Redditors Are Sharing Actors Who "Aren't Acting, Just Playing Themselves"

Typecasting is very prevalent in Hollywood today. Most movie fans are acutely aware of it, in which a certain actor becomes associated with a particular character or a similar type of role. It is often referred to in a negative sense, so some actors will purposely choose a role that is completely opposite to their usual role in order to break away from their typecast.
To be honest, there are several talented actors in Hollywood, but many get stuck playing the same type of character over and over again. We wonder whether it's because they're so good at radiating a certain personality or because of their outstanding performance as one specific character. Some of them have made a name for themselves precisely because they always play the same character.
The topic of typecasting, interestingly, is a hot one for viewers to discuss. We found out that a few weeks ago, someone asked on Reddit about actors who basically only play themselves in movies, and asked the sub to share their thoughts. We have gathered the best ones here. Let's scroll down and enjoy!

#1 Paul Rudd

Source: Mike Pont / WireImage

"Although I'm a big fan of him, Paul Rudd plays the same lovable goofball in pretty much everything he's in."
—alleycat356

#2 Samuel L. Jackson

Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

"He plays the same role every time, but at least he plays that role well!"
—patrick_kim_2005

#3 Awkwafina

Source: Rich Polk / Getty Images for IMDb

"Even her own grandma said it's like she isn't acting, she's just playing herself in her movies."
—xy8lu

#4 Ellie Kemper

Source: Amanda Edwards / Getty Images

"Kimmy Schmidt and her character on The Office are literally the exact same character."
—userf41b694b7e

#5 Adam Sandler

Source: Rodin Eckenroth / WireImage

"No one even knows the names of the movies he’s in, there's just 'that one movie with Adam Sandler' and his character is 'Adam Sandler’s character.'”
—hannahbananamontana2

#6 Ed Helms

Source: Michael Kovac / Getty Images

"He plays an annoying, immature 40-something in everything."
—pinkthinker

#7 Joel McHale

Source: Cbs Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images

"He always plays the handsome douchebag."
—masm2

#8 Vanessa Hudgens

Source: Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic

"TBH, I think it's just bad acting."
—brock25500

#9 Johnny Depp

Source: Sc Pool - Corbis / Corbis via Getty Images

"He always plays a version of Captain Jack Sparrow, which is also a caricature of himself."
—mariirodriguees35

#10 Jennifer Lopez

Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

"At least for the past 25 years or so. She was doing great with Selena and Out of Sight, but then came the rom-coms. I feel like she plays herself in all of those."
—baobaopanda

#11 Seth Rogen

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images

"He always plays the annoying man-child who likes to swear a lot."
—masm2

#12 Channing Tatum

Source: Sean Zanni / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Suggested by: ltang

#13 Aubrey Plaza

Source: Jared Siskin / Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

"She seems like a lovely person, but she can’t act. It just seems like she speaks normally and sometimes shouts."
—stevenpwright

#14 Jason Bateman

Source: Amy Sussman / Getty Images

"I love Jason, but he always plays the same character."
—meggs0486

#15 Jack Black

Source: Leon Bennett / Getty Images

"I struggled to enjoy his movies because it was just Jack Black being Jack Black in everything. I’ve come to appreciate that for what it is now."
—martinideercat

#16 Denzel Washington

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images

"Controversial, but if you take 30 seconds to reflect, you’ll know I’m right. He always, ALWAYS plays the arrogant and slightly-troubled lead who is waging an ongoing personal battle with his own hubris."
—petunia712

#17 John Krasinski

Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images

"I'm probably the only one who feels like this, but after watching him on The Office and then on Jack Ryan, it really felt like he was the same character just with a different skill set/circumstances."
—bringbackuglybetty

#18 Katherine Heigl

Source: Jim Spellman / WireImage

"Katherine Heigl is the perpetually-single gal who initially hates her love interest, but after some 'soul searching,' she inevitably discovers he’s actually the one."
—mitzibee

#19 Tom Cruise

Source: Jamie Mccarthy / Getty Images

"Tom Cruise is always Tom Cruise."
—seymourstein

#20 Robert Downey Jr.

Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

Suggested by: megprince13

#21 Sarah Jessica Parker

Source: Francois G. Durand / WireImage

Suggested by: lehagstrom
"She’s been playing variations of Carrie Bradshaw since the '90s."
—abigaeljoyceanderson

#22 Kevin Costner

Source: Axelle / FilmMagic

"I love him, but he’s always Kevin."
—sandrac4c3faf3dc

#23 Chris Pratt

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images

"He only plays the guy who is seen as childish and usually has parent-related trauma. For example: Andy Dwyer, Peter Quill, Emmet, Barley Lightfoot."
—jbmasta