When it comes to ranking the Batman movies, I think most will agree that The Dark Knight is perched firmly at the top.

However, what about the bottom of the list? Well, I think things get a bit trickier there. Sure, I know exactly what Batman movie people want to place at the bottom (and I’ll get to it in a few), but for my money, the worst live-action Batman movie is 1995’s Batman Forever, and by a wide margin.

And, look, I know I’m pretty much the ONLY person who says this, but I have my reasons. Here are just a few.

Let's Get This One Out The Way First. Yes, I Think Batman Forever Is Worse Than Batman & Robin

When I ranked the Batman movies, I put Batman & Robin at the bottom, but it’s not because I think it’s the worst. No. It’s actually because I’m a man of the people, and I know everybody hates Batman & Robin. But personally, I LOVE it, and I always have (I actually now like Batman v. Superman, which surprises me). Because what people think is its biggest weakness–that it’s way too silly–I think is its biggest strength, since Batman & Robin always has its tongue firmly in its cheek, right down to Clooney’s silly performance.

Which is the thing, really, because Batman Forever doesn’t entirely commit to being camp like its follow-up. Directed by Joel Schumacher after two successfully dark Tim Burton Batman movies, Batman Forever often walks the line between something that wants to be taken seriously and something that’s incredibly goofy, and this mishmash kind of throws it off for me.

I think it also might be because Val Kilmer commits to being an amazing Batman, which actually works AGAINST this movie, which I’ll get into next.

Val Kilmer Is A Great Batman In A Bad Batman Movie

I know some people think Val Kilmer isn’t at his best in this movie when compared to other Batmen, but I think Kilmer does a good job of playing both Bruce Wayne and Batman, which is never an easy task.

As Wayne, he’s charming, and as Batman, he doesn’t brood like Bale’s or Pattinson’s versions, nor is he a tired bruiser like Ben Affleck. Instead, he’s actually more similar to the quieter (but somehow more lethal) Michael Keaton, but slightly modified to fit this movie's more colorful tone. And, I don’t think that should be understated. Val Kilmer is just a tad beneath Keaton for me.

That works against him since the playful tone is dialed up to a million, what with Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey hamming it up, and it just throws the whole thing off since Batman sometimes seems like he’s in a different movie. Oh, and speaking of Jim Carrey…

I Agree With Tommy Lee Jones. I Can't Sanction Jim Carrey's Buffoonery

Jim Carrey–who was my childhood–has a really funny story about a time he went up to Tommy Lee Jones outside of work, and Jones told him that he couldn’t “sanction” his “buffoonery.” And honestly, when it comes to Carrey’s performance as The Riddler, I’m with Jones on this one.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Tommy Lee Jones singing “Trick or treat” at Wayne Manor beside Carrey is ludicrous to the nth degree, but I really do feel like Carrey goes WAY over the top (even more than usual for the ‘90s) in this movie. It really makes me kind of despise his character.

And, I’m talking about despising him just as much as I despise Jared Leto’s Joker in Suicide Squad. That’s how much I loathe Jim Carrey’s manic performance in this movie. Even as a kid, I just found it so annoying.

That Said, It Still Has Its Positives!

Here’s the thing. While I genuinely can’t stand Batman Forever, I do have to give some props to its visual style. The backdrops and designs are colorful in a way that really does look like a comic book at times, so kudos to that.

Oh, and the soundtrack is still bananas. “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal is way too good a song for this middling movie. Method Man’s “The Riddler” is also great, as is U2’s “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me.”

But the rest? Put it straight and directly in the trash.

Jim Carrey returning as the Grinch is one of those ideas that sounds both completely inevitable and kind of impossible. The live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas has become a full-blown holiday rewatch staple since its 2000 release, but the already sequel-averse Carrey has been very open about how miserable that makeup process was. Not bad enough, though, as

So, if he is really heading back to Whoville, I hope the sequel looks beyond Christmas. I hope it draws inspiration from a deep-cut cartoon that most don’t even know exists.

What We Know About The Sequel

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal and Imagine Entertainment are developing a sequel to Ron Howard’s 2000 film, with Carrey in talks to reprise the role and Howard expected to return as director. Brian Grazer is also involved, while Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer and David Mandel are writing the script. (The three writers all hail from Curb Your Enthusiasm, which features one of pop culture's biggest grinches in Larry David.) That team being in place alone is enough to make this feel like a true continuation of one of the best Christmas movies of all time, rather than some disconnected rebrand with a new green grump under the fur.

Which definitely matters, because the live-action Grinch has had a strange pop culture life. It was huge when it came out, earning $260 million domestically and $345 million worldwide. It also won the Best Makeup Oscar, which feels right considering Rick Baker and Gail Rowell-Ryan basically turned Carrey into a walking Christmas fever dream.

Of course, that makeup process also became infamous. Carrey has said the transformation initially took around eight hours a day, and he once recalled wanting to quit on the first day and return his $20 million fee before the process was eventually reduced to about three hours. When he laid out his conditions for returning to a sequel back in 2024, they mostly centered on avoiding that same painful costume ordeal.

I understand why getting Carrey back might require some modern movie magic. If motion capture or improved prosthetics can make the experience less brutal, great. Let the man be green without sending him through another round of torture training.

The question now is what story Universal wants to tell. The original 1957 book, the 1966 animated special and Howard’s movie all center on the Grinch learning not to hate Christmas. The 2000 film expanded his tragic backstory and introduced the Whos and Cindy Lou Who, but it still ended with the same big-hearted holiday conclusion. A sequel has to do something different.

Luckily for everyone involved, I have a great idea. They should focus on Halloween like this forgotten 70s cartoon sequel.

The Deep Cut Halloween Grinch Sequel

This is where I really hope someone in the writers’ room has watched Halloween Is Grinch Night.

The Emmy-winning 1977 animated TV special is basically the weird, spooky cousin of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It is technically a Grinch follow-up, but instead of another Christmas story, it throws the character into a Halloween-adjacent nightmare. The Grinch comes down from Mount Crumpit on a strange, wind-driven night with a wagon full of surreal horrors, and a young Who named Euchariah has to face him.

It is odd., eerie, and has that unmistakably Seussian nonsense logic. Honestly, that is exactly why it could be a success. I am not saying the live-action sequel should remake Halloween Is Grinch Night outright. Borrowing its energy is a smart move, and changing the Holiday focus is a no-brainer.

The 2000 movie already leaned into grotesque Whoville production design, weird humor and Carrey’s goblin-mode physical comedy. A sequel that moves into a spooky, autumnal Grinch story could let the character be nasty, theatrical and funny without simply rehashing stolen presents.

It would also give Universal a way to make the sequel feel less like a late cash-in and more like an actual swing. The Grinch has already learned Christmas. What happens when he has to deal with fear, chaos or some other holiday-flavored emotional disaster?

That is the movie I want. Give me Carrey back in the suit, Howard back behind the camera, and a little Halloween Is Grinch Night weirdness crawling around the edges. Christmas may belong to the Grinch, but his next movie could use a little October in its bloodstream.

The OG How the Grinch Stole Christmas is available to rent with an Amazon Prime Subscription. Or, if you want to check out Halloween is Grinch Night, luckily for you, it's streaming online for free over on YouTube.

As news swirls about Jim Carrey, potential body doubles, and his involvement in Sonic The Hedgehog 4, one of the most iconic prop pieces from his movies is going up for auction. We may not be any closer to Ace Ventura 3 happening than we were years ago, but we can now own the rhino disguise from When Nature Calls.

Yes, I'm referring to the surveillance device Ace used to attempt to spy on poachers. Of course, the scene remains iconic to this day thanks to Ace's "emergency exit," in which a family witnesses him escaping from the fake rhinoceros butt. I want to own it, because I have so many ideas for how this could be used.

The Rhino Disguise From Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls Is Going Up For Auction, And It's Cheaper Than You Might Think

From Planet Hollywood to the PropstoreAuction.com listings, the rhinoceros disguise from Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls is officially up for auction and is set to end on March 25th. As of writing, there are four bids with the cost currently at $3,250, but the piece is expected to sell between $4,000 to $8,000.

It's cheaper than I would imagine, though one has to factor in the cost of shipping. That could run another few hundred, to even a thousand dollars, depending on the weight of the prop. For those hoping to bid and needing a more concrete number, the website offers estimates of the cost to send it to their location.

I Have A Lot Of Ideas For How This Could Be Used

The good news is that it doesn't seem as though this prop will need to be maintained for a future movie. That is, unless Christopher Nolan wants to "reinvent" Ace Ventura, which was one of Jim Carrey's requirements to reprise the role.

As such, I think there's a lot of ways one could re-use this rhino prop and work it into their own home in unique and inventive ways. After some brief spitballing with other staff at CinemaBlend, I came up with some ideas:

• A doggy door for pets to enter and leave the house.
• The entrance/exit to a cat bed or litter box.
• An entrance to a child's blanket fort.
• You could put the body at the end of a slide.
• You could place it vertically and use it as a basketball hoop.
• You could put a wood mulcher inside of it with the shredding part directed out of the butt.
• You could keep spices in it for cooking and reach into it to grab things.

The possibilities are endless, even if you just want to keep it in your backyard and harass neighbors with it. I know if I bought it, I'd have that thing in my yard and would be emerging out of that anus each and every day. I may even time it so people can come out and watch!

I just hope that, whoever ends up winning this statue ends up doing something hilarious with it. For all the memorable moments Jim Carrey has given the world with his comedy, it would be a shame to see this rhino rot away in someone's garage or in a museum. Even if the Ace Ventura movies haven't aged that well, I think we can all appreciate the feeling and memories of how those two movies made us laugh.

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls is currently available to stream for those with a YouTube TV subscription. I'm planning to fire it up at some point today, because unfortunately, my bank won't approve a loan to get this rhino for my apartment.

We’re arguably in the golden era of movies based on video games — knock on all the wood in a square-mile area — and the list of upcoming video game adaptations on both the big and small screen is pretty impressive indeed. One of the most successful franchises of late is set to expand anew, with Paramount confirming Sonic the Hedgehog 4’s existence, and the time to truly start celebrating has arrived.

Director Jeff Fowler shared an excellent update on social media that should have fans pumped, and the news coincides with a baffling uprising of conspiracy theories claiming Sonic franchise star Jim Carrey used a body double to appear at an awards ceremony over the weekend. Which can only mean Dr. Robotnik was involved, right? RIGHT?

Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Is Now Filming

Just two weeks after Kristen Bell was revealed to be voicing Amy Rose in the sequel, the franchise's go-to filmmaker Jeff Fowler took to Instagram to share the exciting news that Sonic 4 is officlally in production. No super- cool clues were shared in the picture, oh, except for Amy Rose's big ol' hammer!!

YEAH BUDDY! That's really all he needed to have in there to get fans pumped about the new movie. Assuming it's an actual prop and not a digital creation. All of the blue screens lining the background makes me wary about assuming anything here, but I'll just blindly hope that Fowler's props team went analog to put this Piko Piko Hammer together.

Of all the celebratory comments and replies, I think my favorite came from the movie's official account:

Please, Amy's hammer...do hurt them. The bad guys, I mean. Not like, Sonic and Tails.

No hints in that Insta post that shine a light on whether or not Jim Carrey will once again join another sequel, despite normally avoiding them to portray the wily Dr. Robotnik. To date, this is the only role he's continued to reprise since voicing his potential retirement plans back in 2022, though rumors about other projects have popped up on occasion.

Bizarre Rumors Claim Jim Carrey Body Doubled Attended Cesar Awards

Ahead of the weekend's Actors Awards, Jim Carrey was invited to appear and receive an honorary award at France's equivalent to the Oscars, the César Awards, which took place on February 26. The actor, who's largely been out of the public eye in recent months, was celebrated for his decades of work in film and television, and attended the event with his children, daughter Jane and son Jackson, as well as his "companion" Min Ah, marking possibly the first time they've appeared in public together.

Despite the fact that Carrey took the stage and gave a speech that addressed his family, while also mugging for cameras at various points throughout the night, some fans do not believe that it was indeed the Truman Show actor they were seeing. Much of the theorizing is based on him looking slightly different from what people are used to, from the hair length to his facial features, with some believing some kind of elective surgery to be the cause.

The online commentary surrounding Carrey and the César Awards became so noteable that the ceremony's general delegate Gregory Caulier shared a statement with Variety that officially addressed the concept of someone other than Carrey being on hand to accept the award, which stated:

Jim Carrey's representative also spoke out on the matter, sharing a statement with People that states things as plainly as can be.

I guess that settles it, right, and everyone online will let this go and return to their everyday lives? I guess that's about as likely as Sonic and Mario competing in Olympic events together. Wait, no...

With Ben Schwartz and Kristen Bell as the only two confirmed cast members thus far, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is set to hit theaters on March 19, 2027. In the meantime, the rest of the franchise can be streamed via Paramount+ subscription.

It has been 25 years since Meet the Parents landed on the big screen and gave audiences one of the most anxiety-inducing and hilarious comedies of all time. One of the best 2000s movies, the intense comedy starring Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro has since launched a franchise (with another entry debuting on the 2026 movie schedule).

I recently learned that the whole shebang could have looked much different, with Jim Carrey playing Greg Focker. But you know, that’s not even the wildest behind-the-scenes fact I’ve learned about the movie. In fact, I have a double-whammy of wild information to break down. Let’s get into it…

Jim Carrey Was Not Only Attached, He Came Up With The Focker Name

Meet the Parents, which is a remake of a 1992 indie comedy of the same name, will always be remembered as one of Ben Stiller’s best movies, but the Severance director wasn’t the original choice to play Greg Focker. That actor was Jim Carrey, who was literally on top of the world when the film was being developed in the late 1990s (We all recall his insane 1994 box office run, right?), but it just wasn’t to be.

During a 2008 interview on Larry King Live, Carrey was asked by the late talk show legend if there was a project he regretted turning down. While he initially didn’t want to say he regretted stepping away, the Hollywood funnyman did open up about Meet the Parents, saying that he was developing it before adding that he came up with a key character name:

The “Focker” name, which has been used in the two sequels – 2004’s Meet the Fockers and 2010’s Little Fockers – and the upcoming fourth installment titled Focker-in-Law, has been used as a recurring joke time and time again, and I guess we have Carrey to thank. That said, I’m very much interested in seeing what this original version of the comedy was all about.

What’s Even Crazier Is That Steven Spielberg Almost Directed Meet The Parents

Not only was Carrey originally set to star in Meet the Parents, but Steven Spielberg was also initially attached to direct the 2000 comedy. Ever since learning of this, I’ve been sitting here trying to imagine what a comedy from the director behind Jurassic Park, Jaws, and the Indiana Jones franchise would be like. But I was also interested in finding out what happened.

In a 2025 interview with Yahoo! Movies, Jay Roach, who would eventually go on to direct Meet the Parents and its 2004 sequel, explained that Spielberg took a liking to the project after he sent a copy of Jim Herzfeld and John Hamburg’s screenplay to DreamWorks. While the legendary filmmaker was initially going to make it, things didn’t work out:

Admittedly, it would have been cool to see what the comedy would have been like under Spielberg’s direction, especially if he had brought John Williams over with him. I guess this will just be a big what-if…

If you want to watch Meet the Parents, it’s currently streaming for anyone with a Peacock subscription.

It has been 25 years since Jim Carrey gave audiences one of the wildest holiday movies with How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Though I’ve always had some problems with this movie, there’s one scene in particular that broke my heart way back when and continues to make me feel emotional a quarter-century later. No, it’s not the expression on the faces of all the Whos who notice their presents are missing. Nor is it the scene when the Grinch realizes the true meaning of Christmas.

Instead, I’m talking about the Grinch’s backstory. You know, the reason why his heart was two sizes too small. For years, this sequence has let me feeling glum and it’s something I both dread and look forward to with each revisit. Well, I recently rewatched this great Christmas movie, and guess what? It still breaks my heart.

The Grinch’s Backstory Brought Me To Tears As A Kid

There were a few times throughout my childhood where something happening on screen brought me to tears. Mufasa’s death in The Lion King, Jack dying in Titanic, and multiple scenes in Bicentinnial Man (and I’m not ashamed to admit it) are all on that list, but along with those is the flashback sequence in How the Grinch Stole Christmas where the young Grinch is humiliated in front of his entire class.

The sequence, which has been uploaded to the Universal Pictures YouTube page, shows a young and oddly adorable Grinch trying to fit in with his classmates and make a gift for his crush only for it to all come crashing down. It’s a great lesson in empathy, but also a heartbreaking affair, as we see why the Dr. Seuss character hated the holiday in the first place. All he wanted was to fit in, but bullies, who would later become the Mayor of Whoville and his minions, weren’t having it. From someone who was picked on when I was younger, and who was self-conscious about their appearance, this just hit so hard back in 2000.

The Entire Sequence Hits Just As Hard Now That I’m An Adult

As someone who grew up with Dr. Seuess’ book and iconic animated special, I have a deep love for the character, especially because of this sequence. That said, it continues to break my heart each time I rewatch it, no matter how old I get. The sting is still there, eating away at me.

Though there’s a case to be made for 2018’s The Grinch being a better movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is something magical, thanks in part to this tragic backstory. It gives the character an emotional arc while also showing that people can overcome traumatic events, even if they’re green and mean. I can’t say if it hits harder now that I’m an adult and have kids of my own, but it’s still utterly heartbreaking watching the him being so embarrassed that he leaves his village behind and becomes a hermit high up in his own fortress of solitude.

So, if you haven’t already, I cannot recommend revisiting How the Grinch Stole Christmas enough. If you’re looking for a great holiday movie to watch with the family, it’s currently streaming with a Peacock subscription.

I don’t know when it happened, but my Facebook feed has been showing me random posts (not from friends) for months now. While I simply skip over most of these for one reason or another, one recently caught my attention with a dialogue about some of the best actors of all time and who had the best seven-year run. Is it Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, or someone else known for great movie characters?

Truth be told, plenty of great options were brought up in a Facebook post, and now I’m having a hard time deciding who is right or if there’s even an answer to this question. That said, I’ve come up with a list of a few Hollywood leading men who gave audiences some of the best ‘80s movies, even more of the greatest ‘90s films, and countless big-screen moments we’re still talking about years later.

Tom Cruise (1986 - 1993)

• Top Gun
• The Color of Money
• Cocktail
• Rain Man
• Born on the Fourth of July
• Days of Thunder
• Far and Away
• A Few Good Men
• The Firm

Tom Cruise was already a star-in-the-making by the time Top Gun came around in 1986, but this all-time great action flick took his career to new heights. In the seven years following his first portrayal of Maverick, Cruise would appear in classics like The Color of Money, Born on the Fourth of July, and A Few Good Men, to name just a few.

Harrison Ford (1977 - 1984)

• Star Wars
• Apocalypse Now
• The Empire Strikes Back
• Raiders of the Lost Ark
• Blade Runner
• Return of the Jedi
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Harrison Ford had some acting roles before portraying Han Solo in Star Wars, but his run of hits after taking audiences to the galaxy far, far away in 1977 made him one of Hollywood’s biggest badasses and sexiest men alive. He had a small part in Apocalypse Now, but his return as the “stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking, nerf herder” in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi was huge. The same goes for the debut of another one of his iconic characters: Indiana Jones.

Eddie Murphy (1982 - 1989)

• 48 Hrs.
• Trading Places
• Best Defense
• Beverly Hills Cop
• The Golden Child
• Beverly Hills Cop II
• Eddie Murphy Raw
• Coming To America
• Harlem Nights

A couple of years after Eddie Murphy breathed new life into Saturday Night Live, he took Hollywood by storm with his starring role in the iconic buddy cop movie, 48 Hrs.. In the years that followed the success of the 1982 comedy, Murphy had a string of hits that included classics like Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, and Coming to America, all of which are considered some of the funniest comedies of all time.

Tom Hanks (1992 - 1999)

• A League of Their Own
• Sleepless in Seattle
• Philadelphia
• Forrest Gump
• Apollo 13
• Toy Story
• That Thing You Do!
• Saving Private Ryan
• You’ve Got Mail
• Toy Story 2
• The Green Mile

There’s a strong case to be made for Tom Hanks’ run in the ‘90s being the greatest of all time. Over the course of the decade, Hanks went from one of the biggest up-and-coming actors in the comedy world to a two-time Oscar winner, a Hollywood leading man, and the star of the most transformative animated film franchise of the decade.

Samuel L. Jackson (1989 - 1995)

• Do the Right Thing
• Goodfellas
• Jungle Fever
• Juice
• Patriot Games
• Menace II Society
• Loaded Weapon 1
• Jurassic Park
• True Romance
• Pulp Fiction
• Die Hard with a Vengeance

I’m not going to lie, I had to leave off at least a half-dozen Samuel L. Jackson movies from this list to make it fit. Seriously, Jackson’s box office run from the late ‘80s through the early ‘90s is straight up bonkers. One of the best sci-fi movies of all time? Check, thanks to Jurassic Park. One of the most quotable characters of all time? Check, thanks to Pulp Fiction. And that’s just barely scratching the surface.

Jim Carrey (1994 - 2001)

• Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
• The Mask
• Dumb and Dumber
• Batman Forever
• Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
• The Cable Guy
• Liar Liar
• The Truman Show
• Man on the Moon
• Me, Myself & Irene
• How The Grinch Stole Christmas
• The Majestic

Already one of the funniest names in comedy by the time he took over Hollywood, Jim Carrey became a force of chaos with his trifecta of comedies in 1994. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber all in the same year is straight up wild! But he followed it with hit after hit throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s. Though Carrey’s best movie would come a decade later with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, let’s just look back on that run…

Brad Pitt (1994 - 2001)

• Interview with the Vampire
• Legends of the Fall
• Seven
• 12 Monkeys
• Sleepers
• The Devil’s Own
• Seven Years in Tibet
• Meet Joe Black
• Fight Club
• Snatch
• The Mexican
• Spy Game
• Ocean’s Eleven

Can we talk about how great Brad Pitt was throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s? I mean, he’s still great today, and some of his best work has been in recent years, but he had a stranglehold on American culture back then. Seven, Fight Club, Ocean’s Eleven, and more, all coming out over the course of seven years, is absurd. During the ‘90s, Pitt went from a supporting player to THE GUY in show business.

Orlando Bloom (2001 - 2008)

• Black Hawk Down
• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
• The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
• Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
• Troy
• Kingdom of Heaven
• Elizabethtown
• Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
• Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

Okay, Orlando Bloom probably isn’t the first person to come to mind whenever the conversation turns to great runs, but his seven-year stretch in the 2000s is out of this world. From the Lord of the Rings trilogy to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and examples of all the major genres in between, Bloom had hit after hit at the start of the 21st century.

After going through all these actors and their respective filmographies, I’m having a really hard time deciding who had the best seven-year run. I mean, Tom Hanks’ stretch in the ‘90s is in a league of its own, but Tom Cruise also had a firm grasp on things in the era. Harrison Ford kept striking back, and Samuel L. Jackson was just one bad motherfucker.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below…

We’re rapidly moving full speed ahead toward the Christmas season. Many have already seen their first snow, Macaulay Culkin is back as Kevin McAllister in a holiday campaign for a senior care company, and new festive Hallmark movies are arriving daily. Now, the live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas, celebrating its 25th year, is adding more fuel to the fire. That's because the stars of one of the best Christmas movie of all time, Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen, reunited.

To most, Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and its various iterations needs little to no introduction. But, on the off chance it’s been a while since you watched, or an animated die-hard, Carrey starred as the eponymous grump, and Momsen played Cindy Lou Who. After they wrapped the 2000 movie, they hadn’t seen each other since. You can see a video of them together below:

The Whovillian reunion happened while the two were in attendance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction. Momsen shared with People what her experience was like working with the comedy icon and how great it was to work with him. She highlighted how he was continuously respectful, yet fun, saying:

I love to hear what a positive experience Momsen had while working on the film, and that a lot of it has to do with Carrey. He’s arguably the reason why it’s such an entertaining Christmas movie for families, and having a former kid actor's seal of approval proves it for me. But as a longtime fan of the comedic actor, I’m not too surprised.

