It’s difficult to find out what makes a star different from a successful actor. One of the aspects that could influence the distinction is the ability to move between various genres with seemingly no effort. Some of the most iconic actors have mastered this, and have the power to surprise the audience by taking on many diverse roles
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Even though these actors might have earned critical acclaim and awards through drama work, when they decide to switch it up and do a comedy role instead, they do an excellent job. These types of roles allow fans to see another side of the actors' talents, and new viewers can discover their filmography this way for those who prefer comedy over drama movies.
7Ralph Fiennes
When people think of Ralph Fiennes, they often think of his dark role as Lord Voldemort in theHarry Potterseries, or perhaps his appearance in the Bond franchise. However, Fiennes is just as memorable in movies where he gets to show off his comedic chops.
His subtle, ironic British humor has worked well in movies such asHail, Caesar!Fiennes got to show even more of his humorous side inThe Grand Budapest Hotel. Seeing him in comedy roles is still rare, but it’s worth it every time.
6Johnny Depp
Before he became the bumbling yet charming pirate Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp was primarily known for his drama roles, albeit sometimes with a touch of humor (such as Tim Burton’sEd Wood). Yet,The Pirates of the Caribbeanopened a new door for him.
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Since then, Johnny Depp has appeared in a larger number of funny movies, such asMortdecaiandCharlie and the Chocolate Factory. While not all of Depp’s comedy movies have been great, his fans still appreciate seeing him move naturally between various genres.
5Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks has made dozens of excellent drama movies, often award-winning, such asSaving Private Ryan,The Bridge of Spies,andCastaway. As a result, viewers who know him from these iconic movies might have a hard time imagining Tom Hanks in a comedy role. Hanks proved the range of his acting talent when he took on roles in romantic comedies such asYou’ve Got MailandLarry Crowne,as well as the recent comedyBorat 2. And no one should forget his comedy and drama combining movieForrest Gump,which had the audience smiling one moment and shedding tears the next.
4Mandy Patinkin
Mandy Patinkin has the type of seemingly serious face that isn’t out of place in dramatic roles, such as the hit showHomeland,where Patinkin plays one of the leading parts. He also appeared in the British crime thriller4.3.2.1,and another crime dramaThe Good Fight.
However, just like multiple talented actors, Mandy Patinkin has a wide range and can also pull off comedy. His Inigo Montoya inThe Princess Bridehas some hilarious scenes, but at the heart of it, Inigo is still an intense man who wants to avenge his father. And those who want to see Patinkin throwing one sarcastic remark after another should watch the unjustifiably forgotten seriesDead Like Me.
3Scarlett Johansson
Nowadays,Scarlett Johansson is one of the most versatile and successful Hollywood actresses. But when she started her acting career, Johansson became famous thanks to dramatic parts in movies such asThe Horse WhispererandLost In Translation. To this day, Johansson likes to take on challenging roles that give her the chance to show off her acting chops, as will all viewers who saw her inMarriage Storywith Adam Driver can attest.
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At the same time, Johansson has excellent comedic timing. Her rich facial expressions, as well as her voice work, made her fun to watch inScoop, Black Widow’s more light-hearted moments in the MCU, and in the female-centered comedyRough Night. Scarlett Johansson isn’t afraid to make fun of herself in her movies, and that’s one of the many reasons why so many fans like her.
2Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet is one of the most talented actressesof her generation, and some people call her a younger Meryl Streep. Winslet most recently appeared in the dramatic and highly-rated HBO seriesMare of Easttown,and won an Oscar for her role in the historical dramaThe Reader.
Winslet is just at home in comedic roles as well, though. She shone opposite Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, and Jack Black inthe Christmas romcomThe Holiday, and made fun of herself in theMovie 43. Winslet doesn’t appear in comedy roles as often as other dramatic actors, but whenever she does, she doesn’t disappoint.
1Meryl Streep
Leaving Meryl Streep out would be a mistake, considering her rich acting work as well as her talent. Streep has been at the top of the Hollywood ladder for decades, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down. She has won three Academy Awards for her performances, and been nominated for record-breaking 21 Oscars. Even though all three of her Oscars were for drama roles, Streep excels in comedy parts as well.
One of her most iconic roles in this genre is the fearsome Miranda Priestly inThe Devil Wears Prada. Two years later, Streep sang her heart out inMamma Mia!,a movie musical that also contains multiple fun moments. Most recently, Streep appeared inDon’t Look Up, a clever and biting satire. She portrayed an American president who isn’t intended to be sympathetic, but the character is fun to watch thanks to Streep’s performance.
