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Character actors are the unsung heroes of Hollywood. These are the guys you see in everything, you know their face, but you can’t quite place their name. Character actors have built their careers around small, yet distinctive roles. So – here are 15 of the best!
Diane Wiest has enjoyed a successful career on stage, television, and film. She might be best known for roles in Parenthood and Edward Scissorhands, and she has become better known for a series of anxious, insecure women who seem to be taxed to the breaking point just getting through the day.
Hedaya had a minor role in Oliver Stone’s Nixon and later played Nixon himself in Dick. He was a junior high school teacher for many years before deciding to pursue acting full-time.
Who can forget Jeffrey Jones in Beetle Juice or as the principal in Ferris Bueller’s Day off? Sadly, Jones became a registered sex offender in 2003, after having been accused of hiring a 14-year-old boy to pose for sexually explicit photographs, and pled guilty to a felony charge.
Acting since the age of seventeen, Stern got his start in off-Broadway productions and has built up quite an impressive list of movie credits. He starred in City Slickers and Home Alone.
I was surprised to learn Donal Logue attended Harvard and studied at the British-American Drama Academy in London. Logue starred in Blade and Jerry Maguire, among other things.
Cromwell has played a US President four times – fictional President Fowler in The Sum of All Fears, fictional President Newman in “The West Wing”, Lyndon B. Johnson in the TV movie RFK, and George H.W. Bush in Oliver Stone’s film W.
A veteran of over 100 television and 120+ movie roles, James is best remembered for roles such as the replicant Leon in Blade Runner, Gen. Munro in The Fifth Element, Big Teddy in Cabin Boy. He died of a heart attack in 1999.
Morse is frequently cast in book-to-movie/television works by Stephen King, and I personally enjoyed his performance in The Langoliers. He claims that out of all of the films he’s done, his favorites are The Green Mile, The Crossing Guard, The Indian Runner, and The Rock.
Stanton served in WWII before beginning his acting career. He also fronts a band called “The Harry Dean Stanton Band” which regularly performs in the Los Angeles area. He starred in Alien, Repo Man, Paris, Texas, and other films.
Vincent Schiavelli, selected in 1997 by Vanity Fair as one of the best character actors in America, made over 120 film and television appearances. Aside from his acting career, Vincent was the author of three cookbooks, and has written numerous articles on food for magazines and newspapers. He died of lung cancer in 2005. He starred in Blade Runner and Tomorrow Never Dies.
Fred Thompson was a United States Senator representing Tennessee from 1994 through 2002. He has played the same character, District Attorney Arthur Branch, in five different series: “Law & Order”, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”, “Law & Order: Trial by Jury” and “Conviction”. He also ran for president in 2008! Fred ‘08.
Root has developed a cult following since his performance in Office Space and says people often give him red Swingline staplers.
Most famous for being one of the principal providers of voices on The Simpsons, he became better known through his appearances in films such as The Birdcage, Godzilla and Along Came Polly. As well as Moe, Wiggum and Apu, Azaria provides the voices of Comic Book Guy, Carl Carlson, Cletus Spuckler, Professor Frink, Dr. Nick Riviera, Lou, Snake, Kirk Van Houten, the Sea Captain, Superintendent Chalmers, Duffman, the “Wise Guy” and numerous other one-time characters in the Simpsons.
Edie McClurg is usually typecast as a middle-aged, somewhat stubborn and dimwitted Midwesterner. She has a Master of Science from Syracuse and taught radio at the University of Missouri/Kansas City for eight years. She starred in Natural Born Killers, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Mr. Mom.
Probably most well-known for playing Booger in Revenge of the Nerds, Armstrong also had a recurring role on Moonlighting.
Contributor: rushfan
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:09 am
Harry Dean Stanton has been in everything from the “Godfather” to “Alien”. Not a bad track record. Check out his IMDB listing and you’ll be amazed at the number of great (and NOT so great) movies he’s appeared in.
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:14 am
No Chris Cooper. No David Strathairn. no good.
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:39 am
I knew 10 of the 15 by name as well as face. It might be an 80’s thing though, 6 were in some of my favorite movies from that decade.
Diane- Footloose
Jeffrey and Edie- Ferris B
Harry- Pretty in Pink
Vincent- Fast Times
Curtis- Revenge of the Nerds
Thanks for the memories rushfan.
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:43 am
Thanks for listing Harry Dean Stanton. I will always see any film he is in. He’s fantastic!!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:10 am
My initial impression is that Fred Thompson seems out of place here as a one note/one role actor.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:14 am
Cyn ~ Thanks for the addition to Fred Thompson’s bio. I was very disappointed in his “whatever” approach to running for president. I still don’t understand why he and Rudy just sat there during the primaries until the last minute. Oh, and by the by, my husband thinks Obama is gonna announce Oprah as his VP pick.
