James Wolcott

If you were to hold me down and tickle me to pick my favorite 'plus-comic,' it would have to be Kevin James, a broad physical pratfaller capable of deadpan underplay, a technique honed from years of reaction-shot close-ups on TV, where every teeny fraction of a squint registers.

American Critic

Halsey

I cultivated this fan base that I really didn't really understand or appreciate until I put my first headlining tour up for sale. 500- to 1,000-capacity rooms weren't an underplay for me at the time. I'd never done a tour before!

American Musician

Ed O'Neill

I prefer to underplay scenes rather than, you know, be big and drive them. And sometimes you have to do that, but I like the more natural styles.

American Actor

Ben Hardy

If you express yourself too much. you're overacting; if you underplay it too much, it can come across as wooden.

English Actor

Vijay Sethupathi

I don't overact, so people think that I naturally act well. I underplay my roles, and that has worked for me.

Indian Actor

Namrata Shirodkar

It's easy to be loud, outspoken, and play to the gallery. It's difficult to underplay one's self.

Indian Actress

Nasser Hussain

People shouldn't underplay what the breaking up of a team does in every department.

British Athlete

Underplay subtly suggests something is smaller or less significant without directly stating it.

Subtle Downplaying

Underplaying isn't lying; it's presenting facts in a way that won't alarm others.

Not Deceptive

Underplay can be strategic in negotiations or discussions by not revealing full importance.

Strategic Use

Underplaying in drama means displaying subtler emotions, which can be more powerful.

Subtlety in Acting

Use underplay when a character's reaction is less than what the situation traditionally calls for.

Counter-Expectation

Underplaying can create tension or intrigue, as audiences expect a larger reaction.