Hey, is Chris Colfer really a lead actor on 'Glee'?
During the first season of "Glee," Chris Colfer was nominated for best supporting comedy actor at the Emmy Awards. He had a great chance at winning due to his episode submission, "Laryngitis," in which he had some powerhouse scenes opposite his dad (Mike O'Malley) and he performed a show-stopping rendition of "Rose's Turn" from the musical "Gypsy." Alas, he lost to Eric Stonestreet ("Modern Family").
Chris Colfer then went on to win the supporting race at the Golden Globes in January and was nominated at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, which combine both lead and supporting performers into one category that's usually dominated by the leads.
During this second season of "Glee," Colfer has had significantly more screen time in many of the episode storylines (school bullies, relationships, father's heart attack, father's remarriage). Most important, he's essentially had his own show-within-a-show since he has transferred to a private school and joined its a cappella group, the Warblers.
At the Emmys in the past, the only two actors submitted by "Glee" producers in the lead races have been Matthew Morrison (the glee club teacher) and Lea Michele (glee club member). Everyone else in the regular cast has been considered supporting.
At the next Emmy Awards, four of last year's nominees in the comedy lead actor race have strong chances of returning (Alec Baldwin, Steve Carell, Jim Parsons and Morrison). The other two nominees from 2010 will not be back (Larry David's show had no episodes this season and Tony Shalhoub's show is kaput). That will leave two wide-open slots with very few strong contenders -- maybe Joel McHale ("Community"), Matthew Perry ("Mr. Sunshine"), Matt LeBlanc ("Episodes"), and Danny McBride ("Eastbound and Down").
At 21, Colfer would be one of the youngest lead actor nominees in the comedy category, but he wouldn't set any records. Frankie Muniz of "Malcolm in the Middle" and Fred Savage of "The Wonder Years" were teen nominees in the same category.
With the drop in competition and his increased screen time/relevancy to this TV season, Colfer might be wise to take a shot at the lead actor race.
-- Tom O'Neil
Photo: Chris Colfer leads the Warblers in song in a recent "Glee" episode titled "Original Song." (Fox TV)
Ok....first off, with people saying its not a comedy...well, it has to go into a category and comedy is it...its sooo much closer to comedy than drama. But I think the thing that most people seem to miss is that, if it would go into any category, its Camp! Its a campy show, its a musical, comedy and drama. Try to think outside the box and not all comedy is sitcoms and not all dramas are cancer patients and cop shows....As for Colfer, he's the best actor on the show but should still be in supporting. Morrison and Michele are the central characters...Colfer was in alot of the first half of the season, but after he went to Dlaton, hes been seen very little. As for winning, I agree, he prob doesnt have a chance with Stonestreet's over the top, sometimes offensive character ( but thats a whole other story!) As for Burell, I just dont get his appeal, hes the one thing about M.F. that completely turns me off. Its a fantastic show as well, Im not pro Glee anti M.F. I love both...But if you want the funniest show on tv, Its Raising Hope, by a mile!
Posted by: chrisk | April 01, 2011 at 04:21 PM
Sorry, as long as he is in the "comedy" category... he will not win, In Season 2, most of his great acting were in the drama scenes.
Posted by: Lily | March 27, 2011 at 10:36 PM
I don't think it will matter what category he's in -- lead or supporting, he's not going to win. For a number of different reasons, not the least of which is his acting is overrated. He should rightfully lose to Jim Parsons or Steve Carrell (in lead) and Ty Burrell or Eric Stonestreet (in supporting). Even Neil Patrick Harris is a better actor. He's part of the Glee hype. Admittedly he's not the worst actor on the show, but his comedy is sorely lacking and his drama is over wrought.
Posted by: Mona | March 27, 2011 at 09:36 AM
Has Steve Carrell ever won? He might be a sentimental favorite since he's leaving the Office.
Regarding Colfer, his storyline is the most consistent, complex, involving and emotional. But not the funniest. That honor goes to the Puck/Lauren combo. But clearly, Colfer is the heart of Glee. His set up is what made Darren Criss such a big hit on the show. Blaine rode in like a knight in shining armor. Colfer should be nominated in the best dramatic actor category.
