The Actor and the Role

I have the first five seasons of 7th Heaven.  It’s been a year-or-so since I’ve watched the show, but I’m a fan.  And I would say that my favorite character was Eric Camden, the father and pastor.  I liked Annie Camden (Eric’s wife) too, but I liked Eric a little more.  He had his flaws, but he always tried to help people.

I know that the actor and the role that he plays are not necessarily the same.  Still, whenever I encounter a character whom I like—-a good character—-I do hope that the actor is at least somewhat like that character, that the actor is putting a bit of himself into the role.  Maybe that is naive on my part.

Can I watch 7th Heaven and like Eric Camden, even if Stephen Collins did horrible things?  Eric Camden would never do what Stephen Collins allegedly did.  Eric Camden would do what is right.

It may be a while before I watch 7th Heaven again, if I ever do.  True, the actor and the role that he plays are not necessarily the same.  But I will not be able to watch Eric Camden, without thinking about the horrible things that Stephen Collins did (assuming the taped confession is authentic).