What term describes an actor who is frequently cast in similar roles?

The term that accurately describes an actor who is frequently cast in similar roles is "typecast." This phenomenon occurs when an actor becomes closely associated with a specific character trope or style, leading to them being repeatedly offered roles that fit that mold. This can happen for various reasons, including the actor's physical appearance, vocal quality, or specific talents that are well-suited to particular types of characters.

Being typecast can sometimes limit an actor's opportunities, as they may struggle to break free from the expectations established by past roles. While a character actor specializes in portraying distinctive and varied characters, typecasting suggests a narrower focus, confining the actor's range to familiar archetypes rather than exploring a wide array of roles. Similarly, a leading man typically refers to an actor who plays the protagonist in a story, often with a heroic or romantic angle, and a supporting actor is someone who plays a secondary role to the leads. Neither of these terms conveys the specific idea of being consistently cast in the same type of role, which is the essence of typecasting.