Sting has opted to purposely steer away from the kind of stereotyped pop-star role that Rick Springfield played in the '80s flick "Hard to Hold." With his sculptured face, exceptional physique, and on-camera charm, Sting doesn't have to be a great actor to steal a scene. Sting admits that he's still learning to be an actor, but he's got some pretty impressive credits already, including working with Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and director David Lynch.
Ace in Quadrophenia.
His first role, a cameo part in The Who's 1979 classic Quadrophenia, catapulted Sting into the public eye. Although his role in the film is minuscule, his ability to capture attention is enormous. It was Sting's face--the face of a bit-part actor--that publicized the movie.
Since then, Sting has acted in nearly a dozen films. "I've sort of come into film from the underside, playing in movies that were out in left field," Sting said after acting in his third motion picture in 1984. He knew where he wanted his acting career to go. "I don't want to take rock star roles in film. When I make a film I want to be challenged."
Quadrophenia
Year: 1979
Character: Ace
Role: At the urging of his (then) wife, Frances Tomelty, Sting auditioned for the role. In his film debut, Sting plays the leader of a slick Mod gang.
Quote: "The role was a walk-on, and I was happy to get it. But I never felt it made me an actor. You learn the craft for years and years, and then you wind up an actor."
Brimstone and Treacle
Year: 1982
Character: Martin Taylor
Role: Sting is cast as a perverse but sexy devil on holiday.
Quote: "When I made Brimstone & Treacle, I never dreamed anyone would see it. I was surprised when it got a distribution deal in America."
Dune
Year: 1984
Character: Feyd Rautha
Role: As a most sinister villain from the nasty Harkonnen clan, Feyd drinks the juices of squashed "squoods" and kills for the sheer pleasure of it. Sting faces off with this science fiction film's hero, Paul Atreides, in a battle to the death. Sting spent most of the seven weeks he was on the set training with martial arts expert Kiyoshi Yamazaki.
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