# Your Top Ten Favorite Character Actors **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 5, 2013, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410 "2013-02-05T18:58:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/21 "2013-02-07T01:24:36Z")
Here’s the complete list again. Please check these links for accuracy and post corrections as needed. Michael Asher [Michael Asher - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0038885/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Lionel Barrymore [Lionel Barrymore - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000859/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Abraham Benrubi [Abraham Benrubi - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0072344/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Ward Bond (2) [Ward Bond - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000955/?ref_=sr_1) Walter Brennan (2) [Walter Brennan - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000974/?ref_=sr_1) Clancy Brown [Clancy Brown - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000317/?ref_=sr_1) Steve Buscemi [Steve Buscemi - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000114/?ref_=sr_1) Emma Chambers [Emma Chambers - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0150324/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Fred Clark [Fred Clark - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0163939/?ref_=sr_2) Lee J. Cobb [Lee J. Cobb - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002011/?ref_=sr_1) Elisha Cook Jr [Elisha Cook Jr. - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0176879/?ref_=sr_2) Chris Cooper (4) [Chris Cooper - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177933/?ref_=sr_2) Peter Coyote [Peter Coyote - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001075/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Laird Cregar [Laird Cregar - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0187284/?ref_=sr_1) Garret Dillahunt (2) [Garret Dillahunt - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0226813/?ref_=sr_2) Margaret Dumont [Margaret Dumont - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0241669/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jack Elam (2) [Jack Elam - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001181/?ref_=sr_1) Richard Farnsworth [Richard Farnsworth - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002070/?ref_=sr_1) William Fichtner [William Fichtner - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001209/?ref_=sr_2) Dawn French [Dawn French - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0294067/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Dwight Frye [Dwight Frye - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0296859/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Hermione Gingold [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0320006/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0320006/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Walton Goggins [Walton Goggins - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0324658/?ref_=sr_1) Bruce Gordon [Bruce Gordon - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0330050/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Billy Green Bush [Billy Green Bush - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0124100/?ref_=sr_1) Graham Greene [Graham Greene - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001295/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Sydney Greenstreet [Sydney Greenstreet - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002113/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Alan Hale Sr (2) [Alan Hale - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002118/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Margaret Hamilton (2) [Margaret Hamilton - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002121/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) John Hawkes [John Hawkes - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0370035/?ref_=sr_1) Jonathan Haze [Jonathan Haze - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0371918/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2) Ciarán Hinds (2) [Ciarán Hinds - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001354/?ref_=sr_1) Bo Hopkins [Bo Hopkins - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005019/?ref_=sr_1) Jason Isaacs [Jason Isaacs - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005042/?ref_=sr_1) Richard Jaeckel (2) [Richard Jaeckel - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001395/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Ben Johnson (3) [Ben Johnson - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0424565/?ref_=sr_1) Carol Kane [Carol Kane - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001406/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) George Kennedy [George Kennedy - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001421/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Robert Knepper [Robert Knepper - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0460694/?ref_=sr_1) Elsa Lanchester [Elsa Lanchester - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006471/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Cloris Leachman [Cloris Leachman - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001458/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Peter Lorre [Peter Lorre - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000048/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Keye Luke [Keye Luke - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0525601/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jean Marsh [Jean Marsh - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0550577/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Strother Martin (2) [Strother Martin - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001510/?ref_=sr_1) Frances McDormand (3) [Frances McDormand - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000531/?ref_=sr_2) Butterfly McQueen [Butterfly McQueen - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0574335/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Una Merkel [Una Merkel - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0580916/?ref_=sr_1) Dick Miller [Dick Miller - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0588241/?ref_=sr_1) Una O’Connor [Una O'Connor - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0640547/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Slim Pickens (2) [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001620/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001620/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Zazu Pitts [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0686032/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0686032/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jonathan Pryce [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000596/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000596/?ref_=sr_1) Steve Railsback [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0706883/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0706883/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Claude