bit player

Japan takes bit-player role in climate talks
The Daily Yomiuri - Osaka,Japan
BALI, Indonesia--The conflict of views between the United States and European nations in the latest UN climate conference essentially reduced Japan to a ...

bit-part　━━ a. 端役(はやく)［ちょい役］の.
Wikipedia article "Bit player".

A bit player is an actor who performs in theatrical works in minor roles either as a hobby or to earn a living.

The term is also used for aspiring actors who have not yet broken into major (supporting or leading) roles.

See also:

• bit part
  
• character actor
• supporting actor
• under six