A very GenX-Z list. Just a little earlier and it would have to include the Harry Dean Stantons, John C Reillys and even dare I say it Philip Seymour Hoffmans
There are also guys who were long time character actors who made the jump late in their careers to leading. William H Macy was a character actor until “The Cooler” and then “Shameless.” Willem Dafoe has probably seen more acclaim in his supporting roles than his starring roles, although I think he’s gotten more recognition lately.
I'm a big Patricia Clarkson fan. She adds spice to everything she's in. The only starring role I can remember is Cairo Time, which features another accomplished character actor Alexander Siddig.
I'm nearly faceblind, so I appreciate the repeat "here he is in the movie" (which I've watched and so recognize him).
Many leads aren't asked to play wildly different characters. I am surprised that Jeff Goldblum isn't on here. Seriously, he's in a lot.
Robin Williams and Kevin Spacey are the two leads I recognize as "can play different characters" (and yes, Robin Williams is always recognizable, as is Kevin Spacey, but they have Range). If you told me either of them was going to be a character actor (like Mark Hamill does these days), I'd figure they'd do a good job.
A very GenX-Z list. Just a little earlier and it would have to include the Harry Dean Stantons, John C Reillys and even dare I say it Philip Seymour Hoffmans
There are also guys who were long time character actors who made the jump late in their careers to leading. William H Macy was a character actor until “The Cooler” and then “Shameless.” Willem Dafoe has probably seen more acclaim in his supporting roles than his starring roles, although I think he’s gotten more recognition lately.
Absolutely! Macy belonged on my list. Dafoe is something else, something unique, a character-superstar…
Jack Warden and Ned Beatty Should be on the list.
Missing Dylan Baker.
Where's the William Fichtner love?? How is he not up there?
David Strathairn
Charles durning- from his very earliest noir appearances to the sting to everybody loves raymond
I'm a big Patricia Clarkson fan. She adds spice to everything she's in. The only starring role I can remember is Cairo Time, which features another accomplished character actor Alexander Siddig.
https://youtu.be/42JhWNJY1UM?is=0MDbPYM-98lHi6VR
The film is wonderful, and is also a fascinating artifact, as it was released barely a year before the Arab Spring changed Egypt.
Gorgeous movie. 💖 Them both.
Vincent D'nofrio. He's in a lot of movies and if you blink you miss him.
Ciaran Hinds has been a leading man, in the best version of Jane Austen's Persuasion.
It's interesting how I find those actors and actresses usually more likable than the top tier.
Thelma Ritter. Best character actress ever.
For years, I refused to believe that Mark Strong and Elias Koteas were different humans. Heavy contenders for Y’know-What’s-His-Face performers.
Eddie Marsan (before he got starring roles)
How could you possibly miss Kathy Baker?
I don't mean to be the "uhm actually" guy, but, uhm actually one of them was the lead actor on the series The Practice, which I watched a lot.
Damn if I know which one....🤷😁
I'm nearly faceblind, so I appreciate the repeat "here he is in the movie" (which I've watched and so recognize him).
Many leads aren't asked to play wildly different characters. I am surprised that Jeff Goldblum isn't on here. Seriously, he's in a lot.
Robin Williams and Kevin Spacey are the two leads I recognize as "can play different characters" (and yes, Robin Williams is always recognizable, as is Kevin Spacey, but they have Range). If you told me either of them was going to be a character actor (like Mark Hamill does these days), I'd figure they'd do a good job.