mizuhara when she becomes a rental girlfriend. While studying literature at Nerima University, Chizuru works as a rental girlfriend. Her motivations behind this lie in her love for acting.
While in Junior High, her grandfather led her to begin nurturing the dream of acting one day. She works as a rental girlfriend to hone her acting skills in support of her dream. Although herbold and volatile charactershows up at certain moments, Chizuru is generally kind and pleasant to people while showing up as her true self, or as a rental girlfriend.
2Mai Sakurajima – Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl
In this anime series, Mai Sakurajima is an actress dealing with the isolatingeffect of Adolescence Syndrome. She began acting at the tender age of six, under her mother’s management. She gathered some fame, and this disrupted her childhood. However, Mai remains kind and pleasant and doesn’t let her sad past affect her relationships.
On a break from acting, Mai studies at Minegahara High School, where she meets Sakuta Azusagawa, who becomes her romantic interest. Mai is excellent at school and attempting to live a normal life, doing activities like studying and cooking with Sakuta. When she begins acting again, she switches management from her mother’s agency to one run by Ryoko Hanawa.
1Takato Saijou – Dakaichi: I’m Being Harassed by the Sexiest Man of the Year
Takato Saijo, the lead character inDakaichi, is a cool 28-year-old actor who’s killing it in the game. He’s signed with Nitto Talent, a top-tier agency in the show, and rocks a slim and sophisticated look that’s won him the heart of Junta Azumaya, andsome unwanted attentionfrom Chihiro Ayagi. Takato got into acting thanks to his grandmother, Suzuko Saijo, who pushed him hard but also gave him lots of encouragement.
With all his experience in the acting business, Takato has a lot of confidence, but he’s not immune to feeling threatened by other talented actors who could give him a run for his money.
