Why Do People Hate Ken Stott?
Ken Stott is a Scottish stage, television and film actor who has had a long and successful career spanning over 30 years. He is best known for his roles in shows like Messiah, The Vice, and Silent Witness, as well as films like The Hobbit trilogy.
While Stott has many fans who enjoy his acting work, in recent years there has been a growing number of people expressing dislike or even hatred towards him. This apparent “Ken Stott hate” has become a bit of a phenomenon, with people taking to social media and forums to rant about their disdain for the actor.
But where does this animosity stem from? What are the main reasons some people seem to dislike Ken Stott so much? Let’s explore some of the potential factors behind the “Ken Stott hate” trend.
Why Do Some People Dislike Ken Stott?
One of the most common criticisms leveled at Ken Stott is regarding his distinct gravelly voice and Scottish accent. Some find his accent to be too thick and hard to understand. Others simply find his deep, raspy voice to be annoying or grating.
As Stott has aged, his already rugged voice has grown deeper and raspier. For some viewers, listening to Stott talk for an entire film or show can be taxing on the ears. While an actor’s voice is not something they can necessarily control, for some it’s enough reason to dislike Stott’s on-screen performances.
His looks and appearance
Another reason Stott has his critics is his physical appearance. With his short stature, wrinkled skin, bulbous nose and messy hair, Stott has a very distinct and some would say unflattering look about him.
Some criticize Stott for not looking like a typical Hollywood leading man. Especially earlier in his career, his disheveled and unrefined appearance did not fit the mold of most movie stars at the time. While appearances shouldn’t matter when judging an actor’s skill, for some viewers, Stott’s look has made him unlikable right from the start.
His tendency to take “unlikeable” roles
Ken Stott has thrived in playing gruff, adversarial characters that often end up being the bad guy or villain in films and shows. Some examples include his roles as the manipulative police inspector in Messiah, the corrupt DI Fred Thursday in Endeavour, and the cunning Master of Laketown in The Hobbit films.
While Stott excels in these unsympathetic roles, some feel this makes him harder to warm up to as an actor. The assumption is that because he plays so many harsh, unlikable characters, Stott himself must share some of those same qualities. This may subconsciously bias some viewers against him.
His political views and comments
Ken Stott has been outspoken at times regarding his left-leaning political views. He has openly supported things like Scottish independence, remaining in the EU, and relaxing immigration laws. Some of his political statements regarding Brexit and Scottish secession have alienated more conservative-leaning fans.
Stott has also made controversial comments about things like Britain welcoming more refugees. While he is entitled to his opinions, his vocal political takes have likely rubbed some viewers the wrong way and contributed to their disdain for the actor. This is especially true for those with more right-wing political alignments.
His tendency to take work just for the money
There is also a perception held by some that Ken Stott is an actor who often just “phones it in” by taking on roles not for their artistic merit, but simply as a paycheck. Critics point to his appearances in things like The Hobbit movies, where some felt Stott looked bored or disengaged.
The belief is that later in his career, Stott began choosing films and shows indiscriminately just to cash in on his fame. Whether true or not, this notion that he is just chasing paychecks has made some view Stott as greedy and his work as less meaningful. They see him as an actor motivated more by money than art.
His replacement of other beloved actors
Another source of dislike for Stott stems from him replacing other established actors that fans had treasured in key roles. For instance, when Stott took over the starring part in a reboot of the show Messiah from Ian McDiarmid, devotees of the original were livid.
The same outrage surfaced when he replaced Kevin Whately as Inspector Morse in the Endeavour spin-off series. Even though these recastings weren’t his choice, Stott drew the ire of fans who felt he was improperly replacing their cherished performers. This breeds resentment from the outset for some.
His lack of starring movie roles
While a successful TV actor, Ken Stott has never managed to become a major film star outside of some supporting roles in movies like The Hobbit. Despite having clear acting chops, he tends to get passed over as a leading man in Hollywood films.
Some fans feel Stott has never gotten the movie career he deserves. Others perceive his lack of movie stardom as a sign of failure. While not necessarily Stott’s fault, his status as more of a “TV actor” causes some to view him as a disappointment or an underachiever as a performer. This seeds disillusionment.
Has Ken Stott Responded to His Critics?
For the most part, Ken Stott has chosen not to engage with those who seem to dislike him or his work. While he has addressed his politics in interviews before, Stott has largely stayed quiet in response to online criticism and attacks.
Friends and co-stars have noted that Stott has been aware of the “Ken Stott hate” trend and resulting memes making fun of him on the internet in recent years. But the actor has brushed off these critiques with self-deprecating humor and his usual modesty.
Rather than lash out at detractors, Stott has elected to let his long career speak for itself. He continues focusing on bringing his level of passion and commitment to every role he takes on, whether he perceives the project as prestigious or just a means to pay the bills.
Conclusion
Ken Stott’s unique voice, appearance, role choices and politics clearly rub some viewers the wrong way. But despite this vocal minority who seem to harbor dislike for the actor, he continues to garner critical praise and admiration from audiences around the world.
While his career hasn’t been immune from controversies and unflattering memes, Stott remains a well-respected performer in Britain. His extensive credits speak to his undeniable talents and work ethic.
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Ken Stott has left an indelible mark across television, film and theatre over his long and still active career. The passion he brings to every performance will likely continue garnering him new fans, even as he inevitably also retains some who simply can’t warm up to him as an actor.
In the end, personal tastes vary wildly. For those who appreciate Stott’s immense talents and dedication to his craft, his unique voice and unconventional looks are part of his appeal. But those factors also explain why he continues to be an acquired taste not everyone wishes to acquire.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ken Stott Hate
Why do some people hate Ken Stott’s voice?
Some people find Ken Stott’s deep, gravelly voice to be annoying or difficult to understand, especially as he has aged. His thick Scottish accent may also be hard for some viewers to comprehend.
What is it about Ken Stott’s looks that bother people?
Stott’s short stature, wrinkled skin, large nose, and unkempt hairdo not fit the image of a typical Hollywood leading man. Some criticize his appearance as unflattering or unrefined.
How have Ken Stott’s political views added to the dislike from some people?
Stott’s openly left-leaning stances on issues like Brexit, Scottish independence, and refugee policy contradict more conservative viewpoints. This has alienated some fans.
Why do some think Ken Stott just takes roles for money these days?
Some believe Stott’s appearances in movies like The Hobbit were just for a paycheck and he seemed bored on screen. Critics think he now picks roles indiscriminately just to cash in.
How did replacing beloved actors make Ken Stott more disliked by some?
When Stott took over iconic roles like Inspector Morse and Messiah from established stars, devotees of those actors resented him as an inadequate replacement.
Why does Ken Stott not being a big film star bother some people?
While successful on TV, Stott never became a major Hollywood movie headliner. For some this signals failure or unfulfilled potential, despite his proven talents.
How has Ken Stott responded to the ‘Ken Stott hate’ trend and memes?
Stott has mostly brushed off the criticism and online attacks with self-deprecating humor. He continues to focus on his acting work rather than engage with detractors.
Does the criticism mean Ken Stott is not still a respected actor in the UK?
No, despite a vocal minority who seem to dislike him, Stott remains a decorated performer in Britain with numerous accolades to his name.
Can some people just never warm up to Ken Stott regardless of his talent?
Yes, personal tastes vary widely. No matter how skilled an actor, some will always find factors like Stott’s voice and appearance unpleasant and hard to overlook.
