# Actors or actresses you only like in one role only and dislike everything else they've done. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 20, 2019, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832 "2019-04-20T23:50:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2019, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/61 "2019-04-22T23:03:40Z")
> [@Noelq](#): > > Heh. I came here to post Will Ferrell in Stranger than Fiction. > > Glad I’m not the only one. Will Ferrell was brilliant on SNL, but this was his only good movie role. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2019, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/62 "2019-04-22T23:58:35Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Kevin Kline in _Dave_. Everything else, meh. I will be the second to point out that Fish Called Wanda sis probably the best thing he’s ever been in. The dude is the least famous guy in it and he steals a comedy movie from John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Michael Palin. It’s actually pretty incredible. > [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > I despise Tom Cruise, but he was good in Rain Man, mostly because he let Dustin Hoffman tak eover the movie. Tom Cruise is actually pretty good pretty often. Minority Report Mission Impossible Edge of Tomorrow \<—fun to watch him play a coward Magnolia ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/63 "2019-04-23T00:45:22Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > I will be the second to point out that Fish Called Wanda sis probably the best thing he’s ever been in. The dude is the least famous guy in it and he steals a comedy movie from John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Michael Palin. It’s actually pretty incredible. > > Tom Cruise is actually pretty good pretty often. > > Minority Report > Mission Impossible > Edge of Tomorrow \<—fun to watch him play a coward > Magnolia Edge of Tomorrow he was Ok, but he ruined Mission Impossible. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/64 "2019-04-23T01:22:48Z")
Robin Williams in the overlooked “ **Moscow on the Hudson** ”. Everything else makes me reach for the clicker. mmm ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/65 "2019-04-23T01:58:20Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > I have never, ever, \*ever \*seen Fred Willard in a role I liked. Hate him. Boo! ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/66 "2019-04-23T02:16:58Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > I will be the second to point out that Fish Called Wanda sis probably the best thing he’s ever been in. The dude is the least famous guy in it and he steals a comedy movie from John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Michael Palin. It’s actually pretty incredible. Kline won an Oscar for that role; very rare for a comedy. Kline was also good in _Silverado_. He has a scene with John Cleese in that movie as well, although Cleese steals it from Kline in that case. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/67 "2019-04-23T12:54:40Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Anthony LaPaglia stole the show in _Betsy’s Wedding_ as a not-too-bright young mobster, but he’s irritated me in just about everything else I’ve seen him in. Hear hear! > [@Elendil's Heir](#): > > You’ve got to see her as the Stage Mom from Hell in _I, Tonya_. She really earned her Oscar. Dilly dilly! > [@Elendil's Heir](#): > > :: raises hand :: > Pistols at dawn, sir! > > I’m a big fan. After you see her in the _Pirates_ movies and _Atonement_, check out _Pride & Prejudice_ and, say, _Silk, Begin Again, Love Actually_ or _A Dangerous Method_. I hope you’ll see that she has a lot more than one expression. Sorry, I just see the one. She’s a pretty kitty and she’s seems like a cool chick from what I’ve seen on talks shows and whatnot, but I can’t see her as anyone but Keira “the jaw” Knightley. Very chivalrous to defend your lady’s honor, though 😛 Have I got a treat for you - Jim Carrey does David Caruso: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJSqkwyL1Zo&t=2s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJSqkwyL1Zo&t=2s) [/QUOTE] Ha! That’s awesome. Also, that hair! ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/68 "2019-04-23T13:27:28Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > Keira “the jaw” Knightley. Good Lord, I’ve never noticed it before so I just googled her for a better look. Pretty, yes, but she’s rocking a business time mandible. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/69 "2019-04-23T13:31:57Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > The only thing I’ve liked Will Ferrell in was _Stranger than Fiction_. And, no, I’m not ignoring _Elf._ > > Adam Sandler is unwatchable in everything except for _Punch Drunk Love_. Sandler in _Punch Drunk Love_ was my immediate first thought. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/70 "2019-04-23T13:48:45Z")
> [@kunilou](#): > > For that matter, when it comes to Shelley Long, hers is a career that’s bookended by _Cheers_ and _Modern Family_. . . and there are no books in the middle. I hate her ditzy blonde act in everything she does but she was awesome out of type in [Night Shift](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Shift_(film)). ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/71 "2019-04-23T14:11:19Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > Kline won an Oscar for that role; very rare for a comedy. > > Kline was also good in _Silverado_. He has a scene with John Cleese in that movie as well, although Cleese steals it from Kline in that case. Kline was also quite good in _In and Out_, _I Love You to Death_, and _French Kiss_. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/72 "2019-04-23T14:51:21Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Sandler in _Punch Drunk Love_ was my immediate first thought. 😃 Walking out of the theater after seeing that one, I moaned to my then-not-ex-wife, “This really sucks. Now I’m going to own an Adam Sandler movie on DVD.” ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/73 "2019-04-23T15:06:51Z")
Julia Roberts. I don’t get the appeal of her at all. I liked her in _Confessions of a Dangerous Mind_, but probably only because she’s killed at the end. Russell Brand. A “comedian” who as far as I can tell has yet to say or do anything funny. I suppose he was okay in _Despicable Me_, as the voice of Dr. Nefario who only has like 5 lines over 3 movies. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/74 "2019-04-23T15:31:53Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > Julia Roberts. I don’t get the appeal of her at all. I liked her in _Confessions of a Dangerous Mind_, but probably only because she’s killed at the end… Again, not particularly a fan, but I thought she was really good in _Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich_ and _Notting Hill_. ---
**Author:** ![Telperion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telperion/32/509_2.png) [@Telperion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperion)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/75 "2019-04-23T15:59:27Z")
Mike Myers in Shrek. ---
**Author:** ![Rough\_Draft](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/76d3ee/32.png) [@Rough\_Draft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rough_Draft)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/76 "2019-04-23T16:16:07Z")
I always found Barry Pepper to be an unlikable actor, but I thought he was terrific as Lucky Ned Pepper in _True Grit_. It was a small role, but he’s very memorable in it. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/77 "2019-04-23T16:19:37Z")
If you’re going to watch an Adam Sandler movie (and you probably shouldn’t), I’d go with\* Reign Over Me\*. I haven’t see _Punch Drunk Love_, however. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/78 "2019-04-23T17:00:02Z")
Faye Dunaway was very, very good in Bonnie & Clyde. I rented a few of her movies like Chinatown and Barfly. I didn’t like them. Chuck Norris is good in Walker Texas Ranger. His movies are disappointing. Scripts are very thin and very limited acting. I remember renting several Norris films for a three day weekend. I returned most of the tapes unwatched. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/79 "2019-04-23T17:01:45Z")
> [@Rough\_Draft](#): > > I always found Barry Pepper to be an unlikable actor, but I thought he was terrific as Lucky Ned Pepper in _True Grit_. It was a small role, but he’s very memorable in it. I thought he was quite good as the Bible-quoting sniper in _Saving Private Ryan_, too. ---
**Author:** ![Smid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/838e76/32.png) [@Smid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smid)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2019, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832/80 "2019-04-23T17:02:11Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Robin Williams in the overlooked “ **Moscow on the Hudson** ”. Everything else makes me reach for the clicker. Worlds greatest dad. Not the cokehead persona, a great dark film about, well. an idiotic suicidal son. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-or-actresses-you-only-like-in-one-role-only-and-dislike-everything-else-theyve-done/832832.md?page=5)