Rains [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001647/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001647/?ref_=sr_1) Giovanni Ribisi [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000610/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000610/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Stephen Root [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0740535/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0740535/?ref_=sr_1) Tim Roth [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000619/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000619/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jennifer Saunders [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0766837/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0766837/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jay Silverheels [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798855/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798855/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Emil Sitka [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0803238/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0803238/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) William Smith [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810342/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810342/?ref_=sr_1) Ned Sparks [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0817021/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0817021/?ref_=sr_1) Harry Dean Stanton (4) [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001765/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001765/?ref_=sr_1) Maggie Steed [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0824353/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0824353/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Henry Stephenson [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0827261/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0827261/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Lewis Stone [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0832011/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0832011/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) David Strathairn (4) [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000657/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000657/?ref_=sr_1) Woody Strode [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0834754/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0834754/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Mark Strong [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0835016/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0835016/?ref_=sr_1) Sheila Tousey [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0869721/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0869721/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Lee Van Cleef [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001812/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001812/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) JT Walsh (2) [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000687/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000687/?ref_=sr_1) Jack Warden [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0912001/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0912001/?ref_=sr_1) Billie Whitelaw [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925794/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925794/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Tom Wilkinson [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0929489/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0929489/?ref_=sr_1) Guinn “Big Boy” Williams [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0930711/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0930711/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Michael K. Williams [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0931324/?ref\_=sr\_2](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0931324/?ref_=sr_2) Chill Wills [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0932629/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0932629/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Trey Wilson [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0934254/?ref\_=sr\_4](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0934254/?ref_=sr_4) Penelope Wilton [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0934362/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0934362/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Also, if the IMDb page has no pictures please do a Google Image search and post a link to the actor to be sure we have the right person’s name. If the name is wrong please say so. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/22 "2013-02-07T01:30:29Z")
In the same spirit as Post #10, here’s the short list of multiple mentions: Ward Bond (2) [Ward Bond - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000955/?ref_=sr_1) Walter Brennan (2) [Walter Brennan - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000974/?ref_=sr_1) Chris Cooper (4) [Chris Cooper - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177933/?ref_=sr_2) Garret Dillahunt (2) [Garret Dillahunt - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0226813/?ref_=sr_2) Jack Elam (2) [Jack Elam - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001181/?ref_=sr_1) Alan Hale Sr (2) [Alan Hale - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002118/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Margaret Hamilton (2) [Margaret Hamilton - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002121/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Ciarán Hinds (2) [Ciarán Hinds - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001354/?ref_=sr_1) Richard Jaeckel (2) [Richard Jaeckel - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001395/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Ben Johnson (3) [Ben Johnson - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0424565/?ref_=sr_1) Strother Martin (2) [Strother Martin - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001510/?ref_=sr_1) Frances McDormand (3) [Frances McDormand - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000531/?ref_=sr_2) Slim Pickens (2) [Slim Pickens - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001620/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Harry Dean Stanton (4) [Harry Dean Stanton - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001765/?ref_=sr_1) David Strathairn (4) [David Strathairn - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000657/?ref_=sr_1) JT Walsh (2) [J.T. Walsh - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000687/?ref_=sr_1) ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/23 "2013-02-07T16:46:48Z")
Due to some recent additions I have reposted the alpha list from the first thread in [this post.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=15980864&postcount=59) Please refer to that list (if needed) to come up with your own Top Ten. Again, your Top Ten doesn’t have to come from that list, but it is the Top Ten lists in this thread that will be used to narrow down the group(s) for the next poll(s). Yeah, it’s getting confusing. But maybe it will be worth it. 🙂 ---
