Do Actors Really Smoke during Filming?

The use of real cigarettes in film and television has been a controversial topic for many years. Traditionally, actors have relied on either fake cigarettes or real ones, depending on the situation and the preferences of the production team. This practice has evolved over time, influenced by changing attitudes towards smoking, legal regulations, and health concerns.

History and Evolution

Back in the early days of cinema and classic television, it was quite common for actors to smoke real cigarettes during filming. In fact, smoking was so prevalent that it was thought to be fashionable and often a symbol of character traits like confidence and toughness. For example, actors like Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders have been known to smoke real cigarettes when their characters do. However, this was not a practice without its downsides, especially for non-smoking actors who had to endure secondhand smoke.

Legal and Health Concerns

With the advent of health awareness and stricter health and safety regulations, the usage of fake cigarettes became more prevalent. This development is best illustrated by the experience of the author, who recalls working in a play twenty years ago where employees were legally required to smoke. The props master made a herbal blend that was convincing and allowed non-smokers to participate without accountability. However, under current New Zealand law, it is no longer legal to require employees, including actors, to smoke.

For productions involving classic scripts, like Harold Pinter's The Homecoming, finding realistic alternatives for smoking scenes has become a significant challenge. The author explains that while they explored the possibility of using smoke-like emitters, the best ones were removed from the market in the US due to legal reasons. As a compromise, they used real cigars but only mimicked smoking them. This approach was seen as a less-than-ideal solution due to the practical and semiotic implications of the scene.

Smoke-Free Sets and Industry Practices

On the set of Dallas, actor Larry Hagman was known for his strong aversion to smoking. He insisted that if people needed to smoke, the set must be aired out for at least 15 minutes every hour. Given Hagman's significant influence and popularity on the show, this demand was often heeded by the producers. The scheduling around this rule ultimately led to a reduction in smoking on set, as actors and crew began to understand the practical and health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke.

Letterman provides a case study of the influence actors can have on set norms. By refusing to smoke on set and emphasizing the need for a smoke-free environment, Hagman inadvertently helped many actors and crew members quit or cut down on smoking in a professional context. The situation on the Dallas set led to a general agreement that the set's air quality and productivity were more important than individual smoking habits, especially given the potential health risks.

Changes in Industry Standards

Over time, the perception and norms around smoking have shifted dramatically. In recent years, the use of real cigarettes on set has become less common due to various factors, including the growing health consciousness and the strict regulations surrounding workplace health and safety. Producers, actors, and industry professionals are increasingly aware of the long-term health implications of prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke and are more likely to enforce smoke-free policies on set.

With changing attitudes, it is becoming more common for actors to engage in practices that do not involve real smoking. This shift not only benefits the health of the cast and crew but also aligns with broader societal trends toward health and safety in the workplace. While some actors still prefer the authenticity of real cigarettes for their performances, it is clear that fake cigarettes and practical effects are increasingly preferred for a wide range of ethical, health, and practical reasons.

Conclusion

The evolution of how actors handle smoking on set reflects a broader societal shift towards health and safety in the workplace. While the use of real cigarettes continues in some cases, the trend among producers and actors is increasingly towards making movies and TV shows smoke-free environments. This change not only honors the health and well-being of the cast and crew but also aligns with the broader public's growing awareness of the risks associated with smoking.