And Chris and any others who don’t see your personal favorite actor on this list, take heart, I don’t care, you can make your own list or list them in the comments.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:15 am
Iain ~ I don’t think a character actor is a one/note one/role actor, they’re just not leads, they’re supporting cast.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:15 am
I would also make a strong case for Giovanni Ribisi – TV, mainstream and art-house movies – comedy and high drama.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:19 am
rushfan – I agree – my point is that Fred, compared to the rest of the excellent actors on your list seems to be, in my view, a one note/one character actor. You haven’t presented anything beyond that one guy on Law & Order that he does.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:21 am
damn, Rushfan, you just keep coming out with the lists!
I really enjoyed this one, thanks!
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:22 am
Rushfan – rereading my initial statement, I can see it is a little ambiguous.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:30 am
Another rushfan list… wow!
Seems being a female actor is a bit ‘all or nothing’ – there are only two on the list out of fifteen. Yes, no?
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:42 am
It seems a bit strange to say that Vincent Schiavelli “starred” in Blade Runner. I couldn’t remember him. I’ve just checked to find that he played a character named “Bullet Bob”, which leaves me none the wiser. The movie that I remember him in was “Ghost”, but I didn’t remember then name.
I loved Harry Dean Stanton in The Straight Story.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:46 am
Jain- ribissi is not a character actor – he has been a leading man. He is one of my favorite actors.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:48 am
rushfan is our featured lister this week! And bravo! Great lists
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:07 am
Schiavelli’s imdb filmography doesn’t list Bladerunner; Bladerunner cast doesn’t mention Schiavelli; I’ve seen the movie multiple times and don’t recall him. Assuming he was in it somewhere, how can you say he “starred”?
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:11 am
I think it would be better if you had provided pictures of the actors in the roles they’re known for.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:13 am
So are they character actors because they are typecast andalways play the same or similar roles?
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:15 am
I second Jamie’s praise. Yes, rushfan, well done!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:19 am
“He starred in Blade Runner and Tomorrow Never Dies.”
Wasn’t part of my original text, you’ll have to ask Cyn or Jamie.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:27 am
rushfan – nice list, thanks! I kinda expected to see Michael Caine…
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:29 am
Jfrater – I’m aware of Giovanni’s lead roles, so I had a bit of a reservation. However, I would say he’s always an excellent character/support actor in smaller roles (Friends, My Name is Earl). Plus there are a few actors on this list with leading credentials (e.g. Harry Dean Stanton). I think we can both agree he’s damn good.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:30 am
Good job. It’s often hard to make the distinction between character actors and cult actors (like Danny Trejo), so well done. The first four mentioned are the ones I always end up scratching my head over; “Now, where the hell did I see that guy/chick?”
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:31 am
Could have included Jordan Prentice.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:37 am
You missed so many great actors and actresses. You’ve seem to have a bias for actors of the modern era. What about greats like James Gregory, Sterling Holloway, Charles Lane, Bernard Fox, Agnes Moorehead, Woody Strode, Roscoe Lee Browne, Collen Dewhurst, John Carradine, Lee J. Cobb, Henry James, and so many more.
Besides, even if your criteria were for the modern era, you overlooked J.T. Walsh, John Rhys-Davies, Graham Greene, Donald Moffet, Charles Durning, Steve Buscemi, Linda Hunt, William Daniels, Charles Napier, Oliver Platt, and Bob Gunton.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:43 am
Spocker ~ Congratulations! You made your own list like a big boy. Try hitting the “submissions” link at the top of the page, and follow the step by step directions for how to, now here’s the exciting part, submit your *very own* list! Isn’t that just magical?
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:48 am
Excellent list! However, just to point it out, Vincent Schiavelli was a voice in Blade Runner the video game, and wasn’t in the actual movie. I love him as a character actor though, and thought him a good choice to be on the list! Well done, rushfan!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:53 am
Sorry for the double post, but I just remembered that Schiavelli was in “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”, one of my favourite movies!
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:56 am
Tempyra ~ The list was actually 15 dudes and then I said to myself, “hey, self, they’re all dudes. find some chicks.” So I did. I had Laura Linney on the original list, but changed my mind, as I am inclined to do.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:58 am
i would agree with iain, fred just doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of these guys based on the bio given.
i was wondering who was going to be the first peson offended by not having any people from outside the modern age.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:01 am
As far as Giovanni Ribisi goes, did anyone see that horrible excuse for a movie Perfect Stanger? With him and Halle Berry? Did he lose a bet or something? Yikes, that movie was a crapfest. God, even Bruce Willis was in that shithole. WTF?
