Kingsley warns against hiring for looks

Rex Features

Sir Ben Kingsley has called on movie bosses to stop hiring attractive young stars who lack acting talent.

The 64-year-old actor, who won an Oscar for his role in 1982 film Gandhi, said that too many people are being hired for their looks alone.

Kingsley accused film producers of being cruel by making talentless youngsters believe they have what it takes to succeed in the industry. He said that doing so can often result in tragic consequences after the stars turn to alcohol and drugs when their hopes are dashed.

"It's unfair to exploit a young person and say they can be in movies, then make it happen for them when they can't do it," Kingsley explained. "You're lifting their expectations so high and then pulling the rug when the audience gives them the collective thumbs down.

"We throw people away too easily, but we should never invite them in the first place. There's no need to resort to drugs. I haven't ever. My drug is acting."