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In films and television shows, there are numerous character actors whose faces seem recognizable yet their names elude the audience. “I’ve seen him somewhere before,” viewers might think. However, an actor like Oliver Platt, who was once relatively unknown, has managed to expand his fame over the past decade or so, especially with notable performances such as Dr. Daniel Charles in Chicago Med. This exposure has made him recognizable even for those who were previously unaware of his identity.

For longtime observers, he seldom falls short. He consistently leaves an impact with his performances and elevates every project he joins. His versatility is worth noting, as he excels at portraying a wide variety of characters across different genres.

Oliver Platt may very well be the best actor working today, and here are 10 reasons why.

10
He Brings Nearly 40 Years of Experience in Both TV and Movies

Born to a family where his father served as a U.S. ambassador, Platt had the opportunity to live in numerous parts of the world during his childhood. His early years were largely spent in Asia, and he enrolled in a total of 12 distinct schools before attending a boarding school in Colorado. Later, he majored in drama at Tufts University, followed by a stint as an actor with Shakespeare and Company before relocating to New York. He also worked in regional theaters, off-Broadway productions, and the Manhattan Punch Line Theater.

At that location, an agent found him, and a fortuitous meeting with Bill Murray at a Christmas gathering paved the way for his role in his second film, “Married to the Mob.” Platt made his mark in a 1987 episode of “The Equalizer.” His career-defining moment arrived in 1990 when he was chosen to act alongside Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Bacon, Julia Roberts, and William Baldwin in “Flatliners.

9
He Can Play Real People with Ease

In over 90 roles under his belt, many of which are portrayals of real individuals, Platt demonstrates an exceptional talent for embodying others. This skill was particularly evident when he took on the role of George Steinbrenner, the New York Yankees’ owner, in the 2007 miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning“. Platt’s portrayal of Steinbrenner’s boldness and temper was remarkable, as he frequently engaged in heated exchanges with John Turturro’s character, Billy Martin. This performance garnered him a Screen Actors Guild nomination.

Other projects where Platt has played real-life people include:

  • The Infiltrator (Yavon Svoray)
  • Kinsey (Herman B. Wells)
  • Frost/Nixon (Bob Zelnick)
  • Kill the Messenger (Jerome Ceppos)
  • Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (Max Gaines)
  • Bessie (Carl Van Vechten)

8
He Excels Both as a Lead and in a Supporting Role

Platt has the versatility to take on various roles required by a director, whether it’s spearheading a film or delivering a striking supporting performance. His talent as a leading man is evident in movies and series such as The Infiltrator, The Impostors, Simon Birch, Deadline, and Queen’s Supreme. These roles are remarkably diverse, with Platt portraying characters ranging from a Neo-Nazi to an actor, a father, a newspaper columnist, and a judge – none of them sharing even the slightest similarity.

He is undoubtedly one of the most dedicated supporting actors from his generation, consistently working throughout the 90s, 00s, 10s, and even up to now. To add to this, Platt has also lent his voice to various projects, such as Wonder Woman in the 2009 animated adaptation, The Voice in I’m Thinking of Ending Things, and as a narrator for American Dad, among others.

7
He Steals Scenes in Smaller Roles

I, a keen admirer of Bobby Cannavale’s acting prowess, have noticed his knack for immersing himself deeply into a scene and leaving an indelible impact. Characters like Ramsey Michel in the film Chef, where he engages in thoughtful conversations with Jon Favreau’s lead character, are unforgettable examples. In the movie The Ice Harvest, he portrays a character who is a constant hindrance to John Cusack, creating obstacles at every turn. In the first season of Fargo, he clashes with Billy Bob Thornton’s character, highlighting the stark contrast between the two personalities. Interestingly, Thornton also shared the screen with Cannavale in The Ice Harvest.

Without a doubt, one standout minor performance of his was as Oliver Babish on The West Wing. In this series, Babish served as the White House Counsel, making appearances in two separate seasons. During Season 3, he advised President Bartlet on when it would be suitable to reveal his multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Later, in a different season, he led an internal investigation into military leaks. His exceptional performance during Season 3 even garnered him a Primetime Emmy nomination.

6
He Can Argue With Just About Anybody

One characteristic that stands out in Platt’s characters is their propensity for heated debates. Be it Babish or Steinbrenner, he excels at asserting his views passionately and forcefully. This might appear simple to an actor, but it gives the impression that Platt is triumphant in these arguments or at least solidly grounded with the stance he takes. His latest role as Uncle Jimmy on The Bear demonstrates this as he engages in intense verbal sparring matches with Jeremy Allen White’s Carmy and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Richie. He was even present at the contentious dinner scene in the “Fishes” episode.

