Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

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Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

Summary

  • Some comedic actors, like Mike Myers, attempt dramatic roles with mixed results but struggle to shed their funny personas.
  • Even beloved personalities like Chevy Chase and Amy Schumer have faced challenges transitioning to serious movie roles successfully.
  • While actors like Kevin Hart and John Cleese have tried their hand at drama, their signature humor often shines through, limiting their success.

As a lover of cinema and a keen observer of acting careers, I must say that the journey of these talented individuals is nothing short of fascinating. Each one has made a name for themselves in their respective fields, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts with their unique charm and charisma. However, when they stepped out of their comfort zones to tackle more serious roles, it seemed as though they were trying to shake off a well-loved persona that audiences just couldn’t let go.

Occasionally, comedians who dabble in more serious acting find remarkable success, as evidenced by stars such as Melissa McCarthy, Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, and Bill Murray transitioning into dramatic roles with ease. Yet, not every gifted comedian is suited for such roles; some of Tinseltown’s cherished figures have attempted dramatic performances but didn’t quite hit the mark.

Side-splitting actors like Mike Myers and Owen Wilson are brilliant when it comes to delivering laughter and joy to the masses, but their respective forays into the world of drama highlight just how better suited they are to telling jokes than delivering emotional monologues. Let’s dive in and take a look at 10 comedy actors who weren’t meant for serious movies (and that’s okay).

10 Mike Myers

Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

Legendary Saturday Night Live performer and expert at disguises, Mike Myers, has been making waves in Hollywood since he joined the popular comedy show in 1989. During his time there, he earned a Primetime Emmy for his writing and went on to star in beloved cult classics like “Wayne’s World” and “So I Married an Axe Murderer.” Myers really made his mark on the big screen when he comedically played multiple roles in the Austin Powers series, as well as lending his voice to the beloved green ogre in the Shrek movies.

Can’t Separate Myers From His Characters

Enthusiastic followers of the talented comedian are accustomed to watching him in flamboyant costumes and eccentric characters, showcasing his quirky side. But what many might forget is that he dared to dive into dramatic roles, like when he played Steve Rubell, co-founder of Studio 54, in the 1998 drama “54“. His performance was commendable as it was his first foray into more serious work, but fans were eagerly anticipating the moment he’d crack jokes and revert to his signature humor. It’s challenging to distinguish Myers from his iconic characters like Austin Powers and Wayne Campbell, even though he made a sincere attempt. Stream/Download on Apple TV+.

9 Chevy Chase

Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

Initially hailed as America’s funniest man following his debut on the premier season of Saturday Night Live, the charming and witty Chevy Chase was the initial cast member to part ways with the groundbreaking show in 1976, aiming for a career in films. Over time, Chase established himself as a mainstay in ’80s cinema, gracing comedy classics such as Caddyshack, Spies Like Us, Three Amigos, and the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, in addition to numerous other hilarious movies.

Chase Can’t Shake His Comedy Roots

In a departure from his usual comedy genre, Chevy Chase ventured furthest in 1992 when he took on the lead role in the film “Memoirs of an Invisible Man.” Here, he played a stock analyst who had to evade the CIA after accidentally becoming invisible due to a strange accident. This project was a personal endeavor for Chase, aiming to transition into more dramatic roles and demonstrate his versatility. However, this dramedy didn’t resonate with fans as much as hoped, prompting The Washington Post to ask in their review, “If ‘Memoirs’ aims to be serious, why is Chevy Chase the lead? This is the man who starred in ‘National Lampoon’s European Vacation.'” You can watch it on Tubi.

8 Amy Schumer

Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

Comedian and writer Amy Schumer initially gained recognition through her hit sketch comedy series, ‘Inside Amy Schumer’, which won her a Peabody Award and Primetime Emmy. Her career took off further with her remarkable film debut in ‘Trainwreck’ (2015), earning her a Golden Globe nomination and cementing her as an intriguing comedic talent on the big screen. She went on to deliver more comedic gems such as ‘Snatched’ and ‘I Feel Pretty’.

Schumer Struggles with Being Serious

In recent times, Schumer has combined her knack for comedy with drama in the hit series “Life & Beth” on Hulu. However, she aimed for a more profound portrayal when she shared the screen in the 2017 war biopic “Thank You for Your Service.” In this film, she played the role of a grieving spouse whose husband perished in combat. Unfortunately, her powerful performance didn’t resonate with viewers, as they found it challenging to embrace her emotional depth due to being accustomed to her delivering raunchy and self-effacing jokes. Available for streaming on Netflix.

7 Dane Cook

Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

In the latter part of the 2000s, stand-up comedian Dane Cook aspired to be Hollywood’s top leading man. He starred in several movies like “Employee of the Month,” “Good Luck Chuck,” and “My Best Friend’s Girl.” These films showcased his vulgar and crass sense of humor. Despite a questionable reputation due to his stage acts, which some accused of copying other comedians, Cook still had a successful film career and was quite prominent during the late 2000s.

Cook Can’t Compete with Costner

In 2007, Cook ventured into a different genre, leaving comedy behind, by starring alongside Kevin Costner, Demi Moore, and William Hurt in the psychological thriller “Mr. Brooks.” This movie revolves around the title character, a serial killer and businessman, who struggles with his malevolent alter ego. Cook portrayed a man who saw Brooks commit horrific crimes and tried to blackmail him. However, despite his efforts, Cook found it challenging to discard his comedic traits, resulting in an unexpected contrast next to the strong performance of Costner. Unfortunately, this film is currently not available for streaming.

6 Kevin Hart

Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

Absolutely, I can help with that!