Glee has so many "best of". Lea and Amber are the best singers. Heather and Harry are the best dancers. And Colfer is the best actor. No wonder that show is such a hit.
Posted by: Lizzy | March 26, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Well, since the show transformed into being all about him, yes, he should be in the lead category. I don't even think he should be in the comedy category. Most of his scenes are dramatic. If he wins a comedy award for dramatic work, then that's not right.
Posted by: friendly | March 25, 2011 at 05:36 AM
Chris Colfer is the heart and soul of GLEE, but I think he has a better shot at the Emmy if he stays in the supporting category. Alec Baldwin won the SAG Award and Jim Parsons won the Emmy last year, why put Chris in the lead category against these two?
Posted by: Barbara Bee | March 24, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Oh, its so difficult, because so much of what Chris has done this season has been dramatic acting rather than comedy. How do you put him in a comedy category, supporting or lead? I wish they had a category for "dramedy," because that is really what Glee is. And there are other shows that I would consider dramedies, like "Nurse Jackie" and "Shameless." Chris is beyond amazing and absolutely deserves an Emmy, but I'm afraid if he's put in either the supporting category against Eric Stonestreet, or in the lead category against Alec Baldwin, he might not win, which would be such a shame.
Posted by: Dina | March 24, 2011 at 08:27 AM
Chris is great and a big contender for the awards but I think they should also consider Darren Criss. He is the most amazing singer and dancer as well as protraying Blaine with so much emotion and sensitivity. He has really brought this season of Glee alive and well deserves to be one of the lead actors along with Chris.
Posted by: Puddinggow | March 24, 2011 at 05:22 AM
I agree. The SAG awards put him in the lead actor slot. Colfer's Kurt is the heart of Glee and his story line drives most of the drama. I do think he should be in the leading actor category. Hopefully, should he win against Matthew Morrison, there wouldn't be any hard feelings.
I look forward to seeing Colfer in the movies, soon, too.
Posted by: Carolyn | March 23, 2011 at 07:13 PM
I can't really say if it would be to Chris Colfer's advantage to submit himself for the lead actor race, but I can say that if he did he would very probably replace Matthew Morrison in the race.
Whatever category he submits for, I'm hoping Chris wins the Emmy this year, he's doing a fantastic job this season, his acting is impeccable in every scene.
Posted by: Mariana | March 23, 2011 at 06:37 PM
Chris is an excellent actor. He would be perfect for that category.
Posted by: Andrea | March 23, 2011 at 06:30 PM
Stop! You're killing me here. It's bad enough that once again Alec Baldwin and Steve Carell are guaranteed contenders long after their respective shows have lost their luster but Matthew Morrison? Again? Why and in what universe is he remotely comedic in any way shape or form? And Matthew Perry? Really? I have yet to read one review that finds his performance in Mr.Sunshine engaging or even good. But he is considered a major contender also?
People make fun of the Golden Globes for their seemingly shady voting process but at least they have a reputation for nominating new actors and shows once in a while.
Posted by: janey | March 23, 2011 at 06:03 PM
Though he'd face tough competition from Ty Burrell, he should stick to supporting since Alec Baldwin will probably win again now that Jim Parsons has.
Granted, he's the highlight of a rather uneven "Glee" season but any material he'd submit would be heavy on the dramatic acting (which is good) but light on the comedy (which is tough to overcome in a comedy race with Baldwin still a frontrunner).
Posted by: Terrence | March 23, 2011 at 05:36 PM
I think that Charlie Sheen will be back in the race...!!!!, do you think that they will pass the opportunity to have him in the show...???
Posted by: JK | March 23, 2011 at 04:13 PM
Chris is an amazing actor and every scene with him is worth watching. Lots of emotion and he plays it so well.
Posted by: Diana | March 23, 2011 at 03:16 PM
Love this guy. He's a great actor and he handles every scene with honesty and dignity.
Posted by: Alice | March 23, 2011 at 02:32 PM