understudy
verb (used with object)
to learn (a role) in order to replace the regular actor or actress when necessary.
had understudied
-
past perfectof understudy.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The 29-year-old actress had understudied several roles, including Arachne and Mary Jane, since joining the show in 2007 and was a natural choice when Mendoza left.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 22, 2011
Within a year he had understudied Poitier in the role of Walter Lee Younger in A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway, and eventually he took over the role for the show’s national tour.
From Newsweek
He had understudied Mr. Kojac for the preceding two years, and felt there was no one else in the world for whom he could have as much respect.
From New Hire by David M. Dryfoos
Olga Larson, who had understudied Patricia ever since the Chicago opening, was given the part.
From The Real Adventure by Raymond Moreau Crosby
