Stephen Moyer’s most famous role to date has to be that of William Thomas “Bill” Compton.
This section of the site will attempt to chronicle who the character of Bill Compton is and what he is really like.
Stephen Moyer Doesn’t Worry About the Perceptions of Bill Compton
Today TVLine, published an interesting quote from Stephen Moyer about his investment in what viewers think of his character, Bill Compton, especially now that Bill changed so much in Season 5 from the caring, mainstreaming vampire we all know and love into something we’re still trying to figure out (no, we’re not gonna say that name, here).
When Tara Ausiello asked how Stephen felt about Bill possibly inflicting physical harm on Sookie next season — perhaps even worse than the smackdown he gave Jessica in the penultimate S5 episode — Stephen said,
“If that’s dramatically compelling and fun and great to watch, then so be it. That’s awesome. One has to stop worrying about how one’s character is perceived. I think we all probably had a point in the series where you did worry about the public persona of our character. But I stopped worrying about that in Season 2. That’s not to say I don’t care. What I mean is you’re going to stop playing something authentically if you’re worried about how it’s going to be perceived.”
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15 comments
Stephen is a truly dedicated and totally professional actor. He's not in this profession for "movie star" rewards, but for the satisfaction of doing his very best at bringing us the writers' characters and the directors' vision.
His work on TB, and especially in S5, demonstrates his amazing talent. He is capable of transforming into anyone, and anything, that is given to him. Throughout all the evolving and changing within the character of Bill Compton, he has kept us caring for him, cheering for him, and being devoted to him.
We cannot take our eyes off him, even when it hurts. i can only hope the writers find it in their hearts and minds to bring back the Bill Compton we fell in love with - for we, and he, deserve that.
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WK, I'm with you. I want mainstreaming, southern gentlemen Bill back. I'm not sure that's going to happen, however. He may have gone so far to the other extreme that he won't be able to find his way back.
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This change was extreme to say the least even for TrueBlood. I also agree actors can’t be overly concerned about audience reaction because it will deminish their performance, something Stephen obviously would never allow to happen. Stephen may or may not like what has happened to Bill but he gave and will give a performance you will remember. I was riveted to the tv and so devastated I cried a river once the initial shock settled in. Mission accomplished Mr.Moyer, you never disppoint .
That said I want my Bill back ,the sooner the better.
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I certainly understand what Stephen is saying. If he spent all his time worrying about what the audience thinks of Bill, he may turn out a performance that he himself is unhappy with. That said, I am still not happy about Bill's turn. Character development is one thing, but to have the character do a complete 180 is completely different.
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I don’t mind some character change. It is inevitable in a long-running series. But this change was draconian, and I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around it. I know Stephen will do a fantastic job portraying drastically altered Bill. I'll be watching when Season 6 premieres. I've come this far with True Blood, and I'll continue on. Honestly, I'm not sure how much joy I will have in the show if the character of Bill continues down this dark path. Time will tell.
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I am so impressed by Stephen's dedication to his acting...he is brilliant in the role. Clearly, by his statement, he shows his dedication. He is the reason I watch True Blood. He is the reason I am tuning in to Season 6.
Beautiful photo of him. What a magnificent profile he has.
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Roma I agree 100%. All roads lead to Bill for me. He is TrueBlood as far as I am concerned.
I have said many times Stephen is given storylines that may be harder to do because he has proven he can and will deliver . A truly gifted actor.
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An interesting comment. Yet "dramatically compelling" and "fun" are really subjective, viewer's perceptions and enjoyment will differ. I think SM *thinks* the turn of events might be so. Somehow I get the feeling SM and AB cooked up this story arc, especially since SM is so brilliant at playing dark characters, perhaps he pitched it. The change in Bill's character still does not ring true for me, over the course of 5 seasons, and even after reading the books. Still will watch, while hoping for a return to form.
I so agree and I love what he said..He wants to give his all to Bill and what ever he has become and if it kool to watch it means he cares that we are entertained..anyway we have tons of back season of sexy Bill IE/ season 1 epi 6,7,8, 9, 12 and season 2 and on and on..He is TB to me bad or good.
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I agree Rowena 75 but I will stay thankful that he is not dead. We all know of certain fans who would have loved to see him offed. I bet they are spitting bullits or stakes cause he is still alive. Also think of the possibilities and think of how great it could be. if not I am in to the end and will always and forever be a Bill'sbabe and Moyerist.
Thank-you and I hope more ladies keep loving our man...Please ladies show your love!
Moyer Bill Dreams to you!
He can't worry about it or it will interfere with what he has to. I think that may be what he means. Stephen's a great actor. He can do what he must. That doesn't mean that we can't still support the old Bill that we want back Right?
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I understand what he’s saying … you have to concentrate on developing the character and not worry about how he-she will be perceived by the audience. However, since we’re talking perception, I’ll share that my perception of the “new” Bill Compton is not a happy one. Nor will you catch me saying that name.
Still not a happy camper re: Bill's metamorphosis.
