They’re the o oh two actors I ever get excited to see in anything
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The Top 50 Actors Countdown - You Casted Your Votes
- Thread starter Johnny Unusual
- Start date
Violentvixen
(She/Her)
I never watched this show but damn they both have perfect comedic timing and tone here.
Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
34. Samuel L. Jackson
AS
Radish Ron
53 Points, 2 Lists, #7 Yorin Trouble
Iconic Roles: Jules Winnfield (Pulp Fiction), Nick Fury (Marvel films), Mace Windu (The Star Wars prequels), The Guy Who Fought Snakes on a Plane (Coach Carter)
Samuel L. Jackson began as a student activist fighting for civil rights in the late 60s following the Martin Luther King assassination (he actually attended the funeral as one of the ushers). He was also studying marine biology but eventually left after a positive experience starring in a production of the Threepenny Opera and begin appearing in other plays, notably A Soldier’s Story. His stage work attracted the attention of young filmmaker Spike Lee, who put him in his films School Daze, Do the Right Thing and Jungle Fever. Jackson began having a presence in major films like Goodfellas, Jurassic Park and Patriot Games and even gaining starring roles in National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon One and Amos & Andrew. He got his major break, though, in the stylish crime epic Pulp Fiction, playing the hitman looking for a second chance Jules Winnfield and he would become a frequent collaborator with writer/director Quentin Tarantino. The film made him iconic and even more sought after, making him a cinema superstar, landing major roles. He was so recognizable, his likeness was used as the basis for a new version of the Marvel spy hero Nick Fury with his consent and 6 years later, he ended up playing the role himself, a character who appeared in 11 films so far with the promise of appearing in his own mini-series Secret Invasion.
Samuel L. Jackson’s brand is profanity. It makes sense, film profanity definitely increased in the 90s and he was in one of the most cuss-filled movies of the era, dispensing some of it. And he is happy to own it doing the audio book of the children’s book parody Go the Fuck to Sleep. I think he just thinks it’s fun. But I think that belies how varied Jackson’s roles have been. Yes, he’s played lots of detectives and criminals but I feel like he’s been so many characters that can be serious, goofy, scary and sweet. Yes, he can play into the image people remember of him but he never feels like he’s hemmed in by it. Even when he plays smaller roles, there is an authority to him. It’s almost the opposite of what Hartman above parodies and more a natural faith that whatever this man says, whether it be truth or lies, needs to be listened to. Some actors have the in the gravitas in their voice (no shade on that, and that’s coming up), but I feel like there’s something more than that, an aura that makes you feel that this is a man whose every word matters and when he actually acts, it might matter even more.
I believe this is the first man EVER TO CUSS! NOTE that I have only starred in ABRIDGED Shakespeare and old episodes of THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW!
He literally wears a lot of hats. So if he were to donate his old ones, then our budget for crew hats is covered.
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Shockingly neither.
ACTING!
AS
Radish Ron
53 Points, 2 Lists, #7 Yorin Trouble
Iconic Roles: Jules Winnfield (Pulp Fiction), Nick Fury (Marvel films), Mace Windu (The Star Wars prequels), The Guy Who Fought Snakes on a Plane (Coach Carter)
Samuel L. Jackson began as a student activist fighting for civil rights in the late 60s following the Martin Luther King assassination (he actually attended the funeral as one of the ushers). He was also studying marine biology but eventually left after a positive experience starring in a production of the Threepenny Opera and begin appearing in other plays, notably A Soldier’s Story. His stage work attracted the attention of young filmmaker Spike Lee, who put him in his films School Daze, Do the Right Thing and Jungle Fever. Jackson began having a presence in major films like Goodfellas, Jurassic Park and Patriot Games and even gaining starring roles in National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon One and Amos & Andrew. He got his major break, though, in the stylish crime epic Pulp Fiction, playing the hitman looking for a second chance Jules Winnfield and he would become a frequent collaborator with writer/director Quentin Tarantino. The film made him iconic and even more sought after, making him a cinema superstar, landing major roles. He was so recognizable, his likeness was used as the basis for a new version of the Marvel spy hero Nick Fury with his consent and 6 years later, he ended up playing the role himself, a character who appeared in 11 films so far with the promise of appearing in his own mini-series Secret Invasion.
Samuel L. Jackson’s brand is profanity. It makes sense, film profanity definitely increased in the 90s and he was in one of the most cuss-filled movies of the era, dispensing some of it. And he is happy to own it doing the audio book of the children’s book parody Go the Fuck to Sleep. I think he just thinks it’s fun. But I think that belies how varied Jackson’s roles have been. Yes, he’s played lots of detectives and criminals but I feel like he’s been so many characters that can be serious, goofy, scary and sweet. Yes, he can play into the image people remember of him but he never feels like he’s hemmed in by it. Even when he plays smaller roles, there is an authority to him. It’s almost the opposite of what Hartman above parodies and more a natural faith that whatever this man says, whether it be truth or lies, needs to be listened to. Some actors have the in the gravitas in their voice (no shade on that, and that’s coming up), but I feel like there’s something more than that, an aura that makes you feel that this is a man whose every word matters and when he actually acts, it might matter even more.
I believe this is the first man EVER TO CUSS! NOTE that I have only starred in ABRIDGED Shakespeare and old episodes of THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW!
He literally wears a lot of hats. So if he were to donate his old ones, then our budget for crew hats is covered.
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Shockingly neither.
ACTING!
