Where have all the American actors gone?

The US film and television industry is swarming with British and Australian talent- apparently we're on the up- but it makes me wonder...where'd all the Americans go? If the role hadn't been given to 'thingymabob' from Yorkshire- who would have had it in the bag?

By now, of course, everyone knows that the title role of House in Fox's House M.D. is played by a British actor by the name of Hugh Laurie. As a person who has been brought up, for the most part, in Britain- I was surprised about how many people hadn't known him due to his long career as a comical actor in Britain- I forgot to take into account how little of our programming is seen in the United States, especially when you compare it to how much American programming we receive over here.

The cast of NBC's Chuck is joined by a lovely Australian actress named Yvonne Strahovski, playing one of Chuck's 'bodyguard' agents. British actress Louise Lombard was in CBS's CSI for a time- and of course Brit-man Damien Lewis played the lead in NBC's Life. (why am I quoting all of the broadcasting companies? I don't rightly know... seems like the thing to do!) Lewis was also in HBO's Band of brothers, along with a whole bucket load of British actors, including Star Trek and Shawn of the Dead star Simon Pegg and Wanted star James McAvoy.

One thing that does get me giggling though, is "The Patriot"- I know I shouldn't laugh, its a pretty serious movie- but its about an American Patriot- its Called 'The Patriot'- and not only the lead, but also the lead's son are both played by Australian actors! Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger(God rest his soul), although, I can accept that Mel Gibson was born in the USA and has gotten more American since his return.

More recently Batman, Avatar and Terminator have had Christian Bale, Sam Worthington and Heath Ledger in various important roles- Many of the Harry Potter cast members have been in the American market, including Twilight (bleack!) star Robert Pattinson. Of course there are many others out there as well- the question remains- how long is this influx going to last? Are American actors being robbed of roles- or is this just another step towards a new British Empire? Hmmnn... I would love to have people's thoughts on the matter- so please leave me your comments!

Boy, I can't stop writing rubbish today! And I went overboard with the pictures... speaks volumes about how bored I was...

Written badly by Naomi Wong