Actor Robert Rhodes Calls for Positive Representation of Visible Differences in Media

The media industry needs to start reflecting the true experience of people with visible difference. Actor Robert Rhodes, known for roles in Silent Witness and House of the Dragon, said the call comes as the charity Changing Faces pushes a petition for more positive representation of scars, burns and other visible differences.

Changing Faces warns that the industry often uses visible differences as a shorthand for villainy. New research from the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England found that exposure to such villainous characters can lead to more negative perceptions of people with visible differences in real life.

Rhodes, who was born with a large facial birthmark caused by a congenital melanocytic nevus and underwent multiple surgeries as a child, added, “We can't wait for action any longer.” He continued, “Yes, there is often trauma associated with a scar, but we experience joy, love and success just like everyone else.” He concluded, “More neutral and aspirational characters on screen will improve real perceptions of the whole visible difference community.”

Fellow actor Beau Bradfield, who also has facial scarring, said, “I want children growing up with visible differences to see characters who look like them being heroes, friends, parents and love interests – not just villains.”

Changing Faces estimates that about 4.9 million people in the UK have a visible difference. The charity has collaborated with the Creative Diversity Network to add visible difference as a category in diversity data monitoring and reporting.

One casting agency acknowledged that while visible differences are frequently used to signal villainy, casting briefs can be successfully challenged to broaden the range of roles offered.

Advocates hope that more neutral and aspirational characters will shift public attitudes and provide realistic, complex portrayals for the visible difference community.