Violentvixen
(She/Her)
Whoa
Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
33. Morgan Freeman
AS
Mr. Leek
54 Points, 3 Lists, #11 Kirin
Iconic Roles: Red (The Shawshank Redemption), Det. William Sumerset (Se7en), Hoke Colburn (Driving Miss Daisy), Narrator (lots of stuff. So much stuff)
Morgan Freeman made his major acting debuts on film (The Pawnbrokers) and stage (Hello, Dolly!) in 1964. He spent the rest of the decade in numerous stage productions and in the seventies became a fixture on the children’s educational series The Electric Company. In the 80s, he appears in various films and made a breakthrough as the pimp Fast Black in Street Smart, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination. In 1989, he appeared in two acclaimed films, Glory and Driving Miss Daisy, with the latter earning him his first Oscar. Afterwards, he appeared in strong supporting roles in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Shawshank Redemption and Se7en. It was in Shawshank were Freeman became known for his narration, and his voiced was used to narrate for numerous fiction films and documentaries.
If Jackson’s brand is "motherfucker", his mentor (look it up) Freeman’s brand is narration with so much gravitas, no light can escape it. It is a voice of authority based on merely on station but on experience. He can still be vulnerable and even foolish in his films, but beyond simple age, there’s the impression his characters have absorbed a lot through their lives, whether it be good or evil. There’s a lot going on with him, in the eyes and sometimes the shoulders and how he generally carries himself but man, that voice. It’s no wonder he became THE voice for documentaries, rivalled only by David Attenborough. It’s a voice you listen to and has become so iconic and parodied, it’s no surprised he himself has parodied his own image on several occasions, often using the understanding of his icon status to subvert it or mess with the audience. It is unfortunate that he was basically one of the people used early on for the “magical black man” trope, but it’s easy to see why you could see him as a wise, mythic mentor.
Why does this man not SHOUT SOME TIMES! Volume EQUALS talENT! Exercise your GIFT!
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Surprisingly no. Oh, but he was in a fun 80s Twilight Zone where a bunch of poker buddies end up getting a guest join them for the evening… THE DEVIL!
ACTING!
AS
Mr. Leek
54 Points, 3 Lists, #11 Kirin
Iconic Roles: Red (The Shawshank Redemption), Det. William Sumerset (Se7en), Hoke Colburn (Driving Miss Daisy), Narrator (lots of stuff. So much stuff)
Morgan Freeman made his major acting debuts on film (The Pawnbrokers) and stage (Hello, Dolly!) in 1964. He spent the rest of the decade in numerous stage productions and in the seventies became a fixture on the children’s educational series The Electric Company. In the 80s, he appears in various films and made a breakthrough as the pimp Fast Black in Street Smart, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination. In 1989, he appeared in two acclaimed films, Glory and Driving Miss Daisy, with the latter earning him his first Oscar. Afterwards, he appeared in strong supporting roles in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Shawshank Redemption and Se7en. It was in Shawshank were Freeman became known for his narration, and his voiced was used to narrate for numerous fiction films and documentaries.
If Jackson’s brand is "motherfucker", his mentor (look it up) Freeman’s brand is narration with so much gravitas, no light can escape it. It is a voice of authority based on merely on station but on experience. He can still be vulnerable and even foolish in his films, but beyond simple age, there’s the impression his characters have absorbed a lot through their lives, whether it be good or evil. There’s a lot going on with him, in the eyes and sometimes the shoulders and how he generally carries himself but man, that voice. It’s no wonder he became THE voice for documentaries, rivalled only by David Attenborough. It’s a voice you listen to and has become so iconic and parodied, it’s no surprised he himself has parodied his own image on several occasions, often using the understanding of his icon status to subvert it or mess with the audience. It is unfortunate that he was basically one of the people used early on for the “magical black man” trope, but it’s easy to see why you could see him as a wise, mythic mentor.
Why does this man not SHOUT SOME TIMES! Volume EQUALS talENT! Exercise your GIFT!
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Surprisingly no. Oh, but he was in a fun 80s Twilight Zone where a bunch of poker buddies end up getting a guest join them for the evening… THE DEVIL!
ACTING!
Last edited:
"Get busy leeking or get busy dying."
Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
32. Elliot Page
AS
Prince Lettuce
56 Points, 2 Lists, #8 Beta Metroid & WildcatJF
Iconic Roles: The White Violin (The Umbrella Academy), Juno (Juno), Ariadne (Inception), Stella Blackstone (I Downloaded A Ghost)
Elliot Page first major acting role was at age ten in the 1997 TV movie Pit Pony, which was spun off into the series of the same name. Page continued to appear in tv films and had a recurring role in the Eastern Canadian cult hit The Trailer Park Boys and also appeared in the science fiction series ReGenesis in the early 2000s. By then, he had earned several Canadian awards nominations including the Young Artist Award, a Genie and even won a Gemini. In 2005, he starred in the horror thriller Hard Candy, wherein he plays a girl who turns the tables on a dangerous pedophile. After, Elliot appeared in the X-Men films as iconic character Kitty Pryde and hit it big with the comedy-drama Juno, about a pregnant teen looking to find good parents for her unborn child. Critics praised his work and soon Page became a star of both big budget movies like Inception and smaller films such as The East and Tallulah, as well as hosting and producing the documentary series Gaycation. Eventually, Page landed a major role in the unusual superhero series The Umbrella Academy as musical superhero The White Violin. In December of 2020, Page came out as a trans man, a move sparked by the pandemic and anti-trans sentiment in the political and news sphere, stating his new name was now Elliot (formerly Ellen), a move that was met with support from the entertainment and LGBT+ community. For the next season of The Umbrella Academy, his character will also follow suit and will be a man.