Jim Carrey has long been touted as one of the kindest people in Hollywood, regardless of his onset costar. For Momsen, that was a dream scenario since she was as a mere six years old when stepping into this gig. She also delved into how Carrey was not only an excellent initial peer, but an ideal peer model to watch before entering the biz fully. In addition, Momsen's so pleased to express how influential working with him was, saying:

It’s the type of Christmas cheer that’s ramping up the spirit we need. Unfortunately, her career post-Grinch wasn’t the same type of gravy and Roast Beast. After wrapping, a lot of kids made fun of her for the role (she eventually made peace with Cindy Lou Who). Regardless of the mockery, she continued to book jobs, including Gossip Girl. Although she left Hollywood behind, she made a big comeback with her band, The Pretty Reckless.

As it stands, I’m so pleased to have already received one sweet holiday surprise in the reuniting of Momsen and Carrey. Still, I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since How The Grinch Stole Christmas came out. I guess that’s the arctic blast of reality that goes with the territory! If you’d like to stream the Jim Carrey staple, it’s available with a Peacock subscription. Check out the Christmas movie schedule for new favorites.

For a guy who has repeatedly claimed he’s retired from making movies, Jim Carrey seems to be working a lot. He came “out of retirement" to film Sonic the Hedgehog 3, a movie that had him playing two roles, and before we even make it to the already confirmed Sonic the Hedgehog 4, the comedian is looking to join a new franchise that's truly out there.

Jim Carrey Is Circling The Jetsons (In A Flying Car, I Suppose)

In a new report from The Wrap, Jim Carrey is reportedly in talks to lead a live-action cast as family patriarch George Jetson for a movie based on the Hanna-Barbera cartoon of the same name about a futuristic family living in the space age. I cannot wait to see what his hair looks like if this happens.

Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow is in talks to direct the film and is also in talks to write alongside Joe Epstein. No other casting is being reported at this time, but one assumes the full Jetsons family, including wife Jane, daughter Judy, and son Elroy, will also be along for the ride, alongside other characters from the cartoon like the family robot-maid Rosie and George’s boss Mr. Spacely.

The Jetsons was a futuristic counterpart to Hanna-Barbera’s Stone Age cartoon, The Flintstones. Both series were essentially sitcoms focused on traditional topics of work and family, with the twist being the setting for each, which put mundane modern middle-class life in wildly different time periods.

There have been previous attempts to adapt The Jetsons for a live-action movie, as well as a live-action Jetsons TV series, but those have all fallen apart before the movie could be made. With these major names attached, that could be enough to make this time different.

George Jetson Could Be A Good Fit For Jim Carrey

While Jim Carrey, currently at 63 years old, is a bit older than George Jetson is traditionally portrayed, it’s not hard to see that he would be a good fit for the role of George Jetson. Carrey‘s persona on screen has never been far from that of a cartoon character. He’s already played wild characters like The Mask and The Grinch, and is currently riding high on his performance as Dr. Robotnik in the Sonic the Hedgehog movies.

With The Jetsons seemingly so early in development that it doesn’t yet have a script, one could potentially be tailored to Jim Carrey if he signs on. Because the project is so early in development, it’s unlikely the film will run into any conflicts with Sonic the Hedgehog 4, which currently has a 2027 release date. Carrey has not been officially announced for that project yet, but he is expected to return, especially considering his performance(s) in the previous Sonic movie were widely seen as the highlight of that film.

At some point in recent years, I rewatched 1994’s The Mask for my daughter’s first viewing, and it both reaffirmed my VHS-worn fandom and also re-stoked my belief that the lack of a proper Mask sequel is among pop culture’s greatest failings. (Especially in light of Ace Ventura and Dumb & Dumber’s follow-ups.) I was understandably as jazzed as anyone when both Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz expressed interest in possibly returning to that universe, and now the film’s director Chuck Russell weighed in with his own sssssmokin’ comments.

The Mask remains one of Jim Carrey’s best movies, and one that made the actor a comedy staple to many fans during his prolific post-In Living Color run in the 1990s. As such, I still get a gross taste in my mouth knowing that its only live-action sequel was that Son of… debacle starring Jamie Kennedy. I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up too high here, but I love the eagerness Chuck Russell seemed to bring when answering Bleeding Cool’s question about his interest in making another Mask movie.

Addressing the tonal difference between his big-screen adaptation and its comic book source material, Russell says he’s game to bring these characters back, and doesn’t sound like he’d be opposed to darkening up the humor. In his words:

Horror fans like myself are likely aware that Chuck Russell's debut film was fan-favorite Freddy flick A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, which brought Heather Langenkamp's Nancy back. He also directed 1988's stellar The Blob remake, followed by The Mask and 1996's Ah-nold action flick Eraser. He also helped turn Dwayne Johnson into a movie star with 2002's Scorpion King. So there's no arguing that Russell has genre range (or that his self-scripted movies are usually better than others).

I would personally lo-o-ove to see a new Mask movie that ups the ante on the comic book's bloodier subject matter while still maintaining Jim Carrey's over-the-top performance. Even 30 years after the first movie was released, he's proven himself to still be capable of gonzo physical comedy, and is someone who can still make falling down hilarious every time.

So at this point, Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz AND Chuck Russell have all weighed in positively about making another movie about Stanley Ipkiss and his otherworldly mask. So the ball would appear to be in Warner Bros.' court as far as finding someone to write a proper follow-up that's actually worthy of everyone's time. Since that's the key element to getting Carrey to sign back up.

What Jim Carrey And Cameron Diaz Have Said About The Mask Returns

While promoting his return as Professor Robotnik for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in 2024, Carrey told ComicBook.com that it all comes down to the story, despite any jokes he makes about money being the key factor.

Cameron Diaz, who reversed her acting retirement for Netflix's Back in Action, shared her take on reuturning for another Mask movie earlier in 2025 that Jim Carrey's interest in going back to that world is all the impetus she would need to sign on, given that film was the one that turned her into a highly sought-after star. Here's how she put it:

I guess someone does need to ask the original mask if it would also be interested in returning. But even if it wants to be a diva and refuses to return, the props department can just create a new mask to replace it.

Why The Mask Movie Wasn't As Dark As The Comic Book

Coming off of two horror movies, Chuck Russell directing The Mask might have had fans thinking his adaptation would indeed be as dark and bloody as the comic. But as the finished product proved, it was far more of a family-friendly effort that toned down its criminal element in favor of more Looney Tunes-ish hijinks. To that end, Russell said he really wanted to lean into Carrey's rubber-faced talents.

Personally, I don't even need this hypothetical Mask sequel to have an extremely brilliant, Oscar-worthy script. I just want to see more reality-breaking CGI-silliness, regardless of how closely it hews to the character's sordid comic book tales. Just so long as showtime actually arrives at some point.

Everybody deserves a break every once in a while, and that includes actors. Some of Hollywood’s finest have even indulged in stepping away from the camera for years on end, such as these celebrities.

Joe Pesci

Academy Award winner Joe Pesci went eight years without an acting role, the last being in Lethal Weapon 4, before making a cameo in 2006's The Good Shepherd. He finally appeared in another starring role in 2010’s Love Ranch, lent his voice to 2015’s A Warrior’s Tale, and later received his third Oscar nomination for portraying Russell Buffalino in 2019’s The Irishman. He waited another four years to break retirement for Peacock's Pete Davidson-led TV show, Bupkis, and a boxing movie called Day of the Fight.

Ke Huy Quan

After making a name for himself in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies, Ke Huy Quan appeared in nothing between 1996’s Red Pirate and 2002’s Second Time Around, during which he worked as a stunt coordinator for movies like X-Men and The One. He was absent from the screen for another 19 years before showing up in Finding Ohana, but the former child star’s huge comeback came the following year with his Oscar-winning role in Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Meg Ryan

Following 2009’s Serious Moonlight, Meg Ryan appeared in a few episodes of Web Therapy between 2011 and 2013 before returning to cinema as star and director of 2015’s Ithaca. That same year, the When Harry Met Sally... actor appeared in a TV movie called Fan Girl and, eight years later, she wrote, directed, and starred in a 2023 rom-com called What Happens Later.

Eddie Murphy

After winning the Razzie for “Worst Actor of the Decade” in 2010, Oscar-nominated former Saturday Night Live star Eddie Murphy decided to take a year-long break that turned into a six-year hiatus, according to an interview with People. He came out of retirement to play the title role of a 2016 drama called Mr. Church before earning a Golden Globe nomination for portraying Rudy Ray Moore in 2019’s Dolemite Is My Name.

Joaquin Phoenix

The world would eventually discover that Joaquin Phoenix's claim that he was retiring from acting in favor of a rap career was all a hoax for Casey Affleck’s 2010 mockumentary, I’m Still Here. However, he did briefly step away from the spotlight during that time, following the 2009 release of Two Lovers. He made his official return in 2012 with Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master and would go on to win an Oscar for Joker in 2019.

Rick Moranis

After playing Wayne Szalinski a third time in 1997’s Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves, the widowed Rick Moranis decided to step away from acting and focus on raising his children. The Canadian comedy legend would only come out of retirement for voice acting, such as in the Brother Bear movies and a cameo on The Goldbergs as the voice of his Spaceballs character, Dark Helmet.

Marlon Brando

Two-time Academy Award-winning legend Marlon Brando announced that he would retire from acting after starring in 1980’s The Formula. However, the Godfather star would return nine years later for A Dry White Season, which he followed with memorable performances in the likes of 1990's The Freshman and Don Juan DeMarco.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger's last major acting gig before taking office as the governor of California was the title role of 2003's Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. Not counting a few uncredited cameos during his political stint – namely in The Rundown, Around the World in 80 Days, The Kid & I, and The Expendables – the Austrian-born bodybuilder made his official return to acting as part of the ensemble cast for The Expendables 2.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling has taken a few breaks throughout his largely successful career, starting with his hiatus between 2007’s Lars and the Real Girl and Blue Valentine in 2010. The Oscar-nominated Canadian heartthrob stepped out of the spotlight again after 2018’s First Man before coming back for Netflix’s The Gray Man in 2022.

Cameron Diaz

The timeline of Cameron Diaz's acting career experienced a gap after she starred in the 2014 remake of Annie with Jamie Foxx. The Charlie's Angels star spent the next 11 years focusing on raising her family and entrepreneurship before making a comeback in 2025 with Netflix's spy comedy, Back in Action, which also stars Foxx as her husband and espionage partner.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Following his Academy Award-winning performance in 2015’s The Revenant, Leonardo DiCaprio took a break from the craft, during which he focused on environmental activism. He would reemerge with an Oscar-nominated performance as, ironically, an actor fearing he may be nearing his time of retirement in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in 2019.

Brendan Fraser

We did not see Brendan Fraser in a movie for five years, between 2014’s The Nut Job and The Poison Rose in 2019. The actor has credited that hiatus with his allegation against then Hollywood Foreign Press Association President Philip Berk, whom he claims assaulted him in 2003. While the Mummy star did some TV work during that time, it was strange to see the A-lister completely absent from the big screen for so long, making his subsequent comeback and Oscar win for 2022’s The Whale such a refreshing moment.

Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes' last major film role before settling down to focus on raising her family was 2014’s Lost River, which is written and directed by her longtime partner, Ryan Gosling. However, in 2021, the model-turned-actor would lend her voice to an episode of Bluey, which she and her children are fans of, as she told People.

Macaulay Culkin

Macaulay Culkin is, thankfully, a former child star who still acts, but there was a significant gap between adolescence and adulthood in which he was almost nowhere to be seen. After playing the title role of 1994’s Richie Rich, which earned him a Razzie, he took a break, only to emerge nine years later with his most mature role yet, in Party Monster.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis has always been known to keep a few years of space between each acting role, but the widely revered Academy Award winner announced that he would be officially retiring after starring in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread in 2017. In 2024, it was announced that he would make a return to star in his son, Ronan Day Lewis’, directorial feature debut, Anemone.

Sean Connery

It seemed like Sir Sean Connery was done with acting after the critical and commercial failure of 2003's The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which the actor was openly critical of. However, the Scottish former James Bond star did come out of retirement once in 2012 to voice the title role of Sir Billi (also known as Guardian of the Highlands in the US) before he passed away in 2020.

Renée Zellweger

After starring in My Own Love Song in 2010, Renée Zellweger stepped away from Hollywood to focus on her humanitarian efforts. She would return to reprise one of her most iconic roles in 2016’s Bridget Jones’s Baby and would go on to win her second Academy Award for her performance as Judy Garland in the 2019 biopic, Judy.

Martin Lawrence

After dressing in drag a third time for Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son in 2011, Martin Lawrence decided to focus on his family and return to stand-up, and even released a comedy special in 2016 called Doin’ Time. The comedian would come out of acting retirement for The Beach Bum in 2019 and return to the Bad Boys franchise the following year.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda, who earned Academy Awards for Coming Home and Klute, would take a break from acting after starring in 1990's Stanley & Iris. She made her return 15 years later to star opposite Jennifer Lopez in the rom-com, Monster-in-Law.

Matthew McConaughey

After mediocre comedies seemed to define his career for a while, Matthew McConaughey took a break from movies after the release of 2009’s Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. He returned to the big screen in 2011 for what would be labeled the McConaissance with more serious roles in the likes of The Lincoln Lawyer, Mud, and his Oscar-winning turn in Dallas Buyers Club.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar's absence from the big screen alone (between Veronika Decides to Die and Do Revenge) lasted 13 years, if you don’t count her role in the English dub for the Peruvian 2012 animated film The Illusionauts. However, she did not even have any small screen roles between 2016 – when she appeared in an unaired pilot for a Cruel Intentions sequel series and guest-starred on Those Who Can’t – and 2019, when she made a cameo as herself on The Big Bang Theory.

Tobey Maguire

Tobey Maguire played Bobby Fischer in Pawn Sacrifice in 2014, the same year he also starred in and produced the miniseries, The Spoils of Babylon. He would not appear in another live-action production until reprising his variation of Peter Parker in Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021, but did lend his voice to 2017’s The Boss Baby.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence had an endlessly busy decade, including leading the Hunger Games movies and her Oscar win for Silver Linings Playbook, before deciding to take a break after saying goodbye to the X-Men movies franchise with 2019’s Dark Phoenix. She would return just two years later, however, with Adam McKay's Oscar-nominated satire, Don’t Look Up, in 2021.

Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle was at the top of his game in 2005 when he chose to leave his successful Comedy Central sketch comedy series, Chappelle’s Show, and leave the country, due to creative differences and pressures. He would make infrequent appearances at comedy clubs for the next decade before returning to acting in Spike Lee’s 2015 satire, Chi-Raq, hosting Saturday Night Live the following year, and releasing a series of acclaimed Netflix stand-up specials in 2017.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder took a brief break from acting in the wake of media scrutiny following her shoplifting case. After her role in 2002’s S1m0ne, she narrated the 2003 documentary, The Day My God Died, and had an uncredited cameo in 2004’s The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things before returning in 2006 with The Darwin Awards and A Scanner Darkly. Of course, her big comeback came a decade later with her main role in Netflix’s Stranger Things.

Tom Holland

The Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man actor, Tom Holland, announced that he was taking a break from acting after filming his dark role in 2023’s The Crowded Room. It was revealed the following year that he was cast in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams has taken a few brief, periodic breaks throughout her career. For instance, at the dawn of her busy A-list status, she did not appear in a movie between 2005’s The Family Stone and 2007’s Married Life. She later took another two-year hiatus between 2018’s Game Night and the Netflix comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.

Phoebe Cates

Phoebe Cates was one of the most popular stars of the 1980s, with memorable roles in the likes of the horror-comedy classic, Gremlins, and the high school movie favorite, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Her popularity did not repeat in the '90s because, after starring in the title role of 1994’s Princess Caraboo, she would retire from acting, only to return just once more for 2001’s The Anniversary Party.

Gaby Hoffmann

Gaby Hoffmann came to prominence at a very young age with roles in enduring classics like Uncle Buck, Field of Dreams, Now and Then, and Sleepless in Seattle. Later in life, she did not appear in a movie between 2001’s Perfume and 2007’s Severed Ways, and eventually made a more memorable comeback with Emmy-nominated turns on Girls and Transparent.

Jim Carrey

After playing Dr. Robotnik in 2020's Sonic the Hedgehog, Jim Carrey's only acting roles since would be reprisals of the role for sequels to the video game movie. Perhaps this should be considered the retirement he had announced in 2022.

Emma Watson

Playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies made Emma Watson one of the biggest stars in the world. However, she would step away from acting for a while after starring in 2019’s Little Women as Meg March.

Chuck Norris

After starring in a straight-to-video action film called The Cutter and reprising Cordell Walker in a TV special called Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial By Fire in 2005, Chuck Norris took a break from acting. He would later to return in 2012 for an appearance in The Expendables 2.

Hollywood and the public at large have been mourning a truly bright star today, as beloved actor Val Kilmer passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65 following a bout of pneumonia. Over the course of his career, Kilmer was lauded for his performances in excellent films like Heat, Tombstone, True Romance and Willow. Of course, a generation of movie lovers also knows him well for his performance as the titular hero in Batman Forever. Now, one of Kilmer’s co-stars in that film, Jim Carrey, is paying tribute to him following his passing.

Jim Carrey famously plays Edward Nygma a.k.a. The Riddler in Joel Schumacher’s 1995 superhero film (which is streamable with a Max subscription). With that, Carrey and the film’s leading man share more than a few scenes, and they bounce off each other quite well. After learning of his collaborator’s death, Carrey penned a statement, and it’s since been shared with USA Today. In it, the comedian not only praises his former on-screen partner for his abilities as an actor but also for his resilience as a human being:

The fan-favorite Mask actor is known to deliver a good quip or two, but he’s also shown on multiple occasions that he’s incredibly thoughtful. His sentiments about Val Kilmer further drive home that point. I’m not sure anyone would argue with the notion that Kilmer was a “generational talent.” He managed to bring a considerable amount of respectability and humanity to any character he portrayed, and that certainly shone through whenever he was on screen.

When it comes to his portrayal of the Caped Crusader, the California native deserves a lot of credit. Fans may have varied opinions when it comes to ranking the live-action Batman actors, though I’d argue that Kilmer’s take is severely underrated. As Bruce Wayne, he’s cerebral and exudes a level of kindness, while he also nails the brooding and heroic nature of the Bat. That’s saying a lot, given he succeeded Michael Keaton in the role. (Per what we know about Batman Forever’s production, Keaton was unimpressed with the script.) I’d say the late Joel Schumacher knew what he was doing when he cast his lead character.

In the aftermath of Val Kilmer’s passing, a multitude of tributes have poured in from fans and entertainment industry bigwigs alike. Director Michael Mann shared his recollections of working with Kilmer on Heat, making note of his “artistic range and depth.” Josh Brolin also penned a message, and Nicolas Cage shared a statement as well. Like Jim Carrey, many have also praised Kilmer for his ability to stay upbeat amid tough circumstances, as he was for years after being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014.

The various aspects of the Top Gun icon’s body of work will be remembered for a multitude of reasons — and rightfully so. I know I’ll personally appreciate many of his films as the years go on. Of course, I’ll also never forget being seven years old and watching the late star’s iteration of Batman face off with Tommy Lee Jones’ Two-Face and of course, Jim Carrey’s Riddler in Gotham City.

We here at CinemaBlend continue to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Val Kilmer at this time.

Movies based on video games have had a storied history, including a number of notable flops. One of the best video game movies is definitely Sonic the Hedgehog, which has become a bonafide franchise with three movies and the Knuckles TV series streaming now for those with a Paramount+ subscription. I used the streaming to finally watch Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and it made me really want a Grinch sequel for Jim Carrey. This is namely because of the actor's physical comedy and fake belly.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas has aged really well, and is usually included in the list of best Christmas movies. A huge reason for that movie's success is because of Carrey's iconic performance, and he brings the same talent to his performance as Dr. Robotnik in the Sonic films. Particularly in the third movie, I thought he channeled The Grinch in a number of ways.

Carrey played not one, but two Robotniks in the third film, and particularly split sides in Sonic 3's dance number. Seeing him use the character's funny voice and move with his round belly really reminded me of Ron Howard's How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Seriously, give us a nostalgic follow-up, you cowards!

Logically, a sequel to Ron Howard's Grinch movie doesn't seem totally out of the question. The actors are largely still working, including Molly Shannon, and Christine Baranski. For his part, Jim Carrey isn't opposed to doing another Grinch appearance, preferably without having to spend as much time in the makeup chair. Although I will say that the practical effects used in both that Christmas flick and the Sonic the Hedgehog movies is a big reason why his performance is so successful.

Back in 2023, Carrey's reps shot down rumors of him returning as The Grinch, but that hasn't stopped his generations of fans from chattering about that possibility online. Many moviegoers re-watch that 2000 movie annually, which is why it has such a place in so many hearts. One would assume this would result in box office success if a sequel is finally produced, allowing Jim Carrey and his Grinch belly to once again chew the scenery (and maybe glass).

While we never got a live-action sequel (yet), the Grinch has continued to be a holiday tradition thanks to the 2000 movie and the original 1966 animated TV special. Back in 2018, a new animated movie was released, with Benedict Cumberbatch voicing the titular villain. The 2018 Grinch made a ton of money at the box office, proving the brand's ongoing power with moviegoers old and young alike. We'll just have to wait and see if Carrey gets to play that role again. Unfortunately, we shouldn't expect a live-action follow-up to appear on the 2025 movie release list.

Some of the most extraordinary performances in movie or TV history have seen the actor completely disappear into a role, not only changing their appearance but also adopting a voice almost entirely different from their own. Take a look at some of the most impressive voice alterations that an actor took on to perfect their unique portrayal of a now iconic character (or characters).

Robert De Niro (Cape Fear)

One thing that makes the 1991 remake of Cape Fear one of the most amusing Martin Scorsese/Robert De Niro collaborations is the actor's approach to playing Max Cady. The Academy Award-winning Italian-American dons a thick, over-the-top Southern accent but is still no less chilling as the sadistic, recently released convict seeking revenge on the defense attorney (Nick Nolte) who put him away.

Lupita Nyong'o (Us)

One of the scariest modern horror movie villains is Red (Lupita Nyong'o) from writer and director Jordan Peele's 2019 sophomore feature, Us. The Academy Award winner brilliantly differentiates the vengeful, "tethered" person from her above-ground double, Adelaide, and gives her an even more unsettling presence, with a raspy voice inspired by a condition called spasmodic dysphonia, which inhibits airflow and is commonly a symptom of traumatic experiences.

Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)

As he would with any other role, Daniel Day-Lewis went to great lengths to become the sixteenth President of the United States for his Oscar-winning performance in Steven Spielberg's 2012 biopic, Lincoln. He even made sure to match Honest Abe's voice, which was high-pitched and reedy (according to the Library of Congress), as opposed to the low bellow many previous portrayals mistakenly attempted.

Mel Blanc (Looney Tunes)

To this day, it is almost shocking to learn that most of the original Looney Tunes characters were brought to life by just one actor. Until he passed away in 1989, Mel Blanc provided the diverse voices of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, and plenty more favorites under the Warner Bros. animation umbrella.

Austin Butler (Elvis)

The key to portraying Elvis Presley is nailing his distinct Southern drawl, which Austin Butler went to great lengths to perfect when he was cast as the influential musician in Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biopic. The work he put into the voice seemed to have a lasting effect on the actor, whom audiences could not help but notice continued to speak in the same accent during public appearances.

Seth MacFarlane (Various)

In addition to being one of the creative forces behind two of TV's longest-running hit animated shows for grown-ups, Seth MacFarlane is also responsible for bringing many of their most important characters to life. He voices Peter, Stewie, and Quagmire on Family Guy and plays Stan and Roger on American Dad – all of whom require him to be completely unrecognizable, while Family Guy's Brian is no different from his real voice.

Catherine O’Hara (Schitt's Creek)

What makes Moira Rose (Catherine O'Hara) one of the funniest characters on Schitt's Creek is the way she pronounces certain words with her over-the-top, posh accent. Classic examples include "baby" (beh-beh) and "enchiladas" (ahn-chuh-lah-dahs).

Jim Carrey (How The Grinch Stole Christmas)

It is still sometimes hard to believe that it is Jim Carrey playing the title role in Ron Howard's live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas from 2000. Not only is he covered head-to-toe with green skin and matching fur in the Christmas movie classic but the comedic mastermind disguises his voice with an accent that earned comparisons to Sean Connery, as he told Entertainment Weekly.

