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ER Stars' Brutal 'Gut Check' Acting Tradition Revealed
5 Apr
Summary
- ER cast underwent weekly 'gut checks' to critique performances.
- Tradition inspired by Alan Alda's MASH cast feedback sessions.
- Actors analyzed each other's work, sometimes harshly.
Actors on NBC's "ER" adhered to a demanding performance tradition known as a "gut check." Noah Wyle shared that this practice, adopted from the cast of "M*A*S*H" and suggested by Alan Alda, involved weekly lunches where episodes were screened and each actor's performance was intensely scrutinized.
This critical review session, which took place in the executive producer's office, could be quite brutal. Actors were encouraged to provide candid, often harsh, feedback on any perceived overacting or unnecessary mannerisms. Wyle noted that this process motivated him to maintain constant movement in his scenes, striving to earn each moment rather than simply occupying space.
