type-cast

[tahyp-kast, -kahst] /ˈtaɪpˌkæst, -ˌkɑst/
verb (used with object), verb (used without object), type-cast, type-casting.
1.
to cast (type).
adjective
2.
(of text to be printed) having the type already cast.
Origin
1875-80
Related forms
type-caster, noun

typecast

[tahyp-kast, -kahst] /ˈtaɪpˌkæst, -ˌkɑst/
verb (used with object), typecast, typecasting. Theater
1.
to cast (a performer) in a role that requires characteristics of physique, manner, personality, etc., similar to those possessed by the performer.
2.
to cast (a performer) repeatedly in a kind of role closely patterned after that of the actor's previous successes.
3.
to stereotype:
He realizes now he's been typecast as an executive errand boy.
Origin
1930-35; type + cast
Examples from the web for typecast
  • Having typecast her as a firecracker, one feels all the more the poignancy of her coming home from the hospital a month or so ago.
  • If he were not, it would be easy to typecast him as a lefty tree-hugger.
  • For the first two decades of his film career, he was typecast as a tough guy in a succession of supporting roles.
  • He was an excellent villain and became typecast in that role.
  • Journalists are often typecast as square-jawed heroes or self-loving dilettantes.
  • There are some clubs that may typecast you for the rest of your high or middle school years.
  • We didn't want to be typecast or seem to be exploiting the success of our earlier film.
  • Though typecast as too high-minded for an art form that puts a premium on swagger, there's nothing soft about these rhymes.
British Dictionary definitions for typecast

typecast

/ˈtaɪpˌkɑːst/
verb -casts, -casting, -cast
1.
(transitive) to cast (an actor) in the same kind of role continually, esp because of his physical appearance or previous success in such roles
Derived Forms
typecaster, noun
Word Origin and History for typecast

also type-cast, with reference to actors, 1946 (adj. and v.), perhaps a deliberate pun on the verbal phrase in the print type founding sense (attested from 1847). See type (n.) + cast (v.).