As great as Ed is, the wisdom out here is that he can't carry a

“As great as Ed is, the wisdom out here is that he can't carry a movie. They'll pay him $3 million to be the second banana in Julia Roberts things. But they won't put up $3 million for an Ed Harris movie.” These words from George A. Romero offer a poignant reflection on the nature of success and perception in the world of entertainment, and by extension, in life itself. The reality of power and recognition is often less about personal talent and more about how others perceive your ability to lead or command attention. Ed Harris, a brilliant actor in his own right, represents those whose gifts are sometimes overshadowed by societal expectations and the prevailing narrative that certain people are only meant to be side figures, never the focal point of the story.

In ancient times, the great thinkers and artists were often seen in the same light. Sophocles, who wrote the tragic plays of the Greek stage, understood that the hero’s journey — whether on stage or in life — was not always about talent, but about the role the individual played in the grand drama of society. Those who played leading roles were not always the most virtuous or the most skilled, but those whom the world saw as worthy of leadership. The rest, no matter their inner wisdom or prowess, were relegated to supporting roles, their full potential often hidden in the shadows.

Consider the story of Vincent van Gogh, whose genius as a painter was almost completely unrecognized during his lifetime. While he painted with a fire and insight that transcended his contemporaries, the world could not see the power in his work. He sold only a few paintings during his life, and was viewed by many as an outsider — not the main figure of the art world, but a mere peripheral presence. In this, van Gogh’s story mirrors Ed Harris’s predicament. Both were undeniably talented, yet the world often failed to see their value in the leading role, just as van Gogh’s paintings were rejected by the world, only to be later revered in the fullness of time.

Similarly, in the world of Hollywood, the tale of the underdog actor is one we have seen repeated through the ages. Robert Downey Jr., once regarded as an actor lost to personal demons and missteps, was eventually able to take center stage in the Iron Man franchise. Yet, his rise to the top did not come easily, and for years, many dismissed his potential. It is only after the industry’s recognition of his ability to truly captivate audiences, after his transformation, that he became a lead actor in blockbuster films. The wisdom of Romero’s words is that those who have the deepest talent may still struggle to be placed at the front, simply because the world has a narrow view of who can truly carry a story.

Romero’s reflection teaches us an important lesson: in life, recognition and value are not always in proportion to one’s inherent talent or wisdom. Society tends to elevate individuals based on what others are willing to invest in, not necessarily what they are worth. The supporting roles often go to those who are not seen as leaders, no matter how great their gifts may be. This truth extends far beyond Hollywood and into all aspects of life — where the most deserving might not always be the most visible.

Thus, Romero’s words remind us that success is not always a reflection of ability. It is often a matter of being seen, of being given the chance to take the lead, to be given the power of recognition. Like Ed Harris, many may have the capability to shine in the leading role, but it is the world’s perception and the opportunities granted that determine if they ever truly will. The lesson here is not just about acting or movies, but about how we value people and talents in every field of life.