Eddie Murphy (Coming To America)

Eddie Murphy started a career staple of playing multiple roles in the same movie with 1988's Coming to America. He dons an African accent to play Prince Akeem and brings his voice to higher octaves as Randy Watson and Clarence, but he undergoes the most intensive alteration of both his appearance and voice when playing elderly barber shop patron, Saul.

Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)

The Dark Knight is a superhero movie that won Oscars for Sound Editing and for Heath Ledger's astonishing, transformative performance as The Joker. No matter how many times you watch Christopher Nolan's acclaimed 2008 sequel to Batman Begins, it is always shocking to hear that wheezy, menacing voice coming from the late Australian actor.

Dan Castellaneta (The Simpsons)

If you have ever seen any of comedian Dan Castellaneta's live-action acting credits, it might shock you to learn that his most famous role is Homer Simpson. However, the Simpsons cast member provides the voice of plenty more characters than the infantile, Duff-swilling family man, including Grampa Simpson, Krusty the Clown, and Groundskeeper Willie.

Bill Skarsgård (Nosferatu)

Bill Skarsgård is no stranger to dramatically altering his appearance and his voice for the sake of scaring the living daylights out of audiences, having played Pennywise in back-to-back creepy clown movies, It and It Chapter Two. However, his transformation into Count Orlok for Robert Eggers' 2024 reimagining of Nosferatu was an even more challenging process, requiring a month-and-a-half of vocal training to perfect the vampire's dread-inducing growl.

Joaquin Phoenix (Walk The Line)

Joaquin Phoenix did all of his own singing when portraying Johnny Cash in James Mangold's acclaimed music biopic, 2005's Walk the Line. While appearing on Late Night with Conan O'Brien that year, the future Oscar winner told the late night talk show host that he worked with a dialect coach to replicate the Man in Black's deep baritone voice as authentically as possible.

Amanda Seyfried (The Dropout)

For her Emmy-winning performance on the Hulu original true crime miniseries, The Dropout, Amanda Seyfried had the challenge of imitating the infamous low voice of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder and CEO of the fraudulent blood-testing company Theranos.

Hugh Jackman (X-Men)

Many have been shocked to learn that Hugh Jackman is an Australian as his most famous role is the Canadian-native, Adamantium-clawed mutant, Wolverine. Of course, the Tony winner does more than just drop his natural accent for the X-Men movies but also incorporates a deep, nigh-animalistic growl.

Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

When Stephanie Beatriz debuted in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast, she used her natural, higher-tone voice to play Det. Rosa Diaz. However, over time, the character's voice became progressively deeper until the actor settled on a low, more gruff tone that better suited the cop's hard-edged exterior.

Christian Bale (The Dark Knight Trilogy)

To play the lead in Christopher Nolan's beloved live-action Batman movies, Christian Bale pulled double-duty on changing his voice. In addition to dropping his Welsh accent when appearing as Bruce Wayne, he adopted a gravelly, identity-concealing growl when patrolling Gotham as the Dark Knight.

Kristen Stewart (Spencer)

Kristen Stewart did more to earn her Academy Award nomination for portraying Princess Diana in the 2021 biopic, Spencer, than donning a blonde hairdo and an English accent. The actor revealed to Howard Stern that she went so far as to dramatically evolve her vocal inflection by opening her mouth more widely than she normally would and, as a result, practically altered her physical appearance in the film.

Phil LaMarr (The Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius)

Prolific voice actor Phil LaMarr, in addition to his transformative characters as a MADtv cast member, has made himself unrecognizable for countless iconic animated roles, such as John "Green Lantern" Stewart on Justice League or the title hero of Samurai Jack. However, no blip on his resume is nearly as surprising as the recurring role of foreign exchange student Bolbi Stroganofsky on Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.

Mark Hamill (Batman: The Animated Series)

There are two different kinds of Mark Hamill fans. There are those who know the actor as Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars movies and then there are those who know him as The Joker on Batman: The Animated Series and many subsequent animated Batman movies. The voice he puts on for the role – a wonderful mix of comically over-the-top theatrics and scintillating intimidation – has been recognized as the definitive portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime in the eyes of many DC fans.

Robin Williams (Popeye)

Robin Williams proved that he was the perfect choice to lead director Robert Altman's live-action adaptation of the Popeye comic strip. He matched the brave, spinach-swilling sailor's fast-paced growl, as originated by voice actor Billy Costello, to a tee in the 1980 film.

Maggie Wheeler (Friends)

Maggie Wheeler stole the show from the Friends cast with her recurring role as Janice Hosenstein, who was famous for her signature catchphrase, "Oh. My. GAWWWWWD!" What sold the character was her thick, nasally Brooklyn accent, which the actor came up with when she auditioned to play the character, as she revealed to Access Hollywood.

Idris Elba (Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom)

Idris Elba earned rave reviews for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in the Oscar-nominated 2013 biopic, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Being raised by West African immigrants helped the English-born actor develop an appropriate dialect to play the influential South African President, as he revealed to Oprah Winfrey.

Mia Goth (X)

Mia Goth played dual roles in Ti West's acclaimed A24 horror movie, 2022's X – both of which required her to conceal her mousy English accent. She spoke with a raspy Southern drawl as young aspiring starlet Maxine Minx and sounded similar, but significantly aged up, when playing homicidal elder, Pearl.

Megan Mullally (Will & Grace)

Megan Mullally absolutely earned her two Emmy Award wins for her committed performance as Karen Walker on the classic TV sitcom, Will & Grace. The key to the spoiled socialite's scene-stealing presence was her ear-piercing voice, which truly sounds nothing like the actor in real life.

Ana De Armas (Blonde)

Cuban-born actor Ana de Armas is known for having a strong accent, which she concealed in order to portray Marilyn Monroe in Blonde. Her commitment to matching the Hollywood icon's dialect in the 2022 Netflix original biopic would earn her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Billy West (Various)

Billy West could be called the Mel Blanc of his generation as he can claim to have played about as many memorable animated characters as the iconic voice actor behind much of the Looney Tunes line-up did. To list just a few of West's best-known credits, he was both of the title characters from The Ren & Stimpy Show, took over as Popeye at one time, led Futurama as Fry, and plenty more.

Nicole Kidman (Being The Ricardos)

Nicole Kidman's Academy Award-nominated portrayal of Lucille Ball in 2021's Being the Ricardos was achieved with more than just makeup. The actor shed her Australian accent and added a smokiness to match the I Love Lucy star's natural voice but was also challenged to imitate the more high-pitched tone of the comedy icon's onscreen alter ego.

Melissa Rauch (The Big Bang Theory)

Dr. Bernadette Maryann Rostenkowski-Wolowitz easily boasts one of the most impossibly high-pitched voices in sitcom history. However, The Big Bang Theory cast member Melissa Rauch actually sounds nothing like Howard Wolowitz's bride, yet maintained the façade convincingly for 10 seasons on the hit CBS comedy.

Chris Pratt (The Super Mario Bros. Movie)

Despite making "total sense" to the directors of Illumination's The Super Mario Bros. Movie, fans of the original Nintendo video game series had some initial hesitation over Chris Pratt's casting as the older Mario brother. However, the actor wisely avoided the plumber's stereotypical Italian dialect from the games in favor of a Brooklyn accent that effectively masked his natural voice.

Robert Pattinson (Mickey 17)

Robert Pattinson plays the title role of Bong Joon-ho's 2024 sci-fi comedy Mickey 17 with an entirely unrecognizable and, admittedly, kind of goofy voice. According to IndieWire, the English actor based the voice for his "expendable" character and his many clones off of comedian Steve-O.

Johnny Depp (Charlie And The Chocolate Factory)

Say what you want about Tim Burton's 2005 adaptation of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but you have to admit that Johnny Depp did try something amusing with the role of Willy Wonka. To play the eccentric chocolatier, he adopted a high-pitched wheeze that almost makes you question if it really is the same guy who played Capt. Jack Sparrow under that top hat.

Some of the biggest and best actors have never won competitive acting Oscars. Some of those names might completely shock you as they have certainly put in the performances that make them worthy of winning the awards. There are a few on this list who have won honorary Oscars or won in other categories, like directing or acting, but none of these stars have been bestowed with the one they probably want the most. So here is our list of actors and actresses who have shockingly never won an Oscar for acting.

Glenn Close

At the top of the list of actors who have shockingly never won an Oscar has to be the great Glenn Close. For decades Close has been putting amazing performances on film, and yet that golden statue has eluded her. She has won multiple Tonys, Emmys, and Golden Globe awards, yet, despite an amazing eight nominations for either Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress, she's yet to win one.

Tom Cruise

There is no bigger "movie star" on the planet than Tom Cruise. While no one would realistically expect Cruise to be nominated for his action roles like in the Mission: Impossible movies (though, his stunt work in those movies should really be acknowledged), the Top Gun star has put in the work with Oscar-worthy performances in films like Rain Man, Jerry Maguire, Born on the Fourth of July, and Magnolia. He has been nominated four times, but he's yet to take home the prize.

Angela Bassett

In 1994 Angela Bassett lost out on the Best Actress Oscar for her incredible, transformative performance as Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It. Not to take anything away from the winner, Holly Hunter for The Piano, but it's frankly astonishing Bassett didn't win. Sadly, though she was honored in 2024 by the Academy, she still has yet to win a competitive Oscar.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp has gotten a lot of bad press in recent years and that may hurt his future chances to win an Academy Award, but frankly, it's amazing he hasn't already won multiple Oscars, and yet he's never won even one. Despite three nominations and many other amazing performances, the Pirates Of The Caribbean star is still Oscar-less.

Sigourney Weaver

It's hard to believe that Sigourney Weaver hasn't even been nominated for an Oscar since the 1980s, when she was nominated thrice. In spite of wonderful performances in huge hits like Avatar and Aliens, she's still searching for that golden statue.

Bradley Cooper

Honestly, you can almost smell the desperation on Bradley Cooper to win an Oscar and that's completely understandable. Cooper is one of the best actors of his generation and has been nominated five times in an acting category (and another seven times in other categories), but hasn't won...yet. He'll surely get one.

Annette Bening

Five nominations and no wins. That's Annette Bening's resume at the Oscars and that is shocking. For decades she's been crushing it on screen and despite those nominations, most recently in 2023 for her incredible performance in Nyad, a win has eluded her.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey may have burst on the scene in wild comedies like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask - and we can argue that amazing comedic performances don't get nearly enough love from the Academy - but his more serious roles, like in Man on the Moon and even The Truman Show are certainly worthy of Oscars. Despite multiple Golden Globe nominations and wins, the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind actor has never even been nominated for an Oscar.

Amy Adams

When Amy Adams was first nominated for an Academy Award in 2005 for her breakthrough performance in Junebug, a betting person would have bet everything that she would win an Oscar in her career. Yet here we are more than 20 years later and despite five more nominations, Adams is still Oscar-less.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson has played every kind of character and starred in every kind of movie. From mega-franchises like Star Wars and the MCU, to more indie films like Pulp Fiction and Do The Right Thing, Jackson has done it all in Hollywood, except win a competitive Oscar and he's shockingly only been nominated once. He was honored by the Academy in 2021 for his body of work.

Scarlett Johansson

In 2020 Scarlett Johansson was nominated in both the Bet Actress category for Marriage Story and Best Supporting Actress for Jojo Rabbit. She lost out in both that year and despite an incredible career, they remain her only nominations.

Laurence Fishburne

Literally, since his breakout movie role when he was only 16 in Apocalypse Now, Laurence Fishburne has been putting in award-worthy performances. One of the most astonishing facts on this list, Fishbourne has only been nominated once, for What's Love Got to Do with It in 1994. Despite roles like Furious Styles in Boyz n The Hood, Professor Phipps in Higher Learning, and countless others, he still hasn't won.

Hugh Jackman

While he's best known for his work as Wolverine these days, the multi-talented Hugh Jackman has a ton of performances that have deserved more attention from the Academy. He's won every other award on the planet, including three of the "EGOT" awards, but he's still missing the "O."

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams has been nominated for an Academy Award five times, starting with her breakout role in 2005's Brokeback Mountain. She has yet to break through with a win though. Certainly, she will at some point, right?

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan was just 13 years old when she landed her first Oscar nomination for her performance in Atonement. The Lady Bird star has been nominated three subsequent times but hasn't been able to nail down an award yet. A win for Ronan at some point seems inevitable, given how she crushes every role she's in.

Matt Damon

Another one of the biggest movie stars in the world who has yet to win an acting Oscar is Matt Damon. His most recent of three acting nominations was for 2015's The Martian, and while he has won an Oscar for Best Screenplay for Good Will Hunting, an acting award has eluded him.

Salma Hayek

Despite her transcending performance in Frida, the great Salma Hayek wasn't able to win an Oscar in a stacked category in 2003 (Nicole Kidman won for The Hours). Despite numerous great performances, that remains Hayak's only nomination. For shame.

Willem Dafoe

Despite being one of the most reliable actors in Hollywood for more than four decades, somehow Willem Dafoe has yet to win an Oscar. It seems like every single role he takes on is award-worthy, and yet, despite four nominations, starting with Platoon, he still has yet to take home an Academy Award.

Carey Mulligan

2009's An Education garnered Carey Mulligan her first Oscar nom, and she's since nominated another couple of times, for Promising Young Woman in 2021 and Maestro in 2024. She's run into some stiff competition, but surely at least one of those performances was Oscar-worthy.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo has been acting his butt off for decades. For that hard work, he's received four Best Supporting Actor nominations, and shockingly, not for his work in Dark Waters, which might be his best performance of all. It's confounding.

Michelle Pfeiffer

The great Michelle Pfeiffer landed her first Oscar nomination in 1988 for Dangerous Liaisons and picked up two more for The Fabulous Baker Boys in 1989 and Love Field in 1992. Since then? Nothing. Zip. She has not even received a nomination as one of the best actresses of her generation. That has to be remedied, as it makes no sense.

Ralph Fiennes

Between 1996 when he was nominated for The English Patient and 2025 when he was nominated for Conclave, the great Ralph Fiennes wasn't even nominated for an Oscar despite countless award-worthy performances.

Naomi Watts

With two nominations and zero wins, Naomi Watts finds herself on this list. She was first nominated in 2004 for 21 Grams and again in 2013 for The Impossible, but she hasn't lucked out with a win yet. Surely one is in her future though, she's too much of a force not to win one.

Ryan Gosling

Year after year Ryan Gosling has put up fantastic performances, so his inclusion on this list is among the most surprising. He seems like a shoo-in to have won at least one Oscar, right? In not for Barbie or Half Nelson, both of which he was nominated for, then certainly for La La Land. Alas, he's yet to take home a trophy.

Alfre Woodard

When Alfre Woodard was nominated for her first (and to-date only) Oscar nomination way back in 1983 for Cross Creek, you'd be crazy to predict she would not get another one for what is now more than 40 years. Despite amazing performances in films like 12 Years A Slave and many others, she has been shut out.

Warren Beatty

There was no bigger movie star than Warren Beatty in the late '70s and '80s and despite a slew of hits, Beatty has never won an Oscar. Beatty has been nominated four times for Best Actor, yet his only Academy Award win came for Best Director for Reds in 1982. He didn't even win for Dick Tracy! He wasn't actually nominated for that iconic role though, which is understandable.

Laura Linney

Over her long, impressive career, Laura Linney has been nominated for many awards. She's won multiple Emmys and multiple Golden Globes, but she's never taken home a golden statue from the Academy. Linney has been nominated three times, for 2000's You Can Count on Me, 2004's Kinsey, and 2007's The Savages, but lost out each time. Linney has never been in a movie that has won Best Picture, either.

Ed Harris

Ed Harris is one of the best character actors of the last 50 years and yet he's never won an Oscar. He's been nominated three times for Best Supporting Actor, for Apollo 13, The Truman Show, and The Hours, plus picking a nomination for Best Actor for Pollock, but alas, he's never won. Weirdly, he's also 0-3 on Emmy nominations too. He has picked up two Golden Globes though.

Joan Allen

Joan Allen is an actress flies a little under the radar despite putting in amazing performances in everything she is in. It might because she's been incredibly unlucky at winning awards, despite multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations. That luck includes her Oscar nominations, of which she has three, for Nixon, The Crucible, and The Contender, but sadly no wins.

Richard Gere

Despite being box office gold since the early 1980s, Richard Gere has shockingly never been even nominated for an Oscar. He's been in beloved movies that have stood the test of time like Pretty Woman, An Officer And A Gentleman, Primal Fear, Runaway Bride and so many more, but no nominations. Crazy.

Isabelle Huppert

It might not be a huge surprise that a French actress like Isabelle Huppert hasn't won an Oscar, as obviously the winners are almost always from English-language films. Still, Huppert is one of the most decorated actresses of all time in her native France, having been nominated 16 times (and winning twice) for the César Award (France's version of the Academy Awards). She was nominated for an Oscar in 2016 for Elle but lost to Emma Stone (for La La Land).

Paul Dano

It almost seems pre-ordained that at some point Paul Dano will win an Oscar. In performance after performance, he just crushes it. From There Will Be Blood to Love & Mercy, the list of his amazing performances just keeps growing. Like others on this list, the fact that he hasn't even been nominated for an Oscar is mindboggling.

One of the best movies on Netflix that just started streaming is Back In Action. The action comedy has Cameron Diaz starring in her first movie in over a decade after leaving Hollywood and saying “no to everything, other than for my wine.” With the actress taking acting jobs again, including an upcoming movie with Keanu Reeves and the next Shrek movie, could she return for some of the other famous movies she’s known for. She was recently asked about The Mask and Charlie’s Angels.

Would Cameron Diaz Be Up For Doing The Mask 2?

When Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx did press for Back In Action, which is now streaming for those with a Netflix subscription, the 52-year-old was asked if she’d be open to playing Tina Carlyle again after it became her first movie in 1994 – especially after Jim Carrey shared his interest in returning. In her words:

When Diaz spoke to Access Hollywood, Diaz was surprised to hear Jim Carrey would be game to be back for another The Mask movie. In an interview with ComicBook last month, Carrey didn’t exactly say that. He said “it has to be the right idea” and it’s “not really about the money” for him. We’ve been asking for a sequel to The Mask for years, and it would just have to have Cameron Diaz involved if it was ever made.

And, What About Charlie’s Angels 3?

Another sequel we would be over the moon for from Cameron Diaz’s career is another Charlie’s Angels movie with herself, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu. When a possible sequel was brought up to the actress, here’s how she and Jamie Foxx reacted:

Diaz: "It'd be amazing."

Foxx: "That would be insane, I would be throwing my hat in the ring to be..."

Diaz: I was gonna say, we need a Bosley."

Cameron Diaz was in two Charlie’s Angels movies as Natalie Cook in 2000 and the 2003 sequel Full Throttle, and they remain iconic action comedies. While we haven’t heard about a sequel, the latest news about the franchise came in 2021 when it was reported that Liu and Bill Murray had a shouting match on the set of the 2000 film. After it was alleged that Liu fired back at Murray for insulting her acting ability, Liu recently said she had no regrets over protecting herself during the confrontation.

Anyways, since Murray was Bosley in that version of Charlie’s Angels, Cameron Diaz threw in the name of her Back In Action co-star, and he seemed very excited by the idea. How cool would it be if Diaz was able to play one or both of these characters again?

One of the 2024 movies still making a name in the new year is director Jeff Fowler’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Released for the holiday season, people continue to talk about things like Jim Carrey’s dual performances as the two Robotnik family members as a highlight of the entire affair. While it does break the canon of the Sega video games, the writing team admitted that it was done in a way that actually makes total sense.

Speaking with our sister site Total Film, co-writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller laid out the huge change that saw Gerald Robotnik removed from Sonic Adventure 2’s flashback-exclusive past and put into Sonic 3’s actively-dangerous present. Casey in particular laid out the road to making this decision, courtesy of this chain of thought:

It’s funny that Pat Casey mentioned how he and Josh Miller wanted to watch the number of flashbacks that were included in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, especially when that same device was used to bolster the presence of another character. As I had discussed in my own interview with this writing team, Sonic 3’s spoilery Commander Walters storyline was helped by the fact that the G.U.N. bigwig became one of the only people to know about Shadow (Keanu Reeves) - save for Gerald Robotnik himself.

While it’s also true that having both Gerald and Ivo in the same timeline allowed for a lot of Jim Carrey’s critically-acclaimed double handed shenanigans, there’s one more practical purpose this Sonic 3 switcheroo had to serve. As Josh Miller shared in his continued remarks, a huge theme of the overall franchise benefitted from making this change:

Much as any hero needs a darker mirror of what their life could have been, giving Ivo Robotnik a little bit of brightness through rediscovering his grandfather made the story for this installment even more rewarding. On the funnier side, the decision to put Gerald Robotnik into the modern day allowed for Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s iconic Robotnik laser dance to be possible.

However the drama involved in Paramount and Sega’s latest box office hit also gives a depth to Sonic 3 most probably weren’t expecting. Yes, I’m being properly cryptic, as I think people should still see Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in its theatrical run! Seriously, there's a pretty huge reason this Robotnik canon crush works, but you need to see the movie to know about it.

Also, if you want to revisit Sonic’s previous films, as well as the Knuckles standalone spinoff series, a Paramount+ subscription is all you’ll need to get up to speed. And speaking of Speed, check out more from my interview with Pat Casey & Josh Miller, as they told me about a Keanu Reeves reference that almost made Sonic 3.

John Stamos made audiences scream “Have Mercy!” through his role on one of the best binge-watchable sitcoms Full House. He also starred as a devoted medical worker on the beloved drama ER. With Stamos’ history of playing such likable, heartwarming characters, it’s hard to picture him playing anyone twisted. However, years ago, he actually auditioned to play what became an iconic (and sociopathic) Jim Carrey role. When you find out which one that was, your mind will be blown like mine.

The now-61-year-old actor is known for his good looks but, at one point, he was willing to cover up his visage in green fur. If you see where I’m getting at here, the former sitcom actor revealed to James Austin Johnson’s Grinch on Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast that he was very close to playing Dr. Seuss’ sinister character. The beloved star also explained the reason why he had to pass on the part:

I truly cannot believe that in another timeline, I could've seen the same star who brought the sizzling Jesse Katsopolis to life don that devilish grin underneath green hair and makeup! This is too wild for me to even comprehend. If you look at any shot of Jim Carrey as Whoville’s antagonist, it’s almost impossible to imagine anyone else pulling off the chaotic energy the Golden Globe winner accomplished. Nevertheless, it's interesting to think about what could've been.

It’s understandable why John Stamos would back out of Ron Howard's How the Grinch Stole Christmas, given his makeup allergy. He wouldn’t be the only actor who endured the negative effects of looking completely unrecognizable for a role. For instance, one BTS fact about Tim Burton’s Batman was that Jack Nicholson was allergic to spirit gum (an adhesive for applying prosthetics). So the team had to devise another way to construct his creepy Joker smile. John Rhys-Davies said no to reprising Gimli in The Hobbit to avoid wearing the brutal makeup he was allergic to.

What one can glean from Jim Carrey’s best movies is that the Ace Ventura actor is a pro bringing his characters to life through his physical, emotional, and on-point comedic timing. However, wearing prosthetics on his nose, ears, teeth, and ears was no picnic for the Canadian actor. During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, the Majestic actor said he felt like he was being “buried alive” every day and worked with a CIA operative to overcome the torture of the eight-hour makeup process.

In fact, the former In Living Color cast member said his one condition if he were to reprise The Grinch would be for motion capture to be used to go green compared to the “extremely excruciating process” of full-on makeup. I mean, Avatar, the recent Planet of the Apes series and more film proved actors don’t need to wear full makeup to look indistinguishable.

That aside, I'm still in shock that John Stamos was close to showing off his mischievous charm in full green as The Grinch. While the prosthetic makeup didn’t sit well with the TV actor compared to Jim Carrey, the potential for Stamos to embody the cynical, Christmas-ruining creature is something we can only try to imagine. I'm not sure I'll ever stop thinking about how the General Hospital actor’s interpretation of the role would have compared to Carrey's and whether it also would've garnered praise.

