It has been said that it is easier for a comedian to take on a dramatic role, than the other way around. The reason for this is unknown. Perhaps they are able to access emotions more easily than traditional dramatic actors? Or perhaps through their observational comedy, they have a better understanding of people?
Whatever the reason, it is undisputed that some comedic actors have turned in some amazing and unexpected dramatic performances, able to put their jokes aside and truly become unrecognizable in a role. Here are 10 comedic actors that delivered some of the most unexpected and greatest dramatic performances.
Chris Tucker - Silver Linings Playbook
Though his role was only small in Silver Linings Playbook Chris Tucker was a welcome surprise to audiences. Best known for his performance in the buddy cop comedy super cop.
Since the megahit franchise, Chis hasn't been seen in much else over the years, it is reported that he made so much money he simply didn't need to work anymore. His usual over the top and cartoonish style was toned down significantly for Silver Linings Playbook presenting a character with much more depth and realism.
Stephen Merchant - Logan
Stephen Merchant appeared in 2017's The Office and Extras, where he played the hopeless agent Darren Lamb.
He fitted in perfectly into the grim world of Logan which saw the darkest and most desperate portrayal of X-Men: Apocalypse, but there's no contest that Stephen's performance is the one people .
Seth Rogan - Steve Jobs
Seth Rogan received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Steve Wozniak in 2015's Steve Jobs. Furthermore, Seth even received praise for Steve Wozniak himself who believed he did a wonderful job. In contrast, Steve Wozniak condemned the 2013 film Jobs which featured Josh Gad portraying him. He was not satisfied with the script or his portrayal in it.
Unlike other stars on this list who went on to drastically change career trajectories after an acclaimed performance, Seth Rogan did not and continues to star in comedic projects. But it remains a welcome anomaly.
Steve Carell - Foxcatcher
Best known for his role in the meg-hit sitcom The Office where he played the hopeless but loveable boss, Steve Carell delivered a performance the polar opposite of that in Foxcatcher. He portrayed the deeply disturbed multi-millionaire wrestling coach John du Point.
Steve Carell is completely unrecognizable in the film, without an ounce of humor and even donning prosthetics for the role. The film, which is based on real events, is by far Steve's darkest role to date. The role marked an evolution in Steve's career which saw him then take on more serious roles over comedic ones.
Will Ferrell - Stranger Than Fiction
Will Ferrell has had a long and enduring career in comedy, best known for his leading roles in Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgandy and Step Brothers. But he delivered a surprising performance with more depth and nuance in 2006's Stranger Than Fiction.
The film sees Will Ferrell portray Harold Crick, a man who slowly begins to discover he is actually a character in a book. This kafumanesque drama allowed Ferrell to access a wider range of emotions and marks one of the dramatic high points of his long and fruitful career.
Eddie Murphy - Dreamgirls
2006's Dreamgirls could very mark the peak of Eddie Murphy's career, receiving universal acclaim from both audiences and critics alike. He even earned an Oscar nomination for his performance. Unfortunately for Murphy, he Norbeted his chances of winning, but the less said about that the better.
Dreamgirls did not mark the start of a new golden age of Eddie Murphy films, in fact, the opposite could be said. With him churning out mediocre to bad movies, to no fanfare. Eventually slowing down and disappearing from the industry altogether. However, with the recent release of Dolemite Is My Name, this could be the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Bill Murry - Lost In Translation
In a successful career spanning decades Bill Murry made a name for himself as a bankable funny-man, with numerous classic comedies under his belt. But 2003's small indie film Lost In Translation could be argued to be the defining film of his career.
Made for a small budget of only $4 million, the film went on to gross more than $119 at the worldwide box office. Playing an actor going through a mid-life crisis who finds himself in Tokyo, Bill Murry was the perfect choice for the role and poured much of himself into the role.
Adam Sandler - Uncut Gems
While rarely receiving critical praise Adam Sandler has starred in numerous successful comedies. While frequently accused of being dumb, offensive or just too juvenile to stomach, his films have been successful.
Uncut Gems was a breath of fresh air. A tense and tightly constructed drama, which allowed Sander to flex his acting muscles. Portraying Howard Ratner a jeweler who never knows when to quit, Sandler was able to channel his comedic energy to create a character that was larger than life but, at his core broken. Only time will tell if this marks a turning point in Adam Sandler's career.
Jim Carrey - Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind stars Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey as a couple who break up and get each other erased from their memories. The reality-warping film earned huge praise and is still lauded today. But it was Jim Carrey's portrayal of Joel Berish that blew audiences away.
As opposed to the cartoonish funny-man that Jim Carrey is known for this role couldn't have been more different. Joel was quiet and a little awkward, never quite fitting in. It was clear that Carrey poured some of his real self, as opposed to his persona into the role, with fantastic results.
Robin Williams - One Hour Photo
In One Hour Photo, Robin Williams plays Sy Parrish, a lonely man who works at a photo development lab in a large supermarket. It sounds innocent enough but under the surface, there is a deeply damaged and disturbed individual.
The subtle and incredible subdued performance is unlike any Robin has ever done before and is by far his darkest and most painful. His lonely existence's only ray of light is a family that has been coming to him for years, and his relationship to them has been greatly exaggerated in his head. Thus leading to psychological breakdown like no other.
