Insult or Complement (you decide)

Is it an insult or is a complement to say of any actor or actress, that they
are only playing themselves ?

Brandy Alexandre...

A complement to what?

David Johnston...

Neither. The real issue is whether the self they are playing is
someone you want to see in a show.

David Johnston...

"I'm not an actor, I'm a movie star!"

Steven L....

But not quite as bad as when we say an actor is miscast for the role;
i.e., playing someone he really isn't suited for at all.

Think about for a moment, be it Cinema,Stage,TV or Radio, is it really a
complement to say that no matter the medium, or the role, that the actor or
actress is really only playing themselves.
The same could be argued that no matter the genre, the actor or actress is
still playing themselves.
So is it really a complement or is it really an insult ?
The kicker is that many (star) actor's and actress's type cast themselves by
choice, just look at some the roles they play over and over again

Zombie Elvis...

If it's Bruce Campbell -- compliment.

If it's Paul Rubens -- insult.

Ken from Chicago...

It depends on INTENTION. Are THEY *trying* to play themselves in that
position OR play someone else entirely?