Anyone who'd like to check out Jim Carrey's performance as the green curmudgeon can stream How the Grinch Stole Christmas now using a Peacock subscription.

Thinking about the upcoming 2025 movies schedule isn’t just about looking forward to the new and returning properties at a theater near you. Nostalgic anniversaries are also pretty important, especially since everything released in the year 2000 is going to celebrate a quarter of a century.

Arguably one of the best Christmas movies ever, Ron Howard and Jim Carrey’s Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, has fans celebrating by apparently pushing to release an alleged four-hour cut. But does this amazing prospect actually exist?!

Fans Really Want How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ Four-Hour Cut To Exist

A new petition over at Change.org has sounded the alarm for Grinch fans to sign up and demand a supposedly four-hour version that is alleged to exist. In a proposal that shares an extensive list of 35 scenes that were seemingly left on the cutting room floor, this intrepid loyalist is ultimately looking to get a new home video re-release, with all the bells and whistles reintroducing to us to The Grinch's tragic backstory.

Dubbed “The Holiday Cheermeister Edition,” user Tom Sinclair has scoured everything from storyboards, behind-the-scenes extras and texts, as well as the TV cut that’s said to clock in at 5 minutes longer. It’s an extensive and exhaustive rundown that I’m pretty excited to dig into in a bit more detail.

Which also leads me to a bit of a caveat before we continue. You see, while there are quite a few deleted scenes scattered in the wild for Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation hit, I’m increasingly skeptical that we’ll be getting an epic length version when all is said and done.

How The Grinch’s Four-Hour Cut Rumors Really Started

So where did all of this hubbub begin? Well, if you consult author Andy Lipschultz’s behind-the-scenes book How The Grinch Stole Hollywood, the story of Ron Howard’s extensive cut supposedly originates from this very text. This is where the tale begins to twist a bit, courtesy of what page 13 had to offer on that very subject:

Reading this quote above a bit more critically in the context of Lipschultz’s book, it appears that this quote is misattributing Ron Howard as that “one director” who thought they had a four-hour masterpiece of holiday Who-bilation. For as long as these rumors have been circulating, I'm honestly kind of surprised people haven't asked Mr. Carrey about his hands-on nature with one of his dream roles.

Meanwhile, the truth of what we’re missing may clock in closer to roughly 20 minutes. At least, that’s what exists in a YouTube supercut that’s compiled quite a few of the moments that Ron Howard did dump to Mount Crumpit. I’m not trying to shave the mayor’s head here and abuse the post of Holiday Cheermeister here, especially because I’m a staunch supporter of Dr. Seuss’ iconic holiday story.

I’d be satisfied with a slightly longer running time, and an extras-laden 4K disc for the anniversary of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. That said, we don’t even know if the materials for what we know exists are in any shape to make that happen. Though with Jim Carrey excited for a potential Grinch sequel, another force for good may help boost these festivities as a stopgap between this anniversary and another installment.

The clock is ticking between now and November 17th 2025, which is when Ron Howard and Jim Carrey’s Christmas gem will officially be 25 years old. And if you haven’t gotten to catch this version at all this year, as it somehow just returned to subscription streaming, you can use your Peacock subscription to do just that.

The following article contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, so beware if you haven't caught the fun family flick yet!

If you've been keeping up to date with the 2024 movie schedule, you probably know about the hit release Sonic the Hedgehog 3 which has earned a solid review from CinemaBlend and easily sprinted past the competition at the holiday box office this weekend. While it continues the story of the famous speedy hedgehog and his team, there's one particular dance sequence that had me laughing, and director Jeff Fowler told me how they brought it to life --specifically with the help of Jim Carrey.

In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Dr. Robotnick (played by Jim Carrey) meets his long-lost grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnick (also Carrey), and when the two of them don special suits in order to sneak through a laser-filled room, of course, a totally hilarious dance sequence breaks out. I was so enamored by the scene that when I spoke with director Jeff Fowler, I asked him about how it came together.

Apparently, it was actually Jim Carrey's idea in the first place, as he told CinemaBlend:

Honestly, I'm not surprised it was Jim Carrey's idea to bring the dance sequence to life as a callback to earlier in the franchise. His moment in the first film was super funny, but adding a dance team to choreograph, an intense set design and having two Carreys performing at the same time made it all the more over-the-top—so much so that I'd willingly pay to see the movie again just to watch this moment. I mean, Carrey is notoriously hands-on with his roles, so it makes total sense he would up the ante for the third film.

Carrey's ideas for Robotnick and his grandfather have paid off. Prior to the film's release, some critics said Jim Carrey stole the show from Shadow (Keanu Reeves) and that he was really one of the biggest draws of this movie for his "epic performance." Plus, Jeff Fowler has said cool things about working with Carrey on set before and how he always wants to work hard and deliver in his roles, and this time around, he delivered twice as much hilarity.

The film's ending doesn't give us a ton of hope for Robotnik (or his grandfather) returning, but Carrey did previously say he was retired and then returned for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, so never say never. Maybe we'll get lucky enough in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 to see Carrey pull off another fun dance sequence.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 opens in theaters today and considering the first two entries in the Sonic franchise are among some of the best video game movies to date, expectations are certainly high. The new movie will continue to bring the expansive lore of the video game franchise onto the big screen. However, that will be limited to the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by Keanu Reeves.

If you’re unfamiliar with the massive Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise, then just know that there are a lot of characters who have appeared in dozens of games over the decades. However, Sonic 3 director Jeff Fowler tells Comicbook.com that the new movie limited the introductions to Shadow to not overwhelm the film with new characters. He explained…

Shadow isn’t the only “new” character in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Jim Carrey does double duty in the movie, both returning as Dr. Robotnik and playing his own grandfather. Many critics think Carrey steals the movie, making Keanu’s debut as Shadow less impressive than it perhaps could have been. If that’s the case, one can only imagine how buried any of the other characters would have been if there had been even more to introduce, explain, and incorporate into the story.

The Sonic the Hedgehog series has had a consistent structure when it comes to introducing characters. The post-credits scene of each movie introduces a new player who then becomes a focus in the following movie. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 gave us both Tails and Knuckles and with three CGI anthropomorphic animals, Sonic 3 became the first story where the human characters (save Robotnik) aren’t major players in the plot, letting Team Sonic take the lead.

Not to spoil anything, but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 does have a post-credits scene which does introduce new characters, and considering that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has already been officially confirmed, we know that we’ll get to see more of them. And if the franchise continues, there are still plenty more characters to be introduced in one movie after another as long as they continue to give them all time to breathe.

There’s no denying that Jim Carrey is one of the most involved actors when committing to his roles. His best films prove that time and again but as the funnyman continues to deliver–including his epic performance in Sonic 3 and the director praising his continuous dedication on set–the depth is astonishing. Finding out that the Dumb & Dumber star also had an integral idea that led to the iconic How the Grinch Stole Christmas poster only makes me love him more.

While at the premiere of the 2024 movie schedule video game blockbuster, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Carrey revealed that he was involved with the live-action remake poster design. He shared with IGN that he’s always been open about the marketing materials for different projects, trailing all the way back to How the Grinch Stole Christmas. He thought the original poster was too bright and said of his involvement:

I can’t believe the depth Carrey devotes to his projects and that the beloved image for the 2000 movie was from none other than the man who played the lovable grouchy loner. There’s no way that poster would have been as memorable if it had been the festive ball they originally planned on. When you think about it, the idea does make sense that it came from The Mask star himself, since he is notorious for injecting that much care into his roles.

The 62-year-old added why he felt the infamous broken bulb was a more apt suggestion since the story centers on the jaded and somewhat spooky Grinch opposed to the people of Whoville. And as we all know, it has become an iconic image with the live-action remake. He shared:

The broken bulb made waves and lent itself, and still does, so well to everything that is who the Grinch is. And while this early Aughts version didn’t make the official best Christmas movies ever list, it probably ranks as one of the most debated holiday films ever. Seemingly, there are two camps–you either love it or hate it, and I for one love it. Here’s to hoping that someone out there is listening to his one condition to reprise the Whovillian antihero full of heart because viewers like me are into the idea.

What idea will Carrey come up with next on future projects that influence a project or its audience? Who knows but as a fan, I know it’ll probably be as iconic as that The Grinch poster, and I cannot wait.

If you’d like to watch The Grinch it’s available on demand. Or, if you’d like to watch Carrey in the first and second Sonic, you can do so with a Hulu subscription. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 races into theaters on December 20.

The 2024 movie schedule still has some spectacular titles on the docket, and that including Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Jeff Fowler, the beloved film franchise’s director, has been making the rounds as of late, discussing the making of the threequel. Just recently, had some great things to say about two of the film's biggest stars, Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves. And, while he shared some cool bits about the two, I’m really floored and impressed after hearing Fowler's story about how Carrey works on set.

The third installment of Sega's big-screen franchise has been well reviewed by critics thus far, with many praising Jim Carrey’s epic performance. As for CinemaBlend's own Sonic 3 review, Mike Reyes says the film levels up the franchise, which is a rare feat for a multiple-installment adaptation. Fowler shared with Deadline how Carrey and Keanu Reeves were vital components of the film and how dedicated both were to their craft. He shared of Reeves’ magnetic complexity:

The film director and animator is spot on with his character assessment of the John Wick star. As Shadow, he is the perfect foil to Ben Schwartz’s Sonic. After all, he was tapped to play the edgy hedgehog antihero, because Fowler thought his role in the action/thriller hitman series made him a perfect fit. I couldn’t have thought of a better person for the job and can’t wait to see Reeves deliver in Sonic 3.

The 46-year-old filmmaker went on to share more about the legendary Jim Carrey and his dedication to his roles. He said of the Mask star:

As a Jim Carrey stan until the day I die, I completely believe this about his work ethic. It’s visible in his body of work, so it’s gratifying to hear that his heart and mind are injected into his projects. And the icing on top was learning about the Dumb & Dumber star’s funny reasons for returning from retirement.

Jeff Fowler then went on to specify Carrey’s dedication to an integral scene where the actor plays both parts and delivered beautifully:

In my mind, there are only a few other actors and actresses who can and have pulled of playing two different characters in one scene. Given my fandom, I’m not surprised Carrey’s part of that special group. (If you were wondering, Lindsay Lohan in Parent Trap and Ewan McGregor in Fargo are the other two that come to mind.) I'm sure this scene will have complexity, intrigue and of course, some good laughs.

Now, I'm really looking forward to catching Jeff Fowler’s third Sonic after hearing these behind the scene tidbits on Reeves and Carrey. And I especially cannot wait to see how the Truman Show star’s dedication to his roles and the film itself translates to the screen.

Stream the first and second Sonic with a Hulu subscription before Sonic the Hedgehog 3 races into theaters on December 20.

Video game fans spent decades in a drought where movie studios were more than happy to make movies based on popular characters from the medium, while nearly all of them fell flat. Today those same fans are eating quite well, and the Sonic the Hedgehog movies are a big reason why. The previous two Sonic films are seen as two of the best video game movies made so far, and based on the responses to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 the entire trilogy may now have that honor.

The big new addition to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the character of Shadow, a popular character in the franchise, voiced by the equally popular Keanu Reeves. And while one might expect the new film to be a Keanu Reeves showcase, it’s arguably the returning Jim Carrey who owns the movie, by playing two roles. In CinemaBlend’s Sonic 3 review our own Mike Reyes says…

Carrey comes out of retirement to play the movie’s villain Dr. Robotnik, as well as the character’s own grandfather, who has a connection to Shadow’s past. It is, if nothing else, an excuse for Jim Carrey to be twice as manic, but Variety calls it an "epic performance," saying…

The fact that so many critics are high on Carrey, it makes one wonder what to make of Keanu Reeves’ debut as the new character Shadow. The fact is there are much more differing views on Shadow than Robotnik. Total Film (via GamesRadar) does think that Carrey’s double presence ultimately turns Shadow into just another face in the crowd, which, considering how excited fans were for the role, makes Shadow something of a disappointment…

However, Slashfilm is much higher on Keanu and Shadow, complimenting Reeves' performance of a character with significant internal conflict, which they think works despite the fact that the pivotal relationship in the movie is between a human child and an anthropomorphic hedgehog…

All in all, most critics are loving Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The movie lets the animated characters take center stage with less oversight form the humans (save Carrey of course) and they are more than capable of taking the load. As The Hollywood Handle says…

Of course, critics are not a monolith and there are some who think Sonic 3 is a step-down, not up, for the franchise. Deadline thinks Sonic 2, was a superior film, but admits the audience loved it…

And yes, the movie does have a pair of scenes that pick up after the credits start, both of which indicate that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will not be the end of the franchise. For now, the first two entries (plus the Knuckles series) are streaming with a Paramount+ subscription.

While I don’t watch nearly as many Christmas movies and specials as I used to, there are a few that hold a special place in my heart. For example, I consider 2000’s Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas to be one of the best Christmas movies of all time. Is it as good as the 1966 animated special? I won’t go that far, but I still adore his take on the title green miser, one of his many characters who behaves like a sociopath. So with Carrey now sharing the one condition he has for reprising The Grinch, I’m actually kind of hoping this can legitimately be pulled off.

While being interviewed about his reprisal of Dr. Ivo Robotnik and first turn as Gerald Robotnik in the forthcoming 2024 movie release Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (which he signed on to do for a hilariously relatable reason), Carrey was asked by ComicBook if there was one character he’d be interested in playing again if the opportunity arose. He answered:

If you’ve done any reading on the making of How The Grinch Stole Christmas, then hearing that wearing that makeup was hard on Jim Carrey isn’t a shocker. It took two and a half hours each day to put the Grinch makeup on him, and he once described that process and wearing the costume as “being buried alive.” Sure, this may be one of Carrey’s best movies, but the role took its toll on the actor, so it’s no wonder he doesn’t want to go through that again.

So if he truly would be game to perform The Grinch as a motion capture character, and is also ok with wearing the necessary motion capture gear, I’d be all for this. To be clear, I would want this to be a sequel to his first How The Grinch Stole Christmas rather than just have him redo the classic story. That would be completely unnecessary, especially considering the animated Grinch movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch came out just six years ago. Let’s see how Carrey’s Grinch is doing more than two decades after he returned the gifts to the Whos and became part of their community… and hear him drop more stellar jokes and one-liners.

Jim Carrey’s comment comes a little over a year after it was debunked that he was doing The Grinch 2, but it’s good to know he’s now at least willing to entertain the idea of revisiting that character. If the day comes that he decides he wants to do it, we’ll pass along that news. Meanwhile, see Carrey’s latest round of comedic shenanigans when Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hits theaters on December 20.

It’s that time: Christmas time is here! And supposedly everybody knows that there’s no better time of year; at least that’s what the opening song to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation would tell us. While the 2024 movie schedule isn’t the home of that Chevy Chase classic, the latest poster for the upcoming sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is an A+ parody of that very film -- and now it’s left me wanting a holiday special focused on Jim Carrey’s Robotnik family. Are you listening, Paramount?

Thanks to the folks at Paramount Pictures, we now have our hands on this beautiful comedy masterpiece you could hang on your wall…if it was being sold to the public, that is. No, this image is heading to the internet, as part of the “12 Hours of Sonic” promotion that’s highlighting the Ben Schwartz/Keanu Reeves starring three-quel. CinemaBlend got the Exclusive on this one. Ho-ho-holy moly, are we lucky!

If I wasn’t already sold on this movie by personal fandom, as well as that first Sonic 3 trailer, this would probably be the icing on the cake for me. And if I'm being honest, this is in light of the fact that I'm not exactly a fan of Christmas Vacation.

Which doesn't really color my view on this promo art any differently, as I can still get a laugh out of the well tuned homage to the poster from that 1988 comedy. Shown below, you can see how the look, feel, and even the tagline of that beloved Chevy Chase staple were all ripe for a Robotnik flavored revamp:

However, I will admit to being both a fan of the best Jim Carrey movies, as well as the man’s career in general. And while the folks at Paramount might think I'm asking for a lot here, I'm going to pitch my holiday special anyway. Perhaps Sonic franchise director Jeff Fowler, and writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller, will back what I'm about to say as a viable option.

Why We Need A Robotnik Holiday Special In The Sonic Universe

We’ve already got a taste of what a Robotnik family holiday would look like, thanks to a more recent look at Sonic the Hedgehog 3 showing grandpa Gerald surprising his grandson Ivo as Santa. But if you look at the pedigree of several of the parties involved in these movies, they’re all holiday entertainment veterans.

Obviously Jim Carrey was The Grinch in Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas. As someone who still defends that film, and vehemently disagrees the case that Illumination’s The Grinch is somehow better, that’s the first win notched in the column.

The second win comes from the fact that Sonic movie writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller are the credited team behind 2022’s action-comedy Violent Night. But a third unexpected win happened to arrive while I was putting together my case for A Very Robotnik Christmas to exist. And you can watch it for yourself, as Paramount's gift to us all:

So if I’m presented with the option to watch a Sonic the Hedgehog holiday special, starring one of my favorite Grinches and written by the people who cemented David Harbour as one of the best modern Santas, then you can bet that I’m going to push for it! Especially because as we saw with this year’s Knuckles spin-off series, this universe is one that’s easily expandable.

And when there's already a mini-Christmas special in existence, it's harder to deny this project's potential. Not to mention, it would kind of make up for A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All somehow not being streamable on Paramount+. Putting that point aside, I welcome the fact that some will say that the idea of A Robotnik Family Christmas, complete with Jim Carrey playing the entire family, is absurd.

That’s ok, as we’re supposed to come together despite our differences at this time of year. However you can’t disagree with the fact that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will be in theaters on December 20th. Nor can you speak against how both previous Sonic movies are available to watch through a Paramount+ subscription. I do love a good debate, but those are all stone cold facts.

Over the last four years, Jim Carrey has only played one role in the movies space: Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik in the Sonic the Hedgehog film series. He’s just one of the many Carrey characters who’ve behaved like an absolute sociopath, but ahead of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the actor said he was probably retiring from performing. And yet, here we have Carrey back as Robotnik, as well as playing the villain’s grandfather for the first time, for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, one of the final 2024 movie releases. Carrey went over what drew him back for the threequel despite his previous retirement comments, and I find one of the reasons he provided to be hilariously relatable.

While speaking with Carrey at the worldwide premiere of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in London, The Associated Press brought up how the actor has previously said could be coaxed back for a project “if the angels bring some sort of script that’s written in gold ink.” Carrey laughed at this and then said the following when the interviewer asked if Sonic 3’s script was the script:

Look, I can understand Jim Carrey enjoying playing a genius, especially since bringing Dr. Robotnik makes excellent use of his physical comedy skills. But let’s be real, acting is ultimately a job, a way for someone to make a living. So while Carrey is one of Hollywood’s most successful actors and made the big bucks over the years, evidently he hit a point where he needed a little extra income, hence why he signed on for Sonic the Hedgehog 3. We’ve all been there, right? Well, not the Hollywood actor, but just needing more money to buy stuff.

No doubt Paramount Pictures paid Jim Carrey quite the pretty penny for him to come back for Sonic 3, and this time the studio got a two-for-one deal. This time around though, Ivo Robotnik will team up with Sonic, Tails and Knuckles to deal with the mysterious Shadow the Hedgehog, who’s voiced by Keanu Reeves. As mentioned earlier, Carrey is also playing Gerald Robotnik, Ivo’s grandfather who created Shadow. So if you’ve enjoyed the actor’s antics as the younger Robotnik, get ready for a double dose thanks to this grandson/grandfather duo.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 arrives in theaters on December 20. You can catch up on this corner of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise by streaming the first two movies and the Knuckles spinoff series with a Paramount+ subscription.

Jim Carrey has given audiences some of the funniest movie quotes over the years and introduced us to countless unforgettable characters. But most of those roles like Ace Ventura, Lloyd Christmas, Charlie Baileygates/Hank Evans, and others behave like an absolute sociopath more times than not.

That being said, let’s go back and revisit some of those beloved (for the most part) and sociopathic characters we will never forget, for better or worse.

Selling A Dead Bird To A Blind Kid (Dumb And Dumber)

Lloyd Christmas is definitely one of Jim Carrey’s best characters. And while he may not be as unhinged or sociopathic as some of his other roles, let’s not forget the fact that Lloyd sold Harry’s dead bird to a blind kid. To make it worse, he didn’t tell Harry and pocketed the $25 for his own snack fund.

Robbing A Bank (The Mask)

While it may be true that Stanley Ipkiss wasn’t the one controlling the titular character in The Mask when he robbed the bank like a cartoon character, that kind of makes the meek banker even more of a sociopath.

Talking Out Of His Butt, Literally (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective)

Jim Carrey’s iconic animal lover from Ace Ventura: Pet Detective does a lot of good in this 1994 comedy classic, but he’s also an unhinged maniac throughout it. Case in point… the time Ace spoke out of his butt, literally, when pestering Tone Loc’s Emilio at the police station.

When Fletcher Misses His Son’s Birthday (Liar Liar)

Missing your son’s birthday (amongst other major events) with little to no remorse and a complete lack of empathy or remorse is wild, but hey, that’s Fletcher Reede in Liar Liar. No wonder his son wished that his father could no longer lie.

Transmitting Brainwaves To All Of Gotham (Batman Forever)

Though not the best Batman movie villain, Jim Carrey’s Riddler from Batman Forever is iconic in his own right. Still, the dude is as sociopathic as he is over the top, especially when he starts transmitting brainwaves to all of Gotham City.

When Hank Makes His First Appearance (Me, Myself & Irene)

Charlie Baileygates transforming into Hank Evans for the first time in Me, Myself & Irene is an insanely hilarious movie moment. Does he go too far when he finally snaps at that mother and her kids at the grocery store? Yeah, but they kind of deserved it.

Chip Manipulating Steven Into Hanging Out (The Cable Guy)

You could make a list with nothing but Ernie "Chip" Douglas being a sociopath in The Cable Guy, but we’ll keep it short. Early on in the movie, we get a glimpse of Chip’s mental state when he manipulates Steven into hanging out with him when the recently dumped 30-something just wants some free movie channels.

Blindly Answering 3,152,933 Prayers With ‘Yes’ (Bruce Almighty)

Bruce Almighty has its fair share of sociopathic moments from Jim Carrey’s Bruce Nolan, including the time he blindly answers 3,152,933 prayers with a simple ‘Yes.” What prayers is he answering? We don’t know and neither does he.

Turning To A Life Of Crime (Fun With Dick And Jane)

Losing your job and not being able to find steady employment can have a toll on someone’s spirit and mental state, but that doesn’t mean you should turn to a life of crime. Well, that’s what happens with Jim Carrey’s titular character in Fun with Dick and Jane.

Getting Revenge On A Neighbor (Me, Myself & Irene)

We’ve all dealt with neighbors taking advantage of our kindness or flat-out stealing from us or letting their dog poop in our yard. However, that doesn’t mean we should act like Charlie/Hank in Me, Myself & Irene and do our business in our neighbor’s grass.

‘Wanna Hear The Most Annoying Sound In The World?’ (Dumb and Dumber)

The “Wanna hear the most annoying sound in the world?” scene in Dumb and Dumber is one of the funniest moments from any ‘90s comedy movie, but our boy Lloyd Christmas is maniacal with that god-awful sound.

Stealing All The Christmas Presents (How The Grinch Stole Christmas)

Yeah, it’s part of the Grinch’s gimmick to steal all the presents from Whoville, but this doesn’t justify hurting so many people solely because you hate the holiday. How the Grinch Stole Christmas shows us what not to do in this situation.

The ‘Finkle Is Einhorn’ Scene (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective)

Yeah, Ray Finkle/Lois Einhorn is technically the villain in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, but the way in which the antagonist was exposed by Jim Carrey’s titular character was wild. Sure, it led to some laughs at the time, but too far, Ace. Too far!

When Bruce Takes Control Of Evan’s Voice (Bruce Almighty)

Evan Baxter is self-centered and power-hungry in Bruce Almighty, but the same can be said for Jim Carrey’s jealous, vindictive, and sociopathic character. The whole abusing the powers of God to get back at your enemies, even in hilarious scenes like this one, isn’t the best way of going about things.

When Edward Nygma Throws His Boss Out Of A Window (Batman Forever)

There’s a point of no return in Batman Forever and that comes very early on when Edward Nygma throws his boss out of the window at Wayne Industries when he’s about to be sacked. Rejection is a hard pill to swallow for some.