**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:** [February 7, 2013, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/24 "2013-02-07T17:14:58Z")
Getting it down to ten was hard. Some almost-made-its that it hurts to leave off, but nevertheless: Jim Broadbent Steve Buscemi Elisha Cook Jr. Ciaran Hinds Dan Hedaya Peter Lorre Jonathan Pryce William Sadler J.K. Simmons M. Emmet Walsh ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/25 "2013-02-07T17:21:09Z")
> [@Bumbershoot](#): > > Well, that was more difficult than I thought it would be. 15 or 20, no problem, but narrowing it down to 10 was tough. Anyway, here’s my list: > > Ward Bond > Walter Brennan > Chris Cooper > Jack Elam > George Kennedy > Strother Martin > Tim Roth > Harry Dean Stanton > Lee Van Cleef > J T Walsh Finally, a list I can get behind. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/26 "2013-02-07T17:41:37Z")
Stanley Tucci Fiona Shaw ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/27 "2013-02-07T18:07:30Z")
I question the inclusion of Barrymore - he was a leading actor, not a character actor! ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/28 "2013-02-07T18:14:34Z")
> [@BrotherCadfael](#): > > I question the inclusion of Barrymore - he was a leading actor, not a character actor! There are quite a few in that category, but the main idea is to get names for a poll (or several polls). When it comes time to vote voters can decide if their choices include “stars” or not. I’m not limiting nominations in these preliminary threads, trusting others to make those decisions for themselves. Your objection is noted and appreciated. So far, you have mentioned one actor (that I have seen). Can you add nine more? ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/29 "2013-02-07T18:27:39Z")
I do not see Warren Oates. You’ve got to have Warren Oates if for no other reason than “Two Lane Blacktop”, which he should have won an Oscar for. > **[Warren Oates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Oates)** > > Warren Mercer Oates (July 5, 1928 – April 3, 1982) was an American actor best known for his performances in several films directed by Sam Peckinpah, including The Wild Bunch (1969) and Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974). Another of his most acclaimed performances was as officer Sam Wood in In the Heat of the Night (1967). Oates starred in numerous films during the early 1970s that have since achieved cult status, such as The Hired Hand (1971), Two-Lane Blacktop (1971), Cockfighter (19... > [@](#): > > Although the Peckinpah film roles are his best-known, his most critically acclaimed role is GTO in Monte Hellman’s 1971 cult classic Two-Lane Blacktop. The film, although a failure at the box-office, is studied in film schools as a treasure of the 1970s, in large part due to Oates’ heartbreaking portrayal of GTO. Famed film critic Leonard Maltin remarked that Oates’ performance in this film was as good as any he’d seen and should have won the Oscar. > [@](#): > > During a recent screening of Hellman’s Two-Lane Blacktop, Linklater introduced the film and announced 16 reasons why viewers should love the 1971 movie. The sixth was: “Because there was once a god who walked the Earth named Warren Oates.”[3] I would also and to the lists: Ned Beatty & Charles Durning. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/30 "2013-02-07T18:32:12Z")
Recent posts have provided these multi-mention names for the next preliminary poll. I’d like to get 15-20 names before doing another poll, so add your Top Ten to help that process along. Steve Buscemi (2) [Steve Buscemi - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000114/?ref_=sr_1) Elisha Cook Jr (2) [Elisha Cook Jr. - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0176879/?ref_=sr_2) George Kennedy (2) [George Kennedy - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001421/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Peter Lorre (2) [Peter Lorre - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000048/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jonathan Pryce (2) [Jonathan Pryce - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000596/?ref_=sr_1) Tim Roth (2)[Tim Roth - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000619/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Lee Van Cleef (2) [Lee Van Cleef - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001812/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) **Dallas Jones** , I’ve yet to add yours. But thanks anyway! ---
**Author:** ![jack\_tardiff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/43a26b/32.png) [@jack\_tardiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jack_tardiff)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/31 "2013-02-07T18:40:08Z")
Too early to think of a ten list, but certainly Akim Tamiroff fits the definition of character actor, and was one of the best. Timothy Carey. But it brings me to wonder, since both the above had supporting-character roles as well. Notably Carey in _Paths of Glory_ and Tamiroff in _Touch of Evil_. I can’t accept Walter Brennan as character actor/bit player, not just because of his Oscar (at least one I know of), but the majority of his well-known roles were as supporting actor. Ditto Ward Bond, except he truly probably is better known for his character roles. I’d nitpick, though – he ended up “featured player” on the many John Ford pictures he was in. So what _is_ a character actor, anyway, besides the person you point at and say, “Hey, it’s _that_guy! I love that guy!”? ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/32 "2013-02-07T18:49:06Z")
> [@jack\_tardiff](#): > > Too early to think of a ten list, but certainly Akim Tamiroff fits the definition of character actor, and was one of the best. > > Timothy Carey. > > But it brings me to wonder, since both the above had supporting-character roles as well. Notably Carey in _Paths of Glory_ and Tamiroff in _Touch of Evil_. I can’t accept Walter Brennan as character actor/bit player, not just because of his Oscar (at least one I know of), but the majority of his well-known roles were as supporting actor. > > Ditto Ward Bond, except he truly probably is better known for his character roles. I’d nitpick, though – he ended up “featured player” on the many John Ford pictures he was in. > > So what _is_ a character actor, anyway, besides the person you point at and say, “Hey, it’s _that_guy! I love that guy!”? See my comments in Post #28, please. Of those you mentioned I’m adding Tamiroff and Carey, but not adding to the mention counts for the others. When you vote in a poll or more, you can decide your own criteria – as can everybody else who chooses to vote. ---
**Author:** ![jack\_tardiff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/43a26b/32.png) [@jack\_tardiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jack_tardiff)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/33 "2013-02-07T18:56:35Z")
> [@Zeldar](#): > > Of those you mentioned I’m adding Tamiroff and Carey, but not adding to the mention counts for the others. That will be acceptable. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/34 "2013-02-07T19:01:31Z")