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:03 am
disc ~ Yeah, the bios are just kinda random info. Fred’s on there cause he’s a role player in movies like Hunt for Red October, No Way Out, Fat Man and Little Boy.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:03 am
Great list! I think you’re definitely going to need to do “Another Great 15 Character Actors” in the future.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:15 am
I know all of them except Donal Logue and Thompson.
Great list, although I was shocked to find out about Jeffrey Jones, which explains why you never see him in films anymore.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:16 am
Okay – Ribisi was brilliant in Boiler Room where he had a lead role. In that film he showed that he wasn’t a character actor – he was a lead actor. Even his small (maybe character) role in lost in Translation was extremely important.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:19 am
A while ago I saw “Vincent Schiavelli” and “Blade Runner” on the same page of IMDB. I’ve just re-checked that, and he was in the video game of Blade Runner. I should have noticed “VG” (for video game) and “(1997)” in the first place.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:19 am
Giovanni Ribisi will always have a special place in my heart since he was on My Two Dads when I was a kid. I loved that show.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:24 am
oh – after all the praise for ribisi I should point out he is a scientologist. – a great tradgedy
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:26 am
NO! I hate finding out people are scientaliens. Beck is too.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:31 am
Whoa whoa whoa, where is JOHN TURTURRO?
He’s had very memorable character roles in “The Big Lebowski” (don’t fuck with the Jesus), “O Brother Where Art Thou?,” “Mr. Deeds” and, more recently, though not as good, “Transformers.”
His role in “Lebowski” alone deserves a mention on the list–his two or three minutes on screen almost steal the whole movie!
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:32 am
Somehow, almost all of these guys seem to be in the same movie of my mind. and it’s not pretty.
i didn’t know that about Jeffery Jones(hell i didnt even know that was his name). Not only does he know how to play a scumbag in movies, he’s also one in real life.
i wonder how come i always confuse Azaria with some character mafia actor. talk about typecasted character actors. whatsthatguy’sname?
I guess Azaria is up there with the great Mel Blank ,as far as cartoon voices go. Is there an award for that?
“…and the best cartoon voice of the year goes toooo….”
I wonder what Vincent Schiavelli looked like as a baby? What great parents he must of had. Theres a mug!
Teacher:”What do you want to be when you grow up Vincent?”
I must say i despise Edie McClurg.
“The Dao of Steve” was not all that bad, i liked it. Donal Logue was lovable “steve”. After watching, I had the urge to gain weight, smoke pot, teach school children and live blissfully within my manboy mentality.
Harry Dean Stanton-the ultimate sad sack. if i saw him in person, ide just wanna hug him and jump on a trampolene ,
“cheer up fella!”.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:33 am
ohrmets ~ good addition, thanks.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:35 am
What no Brian Dennehy? I thought for sure he would make the list. He’s in everything. Also kudos to Spocker for mentioning Steve Buscemi, one of my all time favorite character actors, forget that, one of my favorite actors.
And Oliver Platt, yes! We were talking about him last night, a great and funny-ass actor in everything I’ve ever seen him in.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:35 am
Diane Wiest was also in the Original Lost Boys!
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:49 am
Mom, you really got me thinking there. I even forgot Tim Roth and I *love* him.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:52 am
I don’t understand why that guy’s no.1…..
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 am
26. rushfan – Hey dude, chill! Your list is…ok, if that’s your preferences. If your a number one Booger fan, that’s alright with me, man. I like “Revenge of the Nerds” as much as the other guy. I’m just pointing out that your list lacks a bit of depth. You don’t have to get all defensive just because I offer a bit of criticism.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:55 am
It’s not a “top” 15 list, Ghidoran, it’s in no particular order.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:57 am
Spocker ~ No biggie, I was actually being humorous. Please feel free to check out my and many others’ lists that are much deeper. This one is lighter fare.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:00 am
Rushfan: Tim Roth is definitely worthy as well. I think we could probably double or treble this list without too much effort.
Good job by the way – I like Rushfan week at ListVerse.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:02 am
I loved Stephen Root in “O Brother Where Art Thou”
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:04 am
Every time I scrolled down I had an “oh my gosh I love him!” moment…except for the principal guy. ew.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:04 am
I wouldn’t agree with Booger as #1, but really great list!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:05 am
Is it just me or is James Cromwell in every single movie ever?
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:11 am
I too think John Turturro should have made the list… that guy is in everything I see!! And he’s brilliant, and, I don’t think he’s a scientologist! ha!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:13 am
Spocker; Rushfan is a dudette. No fear, I made the same mistake, but worse.
