play a supporting role

Meaning

This phrase means to have an important but secondary part in a play, movie, or television show, rather than being the main character. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who assists or supports a main project or person in real-life scenarios.

Examples

• She won an award for playing a supporting role in the historical drama.

  She won an award for playing a supporting role in the historical drama.

• While he wanted the lead, he was happy to play a supporting role in the new series.

  While he wanted the lead, he was happy to play a supporting role in the new series.

• Many famous actors start their careers by playing a supporting role.

  Many famous actors start their careers by playing a supporting role.

• The director spent weeks looking for the perfect actor to play a supporting role.

  The director spent weeks looking for the perfect actor to play a supporting role.

• Even though she only plays a supporting role, her performance steals every scene.

  Even though she only plays a supporting role, her performance steals every scene.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He played a support role in the film.

  ✓ He played a supporting role in the film.

  While 'support role' is sometimes used in business contexts, in entertainment and standard English, 'supporting role' is the correct adjective form.

• ✗ She did a supporting role in the play.

  ✓ She played a supporting role in the play.

  Use the verb 'play' (or sometimes 'have' or 'take'), not 'do', when talking about roles in acting.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Although he didn't get the main part, he was thrilled to ___ in the upcoming blockbuster.

  💡 Use the verb 'play' and the adjective 'supporting'.

  Show answer

  play a supporting role

• She has decided to ___ in the new theater production to gain more experience.

  💡 It means to act in a secondary but important position.

  Show answer

  play a supporting role