Hey, it’s our list's first (and sadly only) trans actor! Here’s hoping that we see significantly more representation in the years to come. I remember the rise of Page very vividly and that he was an actress I was pulling for. I feel like there was a backlash against his breakout hit Juno but no one changed their minds about Page’s talent, one of those young actors who seem to take to the craft naturally (or takes to the hard work of developing their craft naturally). Sadly, despite being a fan, I think I ended up spacing on keeping up with his work (the same thing happened with Amy Adams, who became a good star but I always felt belonged in a Tom Hanks-level of stardom) and I regret that, especially since their work like The Umbrella Academy, Super, the East and Inception all feel like they should be my jams. I’m very excited to see his work in the next stage of his life and will definitely work to keep up with it from now on.
He may be one of those child actors made good but does he know how to make a goulash out of cold cuts and cheese slices? I’m gonna have to take him under my wing and teach him my ways.
Simpsons or Star Trek?: He played jaded teen idol Alaska Nebraska in the Simpsons episode "Waverly Hills, 9-0-2-1-D'oh". He hasn’t done a trek but I could totally see him in an ‘engineer with something to prove’ role.
ACTING!
AS
Prince Lettuce
56 Points, 2 Lists, #8 Beta Metroid & WildcatJF
Iconic Roles: The White Violin (The Umbrella Academy), Juno (Juno), Ariadne (Inception), Stella Blackstone (I Downloaded A Ghost)
Elliot Page first major acting role was at age ten in the 1997 TV movie Pit Pony, which was spun off into the series of the same name. Page continued to appear in tv films and had a recurring role in the Eastern Canadian cult hit The Trailer Park Boys and also appeared in the science fiction series ReGenesis in the early 2000s. By then, he had earned several Canadian awards nominations including the Young Artist Award, a Genie and even won a Gemini. In 2005, he starred in the horror thriller Hard Candy, wherein he plays a girl who turns the tables on a dangerous pedophile. After, Elliot appeared in the X-Men films as iconic character Kitty Pryde and hit it big with the comedy-drama Juno, about a pregnant teen looking to find good parents for her unborn child. Critics praised his work and soon Page became a star of both big budget movies like Inception and smaller films such as The East and Tallulah, as well as hosting and producing the documentary series Gaycation. Eventually, Page landed a major role in the unusual superhero series The Umbrella Academy as musical superhero The White Violin. In December of 2020, Page came out as a trans man, a move sparked by the pandemic and anti-trans sentiment in the political and news sphere, stating his new name was now Elliot (formerly Ellen), a move that was met with support from the entertainment and LGBT+ community. For the next season of The Umbrella Academy, his character will also follow suit and will be a man.
Hey, it’s our list's first (and sadly only) trans actor! Here’s hoping that we see significantly more representation in the years to come. I remember the rise of Page very vividly and that he was an actress I was pulling for. I feel like there was a backlash against his breakout hit Juno but no one changed their minds about Page’s talent, one of those young actors who seem to take to the craft naturally (or takes to the hard work of developing their craft naturally). Sadly, despite being a fan, I think I ended up spacing on keeping up with his work (the same thing happened with Amy Adams, who became a good star but I always felt belonged in a Tom Hanks-level of stardom) and I regret that, especially since their work like The Umbrella Academy, Super, the East and Inception all feel like they should be my jams. I’m very excited to see his work in the next stage of his life and will definitely work to keep up with it from now on.
He may be one of those child actors made good but does he know how to make a goulash out of cold cuts and cheese slices? I’m gonna have to take him under my wing and teach him my ways.
Simpsons or Star Trek?: He played jaded teen idol Alaska Nebraska in the Simpsons episode "Waverly Hills, 9-0-2-1-D'oh". He hasn’t done a trek but I could totally see him in an ‘engineer with something to prove’ role.
ACTING!
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Sammy Jacks was studying to be a marine biologist, and then abandoned that career, only to wind up being eaten by a shark in Deep Blue Sea.
The arc of the universe bends towards justice
The arc of the universe bends towards justice
jpfriction
(He, Him)
Newsradio is the only laugh track heavy sitcom that I can keep going back to again and again because of those two gents. I can watch Stephen Root make inappropriate comments about Dave’s mom all day.
Philip Seymour Hoffman was a fucking powerhouse. In addition to The Master and everything else he was mentioned for, I personally loved Synechdoche, New York a whole lot (though postmodern stories about telling stories are admittedly my big glowing boss-fight weak-point). But Jesus, just looking at his filmography from like 1998-2010. He was in so many movies. Punch-Drunk Love! Red Dragon! Fuckin' MAGNOLIA! (Which also featured another favorite actor of mine who'd better show up on this list.) God, his loss was such a tragedy.
Freeman, Jackson, Page, all excellent actors as well. Jackson is a bit one-note for me, but it's a good note. I hate Tarantino in general, but Jackson and especially that specific scene are masterful. Morgan Freeman's voice is a national treasure. Page in particular I've watched with interest, as he's just a few years younger than me and generationally hit a lot of the same milestones in movies along the way.
I'm surprised Streep didn't end up higher, she's a literal legend.
Donald Glover is just so good. His comedy, his dramatic acting, his music - the dude's got it all.
The world misses Phil Hartman. It still hurts.
Keanu. What a treasure. Not necessarily a good actor, but such a good actor.
Freeman, Jackson, Page, all excellent actors as well. Jackson is a bit one-note for me, but it's a good note. I hate Tarantino in general, but Jackson and especially that specific scene are masterful. Morgan Freeman's voice is a national treasure. Page in particular I've watched with interest, as he's just a few years younger than me and generationally hit a lot of the same milestones in movies along the way.
I'm surprised Streep didn't end up higher, she's a literal legend.
Donald Glover is just so good. His comedy, his dramatic acting, his music - the dude's got it all.
