Key Takeaways:
– Stephen Amell made his big break in the CW’s Arrow as Oliver Queen/Green Arrow.
– Before the success of Arrow, Amell had minor roles in other TV shows.
– His first American acting job came during an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he was a part of the audience.
– Years later during an appearance on the same show, he was nearly kicked out for using his phone.
– Amell admitted his fear of leaving the Arrow after eight seasons but was encouraged by the producer to wrap up story arcs.
From Watching to Shining on The CW Screen – Stephen Amell’s Hollywood Journey
Canadian actor Stephen Amell, primarily recognized for his role in the hugely successful series Arrow, traced his journey from being an audience member on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to the protagonist of a superhero series. The life-changing shift came ten jobs in, for Amell, after moving to America. His spectacular portrayal of Oliver Queen, the billionaire turned vigilante, spanned over eight seasons, leaving behind an enduring legacy.
Beginnings Odds and Ends – From Audience to Antagonist
Before being cast as the lead in Arrow, Amell appeared in minor roles on various television shows. However, his first breakthrough came during an unlikely circumstance while he was watching Jimmy Kimmel Live! Amell recounted how he was nearly kicked out of the show because he was using his phone while the show was taping.
“[They said] ‘Don’t use your phone. It’s not a joke. We will kick you out.’ So I left my phone on vibrate because I knew the call was coming. I was 95% sure I was getting the job. The phone starts buzzing and I just want to look to see if it’s my agency…I see the security at the corner of my eye go ‘Don’t touch your phone'”, Amell revealed.
Remarkably, that call was the breakthrough he needed. The Canadian actor bagged an antagonist role on an episode of CSI: Miami, kickstarting an inspiring career in the American entertainment industry.
The Rise of a Superhero – Arrow’s Impact on Amell’s Career
Stephen Amell’s performance as the Arrow set a new precedent in the realm of superhero television. He became synonymous with Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, establishing a strong fan base over his eight year stint. The superhero series didn’t only provide Amell his breakthrough but also became the foundation for multiple spin-offs, birthing the Arrowverse and paving the way for shows, such as Legends of Tomorrow and The Flash.
Confronting Fears, Embracing Changes – Post Arrow Life
Stephen Amell expressed his apprehension and fear about the end of his run as Arrow. In an interview with EW, Amell said, “I’m 38 years old, and I got this job when I was 30. I’d never had a job for more than a year. The fact that I’ve done this for the better part of a decade, and I’m not going to do it anymore, is a little frightening.”
Despite his fears, the actor was convinced by producer Greg Berlanti to stay on for one more season to wrap up the story arcs properly. Today, Arrow continues to stay relevant, streaming on Netflix, and keeping the legacy of Oliver Queen alive.
Amell’s journey underscores the unpredictable nature of career trajectories in the world of entertainment. From being an audience member on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to becoming a superhero known worldwide, his life is a testimony to diligent work, a tad of luck, and the power of seizing opportunities as they surface.
