# \#actor-characters **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/tag/actor-characters/85.md [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) --- ## [Who are our current "Abe Vigodas"? (people you might be surprised to learn are still alive)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 1489\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2026, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-our-current-abe-vigodas-people-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn-are-still-alive/919985 "2026-09-26T14:19:50Z")
For many years. Abe Vigoda was the butt of the joke regarding shock over him still being alive. I even had the Firefox extension years ago that simply displayed his life status. He just looked so old in the Godfather. He… --- ## [Movie actor with over 100 credits in serious films, who is most famous for two of the all time great comedy movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-actor-with-over-100-credits-in-serious-films-who-is-most-famous-for-two-of-the-all-time-great-comedy-movies/1033277)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-actor-with-over-100-credits-in-serious-films-who-is-most-famous-for-two-of-the-all-time-great-comedy-movies/1033277 "2026-09-23T20:02:30Z")
Take a guess, let us know how many of the hints you needed. Please put your answer in a spoiler if the hints unspoiled. Feel free to talk about him if you can avoid his name for the first 10 posts. After 10, no issue. … --- ## [Stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stars-of-the-golden-age-of-hollywood/1033289)
**Author:** [@f.coli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/f.coli)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stars-of-the-golden-age-of-hollywood/1033289 "2026-09-23T01:33:35Z")
During the Golden Age, it was common for actors and actresses to change their name, e.g. Norma Jean Baker to Marilyn Monroe and Marion Morrison to John Wayne. But I wonder, did any of the numerous men and women keep the… --- ## [Pamelyn Ferdin, a Great ‘Cutie’](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pamelyn-ferdin-a-great-cutie/1027779)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2026, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pamelyn-ferdin-a-great-cutie/1027779 "2026-07-10T19:32:48Z")
Pamelyn Ferdin is a former child actress who appeared in many roles on TV, commercials, and movies. She had a recurring role as Felix Unger’s daughter on “The Odd Couple”, and was a regular on the short-lived “Paul Lynde… --- ## [Actors / comedians who played a worse version of themselves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-comedians-who-played-a-worse-version-of-themselves/997737)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2026, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-comedians-who-played-a-worse-version-of-themselves/997737 "2026-05-01T01:12:58Z")
I’ve been watching the final season of ‘Curb your Enthusiasm’, and I’m currently listening to Larry David being interviewed on Conan O’Brien’s podcast. Conan (half?) jokes to Larry at one point that he’s supposed to be … --- ## [How actors that have been typecast deal with it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-actors-that-have-been-typecast-deal-with-it/1029321)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2026, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-actors-that-have-been-typecast-deal-with-it/1029321 "2026-04-30T19:14:49Z")
Mention of Bob Denver on another thread has got me thinking about how he dealt with being typecast as ‘the lovable goof’. From all accounts (I just watched a 1982 interview with Letterman) Denver didn’t seem to be at all… --- ## [The Reports of Michael J. Fox's Death are Greatly Exaggerated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2026, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reports-of-michael-j-foxs-death-are-greatly-exaggerated/1029246 "2026-04-27T03:28:37Z")
Somehow, I missed this story from a few days ago CNN Reports Michael J. Fox Is Dead, And He Respectfully Disagrees “How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?” the actor asked on social me… --- ## [Alan Ritchson (Reacher) beats up neighbor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2026, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731 "2026-03-28T12:22:23Z")
I sympathize with the neighbor. There’s nothing more miserable than having my peaceful morning ruined by kids on small, loud motorcycles ripping up and down the street. Over and over again. For hours! They’ve put me thr… --- ## [He made it! (Dick Van Dyke is 100 on 2025-12-13)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-made-it-dick-van-dyke-is-100-on-2025-12-13/1025664)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2025, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-made-it-dick-van-dyke-is-100-on-2025-12-13/1025664 "2025-12-19T22:28:59Z")
Dick Van Dyke was born on 13 December 1925 in West Plains, Missouri. 100 years ago today. Happy birthday, Dick Van Dyke! What Dick Van Dyke thoughts do you have? I remember him from The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966). … --- ## [Actors' spouses' deaths from influenza?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-spouses-deaths-from-influenza/1025511)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2025, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-spouses-deaths-from-influenza/1025511 "2025-12-08T05:44:54Z")