The world misses Phil Hartman. It still hurts.
Keanu. What a treasure. Not necessarily a good actor, but such a good actor.
Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
31. Willem Dafoe
AS
Saladron
56 Points, 2 Lists, #4 Pudik
Iconic Roles: The Green Goblin (Spider-Man), Max Shreck (Shadow of the Vampire), Sergeant Elias Grodin (Platoon), The Green Goblin (The Last Temptation of Christ)
It’s no shock that Willem Dafoe is the kind of guy who would start in an experimental theatre company like the Wooster Group, as he feels beyond normal human laws. He began his film career with the infamous megaflop Heaven’s Gate, an epic that has been a bit divisive in it’s reappraisal in recent years. After some other notable roles, he appeared in the wacked out adventure flick Streets of Fire (if you want to see the ur-text for all beat em ups, watch this and the Warriors), where he played the villain in a mold that would follow him throughout his career. But while he would become known as a great actors of villains, his widest exposure would come in the war film Platoon, where he plays the more heroic Elias Grodin. This would earn more leading roles including the role of Jesus Christ in The Last Temptation of Christ and the co-lead in Mississippi Burning. He would continue to work throughout the 80s and 90s and while never disappearing, he had a resurgence in popularity with two roles, one the Oscar nominated role of vampire Mac Shreck who is asked to star in a film by an even more monstrous director and of the iconic comic book villain The Green Goblin in Spider-Man. Dafoe would continue to act in a variety of roles and while he leveraged his villain/intimidating status, he never was completely locked in to it, giving a variety of performances, including the lauded and very human role as a gruff landlord in The Florida Project. He’s also been a repeat collaborator with Wes Anderson.
Well, for sure Dafoe is one of those actors with a completely unique face. You could not miss this guy in a crowd. I feel like the nature of it allows him to slip into villains well with his big mouth and unnerving smile but he really does work as a genuinely decent guy as well within his films. But even there, he has an intensity and magnetism to him even when playing monsters. And even within films by the same director he can play a diver frustrated by a lack of respect to a straight on monster brute man. Regardless, you don’t feel like you are entirely safe with this guy in the best way, but you definitely want to spend some time with him.
Also, when this guy smiles for real? Adorable.
Somewhat insulted on behalf of my FRIEND Max Shreck. He was, in FACT, never a vampire. He was a Creature from the Black LAGOON who had a rare light ALLERGY.
Dafoe doesn’t eat non-fish meat. So more stew mix for me.
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Dafoe appeared in TWO episodes as different characters. More recently he was in “Blazed and Confused” where Bart takes the family to a Burning Man analogue to escape a cruel teacher played by Dafoe. But his big role was as the Commandant in the classic “The Secret War of Lisa Simpson”.
ACTING!
AS
Saladron
56 Points, 2 Lists, #4 Pudik
Iconic Roles: The Green Goblin (Spider-Man), Max Shreck (Shadow of the Vampire), Sergeant Elias Grodin (Platoon), The Green Goblin (The Last Temptation of Christ)
It’s no shock that Willem Dafoe is the kind of guy who would start in an experimental theatre company like the Wooster Group, as he feels beyond normal human laws. He began his film career with the infamous megaflop Heaven’s Gate, an epic that has been a bit divisive in it’s reappraisal in recent years. After some other notable roles, he appeared in the wacked out adventure flick Streets of Fire (if you want to see the ur-text for all beat em ups, watch this and the Warriors), where he played the villain in a mold that would follow him throughout his career. But while he would become known as a great actors of villains, his widest exposure would come in the war film Platoon, where he plays the more heroic Elias Grodin. This would earn more leading roles including the role of Jesus Christ in The Last Temptation of Christ and the co-lead in Mississippi Burning. He would continue to work throughout the 80s and 90s and while never disappearing, he had a resurgence in popularity with two roles, one the Oscar nominated role of vampire Mac Shreck who is asked to star in a film by an even more monstrous director and of the iconic comic book villain The Green Goblin in Spider-Man. Dafoe would continue to act in a variety of roles and while he leveraged his villain/intimidating status, he never was completely locked in to it, giving a variety of performances, including the lauded and very human role as a gruff landlord in The Florida Project. He’s also been a repeat collaborator with Wes Anderson.
Well, for sure Dafoe is one of those actors with a completely unique face. You could not miss this guy in a crowd. I feel like the nature of it allows him to slip into villains well with his big mouth and unnerving smile but he really does work as a genuinely decent guy as well within his films. But even there, he has an intensity and magnetism to him even when playing monsters. And even within films by the same director he can play a diver frustrated by a lack of respect to a straight on monster brute man. Regardless, you don’t feel like you are entirely safe with this guy in the best way, but you definitely want to spend some time with him.
Also, when this guy smiles for real? Adorable.
Somewhat insulted on behalf of my FRIEND Max Shreck. He was, in FACT, never a vampire. He was a Creature from the Black LAGOON who had a rare light ALLERGY.
Dafoe doesn’t eat non-fish meat. So more stew mix for me.
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Dafoe appeared in TWO episodes as different characters. More recently he was in “Blazed and Confused” where Bart takes the family to a Burning Man analogue to escape a cruel teacher played by Dafoe. But his big role was as the Commandant in the classic “The Secret War of Lisa Simpson”.
I first saw Page in Hard Candy. Then I saw him in Juno a couple of years later. It was such a swing between those two characters that you could already see he had range. My favorite performance of his that I've seen is probably the White Violin (I imagine the writers are changing the character's name from Vanya but I haven't seen anything about that).
yea, i had dafoe pretty high. incredible range, not just in themes, but really i've just never seen a bad performance out of him. He feels like a character actor, but has a handful of leading roles out there, and big meaty ones like last temptation or antichrist, and elevates each one. I had him #4, but could have easily put him at #1... maybe should have
Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
My entries will be late today. Forgot to get things prepped before work. Sorry.
Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
30. James Earl Jones
AS
Peanut Chief
56 Points, 3 Lists, #14 Beta Metroid
Iconic Roles: Darth Vader (Star Wars), Musafa (The Lion King), Troy Maxson (Fences), This Is (CNN)
James Earl Jones developed a stutter as a child, one so severe, that he preferred to stay as mute as he could until high school. It was there, a high school teacher encouraged him to read some of Jones’ own poetry in class, which inspired him to public performance. In the 1950s, Jones began acting professionally, including as the lead in Othello and originating a butler role in Sunrise at Campobello. After a respectable Shakespeare career, he made his film debut as one of the pilots in Dr. Strangelove; Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb as a pilot. Jones would win a Drama Desk Award as the lead of The Great White Hope, a role he would reprise in film and continued a respected stage presence through the 70s. His work in the Great White Hope film (and an Oscar nomination, making him the second African-American man to be nominated), earned him leads in mature films about the black experience like Claudine and The Man. However, it was 1977 when he starred in his most iconic role as the villain Darth Vader, for whom he provided the voice (the body was acted by David Prowse). Through the 80s, Jones starred in acclaimed films such as Field of Dreams, Matewan and Coming to America, as well as the villain in Conan the Barbarian. But he also starred as the working class father Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s acclaimed play Fences. In 1994, Jones, already known for his voice, starred as Musafa in the Lion King, the father of the lead character who imparts ruling wisdom to his son. Though Jones has reprised some of his iconic film roles again and made many TV and film appearances, he’s primarily been working in the theatre in plays such as Driving Miss Daisy, On Golden Pond and the Gin Game.
Another actor with an iconic voice who initially thought of his most iconic role as a special effect and went uncredited for the first two films (finally changing his mind with the third). He seems like he is a humble man and based on the fact that he had to overcome a lot to become an actor, that’s impressive. But like Morgan Freeman, there’s a sense that the weight of his voice would mean nothing without the passion to really sell it. He was a huge part of my childhood both from Star Wars, I film I watched obsessively as a six year old, and his role as the Chief in Mathnet, the segment from the kids math show Square One. His basso profundo voice is an amazing mix of comfort and power, which makes him perfect for both mentor/guardian roles and villain roles. I could only imagine what it would be like to see him on the stage since I can feel his voice powerfully reverberate though my body from the screen.
I am forever angry that I MYSELF was not the voice of CNN. Of course, I DID go off script with my ad-lib, “YOU! VAGRANT! YOU’RE ATTENTION! YOU MUST WATCH CNN TO OBSERVE THE DOINGS OF THE WORLD!”
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Jones has appeared in THREE Simpsons episodes. In Das Bus, he appears merely to finish the ending narration punchline. In Treehouse of Horror V, he appears for a gag as the voice of an alternate timeline Maggie. But it was Treehouse of Horror were he gets to shine, providing the narration of The Raven, as well as a cameo role in the first story and the voice of Sarek the Preparer, who worked with Kang and Kodos in their first appearance.
ACTING!
AS
Peanut Chief
56 Points, 3 Lists, #14 Beta Metroid
Iconic Roles: Darth Vader (Star Wars), Musafa (The Lion King), Troy Maxson (Fences), This Is (CNN)
James Earl Jones developed a stutter as a child, one so severe, that he preferred to stay as mute as he could until high school. It was there, a high school teacher encouraged him to read some of Jones’ own poetry in class, which inspired him to public performance. In the 1950s, Jones began acting professionally, including as the lead in Othello and originating a butler role in Sunrise at Campobello. After a respectable Shakespeare career, he made his film debut as one of the pilots in Dr. Strangelove; Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb as a pilot. Jones would win a Drama Desk Award as the lead of The Great White Hope, a role he would reprise in film and continued a respected stage presence through the 70s. His work in the Great White Hope film (and an Oscar nomination, making him the second African-American man to be nominated), earned him leads in mature films about the black experience like Claudine and The Man. However, it was 1977 when he starred in his most iconic role as the villain Darth Vader, for whom he provided the voice (the body was acted by David Prowse). Through the 80s, Jones starred in acclaimed films such as Field of Dreams, Matewan and Coming to America, as well as the villain in Conan the Barbarian. But he also starred as the working class father Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s acclaimed play Fences. In 1994, Jones, already known for his voice, starred as Musafa in the Lion King, the father of the lead character who imparts ruling wisdom to his son. Though Jones has reprised some of his iconic film roles again and made many TV and film appearances, he’s primarily been working in the theatre in plays such as Driving Miss Daisy, On Golden Pond and the Gin Game.
Another actor with an iconic voice who initially thought of his most iconic role as a special effect and went uncredited for the first two films (finally changing his mind with the third). He seems like he is a humble man and based on the fact that he had to overcome a lot to become an actor, that’s impressive. But like Morgan Freeman, there’s a sense that the weight of his voice would mean nothing without the passion to really sell it. He was a huge part of my childhood both from Star Wars, I film I watched obsessively as a six year old, and his role as the Chief in Mathnet, the segment from the kids math show Square One. His basso profundo voice is an amazing mix of comfort and power, which makes him perfect for both mentor/guardian roles and villain roles. I could only imagine what it would be like to see him on the stage since I can feel his voice powerfully reverberate though my body from the screen.