BA – Cromwell was great as the farmer in Babe. A damn fine family movie by the way. He blowed himself up real good in Robocop too!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:13 am
“That’ll do, Pig … that’ll do.”
I love James Cromwell!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:15 am
Do y’all think Jeremy Piven is still a character actor or has he moved beyond? He was the guy I used to say was in every movie ever.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 am
I think he would probably still qualify Rushfan; he doesn’t head-line any movies on his own, he’s generally part of an ensemble cast.
Have you noted how entirely creepy David Morse can be? I find his psycho roles extremely convincing.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:25 am
Yes! Disturbia for example. He made a lame attempt at a lead role in a movie called George B. I was embarassed for him. He has such a weird way about him, almost no personality at all.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:37 am
Surely Vincent D’Onofrio deserves a mention?
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:38 am
John Turturro immediately came to mind – he’s amazing! I loved him as the Jesus in The Big Lebowski, Shooter in Secret Window and Emilio the butler in Mr Deeds. He’s a great actor – in 81 movies so far, according to imdb.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:39 am
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001806/
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:41 am
One of the absolute best character actors is Timothy Spall – he’s that flabby, hang-dog Englishman (looks a bit like a human Droopy). mainly famous for top-class TV work in the UK – but he’s also been in loads of Hollywood fare (Enchanted, Harry Potter, Last Samurai).
Now that I think about it, something like the Harry Potter series features some of the cream of British character actors (Richard Griffiths, Robbie Coltrane etc.)
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:41 am
Ben Stein! Granted, it’s the same type of character, but he’s hysterical.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:47 am
I would add William H. Macy, and John C. Reilly to the list. They seem to be in everything!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:51 am
How about Michael Madsen?
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:58 am
Oh, and Christopher McDonald. He’s one of the best things about Thelma and Louise. “Have you taken complete leave of your senses?!”
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:04 am
Wasn’t Diane Wiest the DA on one of the Law & Order shows?
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:06 am
What? No Walter Huston or Thelma Ritter? There were character actors before the 90’s, you know …
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:10 am
Great list, rushie! A list like this, you’re going to get a ton of “you should have included X.. or what about Y?” It could have easily been “100 famous character actors.”
Great job boiling them down.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:18 am
I most remember Harry Dean Stanton from “Pretty In Pink”
Nice
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 am
49. rushfan – It’s cool. Sorry for the gender mix-up. But anyone who is a Rush fan is ok in my book.
How do you go about finding specific lists by author?
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:23 am
FYI ~ I’m a fan of Rush Limbaugh.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:24 am
Harry Dean Stanton was also in Procol Harum’s music video for “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. Brilliant song, and video.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:24 am
I forgot about John Turturro. He was great in “Quiz Show” as Herbie Stempel.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:26 am
74. rushfan – “FYI ~ I’m a fan of Rush Limbaugh.”
Nobody’s perfect.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:26 am
Well, rushfan gets the award for best “Author to Annoying Drivel Comment”
Spocker did point out Graham Greene, though: I think he’s more of a “token” character, unfortunately. His role in Maverick kind of sums up his line of work.
No ones really discussing David Morse. He was on “House” for a few stints and also played George Washington (very well, I may add) in “John Adams”.
#66.: Are you kidding? Both of those actors have played large enough roles to be outside “character” acting.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:28 am
LOL Spocker. Are you a trekker or a trekkie?
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:29 am
What about the late greats – J.T. Walsh and Bruno Kirby, both of Good Morning Vietnam among others
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:32 am
Ed Harris and Eugene Levy could have made the list as well, though maybe they are a bit too well known for the list?
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:33 am
great additions, Houguy! I *love* Good Morning, Vietnam!!
“First of all, don’t make fun of the weather here, and don’t say the weather is the same all the time here. Because it’s not. In fact, it’s two degrees colder today than yesterday.
Two degrees colder, me without my muff.”
So many classic lines.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:36 am
I had a little crush on David Morse in ‘The Green Mile’, but it went away after watching him in ‘Disturbia’. Yucky!
Vincent Schiavelli was “Mr. Vargas” the weird science teacher from ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’. He took his students on a tour of the hospital morgue.
He started his class with some line like, “Don’t mind me, I just switched to Sanka”.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:37 am
Ha. Rush.. deja vu on the name convo
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:41 am
dan hedaya also had good roles in the usual suspects and mulholland drive
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:41 am
I know, right? I think I’m gonna have to start calling you Ned.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:52 am
79. rushfan – “Are you a trekker or a trekkie?”
FYI, I’m a fan of Dr. Spock.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:58 am
There are so many great character actors so this list took courage on rushfan’s part to narrow them down to 15. You would have to know when writing this list there would be a lots of comments starting out “Hey what about……..” Rushfan I really like that you decided on short and sweet descriptions for each actor because if they are famous characters their face should speak for itself.