Puts A Baby In A Cage (Lemony Snicket’s A Series Of Unfortunate Events)

Who puts a baby in a cage high above a decaying mansion? Well, no other than Count Olaf in Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, that’s who. Jim Carrey’s monstrous character is no prince charming before this key scene, but this doesn’t make it any better either.

The Letterman Scene (Man On The Moon)

One of the best movie scenes featuring a professional wrestler, the moment in Man on the Moon recreating Andy Kaufman and Jerry Lawler’s legendary brawl on Late Night with David Letterman is incredible. But let’s not forget that Jim Carrey’s character was a sociopath (as was Lawler) for not letting anyone else in on the gag.

Faking His Own Death To Be With His Lover (I Love You, Phillip Morris)

Jim Carrey’s Steven Jay Russell in I Love You Phillip Morris is one of the comedian’s wildest roles, but it’s never really talked about all that much. Maybe it’s because his character is an unabashed sociopath who’ll do anything to get what he wants in life, even if it means faking his death to be with his lover.

‘You Know What’s Hard About Being The Smartest Person In The World?’ (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Dr. Robotnik is smart, there’s no denying that. Is Jim Carrey’s villain from Sonic the Hedgehog the smartest person in the world? Probably so. However, he lacks humility, restraint, remorse, or anything else that prevents someone from becoming a sociopath.

The Bathroom Beating (The Cable Guy)

Beating up some random guy who is on a date with the girl who dumped a guy who isn’t really your friend is something you should probably avoid, but don’t tell that to Chip in The Cable Guy. Owen Wilson’s character never stood a chance. In fact, he never knew why he was being attacked before it started.

Driving Across The Country For The Woman Of His Dreams (Dumb And Dumber)

Love can make you do some crazy things, but driving across the country to return a briefcase to a woman you met once on the way to the airport and then obsessing over her takes things to the next level. Lloyd Christmas never ceases to amaze, or scare, us.

Controlling The Giant Robot While Listening To Pantera (Sonic The Hedgehog 2)

Dr. Robotnik taking control of a massive robot was only a matter of time, but the big bad in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 took things to the next level in this 2022 sequel. If destroying a town isn’t bad enough, this guy does it to Pantera’s “Walk,” which is both completely random and incredibly on-brand.

The Torture Scene (Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls)

The torture scene in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls has to be the most unhinged moment of Jim Carrey’s career. The knives and fork on the plate, the eyeball, everything is just so much.

Uses His Power To Make Tina Carlyle Fall For Him (The Mask)

The Mask is one of the most iconic ‘90s movie characters, but he’s also one of the most manipulative. Just look at the way he makes Cameron Diaz’s Tina Carlyle fall in love with him with his theatrics and off-the-wall behavior. It’s not like she doesn’t have any agency in this relationship, but Tina is no match for the cartoonish antics of this guy.

Making The Moon Bigger To Set The Mood (Bruce Almighty)

Jim Carrey’s character does a lot of good in Bruce Almighty, but he also makes some questionable decisions, especially whenever he tries to use his divine powers to take advantage of various situations with his girlfriend (played by Jennifer Anniston). In one scene in particular, he makes the moon bigger and the stars brighter to better set the mood.

‘The Marvelous Marriage’ (Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events)

There’s no way of getting around it, Count Olaf in Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is a self-serving, egotistical, dirty rotten scoundrel who’ll do anything he can to get what he wants. What about marrying a young girl to take her family’s vast fortune for himself? Well, about that crazy act of psychotic sociopathy…

‘We Could Have Been Blood Brothers’ (The Cable Guy)

If someone were to call you and say “We could have been blood brothers,” you’d probably freak out, hang up the phone, and lock your doors, right? Well, those chilling words are uttered by Jim Carrey’s Chip in The Cable Guy when he finally starts to snap (like actually snap and not just be aggressively off-putting). Those words still send shivers down the spine after all these years.

Edward Obsessing Over Bruce Wayne (Batman Forever)

Before he was a criminal genius taking over Gotham City with his brainwaves (and the help of Two-Face and his goons), Edward Nygma was a dangerously intelligent scientist who’d do anything to impress Bruce Wayne. So much so that the soon-to-be-canned Wayne Industries employee had an unhealthy obsession with the man behind the bat in Batman Forever.

The Blue Pen Scene (Liar Liar)

When it comes to Jim Carrey's on-screen meltdowns, few come close to touching the blue pen scene from Liar Liar in which Fletcher Reeded tries his hardest to lie after his son’s birthday wish goes into effect. Just imagine walking through your office building and seeing a man with ink all over his face yelling, “The pen is blue.”

Hiding An Entire Zoo In His Apartment (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective)

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective doesn’t waste a second showing us that Jim Carrey’s titular character loves animals so much that he’s willing to go against social norms (and upset everyone in his complex) by hiding an entire zoo in his small apartment. It’s not only gross, but it’s also dangerous to those furry creatures he claims to call friends.

Andy Kaufman Reading The Great Gatsby (Man On The Moon)

Yeah, this was one of Andy Kaufman’s best and most iconic bits, but it’s still the work of a sociopath in Man on the Moon. Jim Carrey’s version of the late comedian reading The Great Gatsby in its entirety is absolutely bonkers. Is it hilarious? Yes. Is it legendary? Yes again. But it’s totally the act of an absolute sociopath.

The Red Bull Scene (Yes Man)

Yes Man is a Jim Carrey movie that doesn’t come up as much as Dumb and Dumber or Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, but it’s not without its own hilarious and unhinged moments. What about the scene where Carl Allen drinks way too much Red Bull and decides to go on an early-morning run? It’s ridiculous and ridiculously unhealthy.

In our lifetimes, the only turn of a century we’ve witnessed is the move from the 1990s to the 2000s. It was an exciting time in the world of Hollywood, between superhero franchises like the Spider-Man and X-Men trilogies making comic books mainstream and adaptations of book series like Lord of the Rings and the Harry Potter films becoming some of the biggest blockbusters of the decade. But, many of the best movies of the 2000s wouldn’t have been possible without the star power of several actors of the time. 

In celebration of an incredible decade in movies, we chose the quintessential film of 32 actors of the 2000s. Check it out: 

Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl)

Johnny Depp was unquestionably one of the biggest stars of the 2000s after previously making a name for himself throughout the 1990s, most notably with his work with Tim Burton and in the independent film space. Looking back, the No. 1 movie of his was his debut as Captain Jack Sparrow in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie in 2003. The actor helped create the best fumbling pirate we’ve ever seen before, going on to make four more of its kind. Fans are still talking about this movie and even writing and signing petitions for the actor to reprise the role. 

Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge!)

Nicole Kidman was one of the most in demand actresses of the 2000s, so much so that she did an average of three movies a year across the first half of it. Her greatest movie of the decade is actually the first of them from that time period: Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! The jukebox musical was a commercial success, award season darling and we’ll always go back to her role as Satine. 

Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) 

After Robert Downey Jr. was in the public eye for addiction-related setbacks, he found a way to make a comeback throughout the 2000s with a ton of great movies like Zodiac, Good Night and Good Luck and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. But the best of the best was his turn as Iron Man in 2008. 

Samuel L. Jackson (Unbreakable) 

Samuel L. Jackson was a major fixture of the 1990s, between saying “Hold onto your butts!” in Jurassic Park, starring in Pulp Fiction or starring with Bruce Willis in Die Hard with a Vengeance. His prominence as an actor remained strong in the 2000s with all sorts of roles, including as Mace Windu in Star Wars, but his greatest is in M. Night Shyamalan’s unique superhero film, Unbreakable. 

Scarlett Johansson (Lost In Translation)

Scarlett Johansson was a major star in the 2010s, especially as an Avenger, but she really blossomed into this throughout the 2000s, between movies like Ghost World, Match Point, The Island or The Prestige. The performance that really carried the audience’s love for her throughout the decade was in Sofia Coppola’s Lost In Translation alongside Bill Murray, where they play unlikely friends who meet in Tokyo. 

 Will Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness)

After Will Smith had a hugely successful decade in the '90s between Bad Boys, Independence Day and being The Fresh Prince, Smith notably took his career a step further in the 2000s. He took on a number of more dramatic roles like Ali and Seven Pounds during this time that deserved the actor an Oscar, but there’s no movie more special than 2006’s The Pursuit of Happyness. In the film, he helped tell the true story of a homeless salesman and his son. 

Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde)

“What, like it’s hard?” Of course, the defining Reese Witherspoon movie of the 2000s is Legally Blonde! The 2001 movie continues to be one of the most quotable comedies and Elle Woods is a beloved heroine in modern pop culture. As a whole, Witherspoon was serving throughout the decade by also starring in things like the Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line or the rom-coms Sweet Home Alabama and Just Like Heaven.

Brad Pitt (Inglourious Basterds)

The 2000s was a huge decade of career expansion for Brad Pitt after his heartthrob beginnings in critically-acclaimed '90s flicks such as Interview with a Vampire, Seven, Fight Club. The cream of the crop for a very busy Pitt during this time has to be Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, where he played Lt. Aldo Raine in an alternate history story about World War II. 

Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind)

The stardom of Jim Carrey was deep in the fixture of 2000s movies through a ton of big movies like How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Bruce Almighty or Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. But one of the actor’s most dramatic roles, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, stands as his best of the decade. The sci-fi romance imagines a world where one could have a procedure to forget their ex, and asks big questions about memory and love. 

Kate Hudson (Almost Famous) 

Kate Hudson has called Almost Famous “the beginning of everything” for her, and it really was career-wise for the actress. When the movie came out in 2000, it started a massive decade for her that would have her in flicks like How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, The Skeleton Key and Nine among a ton of roles. The Cameron Crowe movie had Hudson playing Penny Lane, a groupie of a '70s band. 

Tom Hanks (Cast Away)

The 2000s marked Tom Hanks third decade as a movie star and it was another solid time for the actor, particularly for more serious roles. While there are a lot of close contenders like Road To Perdition, Catch Me If You Can and The Terminal, his greatest movie of that time was Cast Away. Hanks gives an all-time performance as a man who gets stranded on an island alone. We never knew we could cry over a volleyball before the 2000 movie. 

Meryl Streep (Mamma Mia!)

Meryl Streep turned 50 in 1999. While that historically has spelled bad news for female actors in Hollywood, Streep proved she could still be one of the biggest stars in her middle-aged years with a ton of performances in the 2000s. From Adaptation to The Hours, The Devil Wear Prada, Lions For Lambs, Doubt, Julie & Julia, Fantastic Mr. Fox and It’s Complicated, this time was an embarrassment of riches for the actress, but if we had to pick one, the iconic Mamma Mia! is the one we’re still singing all the words to. 

Denzel Washington (Training Day)

Denzel Washington’s place as one of the most impressive living actors was apparent in the 2000s through a productive decade full of critically-acclaimed performances. The ultimate Washington movie of the time we’ve chosen is 2001’s Training Day, which in turn earned him his second Oscar win. But, the actor made a ton of great hits during this time like Remember The Titans, Antwone Fisher, Man on Fire, Inside Man, American Gangster and The Great Debaters. 

Tom Cruise (Minority Report) 

After Tom Cruise starred in movies like Rain Man, Top Gun, the first Mission: Impossible and Magnolia in the '80s and '90s, he continued to be a major actor into the 2000s with a ton of fresh roles. His best of the decade is arguably one of his two collaborations with Steven Spielberg, Minority Report. The sci-fi flick has Cruise’s character on the run for a crime he has not committed in an imagined 2054. 

Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich)

Julia Roberts made a string of romantic comedies in the ‘90s, but when the new century came along, she diversified her career with a lot more dramatic roles. Her best movie during this time was in 2000’s Erin Brockovich. The biographical movie from Steven Soderbergh about groundwater contamination also earned Roberts an Oscar for Best Actress. 

Matt Damon (The Bourne Identity) 

It felt like Matt Damon was in all the movies back in the 2000s after he and Ben Affleck wowed Hollywood with Good Will Hunting in 1997. The actor was in 20 movies across this decade, but the best of them was 2002's action thriller The Bourne Identity. He would go on to star in an entire trilogy as Jason Bourne. 

Leonardo DiCaprio (Catch Me If You Can) 

Leonardo DiCaprio became a verified movie star when he said “I’m king of the world!” in 1997’s Titanic. As he moved into his mid-twenties and thirties in the 2000s, he started working closely with Martin Scorsese in a series of movies (Gangs Of New York, The Aviator and The Departed). However, his best comes from Steven Spielberg with Catch Me If You Can. The biographical crime comedy had DiCaprio playing a con man alongside Tom Hanks. 

Kirsten Dunst (Marie Antoinette)

Kirsten Dunst got her start as a child actor in the '90s in movies such as Jumanji and Interview with a Vampire before starring in films like The Virgin Suicides and Drop Dead Gorgeous at the tail end of the '90s. Dunst officially became an adult in the 2000s and made tons of movies, from being Mary-Jane Watson in the Spider-Man movies to being in Bring It On. Her second collaboration with Sofia Coppola as the famed French archduchess is her best work of the decade. 

Adam Sandler (Punch-Drunk Love)

Even though the 2000s didn’t quite top Adam Sandler’s amazing Saturday Night Live star into movie star turn, he was in all sorts of memorable movies in the 2000s. The one that sticks out the most is his collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson with 2002’s Punch-Drunk Love. Unlike his screwball comedies, it’s an earnest rom-com that may not have been popular, but it is unforgettable. 

Will Ferrell - Anchorman

Will Ferrell’s acting career really took off in the 2000s in a massive way. He left Saturday Night Live in 2002 after seven seasons on the sketch show and became one of the funniest Hollywood movie stars. His most hilarious leading role has to be in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, where he played a 1970s news host. 

George Clooney (Ocean’s Eleven)

It’s not easy to choose the best George Clooney role of the 2000s given the sheer amount of solid movies he starred in at the time. From his Coen Brothers’ movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? to his Oscar-winning role in Syriana. But, it simply wouldn’t have been the 2000s without Clooney leading the pack in Ocean’s Eleven (and the trilogy it became). He’s effortlessly cool as the master plotter of a casino heist. 

Gwyneth Paltrow (The Royal Tenenbaums) 

Paltrow was in a load of films during this decade, coming off her Oscar win in Shakespeare In Love. But, among a cast including Owen Wilson, Danny Glover, Gene Hackman, Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston and Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Margot stole the show and therefore finds a spot as her No.1 2000s role. 

Halle Berry (Monster's Ball) 

The 2000s was an iconic moment for Halle Berry, who became Storm in X-Men and starred in Catwoman and as a Bond girl in Die Another Day. Her best role is her Oscar-winning lead in 2001’s Monster’s Ball. The movie is about a widower who unknowingly begins a relationship with a corrections officer who assisted in the execution of her late husband. 

Christian Bale (The Dark Knight) 

Christian Bale started the 2000s as the star of American Psycho and ended it as the star of Michael Mann’s Public Enemies alongside Johnny Depp. But unquestionably, Bale’s performance in one of the most seminal movies of the 2000s, The Dark Knight, is our pick. His second outing as Bruce Wayne/Batman is elevated when Heath Ledger’s haunting Joker struts into Gotham. 

Jennifer Garner (13 Going On 30) 

During the 2000s, Jennifer Garner became famous for starring in the TV show Alias. But at the same time, she established herself as a movie star, too. What caught our hearts the most was her role in 13 Going On 30 alongside Mark Ruffalo. It’s a blast to see the actress play a teen in an adult’s body. 

Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder) 

The 2000s had Ben Stiller becoming a movie star in his own right, between the hilarious Meet The Parents in 2000, to Zoolander and Along Came Polly. His best movie of this era was one he wrote, directed and starred in. Tropic Thunder is a hilarious satirical action comedy with a star-studded cast that we’re still laughing about over a decade later. 

Russell Crowe (A Beautiful Mind) 

After becoming a familiar face for his roles in the '90s, Russell Crowe became an all-time great actor of the 2000s by starring in Gladiator, Cinderella Man, American Gangster, Master and Commander and 3:10 To Yuma. If you’ve seen his performance in 2001’s A Beautiful Mind, you likely never forgot Crowe’s inspired performance as schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. 

Nicolas Cage (Adaptation) 

Nicolas Cage’s third decade in movies was a busy one that had him in more big-budget movies than ever between National Treasure and Ghost Rider, but Spike Jonze’s Adaptation takes the prize as he played twin brothers, one struggling with writer’s block and the other deciding to copy his brother’s ambitions.

Keira Knightley (Pride & Prejudice) 

Keira Knightley turned fifteen when the 21st century began, but it wasn’t long before she became a movie star – leading movies like Bend it Like Beckham, Pirates of the Caribbean and Love, Actually. The defining Knightley performance of her first decade as a big-screen actress was in the film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. 

Jack Black (School of Rock) 

Jack Black had a massive decade in movies in the 2000s, but one cannot forget how perfect he was in the role of Dewey Finn in School of Rock. The 2003 movie allowed the actor to flex his musician muscles and unique charm as he played a failed rock star turned imposter substitute teacher. 

Drew Barrymore (50 First Dates)

Drew Barrymore had the chance to come into her own as a movie star in her adulthood in the 2000s following being a child actor in films like E.T. and Firestarter. She had an awesome decade that included Charlie’s Angels, He’s Just Not That Into You and Whip It, but her role with Adam Sandler as a forgetful love interest remains one of her best and most hilarious (yet heartwarming) roles. 

Hugh Jackman (The Prestige) 

Hugh Jackman started his career in theater in the '90s, but in the 2000s he quickly became a big star. Sure, he became Wolverine for the first time in the X-Men movies, played Van Helsing and starred in Kate & Leopold, but it was particularly special to see his role in Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige. He’s amazing as a magician who feuds with Christian Bale’s character over the ultimate magic trick. 

Anyone else feeling nostalgic for the decade of the 2000s, now? It was an amazing time for great movies and the movie stars we saw everywhere like the people above. 

Whenever we talk about the best ‘90s movies, it doesn’t take long before the conversation turns to the most iconic actors of the final decade of the 20th century and their most beloved performances. But what are Will Smith’s, Julia Roberts’, or Keanu Reeves’ best movies for the unforgettable and transformative 10-year stretch? 

We’re being totally subjective here (Because why not?), but here are the best ‘90s movies for these 32 actors. Best Picture winners, a handful of the best action movies of all time, and other films that turned up-and-comers into overnight megastars can all be found below.

Will Smith (Independence Day)

Will Smith was already a household name by the time Independence Day was released and became the biggest movie of 1996, but this massive sci-fi flick took him to new heights. Electric, magnetic, and charismatic beyond belief, the Fresh Prince became the King of the summer blockbuster with his portrayal of Captain Steven Hiller.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic)

Is there a bigger ‘90s movie than Titanic, both in terms of financial returns and cultural prominence? Yeah, James Cameron’s story of the ill-fated ship, his special effects, and the rest of the cast made this 1997 disaster movie a must-see, but Leonardo DiCaprio, with his “King of the World” moment, made this an all-timer. 

Tom Cruise (Jerry Maguire)

Picking the best ‘90s movie for Tom Cruise is no easy task, considering some of the actor’s best performances took place that decade. However, despite Magnolia and Mission: Impossible being great in their own ways, this has to go to Cruise’s dynamic portrayal of the struggling sports agent in Jerry Maguire. “Show me the money,” is a quote we keep in our repertoire nearly 30 years later. 

Sandra Bullock (Speed)

Sandra Bullock put herself on the map with her performance in Speed, one of the most iconic 1994 movies. Though she was great in Demolition Man the year before, Bullock’s take on Annie Porter made her an overnight sensation and quickly became one of her best roles to date, even outside the ‘90s.

Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption)

How Morgan Freeman didn’t win an Oscar for his performance in The Shawshank Redemption is one of the biggest mysteries, and travesties, in Hollywood history. His portrayal of Ellis "Red" Redding in this spectacular Stephen King adaptation is so strong and so believable that you don’t see him as an actor playing an inmate, but more like an aging prisoner trying to “get busy living or get busy dying.”

Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction)

As much as we would have loved to argue for Jurassic Park being Samuel L. Jackson’s best ‘90s movie, Ray Arnold has nothing on the bad mother [redacted] that was Jules Winnfield from Pulp Fiction. Easily Quentin Tarantino’s best movie, this 1994 classic is essentially a master class in dialogue and non-linear storytelling.

Meg Ryan (Sleepless In Seattle)

A few years after leading the best romantic comedy of all time with When Harry Met Sally, Meg Ryan teamed up with Nora Ephron (who was directing this time around) for Sleepless in Seattle in 1993. The chemistry between Ryan and Tom Hanks as Annie Reed and Sam Baldwin, is incredible, even if they only share a couple minutes of screentime.

Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman)

It’s hard to imagine what Julia Roberts’ career and Hollywood in general would be like if the actress didn’t play Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman. Sure, Roberts already had some hits and would have gone on to land big roles, but this 1990 rom-com instantly made her one of the brightest stars on the planet and showed off her dynamic range and impeccable comedic timing.

Angela Bassett (What's Love Got To Do With It)

Angela Bassett’s best movie, What’s Love Got to Do with It saw the celebrated actress take on the role of the legendary Tina Turner in this 1993 biopic about the late singer’s life, career, and toxic relationship with husband and music partner Ike Turner. Bassett had some pretty iconic ‘90s roles throughout the decade, but this is at the tippy top of the mountain.

Keanu Reeves (The Matrix)

Picking Keanu Reeves’ best movie of the 1990s is more difficult than you’d think. Point Break, My Private Idaho, and Speed are all contenders, but none come close to the heights of The Matrix and his performance as Neo, aka, the One. Watching Reeves’ character develop throughout this great ‘90s sci-fi film never gets old.

Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting)

Robin Williams had SO many good movies in the ‘90s, but Good Will Hunting was in a league of its own, at least in terms of performances by the late comedian. The richness, range, and emotion found in his portrayal of Sean Maguire is something to behold. No wonder he took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Bruce Willis (The Sixth Sense)

The ‘90s saw Bruce Willis play everything from his most iconic character in the second and third Die Hard movies to the leads in multiple blockbusters. However, none of those compare to his work in The Sixth Sense. There is just something so warm and refreshing about his portrayal of a child psychiatrist trying to help a young boy make sense of life and his strange gift.

Harrison Ford (The Fugitive)

Have you gone back and watched The Fugitive lately? If not, do so now. If you have, you’re all too familiar with Harrison Ford’s performance as Richard Kimble, the Chicago doctor trying to clear his name after being wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. Air Force One and Clear and Present Danger are great, but this 1993 thriller is one of Ford’s career-best.

Frances McDormand (Fargo)

Frances McDormand’s portrayal of Marge Gunderson in the Coen Brothers' Fargo earned the actress the first of her three Academy Awards, and for good reason: she’s the heart and soul of the 1996 crime comedy.  

Gary Oldman (The Fifth Element)

Gary Oldman played some of the meanest ‘90s villains in movies like Air Force One, Leon: The Professional, and The Fifth Element, the latter of which features his best work of the decade. Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg is one of those characters that you love to hate and enjoy watching as much as the 1997 sci-fi film’s hero, which is saying something.

Wesley Snipes (White Men Can't Jump)

In the years following his breakout performance in Major League, Wesley Snipes became one of the dependable faces in Hollywood thanks to unforgettable turns in New Jack City, Demolition Man, and Jungle Fever. But let’s be real, Snipes’ take on Syd Deane is one of the most iconic ‘90s characters and essentially carries this all-time great basketball movie.

Tom Hanks (Saving Private Ryan)

Tom Hanks dominated the ‘90s with Oscar-winning performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump as well as other decade-defining films like Toy Story and A League of Their Own. But in terms of the BEST movie, that has to go to Saving Private Ryan, Steven Spielberg’s harrowing World War II epic about heroism, survival, and the hope of a better tomorrow.

Robert De Niro (Cape Fear)

We could have listed Goodfellas, Heat, or even A Bronx Tale as Robert De Niro’s best movie from the ‘90s, but his performance as Max Cady in Cape Fear is on a whole other level. Easily one of the Oscar winner’s most menacing characters, the psychopathic ex-con with a bone to pick is a force of pure evil here.