This is an update for Post #21: Again, please check the IMDb links for people you mentioned for accuracy. Michael Asher [Michael Asher - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0038885/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Lionel Barrymore [Lionel Barrymore - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000859/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Ned Beatty [Ned Beatty - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000885/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Abraham Benrubi [Abraham Benrubi - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0072344/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Ward Bond (3) [Ward Bond - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000955/?ref_=sr_1) Walter Brennan (3) [Walter Brennan - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000974/?ref_=sr_1) Jim Broadbent [Jim Broadbent - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000980/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Clancy Brown [Clancy Brown - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000317/?ref_=sr_1) Steve Buscemi (2) [Steve Buscemi - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000114/?ref_=sr_1) Timothy Carey [Timothy Carey - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0137046/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Emma Chambers [Emma Chambers - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0150324/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Fred Clark [Fred Clark - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0163939/?ref_=sr_2) Lee J. Cobb [Lee J. Cobb - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002011/?ref_=sr_1) Elisha Cook Jr (2) [Elisha Cook Jr. - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0176879/?ref_=sr_2) Chris Cooper (5) [Chris Cooper - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177933/?ref_=sr_2) Peter Coyote [Peter Coyote - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001075/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Laird Cregar [Laird Cregar - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0187284/?ref_=sr_1) Garret Dillahunt (2) [Garret Dillahunt - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0226813/?ref_=sr_2) Margaret Dumont [Margaret Dumont - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0241669/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Charles Durning [Charles Durning - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001164/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jack Elam (3) [Jack Elam - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001181/?ref_=sr_1) Richard Farnsworth [Richard Farnsworth - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002070/?ref_=sr_1) William Fichtner [William Fichtner - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001209/?ref_=sr_2) Dawn French [Dawn French - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0294067/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Dwight Frye [Dwight Frye - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0296859/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Hermione Gingold [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0320006/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0320006/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Walton Goggins [Walton Goggins - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0324658/?ref_=sr_1) Bruce Gordon [Bruce Gordon - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0330050/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Billy Green Bush [Billy Green Bush - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0124100/?ref_=sr_1) Graham Greene [Graham Greene - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001295/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Sydney Greenstreet [Sydney Greenstreet - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002113/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Alan Hale Sr (2) [Alan Hale - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002118/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Margaret Hamilton (2) [Margaret Hamilton - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002121/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) John Hawkes [John Hawkes - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0370035/?ref_=sr_1) Jonathan Haze [Jonathan Haze - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0371918/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2) Dan Hedaya [Dan Hedaya - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000445/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Ciarán Hinds (3) [Ciarán Hinds - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001354/?ref_=sr_1) Bo Hopkins [Bo Hopkins - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005019/?ref_=sr_1) Jason Isaacs [Jason Isaacs - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005042/?ref_=sr_1) Richard Jaeckel (2) [Richard Jaeckel - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001395/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Ben Johnson (3) [Ben Johnson - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0424565/?ref_=sr_1) Carol Kane [Carol Kane - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001406/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) George Kennedy (2) [George Kennedy - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001421/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Robert Knepper [Robert Knepper - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0460694/?ref_=sr_1) Elsa Lanchester [Elsa Lanchester - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006471/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Cloris Leachman [Cloris Leachman - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001458/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Peter Lorre (2) [Peter Lorre - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000048/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Keye Luke [Keye Luke - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0525601/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jean Marsh [Jean Marsh - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0550577/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Strother Martin (3) [Strother Martin - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001510/?ref_=sr_1) Frances McDormand (3) [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000531/?ref\_=sr\_2](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000531/?ref_=sr_2) Butterfly McQueen [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0574335/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0574335/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Una Merkel [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0580916/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0580916/?ref_=sr_1) Dick Miller [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0588241/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0588241/?ref_=sr_1) Warren