Ranking 10 Hilarious Comedic Actors Who Pulled Off Great Dramatic Performances
In the modern era, when typecasting has become too common, it may be quite a shock to see an actor well-known for comedy in a serious role, particularly if they are famed for appearing in gross-out movies or other similarly broad comedies. But many comedic actors have swapped their comfort zones and challenged themselves with roles that are light years different from what they usually play.
Plenty of comedians have made the jump to drama. Let’s take Robin Williams and Jamie Foxx for examples. They began their careers as good comedians but then won Oscars for their roles in the dramatic movies “Good Will Hunting” and “Ray” respectively. Their great dramatic performances have surprised their fans and taken them to new heights in their professions.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, we've ranked 10 comedic actors whose outstanding dramatic performances made viewers say wow.
Plenty of comedians have made the jump to drama. Let’s take Robin Williams and Jamie Foxx for examples. They began their careers as good comedians but then won Oscars for their roles in the dramatic movies “Good Will Hunting” and “Ray” respectively. Their great dramatic performances have surprised their fans and taken them to new heights in their professions.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, we've ranked 10 comedic actors whose outstanding dramatic performances made viewers say wow.
#10 Will Ferrell as Harold Crick in “Stranger Than Fiction” (2006): 73%
Source: Columbia Pictures
#9 Eddie Murphy as James "Thunder" Early in ‘Dreamgirls” (2006): 78%
Source: DreamWorks Pictures/Paramount Pictures
#8 Whoopi Goldberg as Celie Johnson in “The Color Purple” (1985): 81%
Source: Warner Bros.
#7 Jack Black as Carl Denham in “King Kong” (2005): 84%
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
#6 Steve Coogan as Martin Sixsmith in “Philomena” (2013): 90%
Source: Pathé Distribution/20th Century Fox
#5 Mo'Nique as Mary in “Precious” (2009): 91%
Source: Lionsgate
#4 Jim Carrey as Joel Barish in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004): 93%
Source: Focus Features
#3 Bill Murray as Bob Harris in “Lost in Translation” (2003): 95%
Source: Tohokushinsha Film/Focus Features
#2 Robin Williams as Will Hunting in “Good Will Hunting” (1997): 97%
Source: Miramax Films
#1 Melissa McCarthy as Lee Israel in ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?” (2018): 98%
Source: Fox Searchlight Pictures
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