Al Pacino (Heat)

After playing all-time great gangsters in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Al Pacino was on the other side of the law in Michael Mann’s 1995 crime epic, Heat. Sure, Scent of a Woman earned him that elusive Oscar for Best Actor, but his take on Lieutenant Vincent Hanna is the stuff of legend. Plus, we also got to see Pacino and Robert De Niro share a scene for the first time.

Anthony Hopkins (The Silence Of The Lambs)

Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs is one of the greatest performances of all time. That said, it should be no surprise that this great horror film gets the call here. Though there was some stiff competition.

Philip Seymour Hoffman (Boogie Nights)

As much as we would love to break down all the awesome ways Philip Seymour Hoffman stole the show in Twister and My Boyfriend’s Back, the late actor really came into his own in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 drama, Boogie Nights. Hoffman’s sympathetic take on Scotty J. was nothing short of brilliant and showed what was to come.

Jodie Foster (The Silence Of The Lambs)

If you were to break down Jodie Foster’s best performances, her portrayal of Clarice Starling would be at or near the top of that list. A movie that has been quoted or referenced countless times over the years, this 1991 thriller remains one of the best ever made.

Brad Pitt (Seven)

David Fincher’s Seven is Brad Pitt’s best movie from the ‘90s for a variety of reasons: 1) the movie about a serial killer taking lives based on the seven deadly sins is violently unique, 2) it was the start of a partnership between actor and director, and 3) Pitt showed he was more than a pretty face and really had what it took.

Arnold Schwarzenegger (T2: Judgment Day)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is not only a decade-defining action movie or a landmark achievement in visual effects, it’s also Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best movie of the ‘90s and perhaps all time. James Cameron’s sequel is bigger and louder than its predecessor and epic beyond compare.

Whoopi Goldberg (Sister Act)

Whoopi Goldberg won her first Academy Award for her role as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost, a film that kicked off an impressive decade for the comedian and actor. Her spiritual guide for Patrick Swayze’s ghostly Sam Wheat in this supernatural thriller helped anchor the film and turn it into the biggest movie of 1990.

Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting)

Matt Damon went from a relatively unknown actor to one of the brightest faces (and voices) in Hollywood thanks to Good Will Hunting. His tortured performance as a young math prodigy in South Boston is still captivating more than 25 years later.

Eddie Murphy (The Nutty Professor)

Eddie Murphy did a little bit of everything in the ‘90s, but The Nutty Professor shows off some of the comedian’s best work. Playing multiple characters (heroes, villains, and in between) really showed off Murphy’s dynamic range and varied comedic styles.

Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore)

Though Big Daddy proved that Adam Sandler could handle slightly more dramatic roles, there’s no denying the fact that Happy Gilmore is the former SNL star’s best ‘90s movie. His take on a failed hockey player finding new purpose (and fortune) in the world of golf was a game-changer and created one of the best sports characters of all time.

Denzel Washington (Malcolm X)

Denzel Washington is another actor who had more great roles in the ‘90s than we can count, but at the top of his “best” list is Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic, Malcolm X. The movie about the controversial civil rights icon was eye-opening, enchanting, and epic.

Joe Pesci (Goodfellas)

We could have talked about My Cousin Vinny, we could have talked about Home Alone, and we could have even made a case for Casino, but none of that is possible without Goodfellas. The movie, which introduced the world to Joe Pesci’s Tommy DeVito, is one of the greatest gangster movies of all time and an influential piece of cinema we still rave about 30-plus years later.

Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise)

Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise, a movie featuring one of the best female friendships with Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis’ titular characters, helped kickstart the decade back in 1990. Easily Sarandon’s best movie of the ‘90s, this crime drama about two friends on the run from the law is just so dang great.

Jim Carrey (Dumb & Dumber)

Jim Carrey absolutely dominated the ‘90s comedy scene, and the box office in general back in 1994. While Ace Ventura Pet Detective and The Mask both have their moments, we have to be real for a second and admit that Dumb and Dumber is some of Carrey’s best work.

Movie fans had lots to love in the '90s and these actors and their best movies of the decade will never be forgotten.

Certain movies stick with you. There’s just something about them that lingers and never fully goes away. The Truman Show is one of those movies for me. Decades after I saw it for the first time, the performances and the larger themes still mean something to me. Everytime I rewatch it, I still connect in a visceral way, even as I change as a person and enter different stages of my life. I'm definitely not the only one who feels that way either, as many celebrities have cited it as inspiration.

Perhaps it’s because the movie has so much to offer. People often focus on the movie’s central theme of consent, and rightfully so, but it’s actually filled with iconic moments, performances and creative choices that speak to a whole lot more than just that. So, let’s celebrate why it works so well. Let’s run down the best of the best from the movie and talk about what makes those iconic parts of The Truman Show so special (at least to me).

The How’s It Going To End Button

During college, I worked at a veterinary hospital, and we were allowed to put buttons on our smocks. I had a few, but my favorite was this iconic button from The Truman Show that Lauren wears. She wants to know how The Truman Show is going to end, but deep down, all of us want to know how all of it is going to end.

Truman Talks To The Mirror

At the beginning of The Truman Show, we see our hero talking to bathroom mirror, fantasizing about an adventurous life. The implication is that we all relate to his desire to want more, but it also feels like a personal moment specifically for him. As his concept of reality shifts, however, we see him once again talk to the mirror, but now there’s some doubt as to whether the moment is for him or for us.

"Truman"

As Truman struggles to learn the truth of his existence, he attempts to flee and hits roadblock after roadblock. Finally, a cop he’s never met before tells him to turn around, but in doing so, directly addresses him as “Truman,” fully solidifying in his mind that something is wrong and he must be at the center of all of it. It’s one of the movie’s most powerful moments, and it’s also one of its simplest. 

The Posters At The Travel Agency

I suspect most people who went to see The Truman Show in 1998, knowing only it was the new Jim Carrey movie, were surprised by how little comedy the movie has to offer, but if you’re observant, it’s often quite humorous in a clever way. My favorite example is the posters at the travel agency, which feature travel friendly images like a plane being struck by lightning. It's that mix between dark and light that helps it regularly rank among the best Jim Carrey movies.

The Drowning

Nothing about Truman’s involvement in The Truman Show is OK. He’s never given a choice. It’s wrong. Period. But the single moment that makes that the most clear (other than perhaps the storm during his escape) is the “drowning” of his father. His death causes severe trauma and psychological consequences in Truman, but as an audience, we find out it’s all a ruse, meant to inflict that damage and keep him from exploring. It’s beyond heartless.

The Product Placements

Another source of levity throughout The Truman Show is the product placements. Truman is largely unaware of what’s going on (until he’s suddenly not), but you can tell how his reaction changes whenever he senses something is stiff or off with the language. It reads to him as inauthentic in the same way bad product placement in a movie reads to viewers as inauthentic. 

Fiji

To those of us in The United States, Fiji feels like a random island on the other side of the world. In Truman’s case, it also literally is, but psychologically, Fiji may as well be Cleveland, Ohio or Iceland or anything outside the bubble that’s been created for him. He hasn’t really been anywhere. He’s on Seahaven Island, and every other place in the world is Fiji. So, when Lauren’s dad says they’re moving to Fiji, it becomes a location outside Seahaven that feels real.

Truman's Frankenstein Picture

I’ve watched The Truman Show with easily ten different people in my life across various viewings, and Truman’s homemade picture of his lost love always produces an extreme reaction. Some people are creeped out. Others think it’s a beautiful tribute to the girl that got away. Either way, it shows the audience how Lauren never left his mind, and it’s an iconic moment in the movie.

The Fake Elevator

Truman Show fans will point to different moments in which Truman reached the point of no return, but for me, it’s when he walks into a different building, and discovers the back of the elevator is missing and instead goes to a backstage area. It’s clearly out of place for a building, and everyone’s reactions make it clear they’ve been caught doing something they’re not supposed to be doing. 

Marlon Delivering Christof's Lines

Early in The Truman Show, it becomes fairly obvious that Truman trusts his lifelong best friend Marlon more than anyone else, including his wife and mother. Anytime he’s in trouble, he immediately runs to talk it out with him and get his counsel. For awhile, it seems like a real friendship amidst the inauthenticity, but then the audience is suddenly given a different perspective, one where see Marlon reciting lines being read to him, and it all feels like a gross betrayal.

"I'll Cross My Fingers For You"

Many of Truman’s old pictures are suspect, especially the ones involving him vacationing as a kid in other places, but it’s his wedding photo that really becomes plot relevant. Truman discovers his wife Meryl with her fingers crossed, which he takes as a sign of her not fully committing. Later, when he tells her he’ll keep his fingers crossed, her worried look indicates she knows he’s catching on.

The Surgery

One day Truman decides to surprise Meryl at work. She’s a “nurse” and is supposedly in surgery. A clearly nervous “doctor” tries to perform an incision while Truman is watching, and it all goes hilariously wrong, complete with the patient waking up and needing to be given more “anesthetic.” It’s a hilarious reminder of how being hired as an actor to play someone with a specific job is not the same thing as knowing how to do that specific job.

The Truman Was Adopted By A Corporation Reveal

People have different ideas of personal privacy and consent; so, while I don’t know anyone that thinks what they did to Truman is acceptable, it’s a spectrum as to how offended people are when they initially find out what’s going on. That tends to change with this reveal, however, which is arguably the most shocking in the entire movie. Truman was in competition with other “unwanted pregnancies” and eventually earned the privilege of being adopted by a corporation. 

"There's The Dented Beetle"

Truman is living an authentic life. That’s the appeal of The Truman Show, and why millions of people watch it. Everyone else on Seahaven Island, however, is playing an acting role, and while some of those roles like Meryl and Marlon, involve living a long-term full life on the island and interacting with Truman, others are just there to be human beings and fill out his world. So, since they don’t have anything to actually do, they’re assigned to jobs like driving in circles and riding a bike around the block, which Truman ultimately catches on to.

Good Afternoon, Good Evening And Good Night

The most iconic piece of dialogue in The Truman Show is definitely “Good Afternoon. Good Evening. And Good Night.” The phrase is so overly pleasant that it feels hollow. It’s the type of thing someone without better things on their mind would say. It’s what someone who is deeply kind but unable to connect would go with. That’s why it strikes most viewers as inauthentic when he’s going about his daily business, but also why when he says it at the end, after all he’s been through, it hits so much differently and is the right choice to end with Truman on. 

The Light Falling From The Sky

The Truman Show is really two different movies, based on whether you’re in on what’s going on or whether you’re lost like Truman. Most people who saw the film during its initial theatrical run were spoiled on the basic premise before watching it for the first time, but nowadays, people are discovering the movie on streaming without any prior knowledge. That makes this light falling early on a big clue for both them and Truman that all is not what it seems, especially since most people don't know what to make of the intro.

The Sunken Boat

The shot of this row boat filled with water is one of the visuals that has most stuck with me about the movie. It’s almost mean-spirited. You think who would ever leave that boat there, but then, it all makes sense on subsequent viewings as you start to contextualize it as a tool for helping to continue his fear of the water and further his desire to stay on the island.

The Rain Falling Just On Truman

I’ve had a lot of conversations about this scene where rain only falls on Truman, and there are definitely a wide range of opinions on whether or not it works. It’s certainly physically possible given the environment he’s in, but it’s an open question as to whether the movie should have gone there. Some think it’s one of the most joyful and hopeful moments in the entire movie. Others see it as one of the film’s weaker. Either way, it’s iconic.

The Interview With Harry Shearer

Ed Harris’ Christof comes off as a weird guy pretty consistently throughout The Truman Show, but it’s this interview with Harry Shearer’s journalist that really hammers home his personality. He’s unbelievably arrogant and self-important, and it very quickly comes obvious he will never see any ethical issues with what he’s doing. 

Truman's Final Escape

Truman’s quest throughout The Truman Show is mostly about uncovering the fake reality he’s a part of. It’s about living his ordinary life and seeing cracks in the world he’s presented with. His final escape is that same struggle but expressed much more literally. It’s his determination against his trauma and fear of the water to physically escape, and it’s a triumphant joy to watch him keep pushing.

Truman's Reunion With His Father

This is the best example of how truly fake Truman’s entire ecosystem is. His father, who he hasn’t seen for decades, reemerges to give him a big hug and return to his life, and even though as an audience, we love Truman and he’s quite obviously feeling extreme joy, we can’t feel anything but disgusted at how much he’s being manipulated. It’s one of those rare moments where we’re rooting against a character because we have more information than he does.

The Drive With Meryl 

Meryl increasingly becomes a less sympathetic character as the movie goes on, as it becomes more obvious she's doing her job more than supporting her husband, but Truman's freakout ride with Meryl really humanizes her too. She's clearly uncomfortable the entire time, most prominently when he has her drive across the bridge. It's a reminder that even though she has more information, she still isn't in control. 

Turning The Sun On

Seahaven Island might be man made, but it still operates off mostly logical rules familiar to the outside world (and was shot in the real world). That allows viewers to find commonalities with Truman, and it helps keep him from questioning his reality. The bus driver can’t say you’re not allowed to go. He has to say the bus is broken. Well, that logic all goes out the window during the search for Truman when Christof decides to turn on the sun when it should be nighttime. It’s a desperate, jarring move that everyone on set reacts to with shock.

The Sound Frequency When He's Driving

Have you ever gotten the feeling you’re being followed? Truman is confronted with that panic early in the movie when the crew mistakenly plays the cast radio frequency into his car radio. A voice through the speaker describes everything he’s doing, down to the directions he’s taking. It’s like something out of a gangster movie with an FBI van, and helps show how much effort it takes to keep the ruse going.

"Cut Transmission"

One thing The Truman Show always does is stay on the air. There are no commercials, as the show only uses product placement, but after all the cameras lose Truman during his escape, Christof makes the bold decision to cut transmission. It produces immediate pushback from the network, but Christof argues they’re probably doing higher ratings with the graphic than they ever have. Even if that’s the case, everyone involved knows they need to start the transmission again ASAP, which they do to capture Truman’s final moments on his show.

The Set Reveal

Part way through The Truman Show’s runtime, director Peter Weir starts consistently giving us more perspectives outside just Truman’s. That allows the audience to see more of the context around the hit reality program and to get the backstory of how it came to be. As part of that, we see the intro viewers see on television, and it features a jaw-dropping shot of the giant dome set, which can apparently be seen from space. It really helps illustrate the enormity of what’s happening.

The Score

Despite winning for their score at The Golden Globes, Burkhard Dallwitz and Philip Glass didn’t get an Oscar nomination for The Truman Show. That’s too bad because I really like their work here. The score finds a good balance between a hollow, inauthentic version of the 1950s that almost seems melodramatic at times throughout the movie and a soaring, hopeful quest that feels alive and heroic. 

All The Weird Camera Shots

One of my absolutely favorite things about The Truman Show is the camera work. Cinematographer Peter Biziou received a BAFTA nomination for his work here and should have gotten a nod from the Oscars too. It’s not that every shot is the best possible shot. There are very specifically some weird and unnatural angles, but that’s kind of the point. Our perspective shifts to all kinds of weird angles that make it feel like he’s occupied in a space that’s got thousands of cameras but often times not the perfect one for what’s needed.

Lauren's Attempt To Tell Him It's All Fake

Truman is so inside his bubble, especially in his younger years, that when Lauren attempts to tell him he’s on a TV show, he has no idea what she’s talking about. He refuses to accept anything could be amiss about his reality. Even years later when he pines for her, the part he focuses on is always Fiji, it’s never the rest of her speech in which she tells him everything has been created just for him.

Truman Stops Traffic

Truman’s initial questions about the world around him largely manifest themselves in him changing his routine. He enters buildings he’s never been in before. He starts exploring, just as he wanted to when he was a kid but within Seahaven Island. The most dramatic example of that, at least before he runs from the men in the hazmat suits is when he walks out into traffic and stops it. He’s testing to see whether there are consequences to his actions and whether the world really revolves around him. There’s not, and it does. 

Marlon Looks Into The Camera

Everyone in The Truman Show is aware they’re on a television show except Truman. That means the number one rule is everyone needs to go about their lives without breaking the fourth wall. That means trying not to look at the cameras, but during the search for Truman, that rule is dramatically broken when Marlon, desperately searching for Truman, looks directly into the camera and says he’s gone. It’s a moment so out of the norm that Christof decides to cut the transmission.

"Where's The TV Guide?"

I don't really know what to make of the last moment in the movie. The transmission cuts for the final time, and the security guards ask what else is on and look for the TV Guide. In some ways, it's an extremely funny juxtaposition for Truman's final emotional escape which just came before. On the other hand, however, it's also a sad commentary on how quickly people move on and makes you wonder what the future might hold for Truman.

There has been a lot of talk about "nepo babies" over the last few years, and while it may seem like every actor has famous parents. That is hardly the case though, of course. Many of our favorite actors come from much more humble roots. So let's celebrate those stars with this list of actors who came from blue-collar backgrounds. 

Sarah Jessica Parker

Growing up in Ohio Sarah Jessica Parker had a huge family, with seven siblings and step-siblings. She's talked about how there were times her parents struggled to pay the bills and were even on welfare for a time. Though her mom ran a nursery and her stepdad was a truck driver, they still found a way to support Parker's show business dreams and eventually moved to New York so she could star on Broadway. 

James Dean

James Dean is one of the most tragic stories in Hollywood history, and his upbringing was pretty rough too. His father left when he was a toddler and his mother supported the two of them as a single mother during The Depression. That is until she passed away when Dean was only nine. He moved to Ohio and lived with his aunt and uncle where things stabilized for him. After graduating high school, he moved to LA and embarked on his all-too-brief career. 

Maisie Williams

Though she found fame at early age with Game of Thrones Maisie Williams' family struggled when she was younger. She was raised in a council house (public housing in the UK) until she was cast in the hit HBO show at age 12. 

Jeremy Strong

Jeremy Strong may play a scion to one of the wealthiest families on TV in Succession, but in real life, he had a much more humble upbringing. Strong grew up in the blue-collar area of Jamaica Plain in Boston and his father was a guard in juvenile jails in town. Eventually the family moved to the more upscale town of Sudbury, where he went to high school and discovered acting. 

Samuel L. Jackson

For most of his career, Samuel L. Jackson was a blue-collar actor working as much as he could. That makes with his upbringing as the son of a single mother who worked in a factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Shania Twain

Shaina Twain is best known as a country singer, of course, but she's done a little acting over her impressive career as well. It's a career that has taken far away from her humble roots outside Toronto, Ontario, where the family struggled. Those struggles led to her finding gigs as a singer at a young age and the rest is history.

Samantha Morton

Samantha Morton had a rough upbringing in the UK. Nine of her formative years were spent in foster care when her parents, who were addicts, weren't able to care for her. She had a couple of scraps with the law herself but started getting acting work in her teens and it all came together. 

Dolly Parton

There is no more revered person in Hollywood (or Nashville) than the great Dolly Parton. She's often talked about her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee as one of 12 children. She has always praised how her mother kept the family together through hard times and when Parton was 18 she moved to Nashville and hit the big time pretty quickly as a songwriter and a singer. 

Adam Driver

Megalopolis star Adam Driver moved around a lot as a kid, living all over from San Diego to Indiana. His stepfather was a Baptist preacher, but he was mostly raised by his mother in Indiana. After the September 11th attacks, he joined the Marines and served, like many other actors have over the years, for a few years before being discharged for a medical reason and starting his acting career. 

Al Pacino

Al Pacino grew up mostly in the South Bronx, and anyone from New York can tell you that the South Bronx in the '40s and '50s was a tough place to live. By his own admission he got in trouble a lot, as often happens with kids with hard working parents. Even as a actor early in his career he couch-surfed with friends until he started landing gigs regularly. 

Dax Shepard

Dax Shepard's family experienced the American Dream, according to the actor and podcast host. His mom worked at GM while he was growing up near Detroit and the family struggled, but as he got older, his mom's career grew and she moved up the ranks from janitor to executive, so by the time Shepard was in high school, she was quite successful. 

Ice Cube

Any fan of N.W.A. knows about Ice Cube's roots in South Central LA as the son of a janitor and a groundskeeper. As a result of desegregation, Ice Cube had the opportunity to get bussed out of Compton and out to the suburbs, where he thrived in English class, something he would make good use of later in life as the principal lyricist for one of the most successful rap acts of all time. 

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson, who has won the famed EGOT, was raised with her two siblings by a single mother on the South Side of Chicago. She started working in local theater at a young age and famously worked on the Disney Cruise line before auditioning for American Idol in the show's third season, which was, of course, her big break. 

Mel Brooks

The legendary Mel Brooks, like so many of his generation, was the child of immigrants. He was raised very poor in Brooklyn surrounded by people who worked in the garment industry. Instead of following in their footsteps, he went into show business and the world is luckier for it. 

Joan Crawford

Screen legend Joan Crawford would die a very rich woman, but she started life as the daughter of a construction worker in Texas. After her parents split up and her mother remarried, her stepfather got in trouble in Texas and the family moved to Kansas City where Crawford attended Catholic school as a work student. 

Jim Carrey

At one point Jim Carrey was the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, which is far cry from his humble beginnings in and around Toronto. For a time, Carrey has admitted, they were even homeless. Eventually his father found more stable employment and after dropping out of high school Carrey worked on his stand up routine and took shifts at a nearby factory. 

Misha Collins

Supernatural star Misha Collins grew up working class in Boston and he has said in the past that his family spent some time unhoused. He was lucky enough to gain admission to a prep school, which led him to the University of Chicago and eventually an internship at The White House during the Clinton administration before he concentrated on his acting career. 

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson has been a part of two of the biggest franchises in Hollywood, Star Wars and the MCU. It wasn't always the big time for her though. Her mother was a teenager when she was born and never married Dawson's father, but did marry another man, from whom Dawson takes her last name. He was a construction worker first in New York and later in Texas. 

Jessica Chastain

Though she doesn't talk much about her upbringing, we do know that Jessica Chastain's stepfather was a firefighter and that her family life was a struggle growing up. She grew up in Sacramento with four siblings, though she lost one to suicide when she was in her early 20s. Chastain started acting as a kid and her career would eventually take off and she would become one of the most beloved and acclaimed actors of her generation. 

Daniel Kaluuya

Born of Uganda immigrants in London, Daniel Kaluuya was raised on a council estate in one of the city's most famous blue-collar areas, Camden. He didn't know his father growing up, but he excelled in school and started acting in plays while there. he started landing paying gigs in his teens and the rest is history.

Hilary Swank

Though she has humble roots as the daughter of an army soldier, Hilary Swank grew up in a stable household and even after her parents split up when she was 15, her mother moved with Swank to the LA area so she could try her hand at Hollywood. That bet paid off as Swank has been one of the best actresses around for decades. 

Charlie Chaplin

It could be argued that Charlie Chaplin was the first bonafide superstar of the silver screen. While he would eventually become Hollywood's biggest star and one of the most financially successful moviemakers of his era, his childhood was a hardscrabble upbringing in central London. His parents had no capacity to raise children and he bounced around reform schools and other group homes as a kid before finding his way, first in the theater then later in silent films. 

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez famously grew up "on the 6," meaning the 6-Train through the Bronx in New York City. Her father had a job as a computer technician and Lopez had a solid, yet definitely blue-collar upbringing. 

Woody Harrelson

Woody Harrelson has starred in some of the best roles in Hollywood over the last four decades, and one of them, Woody Boyd on Cheers, reflected his actual blue-collar roots in Indiana. The story of Woody Boyd and Woody Harrelson are pretty similar, as both were raised in rural Indiana. Harrelson was famously locked up in prison for most of his upbringing, and he eventually died in prison after Harrelson's career had taken off. 

Viola Davis

Viola Davis was actually born on plantation in South Carolina, if you can believe it. She was raised mostly in Rhode Island, however, but it was a hard upbringing which has described of being very financially unstable. 

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig may be famous for playing suave, debonair, and sophisticated characters, but that's nothing like his upbringing. His father was a construction worker and bar manager, though Craig does have aristocratic ancestors. 