In a more relaxed phrasing, it can be said that Platt’s characters seldom appear as if they would retreat from a confrontation. Notably, he portrayed the character of Porthos in “The Three Musketeers”, sharing the screen with Charlie Sheen and Chris O’Donnell’s other musketeer counterparts.

5
He’s Serious Enough To Play in Dramas and Action Movies

For quite some time, drama has been the preferred genre for him, often finding himself in police and law-related shows such as “Miami Vice”, “Chicago P.D.”, “The Good Wife” and dramatic films like “A Time to Kill”, “Bicentennial Man”, and “Ash Wednesday”. He seems particularly at home with heavier themes. His versatility is showcased by his portrayal of doctors in various instances, a testament to the depth of his roles. His performance as Dr. Daniel Charles on “Chicago Med” is widely regarded as one of his finest, and he has reprised this character across numerous NBC series set in Chicago.

Apart from that, he’s also taken on roles as doctors in films like “The 9th Life of Louis Drax,” “Shut In,” “Don’t Say a Word,” and “Flatliners.” He’s ventured into action genres too, appearing as the White House Chief of Staff in “2012” and making a brief appearance in “X-Men: First Class.” Notably, he was the lead in the action-adventure film “Chinese Zodiac.

4
He Makes Dark Comedy Look Easy

One notable talent that Platt demonstrates is his knack for finding humor in somber situations. He has appeared in numerous comedies, many of which fall under the category of dark comedy. His skill extends to transforming serious roles into humorous ones as well. A standout performance of his was in Huff, where he portrayed Russell, the lawyer and closest friend of the main character, played by Hank Azaria. This role earned Platt several nominations for both Golden Globe and Emmy Awards.

Films such as “A Merry Friggin’ Christmas, Gun Shy, and The Cleanse“, along with dramedies like “Pieces of April, Chef, Lucky Them, Please Give, Martian Child, and Lake Placid” demonstrate his versatility. His theater background allows him to effortlessly deliver humor in a natural manner. Thank you!

3
He Has the Age and Experience To Play Senior Roles

Through his extensive portrayal of Dr. Charles in over 200 TV episodes, it’s evident that Platt possesses the skills for advisory or senior roles. Over time, he has embraced this aspect and it now forms a significant part of his acting range. From depicting Uncle Jimmy on The Bear to portraying Ilana Glazer’s father in Babes, he has ventured into more substantial roles with a pronounced patriarchal touch.

In the TV series Chicago Med, he serves as the Head of Psychiatry, earning immense respect from all hospital staff. His consultations with physicians are highly sought after, and patients adore him. It’s challenging for a less experienced actor to match the caliber of performances that Platt is currently giving in his roles. He seizes every opportunity and delivers captivating, top-notch performances.

2
His Characters Can Be Surprising

In the TV series ‘The Big C’ on HBO, Platt portrayed the role of Laura Linney’s husband. His character was somewhat immature and not taken seriously by Linney, particularly after she discovered she had cancer. However, an unexpected twist in his storyline involves him sleeping with someone else following a marital conflict. Yet, after learning about her illness, he transforms into a dedicated spouse who attends to her needs.

In an unexpected twist, he stars in the movie “Casanova,” portraying the wealthy Paprizzio, set to wed Sienna Miller’s character Francesca. Initially, he seems to be exploiting the situation, acting as an antagonist. However, his most surprising role might be found in Nip/Tuck, where he plays a reality show producer featuring the main surgeons. Interestingly, this part develops into a deeply personal narrative for him.

1
He Excels Both on Screen and Stage

In my perspective, there’s no denying that Platt has truly shone on-screen, but off-screen, he’s equally impressive as a stage actor. Over the course of his career, he opted for more TV and film roles due to the flexibility they offered in terms of time with family. However, whenever he graced the stage or appeared in shows, he was met with nothing but praise. Making his Broadway debut in 2006, I’ve seen him in Shining City, a play by Conor McPherson, and his performance was simply captivating.

For the first time on Broadway, he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor. In a subsequent performance, he took on a new role, directing the third Broadway revival of the timeless musical “Guys and Dolls.” Demonstrating his versatility by tackling both dramatic depth and upbeat musical performances, Platt has proven himself capable of taking on any acting challenge.

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2025-05-26 01:34