Ryan Eggold Unveils the Inspiration Behind His ‘Cross’ Character’s Distinctive Blonde Look

Ryan Eggold is no stranger to the spotlight, but his latest role as “Cross” in the new hit series has sparked interest for more than just his acting. The striking blonde hairstyle worn by his character has become a central talking point among fans and critics alike. In a recent in-depth interview, Eggold opened up about the inspiration behind this dramatic transformation and what the blonde look represents for the character. Far from simply following a trend, the change was part of a broader artistic vision that sought to redefine his character and establish a distinct visual identity.

The Blonde Look: Breaking Away from Stereotypes

The decision to make Eggold’s character blonde was not a spontaneous choice but rather a carefully considered artistic decision meant to enhance the narrative and visual style of the show. Eggold himself acknowledges that this dramatic change—reminiscent of early-2000s pop culture figures—has led to many comparisons to iconic figures like Eminem’s alter ego, Slim Shady. However, Eggold stresses that the inspiration for his look comes from an entirely different place.

A Symbol of Transformation and Rebirth

According to Eggold, the blonde hair represents a deeper transformation in his character’s arc. “It’s not just about standing out; it’s about evolution,” he explains. For Cross, the new look marks a pivotal moment in his storyline—a shift from his old self to a more evolved, nuanced persona. Eggold notes that this character arc mirrors the psychological and emotional journey Cross embarks on throughout the series.

Blonde hair, historically associated with youth, rebellion, and sometimes a sense of naiveté, gives Cross a certain edge. It signifies a break from his past and a readiness to embrace change. The actor points to the visual contrast between his character’s new persona and his former self, allowing the audience to track Cross’s journey more visibly through his appearance. While the blonde look may initially appear superficial, it functions as a symbolic visual cue to viewers, emphasizing pivotal shifts in the character’s mindset and emotional state.

Not Just a Nod to Pop Culture

While the association with Slim Shady is inevitable given the rise of the “bleached blonde” aesthetic in pop culture, Eggold clarifies that this was not the primary source of inspiration for his look. The actor cites a more eclectic blend of influences, ranging from classic film noir protagonists to modern interpretations of troubled anti-heroes in cinema. The blonde hair is a deliberate choice to make Cross stand out not just as a character in a TV show, but as an archetype that draws from a rich history of visual storytelling.

• Film Noir Influence: Classic film noir protagonists, often depicted with distinctive hairstyles, left a mark on Cross’s aesthetic. The style was meant to evoke mystery and danger.
• Anti-Hero Archetypes: The gritty, morally ambiguous nature of many contemporary anti-heroes also inspired Cross’s look. The blonde hairstyle, in this case, helps communicate this complexity.
• Pop Culture and Subversion: Though Eggold rejects comparisons to Eminem, he acknowledges that the striking blonde look plays with the cultural connotations of rebellion, making it a bold subversion of typical expectations for characters in his genre.

The Role of Visual Aesthetics in Character Development

In contemporary television, visual aesthetics play an increasingly important role in character development. Eggold’s transformation into Cross isn’t just a physical change but a deliberate storytelling technique that mirrors the internal development of his character. The decision to change his hair color ties into a broader trend of using visual cues to signal shifts in a character’s psychological state or narrative arc.

Hair as a Narrative Device

The use of hair as a narrative device has a long history in both film and television. For years, filmmakers and showrunners have used hair to signify everything from a character’s social status to their moral alignment. In Eggold’s case, the decision to go blonde is an overt declaration that Cross is a character who is not confined by traditional expectations. The dramatic transformation signifies a reinvention, signaling that viewers will be seeing a different, more complex side of the character.

In many ways, hair serves as a visual metaphor for identity. When a character undergoes a dramatic shift in their appearance—whether through a change in hairstyle, wardrobe, or makeup—it reflects the changes they are going through internally. In this case, Cross’s blonde hair is a visual representation of his evolution, as the character grapples with his moral compass and the darker forces at play in the series.

The Psychological Impact of Appearance on Perception

Studies have shown that people’s perceptions of others are often influenced by their appearance, and this can have a significant impact on how a character is received by the audience. By making his character blonde, Eggold taps into pre-existing cultural associations with the color, all of which contribute to how viewers interpret his character.

The blonde stereotype—often linked to youth, innocence, and even a certain level of unpredictability—adds complexity to Cross’s character. On one hand, the blonde hair enhances his likability and approachability, but on the other, it contrasts with the darker elements of his personality, creating an intriguing tension that makes the character all the more compelling. The audience may initially perceive him one way, but as the show progresses, these assumptions are tested and subverted, adding layers to the character’s development.

The Bigger Picture: Trends in Television and Film

The role of visual aesthetics in shaping character identity extends beyond just Eggold’s portrayal in ‘Cross.’ This trend has become increasingly prevalent in contemporary television and film, where directors and producers are more attuned to the power of visual storytelling.

For instance, characters in shows like Breaking Bad and Mad Men have had their visual appearance play a key role in their development. In Breaking Bad, Walter White’s gradual transformation from a mild-mannered teacher into a ruthless drug kingpin was mirrored by his changing appearance, including his bald head and goatee. Similarly, Don Draper’s impeccably groomed appearance in Mad Men signified his control and dominance over his personal and professional life, only to later reveal deeper insecurities.

Such trends point to a growing understanding of how visual representation can enhance storytelling, allowing characters to evolve not just through dialogue but through the way they are visually perceived by the audience. In Eggold’s case, his blonde look serves as an important tool for both communicating Cross’s journey and deepening the viewer’s engagement with the character.

Conclusion: Redefining the Character Through Appearance

Ryan Eggold’s decision to adopt a striking blonde hairstyle for his portrayal of Cross is far more than just a cosmetic change. It’s a thoughtfully crafted visual element that encapsulates the evolution of the character, serving as both a symbol of transformation and a powerful narrative device. Far from being a superficial aesthetic choice, the blonde hair plays a crucial role in shaping the audience’s perception of Cross and signals the complexities that lie beneath the surface of the character.

In a broader context, the shift towards using visual aesthetics as a storytelling tool in television and film speaks to a larger trend in modern media, where appearances are used to reflect and enhance character development. As viewers become more attuned to these visual cues, the role of hair and style in shaping character arcs will only continue to grow in significance.

As the series unfolds, audiences can expect more twists and turns in Cross’s journey, and the blonde hair will undoubtedly continue to serve as a poignant reminder of the character’s ever-evolving identity.

For more information on Ryan Eggold’s latest projects, visit his IMDb page.

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