I am forever angry that I MYSELF was not the voice of CNN. Of course, I DID go off script with my ad-lib, “YOU! VAGRANT! YOU’RE ATTENTION! YOU MUST WATCH CNN TO OBSERVE THE DOINGS OF THE WORLD!”
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Jones has appeared in THREE Simpsons episodes. In Das Bus, he appears merely to finish the ending narration punchline. In Treehouse of Horror V, he appears for a gag as the voice of an alternate timeline Maggie. But it was Treehouse of Horror were he gets to shine, providing the narration of The Raven, as well as a cameo role in the first story and the voice of Sarek the Preparer, who worked with Kang and Kodos in their first appearance.
ACTING!
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Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
29. Dustin Hoffman
AS
DR
56 Points, 3 Lists, #9 Adrenaline
Iconic Roles: Benjamin Braddock (The Graduate), “Ratso” Rizzo (Midnight Cowboy), Ted Kramer (Kramer Vs. Kramer), Georgie Soloway (Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?... OK, not iconic but I like the title)
Dustin Hoffman began his career in 1961 in an episode of the Naked City and in the theatre in the play Schmem needs a shrink (sic) but his career took off in 1966 earning a drama desk award for his work in the play Eh?. In 1967, he reached an even wider audience in Mike Nichols iconic comedy-drama The Graduate, where he played a young man feeling adrift in his life. His work got him nominated for an Academy Award and he would be again two years later for his work in the x-rated gritty drama Midnight Cowboy, playing a con man. Through the 70s, Hoffman worked in some huge, lauded movies such as Marathon Man, All the President’s Men, Papillon, Straight Time and most notably Kramer Vs. Kramer, the divorce drama that was the box office winner of the year (the 70s were very different) and earned Hoffman his first Oscar. After a three year absence, Hoffman appeared in the hit comedy Tootsie and soon returned to the stage as Willie Loman in a production of Death of a Salesman. In 1988, he starred in Rain Man (a movie that… has not aged in it’s presentation the autistic) and gained a Tony and a Drama Desk award for a production of the Merchant of Venice. Hoffman has worked consistently since then and even moved to television for the praised but ill-fated horse race drama Luck (behind the scenes, three horses ended up dying and production was halted). More recently, he was in the Noah Baumbach film The Meyerowitz Stories
I don’t want to move forward much without addressing the elephant in the room, which his Hoffman’s sexual misconduct allegations. While I don’t think this was “under-reported”, I feel that I think it passed people by and that’s a shame and while he apologized for (some of) them, there’s no sense he did much to atone for groping women backstage. I don’t want to make any assumptions of who was aware of what and why people voted. I know for sure if this was top 50 directors, my number one would definitely be placed under similar scrutiny and rightfully so. But while I want to address it, I don’t want to shame anyone for choosing it or make any assumptions as to why (I think more than one person acknowledged they might have a problematic actor in their lists) but I remember what people liked about the actor; his realish everyman quality (as opposed to the heightened everyman quality of Jimmy Stewart) that was comfortable yet rough around the edges, though he did play more outlandish characters in films like Hook. It’s a shame this talent is, for me, tainted by his actions. That said, if you can compartmentalize, he’s had some great roles.
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Hoffman was one of the shows earliest major guest stars. For some reason, due to stigma, I guess, a few of the guest stars used different names and he went by Sam Ettic. The episode is an absolute classic, Lisa’s Substitute, where one teacher touches Lisa’s heart. It’s moving yet is also a great parody of films about great teachers.
ACTING!
AS
DR
56 Points, 3 Lists, #9 Adrenaline
Iconic Roles: Benjamin Braddock (The Graduate), “Ratso” Rizzo (Midnight Cowboy), Ted Kramer (Kramer Vs. Kramer), Georgie Soloway (Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?... OK, not iconic but I like the title)
Dustin Hoffman began his career in 1961 in an episode of the Naked City and in the theatre in the play Schmem needs a shrink (sic) but his career took off in 1966 earning a drama desk award for his work in the play Eh?. In 1967, he reached an even wider audience in Mike Nichols iconic comedy-drama The Graduate, where he played a young man feeling adrift in his life. His work got him nominated for an Academy Award and he would be again two years later for his work in the x-rated gritty drama Midnight Cowboy, playing a con man. Through the 70s, Hoffman worked in some huge, lauded movies such as Marathon Man, All the President’s Men, Papillon, Straight Time and most notably Kramer Vs. Kramer, the divorce drama that was the box office winner of the year (the 70s were very different) and earned Hoffman his first Oscar. After a three year absence, Hoffman appeared in the hit comedy Tootsie and soon returned to the stage as Willie Loman in a production of Death of a Salesman. In 1988, he starred in Rain Man (a movie that… has not aged in it’s presentation the autistic) and gained a Tony and a Drama Desk award for a production of the Merchant of Venice. Hoffman has worked consistently since then and even moved to television for the praised but ill-fated horse race drama Luck (behind the scenes, three horses ended up dying and production was halted). More recently, he was in the Noah Baumbach film The Meyerowitz Stories
I don’t want to move forward much without addressing the elephant in the room, which his Hoffman’s sexual misconduct allegations. While I don’t think this was “under-reported”, I feel that I think it passed people by and that’s a shame and while he apologized for (some of) them, there’s no sense he did much to atone for groping women backstage. I don’t want to make any assumptions of who was aware of what and why people voted. I know for sure if this was top 50 directors, my number one would definitely be placed under similar scrutiny and rightfully so. But while I want to address it, I don’t want to shame anyone for choosing it or make any assumptions as to why (I think more than one person acknowledged they might have a problematic actor in their lists) but I remember what people liked about the actor; his realish everyman quality (as opposed to the heightened everyman quality of Jimmy Stewart) that was comfortable yet rough around the edges, though he did play more outlandish characters in films like Hook. It’s a shame this talent is, for me, tainted by his actions. That said, if you can compartmentalize, he’s had some great roles.
