To be working in a big industry like Hollywood. it is easy for actors to get typecasted. There are some actors whom you’d only see as leads in action movies. While others are seen as romance actors. But sometimes the actors are able to break the typecast and explore something new. And often, their roles become memorable. Check out this list of ‘serious’ actors who nailed comic performances.
Ralph Fiennes
Playing our favorite wizarding world villain, Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, Ralph Fiennes excels at playing villains. He seems to be in favor of serious and darker roles. But one of the finest roles the actors played was in Grand Budapest Hotel. The actor added so much to the character of M. Gustave that everyone just loved to watch him. The funniest moment in the film was when he snapped at the lobby boy.
Jeff Bridges
To see Jeff Bridges in the role of a laidback stoner slacker in The Big Lebowski was a huge change for the fans. The character loved only two things – his rug and bowling. His background as a serious actor is an added benefit to making The Dude a character with depth. It makes the audience like him, despite his straightforward nature and his objectives.
Sam Rockwell
Playing a man-child role in The Way Way Back by Sam Rockwell is a total change from his usual roles. The portrayal is nothing short of hilarious and poignant. The character is the glue that kept the cast together. His sarcasm makes the character an immediate delight. Though Rockwell is known for more serious roles, he excelled in comic acting as well. He shone in the role of a snarky yet compassionate adult, playing the role of the lead’s mentor.
Robert De Niro
The legendary actor, Robert De Niro is known for starring in films like Goodfellas, Limitless, and The Godfather Part II. Despite being well known for his serious roles, his acting in comedy films cannot be sidelined – especially for his role in Meet the Parents. He adds a stoic sense to a gruffy and funny character. The scenes of the actor with Ben Stiller were the most fun to watch. So is De Niro character’s secret hatred towards Stiller’s character.
Ryan Gosling
Crazy, Stupid, Love features an ensemble of actors known for being funny people like Emma Stone and Steve Carell. It also featured an actor who is typically known for his serious roles – Ryan Gosling. Ryan Gosling‘s character is so memorable because the actor excelled at it. He made the underrated things seem funny. Just with a little tilt of his head and a raise of an eyebrow, he gave the audience a good laugh.
Scarlett Johansson
Known for being the Black Widow of Marvel, Scarlett Johansson is known as more of an action heroine. But her acting in Scoop proved that she has got what it takes to be a comic actor. Scarlett Johansson’s facial expressions and gestures made the audience break into a laugh. Even with the slightest movements, she made the character more comic. Her acting skills managed to awe everyone and we would love to see her more in roles like this.