Oates [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0643105/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0643105/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Una O’Connor [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0640547/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0640547/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Slim Pickens (2) [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001620/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001620/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Zazu Pitts [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0686032/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0686032/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jonathan Pryce (2) [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000596/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000596/?ref_=sr_1) Steve Railsback [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0706883/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0706883/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Claude Rains [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001647/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001647/?ref_=sr_1) Giovanni Ribisi [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000610/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000610/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Stephen Root [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0740535/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0740535/?ref_=sr_1) Tim Roth (2)[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000619/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000619/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) William Sadler [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006669/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006669/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jennifer Saunders [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0766837/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0766837/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Fiona Shaw [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0789716/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0789716/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jay Silverheels [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798855/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798855/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) J.K. Simmons [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0799777/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0799777/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Emil Sitka [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0803238/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0803238/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) William Smith [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810342/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810342/?ref_=sr_1) Ned Sparks [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0817021/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0817021/?ref_=sr_1) Harry Dean Stanton (5) [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001765/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001765/?ref_=sr_1) Maggie Steed [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0824353/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0824353/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Henry Stephenson [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0827261/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0827261/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Lewis Stone [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0832011/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0832011/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) David Strathairn (4) [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000657/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000657/?ref_=sr_1) Woody Strode [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0834754/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0834754/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Mark Strong [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0835016/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0835016/?ref_=sr_1) Akim Tamiroff [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0848667/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0848667/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Sheila Tousey [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0869721/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0869721/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Stanley Tucci [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001804/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001804/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Lee Van Cleef (2) [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001812/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001812/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) JT Walsh (3) [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000687/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000687/?ref_=sr_1) M. Emmet Walsh [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001826/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001826/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Jack Warden [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0912001/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0912001/?ref_=sr_1) Billie Whitelaw [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925794/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925794/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Tom Wilkinson [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0929489/?ref\_=sr\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0929489/?ref_=sr_1) Guinn “Big Boy” Williams [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0930711/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0930711/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Michael K. Williams [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0931324/?ref\_=sr\_2](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0931324/?ref_=sr_2) Chill Wills [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0932629/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0932629/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Trey Wilson [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0934254/?ref\_=sr\_4](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0934254/?ref_=sr_4) Penelope Wilton [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0934362/?ref\_=fn\_al\_nm\_1](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0934362/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410/35 "2013-02-07T19:17:19Z")
Steve Buscemi Joan Cusack John Goodman George Kennedy Peter Lorre Strother Martin Frances McDormand Harry Dean Stanton J. T. Walsh M. Emmet Walsh [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-top-ten-favorite-character-actors/649410.md?page=1)