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Hoffman was one of the shows earliest major guest stars. For some reason, due to stigma, I guess, a few of the guest stars used different names and he went by Sam Ettic. The episode is an absolute classic, Lisa’s Substitute, where one teacher touches Lisa’s heart. It’s moving yet is also a great parody of films about great teachers.
ACTING!
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Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
Do you know something I don't?
Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
He was in the Lion King remake a couple years ago. And no, they didn't use the same recordings from the 90s, though they may as well have.
I did not know about the Hoffman misconduct allegations!
I did not know about the Hoffman misconduct allegations!
Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
28. Danny DeVito
AS
Mr. Chestnut
59 Points, 2 Lists, #6 Octopus Prime
Iconic Roles: Louie De Palma (Taxi), Frank Reynolds (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Martini (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), The Little One (Twins)
Danny DeVito found his way into acting when trying to find a make up instructor while working as a beautician in his sister’s salon and ended up going to the American Academy for the Dramatic Arts. He worked with his future wife Rhea Perlman in plays for Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective and eventually starred in the play One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Though DeVito had smaller roles on film, it was in reprising this role for screens where he and many other actors blew up. In 1978, DeVito would co-star in the hit sitcom Taxi, about a taxi company in New York City. DeVito continued to act in film, with larger roles being in Terms of Endearment and Romancing the Stone, and even directing in films like the Ratings Game and Throw Momma From the Train. He also began to do voice acting, providing his tones for Look Who’s Talking Now, Space Jam and Hercules. Not only did DeVito remain a fixture of acting on TV and film, he also became a prolific producer, including for films like Pulp Fiction, Man on the Moon and Erin Brokovich. In the second season, he also joined the cast of what would become a long running sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, playing the depraved Frank Reynolds.
Some actors fill a niche so well, it’s always impressive when they can move beyond it. DeVito’s is often the husky voice of the untrustworthy sleaze, or at least, brusque and prickly and he works it well. Of course, he’s done some great sympathetic characters as well, but I feel like he’s a guy with a fascination of darker sorts of humour, particularly when you look at the film’s he directed (even his kid’s film is a Roald Dahl story) and I think he works well in that field. There’s something about him that will draw your eye to him in a given scene, not only for his unique look but his powerful energy that immediately is interested in whatever this guy is either up to or trying to convey to you. He plays gruff or sinister but it often feels it is in fun for the viewers and can be cartoonishly outsized in a way that almost is always appropriate to any moment. I don’t necessarily think any given movie he stars in will necessarily be good but if I see it, I’ll know I get to see HIM in it.
The man knows how to infuse a ham with vodka.
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Yes, DeVito was in the Simpsons as Homer’s long-lost brother Herb Powell. He’s actually one of my favourite characters and it’s a shame we didn’t get more of him but apparently DeVito didn’t actually like the experience for whatever reason. Which is a shame because he’s great and the cast more or less said he really threw himself into the role.
ACTING!
AS
Mr. Chestnut
59 Points, 2 Lists, #6 Octopus Prime
Iconic Roles: Louie De Palma (Taxi), Frank Reynolds (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Martini (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), The Little One (Twins)
Danny DeVito found his way into acting when trying to find a make up instructor while working as a beautician in his sister’s salon and ended up going to the American Academy for the Dramatic Arts. He worked with his future wife Rhea Perlman in plays for Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective and eventually starred in the play One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Though DeVito had smaller roles on film, it was in reprising this role for screens where he and many other actors blew up. In 1978, DeVito would co-star in the hit sitcom Taxi, about a taxi company in New York City. DeVito continued to act in film, with larger roles being in Terms of Endearment and Romancing the Stone, and even directing in films like the Ratings Game and Throw Momma From the Train. He also began to do voice acting, providing his tones for Look Who’s Talking Now, Space Jam and Hercules. Not only did DeVito remain a fixture of acting on TV and film, he also became a prolific producer, including for films like Pulp Fiction, Man on the Moon and Erin Brokovich. In the second season, he also joined the cast of what would become a long running sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, playing the depraved Frank Reynolds.
Some actors fill a niche so well, it’s always impressive when they can move beyond it. DeVito’s is often the husky voice of the untrustworthy sleaze, or at least, brusque and prickly and he works it well. Of course, he’s done some great sympathetic characters as well, but I feel like he’s a guy with a fascination of darker sorts of humour, particularly when you look at the film’s he directed (even his kid’s film is a Roald Dahl story) and I think he works well in that field. There’s something about him that will draw your eye to him in a given scene, not only for his unique look but his powerful energy that immediately is interested in whatever this guy is either up to or trying to convey to you. He plays gruff or sinister but it often feels it is in fun for the viewers and can be cartoonishly outsized in a way that almost is always appropriate to any moment. I don’t necessarily think any given movie he stars in will necessarily be good but if I see it, I’ll know I get to see HIM in it.
The man knows how to infuse a ham with vodka.
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Yes, DeVito was in the Simpsons as Homer’s long-lost brother Herb Powell. He’s actually one of my favourite characters and it’s a shame we didn’t get more of him but apparently DeVito didn’t actually like the experience for whatever reason. Which is a shame because he’s great and the cast more or less said he really threw himself into the role.
ACTING!
Johnny Unusual
(He/Him)
27. Boris Karloff
AS
Lord White Leaf
59 Points, 2 Lists, #5 Dracula
Iconic Roles: Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s Monster Named Frankenstein (Frankenstein), Imhotep (The Mummy), The Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas), Baron Victor von Frankenstein (Frankenstein 70… which was released in 1958. Weird.)