My only “Hey what about” is Charles Durning he has been in a ton of stuff and was recently honored with the Life Achievement Award at the Screen Actors Guild Award Ceremony.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:02 am
Great list, rushfan! It is good to know that someone is giving a well deserved shout out to the lesser known actors and actresses.
I find it interesting to note that I Daniel Stern was actually the narrating voice (older Kevin Arnold) on the show Wonder Years. I just recently found this out when I was watching an old re-run of the show and they credited him with that part. The voice doesn’t even really sound like him.
And no…Marilyn Manson did not play the character of Paul Pfeiffer just in case anyone was wondering.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:23 am
Would Clint Howard count? Or are the only movies he’s in directed by Ron Howard?
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:26 am
No Steve Buscemi?
He’s a fantastic character actor.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 am
You´re all right, there are so many great ones out there.
I propose to organize a survey between 100 of them with their picture and let´s vote for our favorite!!!
By the way, how about Michael Clarke Duncan
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:35 am
Pretty soon I think that the name is going to be changed to rushfanVerse. And I think that I might be OK with it… Another cool list.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:42 am
Awe, shucks. I am but a mere spectator who occasionally joins in the fun. Long live King Jamie and Queen Cyn. And their spawn, Dangorironhide.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:50 am
gary oldman anyone?
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:53 am
Some others that haven’t been mentioned yet …
Phillip Seymour Hoffman (pre-Capote)
Dylan Walsh
William Fichtner
Clancy Brown
William Forsythe
Michael Rooker
Bob Balaban
Maury Chakin
Paul Giamatti (pre-Sideways)
Adam Goldberg
Jane Lynch
Will Patton
Holland Taylor
Gedde Watanabe
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:59 am
In the list I provided in post 25, I tried to avoid those character actors who later received major roles and established themselves above that label. But there are many who have become famous, like Phillip Seymour Hoffman above, that if we include them in the catagory the list will probably never end.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:03 am
So many good ones were missed.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:22 am
Spocker, I just noticed you mentioned Charles Durning too.
I think people have different ideas on what a character actor is. Is it the actor that takes on interesting characters in a non leading roll or is the actors that are typecast lets say as a gangster and then put into that roll? I think it can be both.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:34 am
I agree, Blogball
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:52 am
I LOVE David Morse…good inclusion. What about Steve Buscemi and Adam Goldburg? Good list overall!
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:55 am
Ok, I’m not sure I get the concept of a “character” actor, but I’ve heard of a few of these people and I know they’re good actors. I just thought a “character” actor was someone who played a famous character, like Batman or Sherlock Holmes or something. Goes to show how much I know about movies!
Great list though! I remember seeing David Morse as Tritter on House, MD, and he was a total JERK! I have a hard time getting that character out of my head when I look at him.
Well done rushfan!
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:56 am
DIOGENES,
And I thought that I didn’t have a life.
Tommy 2 X 4
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:58 am
I loved Diane Wiest in Lost Boys!
Jeffrey Jones – a perfect character actor you love to hate! He does such good work in that regard.
Vincent Schiavelli is the homely little man we should all miss dearly… another of my favorites.
Gotta say, I’d like to think that Stephen Root is more than a character actor – his versatility transcends the level…
Edie McClurg – the ultimate flighty, over-protective mom-figure of character actresses; another of my favorites in that role.
So, I can’t believe everyone has missed some of the very greatest character actors of all time: Don Knotts (the ever funny side-kick), Ed Harris (stoic tough guy and/or Russian agent [perun99 got him!]), Walter Brennan (goofy ol’ cow poke), and I could go on with several more… but gotta get going!
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:01 am
#95 djb522: I am with you on Gary Oldman. He is not really too much of a “character actor”, although he is my favorite actor of all time. Sad thing about Oldman is that he not only plays the bad guy role most of the time, but he usually ends up dead in each film that he is in.
The role that landed him as numero uno in my book was the movie Romeo is Bleeding. Everyone should check it out. Highly recommended!
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:07 am
That’s a tough list to tackle. I could come up with 15 separate people but would have a hard time saying that those 15 were better then these 15. Either way it sparked some great discussion.
“The Tao of Steve” starring Donel Logue has got to be the most under-appreciated movie of the last decade. It also has a very good, if short, sound track. The song “I’m No Superman” is used as the opening theme to Scrubs.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
I can’t believe I forgot Lance Henriksen!
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:28 am
Great list, rushfan! Fred totally deserves to be on this list. He was also in Days of Thunder and Die Hard 2. Keep up the good work, you crazy LV addict!