Hart’s Lucrative Netflix Collaboration

In 2021, Kevin Hart secured a significant agreement with Netflix, allowing him to produce and feature in four films on their platform. These include the comedies “The Man from Toronto,” “Me Time,” and “Lift,” along with the dramedy “Fatherhood.” In “Fatherhood,” Hart portrays a single father grappling with raising his newborn daughter following his wife’s untimely death, marking his first substantial foray into dramatic roles. Although he effectively handled the emotional aspects of the film, his unique humor was still prevalent, making it challenging for him to fully transition into a serious acting role. Stream these films on Netflix.

5 Molly Shannon

Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

I can’t help but admire the incredibly underappreciated Molly Shannon. She was undeniably one of the most brilliant comedic talents to emerge from Saturday Night Live, consistently bringing laughter and happiness to our screens every week from 1995 to 2001 on that iconic series. Shannon’s talent has graced us in films like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “My Boss’s Daughter,” and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.” Her charm radiates not only on the big screen but also on TV shows such as “Enlightened,” “The White Lotus,” and “I Love That for You.”

Shannon Knows What She’s Doing

Whenever Shannon steps into more serious roles, she often serves as comic relief and adds a touch of levity to intense scenes. In the 2016 dramedy “Other People,” where she starred alongside Jesse Plemmons, she showcased her acting skills with a moving portrayal of a mother battling cancer. Despite her strong performance, Shannon’s signature humor was still evident and she hasn’t yet taken on a full-blown drama to demonstrate her versatility. Available for streaming on Peacock.

4 Owen Wilson

Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

Over almost three decades, Owen Wilson has solidified his position as one of cinema’s most charming and captivating leading men, known for his humor and relaxed personality. Starting with Wes Anderson’s debut film, “Bottle Rocket“, in 1996, Wilson quickly gained recognition and became a dominant force in comedy during the 2000s. He delivered unforgettable performances in films like “Zoolander“, “The Royal Tenenbaums“, “Starsky & Hutch“, and “The Wedding Crashers“.

Owen’s Valiant Attempt

As a film enthusiast, I was taken aback when the comedic star Drew Wilson, known for his charisma as Hansel in Zoolander and Roy O’Bannon in Shanghai Noon, stepped out of his comfort zone to play Lt. Chris Burnett in Behind Enemy Lines (2001). This action war drama set during the Bosnian War saw Wilson in a more serious role as a naval flight officer who gets shot down behind enemy lines. While he made an honorable attempt to deliver a gritty performance, many viewers felt his signature wit and flair were misplaced, detracting from the film’s intended impact. If you’re curious about this unexpected turn in Wilson’s career, check it out on Hulu.

3 Jimmy Fallon

Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

On weekends, another shining star from Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Fallon, encountered challenges with dramatic roles on screen. Known for his uncontrollable laughter and breaking character while performing, Fallon spent six years as a cast member on the popular show. During this time, he also expanded his repertoire, taking lead roles in the action comedy “Taxi” and an episode of the critically acclaimed 2001 war miniseries “Band of Brothers,” where he portrayed 2nd Lt. George C. Rice during the Battle of the Bulge in “Crossroads.”

Fallon’s Playful Demeanor Can’t Be Shaken

Fallon’s brief cameo in the raw and gripping drama definitely caught fans off-guard, as he was known at the time as the small screen’s resident goofball and wild card. Despite how small the role and appearance were, it was hard for audiences to separate Fallon from his SNL persona, and he stuck out like a sore thumb in the war-torn landscape. It seemed as though Fallon was moments away from breaking character and holding back a giggle as he starred in the scene, despite his character delivering crucial resources to his fellow troops; it’s no wonder he never attempted the genre again. Stream on Max.

2 John Cleese

Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

Legendary comedian John Cleese is renowned for co-creating the influential comedy group Monty Python, where he provided memorable characters in timeless hits such as “Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail” and “Monty Python’s Life of Brian.” Subsequently, he established a successful career beyond the troupe, taking on leading roles in various entertaining films like “A Fish Called Wanda,” “Clockwise,” “Rat Race,” and the “Shrek” series. Throughout these projects, Cleese showcased his unique brand of wit and style.

Cleese Provides Comedic Relief

Regardless of the seriousness of the films he’s in, Cleese is frequently used for his comedic abilities, adding a lighter touch to dramatic productions. A prime example is his portrayal of Nearly Headless Nick in the 2001 movie “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and its sequel. In these fantasy films, Cleese played the eccentric Gryffindor House ghost, delivering an energetic and humorous performance that was a welcome change from the usual dramatic tone. With a career lasting over half a century, Cleese is well-versed in his craft, and while he may venture into other genres, his knack for adding a touch of humor remains constant. Stream it on Peacock.

1 Tiffany Haddish

Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)Comedy Actors Who Werent Meant for Serious Movies (And Thats Ok)

2017 saw the rapid rise of Tiffany Haddish, a witty and humorous actress and comedian, as she captivated audiences with her leading role in the female-driven comedy “Girls Trip.” This performance earned her an NAACP Image Award for her hilarious portrayal. Since then, she’s continued to impress with films like “The Oath,” “Bad Trip,” “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” and “Haunted Mansion,” consistently delivering a generous helping of her bold comedic style and unabashed characterizations.

Haddish Tries Her Hand with a Crime Drama

In a surprising twist, instead of dazzling audiences with her quick wit in movies, Haddish chose to take on a different role and starred alongside Oscar Isaac in the 2021 crime drama “The Card Reader.” Here, she played the girlfriend of the cunning gambler, demonstrating a tough and shrewd character who gets involved in his lucrative scam. Haddish’s powerful screen presence and fearless energy often overshadowed her ability to deliver dramatic scenes, leaving viewers anticipating when she might break into laughter. The movie is now streaming on Freevee.

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2024-08-08 01:32