We watch a lot of movies on TCM. Watching Shall We Dance (1937), I looked up Eric Blore. He married his first wife in 1917, and she died in 1919. Christmas In Connecticut (1945) is on now. S.Z. Sakall married his fir… --- ## [Shows or movies in which the actor’s name matches the character’s](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shows-or-movies-in-which-the-actor-s-name-matches-the-character-s/986954)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2025, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shows-or-movies-in-which-the-actor-s-name-matches-the-character-s/986954 "2025-12-04T17:26:10Z")
Hypothetically, if Tom Cruise played a character named Tom Smith, that would count. Cameos or characters based upon their real lives would not. So neither Ray Romano in “Everybody Loves Raymond”, John Malkovich in “Being… --- ## [Is Pete Davidson's life really that interesting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pete-davidsons-life-really-that-interesting/983620)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2025, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pete-davidsons-life-really-that-interesting/983620 "2025-11-06T21:31:47Z")
Don’t get me wrong, got nothing against the guy or his success, but 90% of his schtick is trading off stories about his life. First on SNL, much of his screentime was on Weekend Update talking about his life. Then he c… --- ## [Dick Van Dyke was driving a car? Who let him do that?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dick-van-dyke-was-driving-a-car-who-let-him-do-that/981513)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2025, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dick-van-dyke-was-driving-a-car-who-let-him-do-that/981513 "2025-01-31T01:57:33Z")
You do not give fragile, precious things the keys to a silver Lexus. Treat him like you’d treat drunk uncle Troy trying to drive home New Years Eve. I mean, he’s 97, he can’t fight you for them! --- ## [Exceptions to "actors who always play themselves"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exceptions-to-actors-who-always-play-themselves/1012524)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2025, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exceptions-to-actors-who-always-play-themselves/1012524 "2025-01-18T21:34:18Z")
Some actors, like Daniel Day Lewis and Gary Oldman, are famous for completely disappearing into varied roles. But there’s another class of famous actors who are often perceived to be “playing themselves” \[1\] \[2\] \[3\] \[4\] … --- ## [Who was better looking, Paul Newman or Robert Redford?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-better-looking-paul-newman-or-robert-redford/985315)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2024, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-better-looking-paul-newman-or-robert-redford/985315 "2024-11-17T12:17:32Z")
I’m watching “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and I asked my wife who was the better looking of Newman and Redford. She was non-committal and asked me what I thought. I’m not generally a good judge of men’s attractiv… --- ## [Who's this actor and where else have I seen him (Dog Day Afternoon 1975)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-this-actor-and-where-else-have-i-seen-him-dog-day-afternoon-1975/1007593)
**Author:** [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2024, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-this-actor-and-where-else-have-i-seen-him-dog-day-afternoon-1975/1007593 "2024-09-24T17:22:05Z")
I noticed this guy at the end of “Dog Day Afternoon” (which, if you haven’t seen it - see it! Now!) He looks very familiar to me but the character only appears in two scenes at the end and he doesn’t have a name or dialo… --- ## [Terrence Howard is insane in the brain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terrence-howard-is-insane-in-the-brain/1001936)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2024, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terrence-howard-is-insane-in-the-brain/1001936 "2024-09-20T20:05:46Z")
Anyone seen this? He is like Elon Musk crossed with Kayne West and wrapped in Cliff Claven. --- ## [Actors who do a good job of playing evil or dark characters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-do-a-good-job-of-playing-evil-or-dark-characters/1006527)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2024, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-do-a-good-job-of-playing-evil-or-dark-characters/1006527 "2024-09-17T14:32:07Z")
Either in one film or multiple roles in multiple films and TV shows. My favorites are: Ron Perlman Clancy Brown Klaus Kinski --- ## [Can actors just "lose it?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-actors-just-lose-it/1002571)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2024, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-actors-just-lose-it/1002571 "2024-06-11T19:11:08Z")
Is it possible for a talented actor or actress, known for consistent and solid performances, to experience a sudden inability to act, similar to “the yips” in sports, where they seemingly forget the basic skills of their… --- ## [A weird, yet hilarious Charlie Day (from Sunny in Philly) behind the scenes clip question, mystery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-weird-yet-hilarious-charlie-day-from-sunny-in-philly-behind-the-scenes-clip-question-mystery/1001528)
**Author:** [@SpacedOutBanana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacedOutBanana)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-weird-yet-hilarious-charlie-day-from-sunny-in-philly-behind-the-scenes-clip-question-mystery/1001528 "2024-05-20T21:48:28Z")
Ok, so Charlie and his wife starred in some dudes satirical music video where they pretend to murder him, etc hence the fake blood. Anyway, the PR? team at the shoot interviewed them behind the scenes and theres a lot of… --- ## [Most analyzed female tv character?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-analyzed-female-tv-character/1000881)