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
What about M. Emmett Walsh, J.T. Walsh and Ed Lauter. There are literally hundreds of movies these guys are in going back decades.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:16 pm
well some how brother managed to get the laptop inside the hospital
I haven’t read any comments but managed to read every list n its just WOW!!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Laura Dern should probably get an honorable mention.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I’d say Brian Dennehey (sp?) and agree with tg64 on M. Emmett Walsh, JT Walsh and probably add Jack Warden, John Cazale and about a hundred guys from old westerns and war movies. Bill McKinney comes to mind. (Redlegs from Josey Wales)
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
rushfan, thanks for another great list!
I see all the gripes above, and all I can say is no matter who you include, you’ll no doubt exclude somebody’s favorite. There’s just no getting around it.
Having worked with both “stars” and “character actors”, I can say without hesitation, give me a character actor any day. They have an entirely different outlook on life, and on their place in it. It’s a bit more whimsical, a bit more off-the-cuff. They simply don’t take themselves as seriously, though they take their work extremely seriously.
They’re always a pleasure to work with.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Good list, Now we need one with the most annoying actor and actress, or the most anoying voices in television. I know a few already.
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
most annoying: Fran Dresher
most overrated: Julia Roberts
biggest dillhole: Tom Cruise
worst tv show that won’t go away: New Adventures of Julia Louise Whatsername
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Pretty much anyone ever in a Coen Brothers movie…
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
@ rushfan -
“Long live King Jamie and Queen Cyn. And their spawn, Dangorironhide.”
WTF?
ROFLMAO!
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Cyn ~ I’ve got one of those Olan Mills-style family photos of the three of you in my head.
All of you looking slightly to the left. In matching white sweaters.
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Great list
From a fellow Rush fan
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Hmm.. Noticed something.. Don’t know if its just me but there are 2 7’s and no 8..
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
…and who the fuck are you, “TOMMY 2 X 4″ ?
my newest fan?
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I’d add Stephen Tobolowsky to this list. He’s been in over 180 movies! Look him up on IMDB and you’ll recognize him.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Doesn’t Jeffery Jones play proffessor Lupin in the Harry Potter movies? Or is it just me who think they look alike?
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
How about Jesse White- or as he is also known–The Maytag Repairman, perpetual victim of loneliness. This role is primarily a U.S. role,(I believe), but he did debut in 1947, Kiss of Death. His career lists 149 roles (IMDB), that covered movies, television and commercials.
He passed in Jan., 1997 heart attack.
Rushfan–thanks for the great list!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:32 pm
No David Threwliss or something
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Iain (8) –Yeah, He’s really great too. Especially in “Basic”.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Wilford Brimley called. He’s like his #1 spot on this list back, please.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Can’t forget Elisha Cook, Jr. He was Wilmer in The Maltese Falcon and Icepick on Magnum PI.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
haha these are some good characters
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Peter Stormare
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:26 pm
If we’re across the pond and dragging in the excellent Spall (Iain, 64) and Thewlis (Tivvyred, 125 – it’s Thewlis, Tivvy, and surely supporting rather than character?), can we possibly leave out sports?man-turned-actor Vinny Jones? Tim Spall is hardly famous, but who could deny Vinny?
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:43 pm
i love the green wing reference on the home page
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:11 pm
@ rushfan
whatever you’re smoking and/or drinking…send me some!
sick..so sick but funny!
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Hmm.. Noticed something.. Don’t know if its just me but there are 2 7’s and no 8..
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
The first 2 names i thought of were Gary Oldman and Ron Perlman. A bit sad not to see these two on the list.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Insaniac: You’re right, the list goes from 10 to 9 and then 7, 7, with no 8.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Great List! The most memorable movie Vincent Schiavelli acted in would be Ghost, though, for me. I think Brent Spiner should have been on the list. He’s acted the part of a redneck on the TV show Night Court, a scientist in the movie Independence Day, and the android Data on Star Trek TNG. His credits may not be as long as others but he’s diverse in his characters.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Where’s Paul Gleason? The stressed out principle of The Breakfast Club, Van Wilder, Not another Teen Movie, and Boy Meets World. Then again, wasn’t he ‘Richard Vernon’ in all of those roles?
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
No Warren Oates? Murray Hamilton? How could you not have at least one of them on the list?
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I enjoyed this list, good work!
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:52 pm
James James, the man so nice they named him twice! Woot Stephen Root is AWESOME.
I nearly started making a list of my fave “I know that guy” actors but the list really would be too long. I think though, one omission that stands out a bit more than others is Vincent Schiavelli; he was in *everything*.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Oh dude I fail. It must be late because I read the whole post and then said Schiavelli was omitted….*cough* *runs and hides*
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:21 am
the sign of a good list is the amount of response generated. good job, but the best character actor ever is Robert Duvall, yea he has had a leading roll or two but who can forget kilgore in that vietnam movie that we all talk about.
