John Malkovich. He’s played a few lead roles, but still is relatively obscure as a leading man. I liked him in that movie where he played a thief.
Sean Penn is a brilliant character actor. His roles as the lawyer in Carlito’s Way, and as the Snowman in Falcon and the Snowman were amazing.
Jeremy Piven is not a character actor, he is a diety and I worship him.
I don’t know if my guy is really a character actor. He’s a had a lot of leading roles but isn’t really a household name and certainly is not a “star”. His best characters each seem like a living person, as if they don’t exist just for the purpose of the movie but have real histories. He’s gifted in comedy, drama, and suspense. I adore him, you should too, let’s give it up for Alan Arkin! Whoo hoo! Some of his movies:
The In-Laws
Catch 22
Glengarry Glen Ross
Grosse Pointe Blank
Wait Until Dark
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
Simon
Freebie and the Bean
The Last Unicorn (clap clap!)
Escape from Sobibor
Edward Scissorhands
Tony Shalhoub.
Better known as that immigrant taxi driver on “Wings”.
He’s a very good, often over looked actor.
Second that one. I wonder why I didn’t think of him. . .
His turn as Secondo in “Big Night” is an excellent showcase for his talent. His role as the talented and uncompromising chef plays off of Stanley Tucci brilliantly and makes the film. If you haven’t seen it, rent it.
Zappo
I think all mentioned are good (excepting Keanu, of course), but I believe Harry Dean Stanton has been the most films. IIRC its around 150. That should count for something.
And I can not believe no one has mentioned Bruce Dern!!! Stand-out performance in ‘The Driver’.
I definitely second John Saxon and John Malkovich. Another male actor I really thought was underrated was Roddy McDowall.
For females, I’ll add:
Uma Thurman and Lisa Kudrow. If you haven’t watched Lisa Kudrow in something other than Friends, I think you’d be surprised.
C’mon - How about a big hand for G.D. Spradlin??
The Godfather (Senator Geary)
Apocalypse Now
One on One
Lords of Discipline
This guy kicks ass!
I can’t believe nobody has mentioned Tracey Walter. You may remember him from such films as:
Erin Brockovich (2000) … Charles Embry
Drowning Mona (2000) … Clarence
Man on the Moon (1999) … ‘National Enquirer’ Editor
Mighty Joe Young (1998) … Security Guard
Beloved (1998) … Slave Catcher
Desperate Measures (1998) … Medical Inmate
Playing God (1997) … Jim
Matilda (1996) … Bill (F.B.I. Agent)
Buffalo Girls (1995) (TV) … Jim Ragg
Philadelphia (1993) … Librarian
Amos & Andrew (1993) … Bloodhound Bob
City Slickers (1991) … Cookie
Silence of the Lambs, The (1991) … Lamar
Pacific Heights (1990) … Exterminator
Two Jakes, The (1990) … Tyrone Otley
Batman (1989) … Bob the Goon
Midnight Run (1988) … Diner Counter Man
Married to the Mob (1988) … Mr. Chicken Lickin’
Something Wild (1986) … The Country Squire
Repo Man (1984) … Miller
Rumble Fish (1983) … Alley Mugger #1
“Best of the West” (1981) TV Series … Frog
Goin’ South (1978) … Coofan
Annie Hall (1977) … Actor in Rob’s TV Show
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by custard dragon *
**I can’t believe nobody has mentioned Tracey Walter.
[QUOTE]
Custard Dragon you are so money. Tracey Walter is a HUGE character guy. Funny enough, he also would fit into the “Actor Who Plays the Same Character in Every Movie” thread. That guy rocks!
Does David Morse fit into this category?
I love this man! Also, the fact that he does a lot of Stephen King works doesn’t hurt.
Agreed! From “A-Team”, “Star Trek etc.”, and “Fat Man and Little Boy”, he’s shown he’s got range!
Excellent addition.
“No more ‘ini’ food in this house!”
Breaking Away is an outstanding little flick.