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix (and his late brother River) had a wild upbringing. His parent were part of a cult called the Children of God and Phoenix spent much of his early life living in South America as his parents traveled as missionaries for the religious group. Eventually, the family left the cult, adopting the name "Phoenix" as a sign of their rebirth as a family in a new life.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is famously one of the richest people in Hollywood, but that's not how she started out. Her mother was a teenager in Milwaukee, but before long Winfrey found herself in Nashville living with the man she considers her father. While still a teen in Nashville, she started working in radio, which would eventually lead to her media empire. 

Bella Thorne

The whole reason Bella Thorne became a professional actor was to help support her family growing up. After her father was killed in a car wreck when she was ten, Thorne's mother was left to raise four children on her own. It was a tough upbringing, but the acting gigs started coming more and more often and got her big break on the Disney Channel's Shake It Up in 2010. 

James Caan

James Caan was in some of the best movies in Hollywood history. The list of Caan's best movies is incredible. His father was a deli meat salesman and he grew up in the blue-collar neighborhood of Sunnyside, Queens, in New York City. He found acting while he briefly attended Hofstra, where he would also meet Francis Ford Coppola, who would give the role of Sonny in The Godfather years later. 

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez was raised by a single mother who had Gomez when she was just 16. Gomez has never been resentful, it seems, and credits her with raising her under such trying conditions. Gomez caught the acting bug at a pretty young age and ws soon landing shows on kids shows, leading to the insanely successful career we all know and love. 

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington had the definition of a blue-collar upbringing as the son of a beautician and an employee of the water company in his hometown of New York City. His parent worked hard to make sure he got a good education and after graduating from Fordham, he embarked on one of the most successful Hollywood careers of all time. 

The $2 billion lifetime box mark for all their movies is a major milestone for actors and only the most popular ones have reached that level. The full list, per The Numbers, includes a lot of names you'd expect, and a few you wouldn't. Many on the list play major characters in the MCU, though we've limited those somewhat here, to get a fuller picture. So here it is, our list of actors who've topped the $2 billion mark all-time at the box office.

Daniel Radcliffe

There are some huge franchises out there, and few are bigger than the Harry Potter series, so naturally, the actor who played its protagonist, Daniel Radcliffe, is going to find his way onto this list. With a box office total climbing north of $2.6 billion, Radcliffe has supplemented Harry Potter with big movies like Now You See Me 2 and The Lost City.

Tom Cruise

For four decades Tom Cruise has been one of, if not the, most bankable stars in Hollywood. The biggest chunk of the more than $4 billion he's earned has come from the Mission: Impossible movies, but almost every one of his movies, from Top Gun to War of the Worlds and beyond are usually big money makers. 

Harrison Ford

When you star in two of the biggest franchises in Hollywood history, you're going to make this list. As Han Solo in the Star Wars movies and as the titular character in the Indiana Jones series, Harrison Ford has been raking in box office receipts for decades.  He's also had big money earners outside those series as well, like the two Jack Ryan movies he starred in, and movies like The Fugitive and the two Blade Runner flicks.  

Tom Hanks

It's hardly a surprise to see Tom Hanks on this list. With a total box office of over $5 billion, Hanks has consistently crushed it in some of the most iconic roles in Hollywood history. The list of Hanks' best movies includes Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, Big, and many more, but the movies that make the biggest contribution to that box office number come from the Toy Story franchise. 

Jack Black

Jack Black movies have brought in more than $2.7 billion. Before you wonder where that has come from, you have to remember just how huge the Kung Fu Panda series of movies have been. They all have collected huge box office numbers. Throw in School of Rock, and the Jumanji series, and all of a sudden, you're climbing in some pretty rarified air. Oh - and it might surprise you that the Super Mario Bros. Movie earned more than a billion on its own.  

Morgan Freeman

Is there a more beloved actor in Hollywood than Morgan Freeman? With movies like The Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss Daisy, and Unforgiven he's proven he's one the best actors, and with huge movies like The Dark Knight trilogy, he's brought in a ton of money, with over $2 billion total. 

George Clooney

There isn't anyone in Hollywood who quite personifies a classic movie star than George Clooney. He's brought in more than $2 billion lifetime, with only one superhero movie on his resume (and a forgettable one at that, with Batman & Robin). Of course, the Ocean's movies have been his biggest box office successes, but he mostly has just put out great movie after great movie. 

Liam Neeson

While Liam Neeson isn't alone in actors we'd like to see in the MCU one day, he's still earned bank at the box office. He's appeared in a number of other big franchises, like Star Wars, The Dark Knight, and The Chronicles of Narnia, and the franchise he's most known for, the Taken movies. 

Steve Carell

It may surprise you to see Steve Carrell on this list until you remember how huge the Despicable Me franchise is. Those movies print money and Carell has been a monster piece in that puzzle. Of course, he's also had huge hits like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and the Anchorman movies. 

Meryl Streep

It's hard to argue against Meryl Streep being the finest actress of a generation, and perhaps even ever. With more than 20 Oscar nominations, she's built a career that is unparalleled. She has also managed to kill it at the box office despite not being a part of any huge franchises. The Mamma Mia! movies are the closest she's come to something like that, which makes her $2 billion+ that much more impressive.  

Eddie Murphy

Year after year Eddie Murphy just cranks out hit after hit. Sure, he's a long way away from his peak as a comic in the '80s, but you can't argue against the results, with over $3.5 billion in total receipts. The biggest contributors, of course, are the Shrek movies. 

Johnny Depp

Of course, Johnny Depp has to be on this list. Depp led one of the biggest franchises of the early 21st Century with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. He's had a lot of hits outside of his work for Disney, but the role of Jack Sparrow has translated to a big chunk of his more than $3.6 billion total box office. 

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence hasn't been in the MCU proper, but in full disclosure, she did appear in the X-Men franchise when it was outside of the MCU proper. So there is that. Still, she's also got another franchise under her belt with the Hunger Games movies. Outside of that, she's known for taking on serious roles in movies like Winter's Bone and Mother. It all adds up to more than $2.6 billion.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro has been one of the most famous actors in Hollywood for more than 50 years and with that has come a lot of success at the ticket window. in total, his movies like Cape Fear, The Godfather II, Killers of the Flower Moon, and, the films that have contributed the most to his more than $2.6 billion lifetime box office sales, the Meet The Parents movies. 

Emma Watson

As one of the key cast members of eight Harry Potter movies, it's hardly a surprise to see Emma Watson on this list. That franchise alone has made billions. She also appeared as Belle in the Disney live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast in 2017, which made a cool billion as well. 

Leonardo DiCaprio

The great Leonardo DiCaprio is another actor on this list who has built remarkable box office numbers – well over $2 billion – without the benefit of a major franchise. It helps to have Titanic on your resume though. 

Julia Roberts

Since the late '80s, Julia Roberts has been box office gold. In all, her movies have made more than $2 billion, and without the benefit of a major franchise, aside from the first two Ocean's movies. Instead, she's built her legendary career on movies like Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, and Eat Pray Love.

Bruce Willis

There are few action stars as loved as Bruce Willis. Before he retired due to aphasia and dementia, he not only starred in the Die Hard series, but he consistently churned out hits like Pulp Fiction, 12 Monkeys, and one of his biggest movies, Armageddon. He also popped in two of the Expendables movies, earning an overall $3 billion or so. 

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson may have started out in professional wrestling, but he's owned Hollywood since making the transition to acting. In addition to the Fast and Jumanji franchises, Johnson's box office totals include two Mummy movies and a slew of other hits. It all adds up to well over $3 billion. 

Owen Wilson

There is a small caveat here. Owen Wilson has technically appeared in the MCU, but it was on the Disney+ show Loki and he's never been in one of the movies, so nothing in the MCU is reflected in his box office numbers. What does count is movies like Meet The Parents, Night At The Museum, and The Cars franchise. It all adds up to more than $2.3 billion.

Adam Driver

While he may not have the MCU on his resume, Adam Driver does have three huge Star Wars movies on it. That's a great way to pad your box office numbers. Driver is hardly a one-hit wonder though. House of Gucci, BlacKkKlansman, and others all add up to more than $2.3 billion.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock has put together an impressive career that's spanned over three decades. Despite not starring in many major franchises aside from Ocean's 8 and Minions. Still, over her career, she's generated more than $2.6 billion in box office totals. Impressive, to say the least. 

Kevin Hart

Everyone loves Kevin Hart, but it's sort of surprising just how successful his movies have been over the years. He's in rarified air here with over $2.4 billion in tickets sold to movies he's appeared in. It certainly helps that's his popped up in the Fast franchise, as well as the Jumanji movies, of course. 

Jim Carrey

Other than Batman Forever Jim Carrey has avoided major franchises over the years. Still, at one point, he was Hollywood's highest-paid actor because his movies almost always make big bucks, bringing in more than $2.9 million overall. Movies like Bruce Almighty and the Sonic movies have contributed greatly to that haul. 

Will Ferrell

What can you say about Will Ferrell that hasn't already been said? Frankly, he's the premier comedic actor over the last couple of decades. With movies like the Anchorman series, Elf, Step Brothers, and maybe his biggest contributor to his more than $2.8 billion in receipts, the Lego franchise, Farrell movies continue to clean up in theaters. 

Will Smith

Before the infamous "slap" at the Oscars in 2023, Will Smith was one of America's most beloved movie stars. His reputation has taken a hit, but his box office numbers over the years don't lie. With franchises like Bad Boys and Men In Black, in addition to a huge number of other hits over the years, Smith's total take is among the highest ever at over $3.8 billion. 

Keanu Reeves

You don't need comic book movies when you've got monster franchises like John Wick and The Matrix. Those two series have contributed a huge part to Keanu Reeves' amazing box office numbers, which stretch over $2 billion now. Throw in one of the Toy Story movies and a handful of other big hits and you're on top of the world. 

Denzel Washington

Until The Equalizer series, Denzel Washington had never even starred in a sequel, much a franchise. He has still managed to rack up more than $2.5 billion in box office numbers though. Washington has been one of the world's most famous actors for decades and has won a slew of awards, including two Oscars, so it's hardly a surprise, but it's still darn impressive. 

Brad Pitt

If Brad Pitt's Ocean's franchise co-star George Clooney isn't the most famous movie star in the world, Brad Pitt might be. Like Clooney, he's mostly built his box office record without the help of any major franchise, aside from Ocean's. It is worth mentioning that he had that infamous cameo in Deadpool 2, but that's still technically outside of the MCU. 

Adam Sandler

He's not everyone's cup of tea, sure, but Adam Sandler has put together one of the most impressive careers in Hollywood history with his unique brand of humor. Movies like Big Baddy, Mr. Deeds, You Don't Mess with the Zohan and Grown Ups have all tucked away huge amounts of money, as have others, meaning Sandler's overall box office is up over $2.8 billion. 

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck does benefit from his time as Batman in the ill-fated DCEU, which has since been replaced with the reboot DCU. Those movies, despite mostly middling reviews, did all make a lot of money. When you add in movies like Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, and Gone Girl, it's easy to see how his total haul adds up to more than $2.4 billion. 

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg might be the most surprising person on this list, believe it or not. Then you remember he was in some of the Transformer movies, and think about how much the Ted and Daddy's Home movies made, and you realize it's not actually all that shocking. In total, his movies have brought in well over two and a half billion dollars. 

Some actors are best known and even defined by a single character that has captured the hearts of audiences all over the world. However, in many cases, said iconic character does not necessarily reflect the performer’s strongest performance, which they often tend to save for the role that they hope will earn them an Academy Award nomination or, at least, challenges them the most. The following is our attempt to distinguish the most iconic roles from our choices picks for the absolute best roles of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Chris Evans

The role that skyrocketed Chris Evans to the A-list and the one he will always be most famous for is Steve "Captain America" Rogers from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, his talents are even better utilized in his scene-stealing performance in the Knives Out cast as the hilariously smug and conniving Ransom Drysdale.

Amy Adams

The world first fell in love with Amy Adams when she absolutely nailed the Disney Princess schtick as Giselle in 2007’s Enchanted. Yet, she is truly a captivating, commanding, and heartbreaking force to be reckoned with in Denis Villeneuve’s powerful 2016 alien invasion movie, Arrival, as linguistics expert Louise Banks — which, surprisingly, is not one of the six roles that earned her an Oscar nomination.

Kurt Russell

For many people, when they see Kurt Russell, they see the dystopian anti-hero Snake Plissken in Escape from New York from 1981 or helicopter pilot R.J. MacReady in another great John Carpenter movie, 1982’s The Thing. Yet, even the actor’s biggest fans might agree that those performances pale in comparison to his acclaimed portrayal of Wyatt Earp in the 1993 Western movie classic, Tombstone.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie first captivated audiences everywhere as Naomi Lapaglia in 2013’s The Wolf of Wall Street and her portrayal of Harley Quinn in the DCEU immediately became one of the Batman villain’s most essential iterations. However, the Australian actor gave, arguably, her most captivating and essential performance as infamous figure skating champion Tonya Harding in the 2017 biopic, I, Tonya, which also earned her her first Oscar nomination.

Nicolas Cage 

Nicolas Cage is at his most iconic when he is at his most unhinged and few characters define that better than Castor Troy — a ruthless terrorist who switches faces with FBI agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) in Face/Off. Of course, it is Cage's performance as severe alcoholic Ben Sanderson in Leaving Las Vegas that earned him an Oscar win.

Julia Roberts 

Having been referred to as the Queen of rom-coms, it would make sense to call Julia Roberts’ strongest contribution to the genre — Vivian Ward from 1990’s Pretty Woman — the most iconic of her career. Yet, her strongest contribution to cinema might actually be her Academy Award-winning performance in the title role of 2000’s Erin Brockovich, which is based on the true story of a legal assistant’s crusade in a California water pollution scandal. 

Tom Hanks

Our choices for both the most iconic role and the best role of Tom Hanks’ career each earned him an Academy Award. While the lovable title hero of 1994’s Forrest Gump is easily the more famous, the actor is at his most gripping and moving as gay, HIV-positive lawyer Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia from the previous year.

Ryan Gosling

Playing Noah in 2004's romantic instant classic The Notebook broke Ryan Gosling into the mainstream and playing the nameless wheelman protagonist of 2011's Drive showed his action star potential. The first time critics and audiences truly began to notice his strengths as a versatile performer, however, was when he played a teacher wrestling with his vices in 2006's Half Nelson.

Robert Downey, Jr.

There was no better choice to play Tony "Iron Man" Stark — the role that effectively resurrected Robert Downey Jr.'s career — in what would become the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet, has the actor truly ever been better than when he played Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer cast in 2023? Just ask the Academy.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence breathed refreshing new life into the cinematic version of YA dystopian novel hero Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games movies. She especially breathed refreshing life into the already beautiful story of love and self-acceptance at the center of Silver Linings Playbook with her Oscar-winning performance as the widowed Tiffany Maxwell.

Jim Carrey

The one role that best represents Jim Carrey’s one-of-a kind erratic style of physical comedy is the ceaselessly goofy title hero of 1994’s Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. There are certainly traces of that persona in unwitting TV star Truman Burbank from 1998’s The Truman Show, but the performance brought out a certain emotional depth and devastating earnestness we had not yet seen from the actor.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson was already a top A-lister when she was cast as Natasha “Black Widow” Romanoff for the MCU — a role that, arguably, became bigger than the actor herself. Yet, her infectious, Oscar-nominated performance in 2019’s Jojo Rabbit as Rosie — the mother of a young aspiring Nazi who is secretly hiding a young Jewish woman — is the heart and soul of Taika Waititi’s dazzling World War II-era satire.

Matt Damon

Is there anything better than watching Matt Damon kick butt in the Jason Bourne movies as the titular amnesiac spy? How about watching him pour out his heart and soul as a young and brilliant, but emotionally troubled custodian in 1997’s Good Will Hunting, which he also co-wrote the Academy Award-winning screenplay for?

Jamie Lee Curtis

Playing Laurie Strode in Halloween may have made her the ultimate horror Scream Queen and playing IRS inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdre in Everything Everywhere All at Once may have finally earned her an Oscar, but neither reflect her absolute best work in our opinion. Her Golden Globe-winning role as Helen Tasker — a woman who discovers her husband (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a spy — shows the extent of her versatile range and is easily the performance from 1994’s True Lies.

Michael Keaton

When you think of Michael Keaton, the first character you picture could be Bruce Wayne from Tim Burton's live-action Batman movies or the title role of another Burton classic called Beetlejuice. Yet, the actor's defining role might really be the one that earned him his first Academy Award nomination: down-and-out actor Riggan Thomson in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).

Adam Driver

Typically, any Star Wars actor can call their role in the celebrated sci-fi franchise the most famous character they have ever played and Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren is certainly no exception. His performance as the Sith Lord is an essential highlight of the sequel trilogy, but his rich, emotionally devastating, and uniquely funny performance as Charlie Barber in 2019’s Marriage Story — his second Oscar-nominated role — really proved he was a force to behold.

Clint Eastwood

The Mount Rushmore of Western Movie Stars undeniably includes Clint Eastwood, whose own carving into the monument would probably be dressed like his three roles from Sergio Leone's "The Man with No Name" or "Dollars" Trilogy — made of up A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. Well, forgive us, but we believe that coldblooded-killer turned mild-mannered family man William Munny from 1992’s Unforgiven — which he also directed — is his stronger and deeper contribution to the genre.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams is transcendent as the ultimate ruthless teen queen, Regina George, in the 2004 high school movie classic, Mean Girls. Yet, she is at her most grounded and most captivatingly understated in her Oscar-nominated portrayal of Boston Globe investigative journalist Sacha Pfeiffer in 2015’s Spotlight.

Tom Cruise 

Among Tom Cruise’s many iconic roles — especially Maverick in the Top Gun movies and Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible movies — we are not sure that we would include Ron Kovic in that least. Yet, we do believe the actor has never been better than in his impassioned, Academy Award-nominated portrayal of the real-life Vietnam vet-turned-war-protester in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July.

Emma Watson

Most people — especially Harry Potter fans — still see Hermione Graigner whenever they see Emma Watson. However, one role that came closest to replacing the talented wizard as the British actor’s most celebrated work is Sam Button from the tender 2012 coming-of-age drama, The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is the face of two of cinema’s most iconic action movie heroes: Indiana Jones and Han Solo from the Star Wars movies. Yet, we have seen the legend give a performance as intense, grounded, and human as Detective Captain John Book in Witness, which also earned him his sole Academy Award nomination.

Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges had already achieved a storied and widely acclaimed career by the time he landed his definitive role as freewheeling burnout, The Dude, in Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1998 cult favorite comedy classic, The Big Lebowski. It would take another 12 years before he gave his definitive performance as disillusioned country singer Bad Blake in Crazy Heart, which made him an Oscar winner.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Jack Dawson from James Cameron’s high-grossing Best Picture Oscar winner, 1997’s Titanic, remains the one role Leonardo DiCaprio is most often associated with despite winning his Oscar for 2015’s The Revenant. However, it is his remarkable portrayal of Howard Hughes, from his rise as an inventive aristocrat to his falls as a disturbed recluse, that earns the highest praise from us. 

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman has an extraordinary collection of unique characters under her belt, but none are quite as distinct or recognizable as Satine in Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 musical smash, Moulin Rouge! Yet, the following year saw her give a transformative, Oscar-winning performance in The Hours as renowned author Virginia Woolf during a dismal time in her life.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale had audiences floored by his performance as Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, which solidified him as one of the best Batman actors in cinematic history. However, we believe we already saw him at his best in 2000’s American Psycho, giving a brilliantly nuanced performance as a strangely compelling sociopath named Patrick Bateman.

Natalie Portman

Rewatching the Star Wars prequel trilogy is made easier for even its harshest critics by Natalie Portman’s empowering, grounding, and ultimately heartbreaking performance as Naboo’s queen-turned-senator, Padmé Amidala. Yet, we have it on good authority that even those fans of a galaxy far, far away would rather rewatch 2010’s Black Swan and experience her unsettling, bravura, Academy Award-winning turn as Nina Sayers — a ballerina driven mad by her devotion to the lead role of Swan Lake.

Daniel Radcliffe 

Daniel Radcliffe certainly made for a great “The Boy Who Lived” in the Harry Potter movies, but even some of the franchise’s biggest fans might agree that the English actor has only gotten better since exiting the Wizarding World. In fact, some might say he has gotten better as the roles got weirder, and none have been weirder than when he starred in 2022’s Weird: The Al Yankovic Story as a hilariously exaggerated version of the legendary musical parodist.

Kate Winslet

Much like Titanic made Leonardo DiCaprio a star, starring in the blockbuster historical tragedy as Rose Bukater turned Kate Winslet into one of the top actors of her time. In spite of her wonderful performance there, many would agree the role mainly paved the way for even better opportunities, such as her Oscar-winning performance in 2008’s The Reader as Hanna Schmitz.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac was certainly on the path to achieving A-list status before joining the cast of 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but playing the charming resistance pilot was his one-way ticket across the bridge. That same year, however, he delivered a captivatingly complex and intriguingly layered performance as tech innovator Nathan Bateman in Alex Garland’s classic A24 sci-fi drama, Ex Machina

Reese Witherspoon

As Elle Woods in 2001’s Legally Blonde, Reese Witherspoon brings warmth, humor, and authenticity to a character who could have easily been an annoying, one-note stereotype. As June Carter Cash in 2005’s Walk the Line, she absolutely steals the show from Joaquin Phoenix’s Johnny Cash with her powerful, Oscar-winning portrayal of the legendary singer.

Henry Cavill

Being, essentially, the spitting image of Clark Kent made Henry Cavill an ideal choice to play Superman in 2013’s Man of Steel, but not quite the perfect choice. The English actor’s signature charm, charisma, and sense of humor shine through much stronger as American secret agent Napoleon Solo in Guy Ritchie’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E., which we think is gleaming proof of his 007 material.

Brie Larson

You could say that Carol Danvers has become such a popular character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe because Brie Larson is the one portraying her in Captain Marvel and subsequent films. For that, we can likely thank her magnificent, heart-wrenching, Oscar-winning performance in 2015’s Room as a single mother held captive with her son.

There are the characters we cherish and the performances we adore. Both are equally important reasons for why we love our favorite actors.

Some of our best horror movies have been centered around characters who just so happen to be legendary creatures of the night: vampires. And, because of the enduring popularity of these mythological bloodsuckers, not only do we also have a number of TV vamps, but many famous actors who’ve portrayed some version of the famed, usually-human-looking beasts. Here for you now are 32 actors who’ve played a vampire.

Eddie Murphy (Vampire In Brooklyn)

So many vamps have been seen on screen that even a comedy and action movie legend like Eddie Murphy has played one. The 1995 horror comedy, Vampire in Brooklyn, saw the star play the last member of a group of Caribbean vampires, who hits New York to find a mate so that he can continue his family line.

Tom Cruise (Interview With The Vampire)

Who could forget the 1994 film that gave us Tom Cruise as the captivating and cruel (And blond!) bloodthirsty fiend, Lestat de Lioncourt, from author Anne Rice’s legendary novel series, The Vampire Chronicles? Of course, it also gave us Brad Pitt’s tortured vamp, Louis, and made a star out of young Kirsten Dunst.

Dakota Fanning (The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse)

While there are some obvious stars to add to this list, let us not forget that the cast of famous (and soon-to-be-famous) vampires in The Twilight Saga films was quite stacked. That roster included noted child star Dakota Fanning, who portrayed the villainous Volturi guard member, Jane, who was able to mentally create sensations of pain in those who she deemed worthy of punishment.

Evan Rachel Wood (True Blood)

Several vampire-focused TV shows have hit the airwaves over the past 20 or so years, so we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the HBO hit, True Blood. Many of its stars portrayed members of vamp-kind for most or all of the series’ seven seasons, but Evan Rachel Wood made an equally impressive (bloody) splash as the Vampire Queen of Louisiana, Sophie-Anne Leclerq, during her recurring guest appearances in Seasons 2-4.

Robert Pattinson (Twilight)

Back to Twilight! It’s not worth mentioning this franchise without bringing up lead romantic vamp Edward Cullen, as well as the man who brought him to life in five movies, eventuall live action Batman actor Robert Pattinson. Despite the fact that his love interest’s portrayer, Kristen Stewart, would have dumped Edward “immediately”!

