With the passing of a well liked actor we often see the comment about how much some enjoyed that actor's performances. But I wonder how many people really appreciate how versatile some actors are, where they can play wildly different type roles and each time make it seem that the character is the "real" personality of that actor? Seeing an actor play different roles over the course of many years in many films or TV shows can make that apparent, but often the recollection of the prior role is already a fading memory. I'm not sure if it can still be seen on some streaming network, but the short lived show (just three seasons) "American Crime" was a true showcase of the talent of some of these actors. Each season of this show was a totally different story, with very different characters, but all three years had the same main actors playing these varied roles. Felicity Huffman and Timothy Hutton were two of the actors involved. For anyone who wants to appreciate the real talent of actors, watching these three seasons can be a true viewing pleasure.
Versatile actors
- Thread starter vito
- Start date
Hollywood actors are professional phonies. Their job is to deceive you, to pretend they're someone they aren't. If they didn't fool us they would get replaced. Historically, actors were regarded as low-lifes, but over the years, the influence of Hollywood has surpassed common sense and now we have gravitated to a point where have to have a eulogy thread on every forum every time one of these phonies takes his dirt nap.
I would be more likely to admire a janitor than an actor.
I would be more likely to admire a janitor than an actor.
I really like Timothy Hutton and so will have to check out this American Crime... years ago he played Archie to Nero Wolf and pretty much the same troop of actors played new parts in every episode, I wish I could find those shows somewhere but when ever I search for them on Roku I get some Italian remake.
When you mention actors with versatility the one that first comes to mind is Dustin Hoffman.
When you mention actors with versatility the one that first comes to mind is Dustin Hoffman.
Val Kilmer, no other actor is close. When he performed "The Doors" as Jim Morrison I was bowled over, when I discovered he actually was Morrison's voice and not lip synced I was doubly impressed by his acting.
In Tombstone (Doc Holliday) he cemented himself in my best actor category.
In Tombstone (Doc Holliday) he cemented himself in my best actor category.
I like to watch the performances of character actors much more than the big name stars.
Strother Martin, L. Q. Jones, Slim Pickins, Elisha Cook Jr. Etc, Etc... The list goes on and they all add something to the role that they play
Strother Martin, L. Q. Jones, Slim Pickins, Elisha Cook Jr. Etc, Etc... The list goes on and they all add something to the role that they play
Exactly!!! Ben Johnson too! Harry Dean Stanton in The Green Mile is hilarious!! Warren Oates was great too.∆This. I really like Harry Dean Stanton and Warren Oates. But I'll always be a fan of Lee Marvin.
R. G. Armstrong was another fine character actor
I just played the electric chair rehearsal scene from The Green Mile for my wife and we both had a good laugh.
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One that stands out to me would be Denzel Washington. Not many roles he couldn't play. Liam Neeson would be another.
Yaworski
Hawkeye
I didn't like his Archie. First off, he wore his hats too low for the time period. Secondly, I've read all the Nero Wolfe novels and my image of Archie was that he could be a smart ass but was urbane enough to blend with society folk. Hutton's Archie was just a wise ass in a good suit.
Yaworski
Hawkeye
I saw an interview with a famous actress recently in which she was saying that a "movie star" essentially plays the same character in every movie and we go see it because we like that actor's character. John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Doris Day, Harrison Ford, and Tom Cruise are all good examples.
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Yaworski
Hawkeye
Most are still lowlifes Philandering, alcoholic, drug addicts is an apt description for many "movie stars." However, we were sold the bill of goods on the glamour life style.
C'mon Jeff Goldblum plays a perfect Jeff Goldblum every time. 
I do like actors that can play any role and be believable. The really good ones make you think to figure out who it is. Gary Oldman comes to mind.
I do like actors that can play any role and be believable. The really good ones make you think to figure out who it is. Gary Oldman comes to mind.
Gee Whiz Captain Obvious what will you enlighten us with next? That Santa Claus, Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy are not real?
Please provide sources to this shocking allegation....
Actors have been 'acting' since recorded history. Unless you are/were a complete dud somewhere in your life you were an actor. Lets pretend you are ....? Playing Mom and Dad, cowboys and Indians, race car driver. and on and on. Mark Harmon is one of the rarer actors in that he has played numerous roles, all well. He is also married to the same person for many years and stays out of the 'lime light' a lot. Tom Seleck is another versatile actor and not flashy.
BoggusDeal
Single-Sixer
Tom Berenger is a tremendously talented actor that has played a lot of different roles.
While not a fan of him personally, Val Kilmer was amazing.
While not a fan of him personally, Val Kilmer was amazing.
Yaworski
Hawkeye
Not quite the same. When I pretended to be an astronaut, it was a game in my head. Actors try to play the game in your head.