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:31 am
I’ve basically disqualified myself from this list. Im a character actor fan. Whenever I see an actor a few times, I’ll look at the credits to get their name. If an American points at a TV and says, “Look, it’s that guy” or “that woman” or “There’s the guy that had *some* disease on “Scrubs”. chances are that I’ll know their name. I could keep thinking of actors but I’m not sure how “famous” some of them would be considered.
How about:
Eric Christmas, Frances Sternhagen, K Callan, Gordon Jump, M Emmet Walsh, Tom Poston(I met him), Eugene Roach, Paul Sorvino, Fred Stoller
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:02 am
so for all of you who think Fred Thompson is a “one hit wonder” look him up he has been in 24 movies. and a bunch of tv shows i was surprised myself to see how many. weird huh?
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:32 am
Great list, I’m surprised Paul Giamatti has only been mentioned once, in the comments. He has mainstreamed into lead roles lately.
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Tom Wilkinson
Robert Carlyle
Nick Frost
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Christopher Walken has been a leading man but I would consider his best roles have been as defined in the list
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
What’s his name? R. Lee Ermey? The coach in Saving Silverman. As well as numerous drill seargents (sic?). He’d have fit right in on this list.
August 23rd, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I didn’t know Vincent Schiavelli was dead.
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Great list. All of those actors are fantastic and have memorable characters. I’d like to throw in a nomination for my all time favorite character actor: Stephen Tobolowski (Ned Ryerson in “Groundhog Day”, and Werner Brandes in “Sneakers”).
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Correction: Stephen Tobolowsky
August 24th, 2008 at 3:58 am
Michael Jeter anyone? I loved him in The Green Mile.Sadly he has now since died but i thought he was pretty good.I think he also had a part in Jurassic Park three.Or is that just me?
August 24th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
It seems, with the exception of Diane Wiest, that a requirement in the role of charactor actor is to be ugly as hell.
August 24th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Captain Super, (154),
You’ve just offered an awful lot of people an awful lot of hope.
August 24th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
How do you have this list without Ned Beatty?
Deliverance
the life and times of Judge Roy Bean
All the Presidents Men
Superman
Rudy
Charlie Wilson’s War
any number of TV shows from Kojak to MASH to CSI.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
louis, (156),
Wikipedia cites a total of 78 films (including your six) for the sadly neglected (here) and splendid Ned Beatty.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Cool breif list rush
actually helped put names to faces
August 24th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Hi CRSN Wanna hear a joke? We were cut off before! I know lots!
August 24th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
I remember Daniel Stern best from “Breaking Away.” That was a great movie.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Vincent S was the best in Ghost as the weird old dead dude.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Vincent Schiavelli in “Blade Runner”? I think not-maybe you were thinking of “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” …
August 25th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Edie McClurg? Is she the “You’re Fucked” lady in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”?
August 25th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Vera, (160),
‘Breaking Away’? That’s one of my all-time personal favourite films, but Anita absolutely loved it when it came up (Spanish-dubbed) here too. She isn’t a cycling nut like me either (well done our guys in the olympics). It’s on the *buy next time* binge-list when our American friend here goes back for a visit to her native country in December.
I’ve quoted “The Cutters” to people as a way of adopting and turning round an insult to give your enemies the finger (not always possible, who’d want to call themselves “The Dick-Heads”?!). The encounter with the Italian *heroes* is so true of much of real-life sport, olympic spirit aside. Many competitors will do anything underhand to win, and even worse not to lose! I wonder how many idealistic young kids with talent have had similar rude awakenings during early trials in the pro world?
I have an idea for a list of sport films, probably later rather than sooner, one film per sport. ‘Breaking Away’ would be it for cycling.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Where’s John Cazale and Alex Rocco????
August 25th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I’m sorry, but Ned Beatty from Deliverance only brings to mind one thing.
“Squee, squee squee. . . .”
And if you want to know, Bill McKinney, which I pointed out in a previous post, was the one forcing the action.
August 25th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
bucslim, (166),
Oh, boy, I love it, I love it. But you’ve just totally ruined ‘Deliverance’ for me for ever and ever. I shall never be able to watch it again without corpsing every time that scene comes on. I might as well play ‘The Cat and the Canary’ instead.
August 25th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
It says *famous* not *good* by the way.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I enjoyed the list but have a very difficult time calling a TWO-TIME OSCAR WINNER a character actor/actress (Diane Wiest).
