Many of today’s most renowned actors gain popularity by playing characters with similar archetypes. Actors likeKeanuReevesandSeth Rogenhave made names for themselves as reliable action and comedy stars, respectively.Audiences crave the familiarity and sense of comfort felt by their unwavering personas.
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However, some of Hollywood’s best performers have the power to break free from the molds of conventionality. From someone likePaul Rudd, who continuously defies expectations, toMeryl Streep, who can just seemingly do it all, certain actors possess the innate ability to refuse to be typecast as one role.
1Meryl Streep
Meryl Streephas assumed the role of some of film’s most iconic characters, including the ruthless Miranda Priestly inThe Devil Wears Pradaand the titular Sophie inSophie’s Choice. Her effortless commitment to the roles she inhabits has unsurprisingly led her to being the most nominated actor inAcademy Awardshistory.
Though she may be most recognized for her dramatic performances, her talents as a comedic actress are equally notable, like inAdam McKay’sDon’t Look Up. In recent years, she has delved into the realm of movie musicals, showcasing her unexpectedly impressive vocals in films likeMamma MiaandThe Prom.
2Viola Davis
Viola Davis’gravitas and fortitude as an actress is undeniable. Her performances in films likeFences, Doubt,andHow To Get Away With Murderdemonstrate the potent command she can hold over an audience. In 2020, she even exhibited her singing ability in as the title character inMa Rainey’s Black Bottom.
Davis is also now a staple of theDC Extended Universe, playing the merciless Amanda Waller with a refreshingly dry wit and sarcasm in projects such asThe Suicide SquadandPeacemaker. Subsequently, it is difficult to pinpoint a definitive role for this powerhouse actress, leaving the door open to unlimited potential for future performances.
3Tom Hanks
Often referred to as “America’s Dad”,Tom Hankshas been the centerpiece of a multitude of classic films and audiences simply cannot seem to get enough of him. For some, his voice will always be associated with Woody from theToy Storyfranchise. For others, it is impossible not to separate him from his Oscar-winning turn inForrest Gump.
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In the past year alone, Hanks played a vast array of characters, including a fraudulent music entrepreneur inElvis, an Italian woodcarver inPinocchio, and a disgruntled widower inA Man Called Otto. With a resume like this, it is no wonder audiences have difficulty labeling him as one particular type.
4Paul Rudd
It is hard to imagine a time whenPaul Ruddwas not the household name he has now become. Before he became a major player in theMarvel Cinematic Universeas the face of theAnt-Manfranchise, Rudd starred in a mix of cult classics, likeWet Hot American Summer, and goofy comedies, likeI Love You, Man.
Years later, Rudd’s refined sense of comedic timing and sincere commitment to character has allowed him to broaden his range as an actor. Aside from spearheading three Marvel movies, he has since exhibited dramatic prowess in films likeThe Fundamentals of CaringandThe Perks of Being a Wallflower.
5Dave Bautista
As a former WWE Superstar,Dave Bautistafollowed in the footsteps of his predecessors, likeDwayne JohnsonandJohn Cena, bytransitioning from a professional wrestler into an actor. His breakout role as Drax in theGuardians of the Galaxyfranchise even remains his most recognizable character.
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Bautista has now broadened his domain by bringing his charming sense of humor into more dramatic roles in movies likeGlass Onion: A Knives Out Mysteryand the upcomingKnock at the Cabin.His involvement in theDunefranchise is a promising sign of what lies ahead for him.
6Leonardo DiCaprio
For many years,Leonardo DiCapriowas an Oscar-less fan-favorite who was known for his flashy, exuberant performances in blockbuster hits, likeThe Wolf of Wall StreetorDjango Unchained. When he finally won an Oscar forThe Revenantin 2016, he already had a stellar resume of eminent roles.
Recently, his more subdued performances inDon’t Look UpandOnce Upon a Time in Hollywoodhave exhibited a less boisterous side to his acting abilities that harkens back to his earlier performances in films likeTitanic. His upcoming portrayal as Teddy Roosevelt inMartin Scorsese’sRooseveltwill certainly display even deeper levels of what he can accomplish.
7Steve Carell
Steve Carellwill always be known first and foremost as Michael Scott from the legendary andhighly rewatchable sitcom,The Office. ThroughThe Officeand films likeThe 40-Year-Old Virgin, Carell has perfected the art of playing the lovable dimwit, proving the sincerity and empathy manifested in his comedy.
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Interestingly, Carell’s dramatic abilities are equally sincere and empathetic. Movies such asBeautiful BoyandFoxcatcherare prime examples of how he is able to be taken seriously under the right circumstances. He has even successfully navigated finding the perfect blend of the two genres as made evident by his performances inThe Big ShortandLittle Miss Sunshine.
8Amy Adams
Amy Adamsmade a splash by hilariously embodying Princess Giselle inDisney’ssubversive musical comedy,Enchanted. She recently returned to the role in 2022 for the long-awaited sequel,Disenchanted. She further revealed her musical talents with her roles inDear Evan HansenandThe Muppets.
While she is clearly capable of portraying these larger-than-life personas, her poise and restraint in films likeArrivalandThe Fighterindicate that she can give life to darker, complex characters just as easily. Like Davis and Rudd, she also is an integral member of a superhero franchise, serving as theDC Extended Universe’sLois Lane.
9Queen Latifah
Queen Latifahstarted her career as a Grammy Award-winning rapper before transitioning to acting. While audiences may most commonly associate her with lighthearted comedies likeLast HolidayorGirls Trip, her role as Robyn McCall on the rebooted CBS crime drama,The Equalizer, demonstrates the emotional depth she is able to unlock.
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Having appeared in several movie musicals, includingHairsprayandChicago, Latifah has also found a way to integrate her musical ability with her acting chops. A perfect example of this unification of her talents was herEmmynominated turn as the famous Blue singer, Bessie Smith, in the HBO TV movie,Bessie.
10Bill Hader
Bill Haderwas the face ofSaturday Night Livefor much of the mid-2000s, known for his outrageous characters and uncannily accurate impressions. He has since broken into the territory of dramatic acting, using his comedic skills to elevate his more serious roles, like inThe Skeleton TwinsorTrainwreck.
Hader has made a full transition into drama as a result of his Emmy-winning portrayal of the titular sadistic serial killer on HBO’sBarry. Thankfully, Hader never shies away from showcasing his comedic abilities, particularly in the realm of animation, due to his roles inThe Angry Birds MovieandInside Out.