William Henry Pratt Jr. was born in London, England and when he was older moved to Canada to begin acting. He worked in the theatre took on the acting name Boris Karloff. It is unknown why he chose that name specifically (many fans have theories) save that he reportedly believed he was avoiding bringing embarrassment or scrutiny to his family. Eventually he began acting in silent film after moving to Hollywood, and after many bit parts, he had a bigger role in the serial the Hope Diamond Mystery. After accepting a ride from horror icon Lon Chaney Sr., he advised Karloff to find something different that sets him apart. After an Oscar nomination from the film Five Star Final (and MANY other roles. He was a hard working actor, he found his most iconic role in Frankenstein, playing the Monster. The film was a smash hit and made Karloff a superstar and he quickly began transitioning to horror films and thrillers. Even with his comedies, he tended to play to a monstrous type. Interestingly, when he was making the Ghoul, he anticipating being seen as a black sheep but in fact his brothers jostled for attention and asked for autographs. Two years after Frankenstein. For the next two decades, he played villains and monsters, with other roles being uncommon. Many of his later roles were even commentaries on this whether it be parodies (Mad Monster Party?, The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini), love letters (Black Sabbath) or both (Comedy of Terrors). Some of his final roles include the Christmas special How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Peter Bogdanovich’s harrowing meta-thriller Targets, about the real world horror of a crazed gunman being observed by an aging horror icon.
Karloff is an actor I’ve enjoyed in Frankenstein but I only recently understood his range. Now, keep in mind, his portrayal of Frankenstein’s Monster is amazingly vulnerable and powerful, a perfect juxtaposing of his acts. But in The Body Snatcher, which might be my favourite of his films, he is much more sinister but with a smile, as he bullies his employer and takes pleasure in taking a man above his station and putting him under his thumb. He played monsters well but more than that he could play different kinds. Sympathetic monsters, ancient wizards, human monsters. He mastered them all. It’s easy to think of a monster as a mere shambling mess and there were more than a few times that’s what the film asked of him but when properly used, he was an actor who truly made his bones on monsters by digging down and finding real rich life within them. I also love his voice. There’s a gentleness and genteelness to it, but also often a bit ghostly.
Ah, yes, all these YEARS and he is still the face of horror. I’m TRULY sad that he didn’t live to star as 4 of the 15 links of the HUMAN Centipede 2.
Why haven’t *I* gotten a free ride from Lon Chaney?
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Sadly Karloff died before he could see the Simpsons. That’s my takeaway from his life story.
ACTING!
AS
Lord White Leaf
59 Points, 2 Lists, #5 Dracula
Iconic Roles: Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s Monster Named Frankenstein (Frankenstein), Imhotep (The Mummy), The Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas), Baron Victor von Frankenstein (Frankenstein 70… which was released in 1958. Weird.)
William Henry Pratt Jr. was born in London, England and when he was older moved to Canada to begin acting. He worked in the theatre took on the acting name Boris Karloff. It is unknown why he chose that name specifically (many fans have theories) save that he reportedly believed he was avoiding bringing embarrassment or scrutiny to his family. Eventually he began acting in silent film after moving to Hollywood, and after many bit parts, he had a bigger role in the serial the Hope Diamond Mystery. After accepting a ride from horror icon Lon Chaney Sr., he advised Karloff to find something different that sets him apart. After an Oscar nomination from the film Five Star Final (and MANY other roles. He was a hard working actor, he found his most iconic role in Frankenstein, playing the Monster. The film was a smash hit and made Karloff a superstar and he quickly began transitioning to horror films and thrillers. Even with his comedies, he tended to play to a monstrous type. Interestingly, when he was making the Ghoul, he anticipating being seen as a black sheep but in fact his brothers jostled for attention and asked for autographs. Two years after Frankenstein. For the next two decades, he played villains and monsters, with other roles being uncommon. Many of his later roles were even commentaries on this whether it be parodies (Mad Monster Party?, The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini), love letters (Black Sabbath) or both (Comedy of Terrors). Some of his final roles include the Christmas special How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Peter Bogdanovich’s harrowing meta-thriller Targets, about the real world horror of a crazed gunman being observed by an aging horror icon.
Karloff is an actor I’ve enjoyed in Frankenstein but I only recently understood his range. Now, keep in mind, his portrayal of Frankenstein’s Monster is amazingly vulnerable and powerful, a perfect juxtaposing of his acts. But in The Body Snatcher, which might be my favourite of his films, he is much more sinister but with a smile, as he bullies his employer and takes pleasure in taking a man above his station and putting him under his thumb. He played monsters well but more than that he could play different kinds. Sympathetic monsters, ancient wizards, human monsters. He mastered them all. It’s easy to think of a monster as a mere shambling mess and there were more than a few times that’s what the film asked of him but when properly used, he was an actor who truly made his bones on monsters by digging down and finding real rich life within them. I also love his voice. There’s a gentleness and genteelness to it, but also often a bit ghostly.
Ah, yes, all these YEARS and he is still the face of horror. I’m TRULY sad that he didn’t live to star as 4 of the 15 links of the HUMAN Centipede 2.
Why haven’t *I* gotten a free ride from Lon Chaney?
Simpsons or Star Trek?: Sadly Karloff died before he could see the Simpsons. That’s my takeaway from his life story.
ACTING!
Dang, in this thread I'm learning that all my favorite voices are people I previously watched a bunch of as a little kid.
@Johnny Unusual Your first youtube for Hoffman is Vader again. Which would be awfully interesting, but alas.