**Author:** [@epbrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2024, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-analyzed-female-tv-character/1000881 "2024-05-09T23:09:48Z")
On YouTube I’ve hit a seam of Gilmore Girls shorts and apparently watching them has put me on the recommended list of analyses of Rory Gilmore - of which there seem to be a bazillion. Before this weekend, I’d have assume… --- ## [Have you ever seen an actor who never made a good film?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-seen-an-actor-who-never-made-a-good-film/999203)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2024, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-seen-an-actor-who-never-made-a-good-film/999203 "2024-03-30T17:05:30Z")
Opposite of this thread. Who’s an actor you see their face or name and you instantly know that movie is going to be hot garbage? Definition of “good film” I’ll leave up to individual posters. Let’s say a minimum of 3 … --- ## [Can Alyson Hannigan play the flute?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-alyson-hannigan-play-the-flute/998901)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2024, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-alyson-hannigan-play-the-flute/998901 "2024-03-20T22:00:17Z")
Just curious. I know that she could play the flute in American Pie (“this one time at band camp”), but while re-watching an episode of “Touched by an Angel,” she is again playing the flute. Holding it properly, on the … --- ## [Is Courtney Cox more famous than Bruce Springsteen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-courtney-cox-more-famous-than-bruce-springsteen/993586)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2023, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-courtney-cox-more-famous-than-bruce-springsteen/993586 "2023-11-28T02:21:00Z")
Many people, probably most Dopers in fact, know that Courtney Cox got her start in show business in Springsteen’s “Dancin In The Dark” video. On its face, the question in the title seems ridiculous. But Cox was on a num… --- ## [Does anyone have a more iconic list of characters to their credit than Harrison Ford?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-a-more-iconic-list-of-characters-to-their-credit-than-harrison-ford/987928)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2023, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-a-more-iconic-list-of-characters-to-their-credit-than-harrison-ford/987928 "2023-08-03T21:05:16Z")
He’s played Han Solo, Indiana Jones, Jack Ryan, Rick Deckard and probably a few others that don’t immediately come to mind. Can any other actor match his career for iconic characters? I don’t have a firm definition for… --- ## [Called by last name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/called-by-last-name/987377)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2023, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/called-by-last-name/987377 "2023-08-02T16:53:24Z")
In authors I’ve been reading lately, Robert Parker’s hero, Spenser, is always called Spenser, not first name, by everyone from friends to lover; and Les Standiford’s Deal, is also called that by everyone, even his wife.… --- ## [I like the idea of Black James Bond. Idris Elba, anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994)
**Author:** [@kstarnes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kstarnes)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2023, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994 "2023-07-26T15:49:51Z")
Denzel is too old at this point, and the other go-to black guy is Will Smith who isn’t credible as James Bond. The idea of Idris Elba has been floated and I think it’s a great idea. There is no finer brotha (he’s actuall… --- ## [Which actor is this in this picture?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-actor-is-this-in-this-picture/986074)
**Author:** [@saucywench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saucywench)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2023, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-actor-is-this-in-this-picture/986074 "2023-06-26T03:10:35Z")
It’s image #27. Does anyone know which actor is between Anthony Michael Hall and Robert Downey Jr.? https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/this-famous-child-star-completely-blew-it/ss-AA1cZlDP?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=077a831c6da… --- ## [Does Spencer Tracy sound like Ernest Borgnine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-spencer-tracy-sound-like-ernest-borgnine/985692)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2023, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-spencer-tracy-sound-like-ernest-borgnine/985692 "2023-06-17T22:14:04Z")
Or is it the other way around? I just tuned in to HOW THE WEST WAS WON, and the voice of the narrator sounded familiar but I couldn’t place it. I decided it was Ernest Borgnine, but it turned out to be Tracy. Do they s… --- ## [Some of Paul Newman's stuff goes up for auction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-of-paul-newmans-stuff-goes-up-for-auction/985045)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2023, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-of-paul-newmans-stuff-goes-up-for-auction/985045 "2023-06-05T17:16:38Z")
Get out your checkbook!: [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/tag/actor-characters/85.md?match_all_tags=true&page=1&tags%5B%5D=actor-characters)