August 25th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Another satisfied vote foe Clint Howard as “cooperdick”
August 25th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Anon (164) I love when he’s on the highway and the trucker (from the other team) flashes his fingers to show how fast he’s cycling. 40, 50, 60, and the trucker gets a ticket,and the cycler just cruises past. Great scene.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Vera, (171),
Yes, it’s full of such deft, inventive and memorable touches. Any film bought or listed to sit on our shelves has to have that repeat-worthy quality.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Plus, you can see how everyone got involved and must have enjoyed making it, I’m sure. Another hallmark of any fine film.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
#173. Anon
Plus, you can see how everyone got involved and must have enjoyed making it, I’m sure. Another hallmark of any fine film.
****
That really is true, most of the time. When the actors love their characters, and the story, there is a special extra something that goes into the work (and let me be perfectly clear everyone, making a movie is work!). Whatever the something is would be impossible to define, but it encases the entire production…sorry, I’m distracted by a woodpecker banging on the branch of a tree about 10 feet from me…and even the p.a.s, the gofers, pickup on it.
OTOH, really talented actors can create a screen presence which would lead you to believe the work place was harmonious and serene when, in fact, it was a living hell. It may leak out here and there, just as a tension where none should exist, a pulsing blood vessel in the temple, a sharp tendon in the neck, but not anything anyone would notice.
That’s why they are called “actors”.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
segue, (174),
Sure, or in a wider sense, “pros”. No one, when our botancial books come out, could guess the internecine hatreds that have existed between co-authors and perhaps editors and publishers during their *pregnancies*! (Joint literary *conception* is usually a fairly tranquil and inspired moment!)
You are right. Sometimes one sees a relaxed and natural film that is almost impossible to tell apart from real life (How DO they do that?). Then you hear afterwards that so-and-so (actor, director) was an evil bastard, a little Hitler, hated by the entire company. But sometimes perfectionists are made that way, and of course achieve what they seek: perfection.
When leading small groups in fieldwork, I’ve on occasion defied all the rest in a decision I believe to be essential. Normally I only work with consultation and consensus, but in those cases I went against my own standard character and was quite agressively and uncompromisingly insistent. I’ve felt the spiky barrier of instant resentment, unpopularity and dislike, and forced myself to ride it. Happily my judgement has hardly ever failed me (I certainly won’t claim Papal infallibility and say never!), and the guys have come back with more respect and admiration than ever afterwards.
August 26th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
I love Hank Azaria!
But you forgot to mention he was also in Tuesdays with Morrie.
August 26th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Stephen Root also does a character voice on the show “King of the Hill”. He plays Bill.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:42 am
No Danny Trejo? C’mon that guy has been in more movies than morgan freeman.
August 27th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Hank Azaria was super-brilliant in Mystery Men. And Dabney Coleman, Ron Rifkin and Ron Lacey all come to mind.
August 30th, 2008 at 4:56 am
Missy Pyle is HILAROUS
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
THAT’S A GREAT LIST!!
There’s only one guy missing… Clint Howard. He’s Ron Howard’s brother and is in every movie Ron has made, as well as bit parts in a zillion other movies!! you should look up his resume!!
September 7th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
What about Luis Guzman?
September 9th, 2008 at 5:10 am
lovely, David Morse is one of my favorite actors, but its been long since i last saw him in a movie
September 9th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
WILLIAM FICHTNER!!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
WILLIAM FICHTNER. His facial profile alone is so distinctive. Aside from Prison Break, most recently was the unflinching gun totting mafioso Bank Owner in the opening bank robbery scene of Dark Knight. Great actor, never disappoints.
October 7th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Ty Burrell. Especially in Dawn of the Dead (remake) Fantastic!
November 1st, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Fuck the idea of character actors. An actor is an actor is an actor. It pisses me off when someone calls Kelsey Grammer “Frasier” almost as much as it pisses me off when someone calls the Terminator character “Arnold”. Actors and characters are 2 seperate things.
November 1st, 2008 at 4:20 pm
#6 looks a bit like Ted from Scrubs hehe
February 8th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
John Leguizamo should be there! I like him a lot especially in Ice Age!
April 28th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Steve Buscemi is THE best character actor in the business today. Ever so slightly behind him – John Turturro.
Jeffrey Jones? Really? He’s memorable in what, three movies? Not that his acting isn’t good, but to leave off Steve Buscemi or Turturro for anyone on this list is just ridiculous. Those guys are amazing in every film I have seen them in.
Also, kudos to the person who mentioned R. Lee Ermey. I seem to recall him having some great scenes in the Ernest movies as well as Full Metal Jacket. He always seems to play some kind of coach or drill instructor.
April 30th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Check out Donal Logue’s performance in “The Groomsman”… goes well beyond character acting in my opionion. This guy should be playing some leads