Actors are hired to portray characters from stories conceived by writers. They are selected based on how well they have portrayed various characters based on the personal opinions of the directors/producers, and how they are seen from previous performances. In addition, their popularity in the marketplace as seen by the audiences that will go to the movies they are in because the audiences have been satisfied by their previous works. Their lines are not their own personal thoughts, but taken from the pages of the scripts and done to the satisfaction of the directors, right down to facial expressions and emotional delivery, again to the director's satisfaction. That they draw audiences based on their own popularity will determine how the audience relates to their precious works. and this is used to attempt to get actors who will enhance the box office take from circulation. The bigger "draw" they provide will determine how often they are chosen for a part and how much they will be paid. It's all a business, a job of work, for money.
That all this may drive an individual actor to developing a less-than-wonderful personality when on their own time happens. Who cares? We either like a actor or we don't, for whatever reasons we use to judge them. Don't like 'em, don't go to their movies. I don't care if they are dingbats on their own time, that's not a concern of mine. I go to a movie to see the story, not the actor. JMHO
That all this may drive an individual actor to developing a less-than-wonderful personality when on their own time happens. Who cares? We either like a actor or we don't, for whatever reasons we use to judge them. Don't like 'em, don't go to their movies. I don't care if they are dingbats on their own time, that's not a concern of mine. I go to a movie to see the story, not the actor. JMHO
Anthony Hopkins excelled in any role.
wheelgun1958
Hunter
Peter Sellers
GypsmJim
GypsmJim
I like janitors as well, but I would not simply categorize ALL of them as low lifes.
When viewing this thread my first thought was Jimmy Stewart - one of the GREAT actors. But beyond that he rose thru the ranks from Private to Colonel and was a WWII war hero. Even after service he stayed in the Reserves, retiring as a Brigadier General.
Add to the list are Desi Arnaz and many others.
Look it up!
Yaworski
Hawkeye
Arnaz was a serial adulterer.
Rock Hudson liked men... Your point is??
Yaworski, what joy to bring to this thread, and most every other thread you spout your venom on 
Tends to mind one of a former member that was a fan of USSR rifles.Yaworski, what joy to bring to this thread, and most every other thread you spout your venom on
I like the question or intent of this thread. Some revered actors you can count on being pretty much the same person in every movie. Ya like them or don't.
But no matter a persons thoughts of actors in general, some apply there craft so much better than others. A few come to mind; Edward G. Norton for instance. A hate filled & violent bigot in American History X to totally 180 deg opposites in his other movies, versatile, a pro.
Billy Bob Thornton. If it hadn't been divulged who he was, how many would have known it was he who played Karl in Sling Blade?? Then to the mouthy dealer in Tombstone,, what a switch. Damn sure Wayne, Duval, or Elliot couldn't have pulled it off.
Some are mostly one trick ponies. Then some, whether you respect the craft or not are true artist of their craft.
I've watched a lot of westerns, still do. One fairly big star that impresses me is Burt Lancaster. The Professionals, Lawman, & Tell them Valdez is coming. Three totally different main roles & they just aren't another Burt character but totally different people. A pro. Did most of his own stunts as well. Had some 1 trick guys done them, they would have been just another cookie cutter role for that actors constant persona.
Just the way I see, it. Not to say I don't enjoy Strother Martin, or some of the other of his type, I do. But sometimes I might value a movie on a little bit more, I do enjoy a versatile & truly talented actor.
But no matter a persons thoughts of actors in general, some apply there craft so much better than others. A few come to mind; Edward G. Norton for instance. A hate filled & violent bigot in American History X to totally 180 deg opposites in his other movies, versatile, a pro.
Billy Bob Thornton. If it hadn't been divulged who he was, how many would have known it was he who played Karl in Sling Blade?? Then to the mouthy dealer in Tombstone,, what a switch. Damn sure Wayne, Duval, or Elliot couldn't have pulled it off.
Some are mostly one trick ponies. Then some, whether you respect the craft or not are true artist of their craft.
I've watched a lot of westerns, still do. One fairly big star that impresses me is Burt Lancaster. The Professionals, Lawman, & Tell them Valdez is coming. Three totally different main roles & they just aren't another Burt character but totally different people. A pro. Did most of his own stunts as well. Had some 1 trick guys done them, they would have been just another cookie cutter role for that actors constant persona.
Just the way I see, it. Not to say I don't enjoy Strother Martin, or some of the other of his type, I do. But sometimes I might value a movie on a little bit more, I do enjoy a versatile & truly talented actor.
I suspect it, acting, is like a lot of jobs, much harder than we think. There is a reason when you watch a movie or TV show about either being made that the key actors have chairs with their names on them.... they spend most of their time just sitting around waiting to film a scene. One of the interesting things I learned about the old Andy Griffith show was they only used one camera. Watch it and most scenes have shots from three or more different angles... close up of each person when they are talking and then a wide shot of them.... the actors would do the scene over and over again with the camera and lighting and such being moved between each....