Chloë Grace Moretz (Let Me In)

It’s possible that we don’t get creepier than kid vampires in movies and television shows, and that’s what we got with Chloë Grace Moretz’s Abby in the 2010 film, Let Me In. She befriends a young loner after moving into his apartment complex, but is (you guessed it) hiding nefarious purposes he could have never guessed, which end up taking his life in a most unexpected direction.

Salma Hayek (From Dusk Till Dawn)

This might be the shortest movie vampire appearance on the list, as 1996’s From Dusk Til Dawn saw Salma Hayek play the fanged exotic dancer, Santanico Pandemonium, only for about five memorable minutes that simply cannot be forgotten once witnessed.

Taika Waititi (What We Do In The Shadows)

Undead life isn’t always filled with glamorous globe-hopping adventure, gorgeous mates who can’t resist you and other perks, at least according to 2014’s What We Do in the Shadows, which concerns the rather mundane day-to-day lives of vampire roommates, of whom Taika Waititi’s uptight and nearly 400-year-old vamp, Viago, is among.

Theo James (Underworld: Awakening, Underworld: Blood Wars)

Another big screen franchise that depended on heaps of stars to populate its supernatural world is that of Underworld. Two sequels saw Theo James play the heroic vampire, David, heir to one of the main vamp covens, and lead Selene’s one steadfast ally during an important time in her journey.

Willem Dafoe (Shadow Of The Vampire)

Not many cinematic vampires are said to be based on a real person, but the one played by Willem Dafoe in 2000’s Shadow of the Vampire is. He portrayed a fictionalized version of the real Nosferatu lead actor, Max Schreck, whom the crew begins to suspect is an actual vampire because of his behavior and the strange goings-on surrounding filming.

Gerard Butler (Dracula 2000)

Speaking of vampires who are based on real people…Author Bram Stoker based his Dracula on Vlad the Impaler, and Gerard Butler played yet another version of the ever-popular character in a film from, yes, 2000. This tale sees the ancient vamp accidentally awoken by a group of thieves who find and steal his highly protected coffin, which had been watched over by generations of the Van Helsing family.

Wesley Snipes (Blade)

A Marvel character that will soon have another portrayer when the upcoming Blade reboot finally begins filming, the original action/horror trilogy famously saw Wesley Snipes take on the vampire/human hybrid titular lead, who’s a nearly unstoppable vamp hunter bent on taking down all members of the species who bit his mother and infected him with their supernatural blood while he was still in utero.

Colin Farrell (Fright Night)

If a scary and suave undead night stalker is your type, look no further than Colin Farrell’s Jerry Dandrige in 2011’s remake of the 1985 cult classic, Fright Night. He may have to eventually do battle with a couple of teenagers, but he sure looks darn good doing it.

Ethan Hawke (Daybreakers)

A movie that takes a more science-fiction approach to a world overrun by vampires is the 2009 film Daybreakers, which sees Ethan Hawke play a vamp hematologist who refuses to drink human blood and is looking for a synthetic option to their usual meal of choice that will stop humanity from being wiped out by his more brutal peers.

Luke Evans (Dracula Untold)

Again with Dracula? Why, yes! This time, Luke Evans plays a Vlad the Impaler who only becomes a vampire to have the strength, speed and ferocity to turn back an invading army in an attempt to save the people of his kingdom. Does it work out for him? Well, yes…and no.

Kate Beckinsale (Underworld)

There’s no mentioning the Underworld franchise without giving respect to the main heroine, Kate Beckinsale’s Selene. In the first film she’s a vampire looking to destroy the werewolves that killed her family, but she ends up uncovering a major secret about the two sets of creatures and falling in love with a human, instead.

Alicia Silverstone (Vamps)

This 2012 horror comedy sees Alicia Silverstone play Goody, an old vampire who tries to stay young and hip while helping her much younger bloodsucking buddy, Stacy (Krysten Ritter), get used to her powers as they try to abstain from the red stuff during their immortal and unholy (sorta) lives.

Pedro Pascal (Bloodsucking Bastards)

Ever wondered what working in an office that was slowly being overrun by vampires who care as much about the bottom line as they do about drinking blood would be like? Just watch Bloodsucking Bastards, where beloved The Last of Us cast member Pedro Pascal begins turning his employees into the titular immortals.

Jim Carrey (Once Bitten)

Jim Carrey’s first leading role came in this 1985 comedy, where he played a teen virgin turned into a vampire by an alluring, 400-year-old creature of the night, who seduced him so she could use his blood to keep her youthful appearance.

Paul Reubens (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

In the 1992 horror comedy that eventually led to the long-running series of the same name, the late Paul Reubens starred as Amilyn, a vamp doing the bidding of a much more powerful bloodsucker who’s ruling his kind in Los Angeles.

Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood)

While HBO’s True Blood was positively filled with the undead, few of them made as much of an impact on audiences (and the lead, Sookie) as Alexander Skarsgård’s cunning and alluring (but sorta evil) 1,000-year-old Eric Northman. This also happens to be the role that really made Skarsgård famous.

David Boreanaz (Buffy, Angel)

When it comes to popular TV vampires, no one can discount the reign of David Boreanaz as evil vamp turned heroic vamp (and then sometimes evil vamp again) Angel, whom he played on Buffy the Vampire Slayer beginning with the first episode in 1997, through wrapping his run on the fifth season series finale of his own show, Angel, in 2004.

Sterling K. Brown (Supernatural)

Sterling K. Brown may best be known now for delivering heartfelt emotions as Randall Pearson on This Is Us, but for four episodes across Seasons 2 and 3 of the CW mega-hit, Supernatural, he played Hunter and dedicated vamp-hater-turned-vampire, Gordon Walker, to astounding, understandably cold-blooded effect.

Kiefer Sutherland (The Lost Boys)

Even though Kiefer Sutherland was certainly a star on the rise by the time he starred in The Lost Boys in 1987, his part as apparent vampire motorcycle gang leader David cemented his leading man qualities and turned him into a household name.

Rami Malek (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part II)

Sure, Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the best Rami Malek movies to watch, but let’s not discount his turn as the powerful (and ancient) Egyptian vampire, Benjamin, in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part II, one of the few creatures of the night in the franchise who can directly manipulate things, with his specialty being controlling fire, water, air and earth.

Bryce Dallas Howard (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse)

Yet another actor you may have forgotten was fanged in the expansive Twilight franchise is Jurassic World star Bryce Dallas Howard. She took over the role of evil, vengeful vamp Victoria (who’s looking to kill Bella in retaliation for Edward killing her love, James) from Rachelle Lefevre, for the third movie, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

Tilda Swinton (Only Lovers Left Alive)

As one half of the very old vampire couple at the center of the 2013 dramedy, Only Lovers Left Alive, Tilda Swinton is a wife forced to visit the husband (played by Tom Hiddleston) she’s long been separated from once she realizes his lengthy undead existence has begun to bring him down, as she tries to force him to reevaluate the value of living forever.

Bill Nighy (Underworld, Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans)

Every good vampire needs a parental figure to show them the ropes, and for Underworld’s Selene, that role was filled by Viktor, who was portrayed by Love, Actually star Bill Nighy. His Vampire Elder turned out to be more of a threat than the heroine ever expected, though, leading to some tense moments between Selene and her mentor.

Gary Oldman (Bram Stoker's Dracula) 

Back to Drac! One of the most popular films about the character is still 1992’s Bram Stoker's Dracula, which saw eventual Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban star Gary Oldman play Vlad Dracula.

Christopher Meloni (True Blood)

Where there is one vampire there are generally enough to have a whole hierarchy among their brethren, and as with the series True Blood, sometimes we get to see what that could look like. In Season 5, Law & Order: SVU and Organized Crime star Christopher Meloni portrayed the Guardian, Roman Zimojic, who led the Vampire Authority and (ostensibly) set the rules for all vamps. Many, however, didn’t agree with his desire to have his kind fit in with human society, which caused a lot of problems for the calm, determined and deadly when challenged leader.

Nicolas Cage (Renfield)

If you guessed that this is yet another Dracula story, well, you’re sort of correct. 2023’s horror comedy, Renfield, stars Nicholas Hoult as the count’s titular long-time familiar, who’s tired of helping him kill innocent people and all the abuse he’s taken from the being who gifted him with immortality, as well as super strength and speed (when he eats bugs) 90 years prior. So, he gets help from a support group for people in codependent relationships in order to be able to live his own life again. Nicolas Cage is our Dracula here, and he’s a perfectly winking one, who still manages to be creepy and deadly.

Johnny Depp (Dark Shadows)

Johnny Depp has become known for his outrageous characters, and his Barnabas Collins is no different. The 2012 Dark Shadows film (which was based on the 1966-1971 gothic daytime drama of the same name) follows Barnabas after he’s cursed with vampirism in 1760, buried alive in a coffin, and then accidentally freed in the early 1970s. He rejoins the Collins family at the estate they still hold, while trying to keep his true nature a secret, but hijinks ensue as his past comes back to haunt them. 

This, of course, is just a small sampling of the famous actors who've portrayed vampires over the years, but if you decide to do a vamp movie/TV show marathon, you can start right here and have hours of entertainment.

Out of all the upcoming video game tv shows and movies, it's fair to say Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is one of the most anticipated. Audiences are ready to see the Blue Blur in action once again, especially after the way the second movie ended. It's looking like the third installment will finally introduce Shadow The Hedgehog and open up the world of Sonic drastically.

The following are all the actors and actresses we know that are involved with Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Right now, there is still some mystery as to who some of these actors are playing, so be sure to check back in for updates should we learn more about some of these actors' roles before the premiere date in December.

Ben Schwartz

At three movies in, there's only one man who can voice the "Blue Blur," and his name is Ben Schwartz. We know that Schwartz is back in Sonic 3 to play the title character, but could he be voicing someone else as well? Schwartz told CinemaBlend he's ready for his "villainous era" when we speculated he could also voice Shadow The Hedgehog. We'll have to wait and see if that. actually happens, but I'd be down to see him pull double duty.

James Marsden

James Marsden has been the perfect sidekick to his CGI co-star, and that's thanks in part to the various Sonics used on set to make it look accurate. Marsden's Tom Wachowski is the vehicle that keeps this franchise quickly moving along, and it wouldn't feel the same without seeing him in the mix.

Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter is back in Sonic 3, though for fans, it may not seem like she's been away that long. She'll be one of the main cast set to return as part of the Knuckles cast, but what would this movie be without Maddie Wachowski around to help out their furry friends?

Jim Carrey

I'm not sure if playing Dr. Eggman was ever a long-term goal for Jim Carrey, but it certainly feels that way, given how well he understands and plays the role. The main villain of the Sonic franchise disappeared at the end of the second movie, but with G.U.N. unable to find a body, it was assumed that Robotnik had slipped away.

Colleen O'Shaughnessey

Colleen O'Shaughnessey is back and voicing the role of Sonic's best sidekick, Tails. I don't think there's any denying that Tails is Sonic's best friend in the franchise, but with Knuckles now allied with the heroes, there's going to be some proving that he's not the weak link in the chain in this adventure.

Idris Elba

After appearing as the antagonist in the second movie and starring in his own self-titled series, Idris Elba's Knuckles is back and ready to use his super strength to fight for the good guys and, hopefully, stop whatever the latest threat from Dr. Eggman may be. We'll get to see how this group works together in the series, assuming readers have a Paramount+ subscription.

Lee Majdoub

Dr. Robotnik is skilled, but it's Agent Stone, played by Lee Majdoub, who helps him pull off half of his wild schemes. Readers might remember that Stone narrowly escaped capture by posing as an operative for G.U.N. No doubt he'll play a key part in plotting Eggman's return and may even be in a position of power hiding in the shadows of Green Hills. Either that, or he's putting plans in place for the next big scheme for the villain.

Tom Butler

Tom Butler's Commander Walters was disappointed he couldn't find Robotnik at the end of Sonic The Hedgehog 2, and concerned about what he learned next. It was uncovered that a secret location to a lab was exposed, and it was revealed Project Shadow was worked on there. It's a problem we expect to see resolved in the upcoming movie, and Walters will undoubtedly have more to share on the project.

Krysten Ritter

Krysten Ritter will make her debut in Sonic The Hedgehog 3, according to IGN, but we're still in the dark on how she'll be involved. With that said, Ritter is a star of repute, having been in Breaking Bad and Jessica Jones before joining the cast, so it's possible she'll be voicing one of the notable Sonic characters who hasn't been introduced. On the other hand, she could be playing a new character in live-action as well.

James Wolk

James Wolk is another actor with a big question mark next to the character he'll be playing, as we don't know anything beyond the fact he was cast to be in the movie. Wolk is an actor who has had roles on prominent shows like The Crazy Ones and Mad Men, and he's a great addition to the Sonic 3 cast.

Sofia Pernas

Actress Sofia Pernas, who has starred in The Young and the Restless and Justin Hartley's hit CBS series Tracker, will also be a part of the Sonic 3 cast. Unfortunately, we're in the dark once again about what her character will do or if they're appearing in live-action or via CGI, but it's always exciting to see a fresh face join an established franchise!

Cristo Fernández

While Ted Lasso fans brainstorm ways the series can return, star Cristo Fernández is branching out into the Sonic franchise. We have no idea what character he'll play in the upcoming movie, but if his character has the same peppy energy as Dani Rojas, I'm beyond excited to see who he'll play.

Jorma Taccone

Jorma Taccone, one of the masterminds behind The Lonely Island group, will also be in Sonic 3 in an unknown role. Considering he's a force behind a scene considered so wtf it had to be cut from Hot Rod, I'm assuming he's coming into the movie to play a comedic role. We'll have to wait for confirmation to find out for certain, though he could surprise us with something a little more serious for this latest romp in cinema.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is currently slated to be released on December 20th, 2024. Hopefully, we'll learn more details about what roles all the actors are playing before its arrival, or at the very least, who will be voicing the villainous Shadow The Hedgehog.

With the actor's penchant for high-energy slapstick and rambunctious, rubber-faced characters, Jim Carrey's movies are filled with non-stop, explosive hilarity that has made him a widely celebrated icon for the ages. Of course, the former In Living Color cast member is also never afraid to bring out the deeper side of his talent for more dramatic roles, like in The Truman Show, showing a versatility that puts him above most comedic performers from his time, or any time. 

Shall we take a look back at his fascinating career by analyzing our picks for the best Jim Carrey movies, ranked in ascending order? Allllllllrighty then!

15. The Bad Batch (2016)

There is a decent chance that you may not have known Jim Carrey was in The Bad Batch, even if you had seen writer and director Ana Lily Amirpour’s romantic dystopian thriller starring Suki Waterhouse as a woman captured by a desert cannibal tribe. With help from some heavy makeup, the actor completely disappears into his performance as an unnamed, silent hermit — a character unlike any of the lively motormouths the actor is better known for and, as as result, one of the most intriguing roles of his career.

14. Sonic The Hedgehog (2020)

With a few notable exceptions which we will get to soon, it was hard to imagine Carrey ever taking on a villainous role before he was cast as Dr. Robotnik in director Jeff Fowler’s live-action Sonic the Hedgehog adaptation. However, as we likely could have seen coming, his signature uproarious energy made him a perfect choice for the mad scientist after the titular speedster and a key reason why the surprise hit is considered one of the best video game movies yet.

13. I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

Also with a few notable exceptions, audiences rarely think of Carrey as a romantic lead, but he crossed that item off of his bucket list in a very subversive way, especially for the time, when he starred in I Love You Phillip Morris. Writing and directing duo John Requa and Glenn Ficarra’s dark, yet often sweet, comedy tells the true story of con artist Steven Jay Russell (Carrey) and his devoted romance with his eponymous, fellow prison inmate (Ewan McGregor).

12. Kick-Ass 2 (2013)

While many believe Carrey gave one of the best Riddler portrayals in Batman Forever, even those same people don’t consider that live-action Batman movie to be a great superhero movie, per se. However, his performance as mob enforcer-turned-patriotic vigilante Colonel Stars and Stripes in Kick-Ass 2 matches perfectly with the sequel’s darkly comic tone and over-the-top violence, which the actor would actually disown the movie for later on.

11. Horton Hears A Who! (2008)

Carrey has had the honor of playing the title role in two of the best Dr. Seuss movies, including Horton Hears a Who! He and Steve Carell make a wonderful comedic duo as the voices of the gentle, eponymous elephant and the mayor of an unwittingly microscopic town Horton struggles to bring to safety in the charming, adventurous family film.

10. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

The more enduringly iconic of Carrey’s Dr. Seuss movies is director Ron Howard’s adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which brings the author’s distinct, surrealistic vision of Whoville to life in a dazzling live-action setting. Of course, it is Carrey’s tumultuous, transcendent performance as the titular curmudgeon — under Oscar-winning makeup by Rick Baker — that solidifies this hit that most critics didn't want to touch with a 39 and a half-foot pole as a holiday comedy classic in households around the world. 

9. The Cable Guy (1996)

As far as the few antagonistic characters in Carrey’s repertoire go, the most memorable and unique, arguably, comes from director Ben Stiller’s pitch black farce, The Cable Guy. The more that the deceptively goofy cable TV installer makes life a living hell for his customer and hopeful best bud, Steven Kovacs (Matthew Broderick), the more hilarious it gets.

8. The Mask (1994)

Carrey’s first (non-superhero) comic book movie was a much, much lighter interpretation of Dark Horse’s The Mask, in which down-on-his-luck bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss finds a mysterious artifact that turns him into a living cartoon character with superhuman abilities and a menacing disposition. Never has the actor been so animated, versatile, and out of control, propelling the highly inventive, visually stunning fantasy crime thriller to comedic gold of a historical measure.

7. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

Another example of why 1994 was a damn good year for the actor is the film that skyrocketed him to fame and introduced moviegoers to his definitive, rubber-faced character traits in the role of a private investigator with a knack for solving animal-related crimes and a tremendously bizarre personality. Featuring many of Jim Carrey’s funniest quotes and spawning a wild sequel (Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls), Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is a beloved ‘90s classic, beyond even the comedy genre.

6. Liar Liar (1997)

Carrey’s manic acting style feels especially authentic and narratively appropriate as a pathologically dishonest lawyer forced to get real after his son’s (Justin Cooper) birthday wish comes true, in director Tom Shadyac’s Liar Liar. Watching his Fletcher Reed drive himself to the brink of insanity over his curse is dazzlingly funny, but watching him face his demons and learn to be a better person and father in one of the first roles to show the actor’s sensitive side is heartwarming.

5. Bruce Almighty (2003)

He re-teamed with director Shadyac for an ambitious romp of truly heavenly proportions as a dissatisfied field reporter who blames God for his losing streak, only to meet Him in human form (Morgan Freeman) and accept an offer to take His job. In addition to being an epic gut-buster (i.e., making Steve Carell’s Evan Baxter speak gibberish on camera), Bruce Almighty is more than a story of a man who fixes his problems by acquiring omnipotency, but a clever, heartfelt morality tale about rediscovering one’s humanity by seeing the world in a larger scope.

4. Man On The Moon (1999)

As seen in the 2017 Netflix original documentary, Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, Carrey literally lost himself in his performance as Andy Kaufman in director Milos Forman’s revealing biopic, Man on the Moon. The result was a Golden Globe-winning, mesmerizing, devastating, and truly one-of-a-kind portrayal of a truly one-of-a-kind comedy legend.  

3. Dumb And Dumber (1994)

Carrey and two-time Emmy winner Jeff Daniels form one of the most powerful bromances in pop culture history as Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, who drive across the country to deliver a lost briefcase that, unwittingly, makes them a target… not that they have the wit to perceive the danger they’re in anyway. From Peter and Bobby Farrelly, Dumb and Dumber is an essential buddy comedy that makes a convincingly blissful argument for idiocy, and might be the finest and funniest of Carrey’s trilogy of hits from 1994.

2. The Truman Show (1998)

Carrey gives one of his most soulful and devastating performances as married insurance salesman Truman Burbank, who is already desperate to escape his mundane existence when he begins to suspect that his relatively picturesque life is not all that it seems. In fact, every aspect of his life is part of a television show of which he is the star, in The Truman Show — a brilliant and frighteningly prophetic satire that earned Carrey his first Golden Globe, but should have earned him, at least, an Oscar nomination, as some believe.

1. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

Despite Carrey’s snub, an Oscar was awarded to Charlie Kaufman, Pierre Bismuth, and director Michel Gondry for writing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In this visually hypnotic, stunningly unique, and remarkably absorbing fantasy drama, Joel (Carrey) undergoes a surgery to erase his ex girlfriend, Clementine (Kate Winslet, in an Oscar-nominated role), from his mind after their painful break-up, only realizing too late that he would rather keep those memories. 

Nearly unmatched in its originality and its gripping, authentic examination of romance's tragic complexities, Eternal Sunshine sees Jim Carrey like you have never seen him before (or since) in a world beyond imagination.

In more recent years, Jim Carrey has revealed intentions to retire from acting, in favor of painting, catching up on Mystery Science Theater 3000, and being “frighteningly normal.” If this truly is the last we have seen of the icon on the screen, he has undeniably left a tremendous legacy of making us laugh and cry.

Dumb and Dumber is regarded as one of the 100 best movies of the 1990s and a certified cult classic. Most of the comedy classic’s success was attributed to the impeccable chemistry of Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. However, not everyone was sold on Daniels playing Harry Dunne. 30 years after the film’s release, Peter Farrelly revealed the story of Daniels’ Dumb and Dumber audition.

Before appearing in the slapstick comedy, Daniels had only done a few comedies aside from his celebrated dramatic work in films like Ragtime and Terms of Endearment. The topic came up as Farrelly discussed his new film Ricky Stanicky with CinemaBlend’s ReelBlend podcast. When asked about casting “serious” actors like Daniels and William H. Macy in comedy, the Oscar-winning director delved into convincing New Line Cinema to pick the Radio Days actor for the outlandish role, saying:

If someone like Jim Carrey can be intimidated by Daniels, then the Emmy-winning actor was made for the role, as Farrelly mentioned. The director-writer knew Daniels would work as he recalled the actor’s 1986 comedy Something Wild being one of his favorite films. Although he was Carrey and Farrelly’s top choice, New Line faced a dilemma when it came to paying the beloved actor. The Raising Arizona director opened up about Carrey’s record-breaking salary affected Daniels’ payday unexpectedly, saying:  

It seemed like Jeff Daniels was playing the long game. He ended up cashing in on the comedy’s financial and cultural success. Dumb and Dumber grossed over $247 million worldwide despite getting a mixed reception. The cult classic comedy solidified Jim Carrey as a movie star and rebranded and revitalized Daniels’ Hollywood career. He appeared in lighter movies like 101 Dalmatians and Pleasantville afterward. The comedy was followed up by the 2014 sequel Dumb and Dumber To two decades later. Of course, the Terms of Endearment star’s career continued moving forward on both the big and small screens. Check out Peter Farrelly’s full ReelBlend interview in the clip below.

If you want to relive every laugh-out-loud moment of Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, stream Dumb and Dumber through a Netflix subscription. Don’t forget to look over our movie schedule for any upcoming theatrical and streaming comedies.

Oscar-winning filmmaker and comedy legend Peter Farrelly joins the show to discuss his new film Ricky Stanicky! Not only do we dive into the comedic prowess of John Cena in his new film, but we couldn’t have Peter Farrelly on the show without discussing his collaborations with Jim Carrey. We can’t wait for you to hear his behind-the-scenes gems on how Dumb & Dumber was finally made, casting both Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels and so much more. 

Later this week, our interview with Dune: Part Two star Rebecca Ferguson hits our feeds so stay tuned!

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Undoubtedly one of the greatest comedic actors of our time is Jim Carrey. This stretches back to his beginnings in the sketch comedy space to becoming a verified movie star in the ‘90s and ‘00s, and continued recently when the actor made a rare exception to do a sequel for 2022’s Sonic The Hedgehog 2. As Carrey turned 62 years old on Wednesday, January 17, fans from all around took to social media to share their favorite moments from the actor, and now I want to dust off his entire filmography! 

Jim Carrey is a real gem of a human in the world of Hollywood and the internet tributing the actor with various clips from his career is proof of this. Let’s start with this funny round of outtakes from 1997’s Liar Liar: 

Carrey has always been a ball of energy, and Liar Liar remains one of those good comedy movies from his career that includes some of his most hilarious movie quotes. Elsewhere on Twitter, the Hollywood Improv account celebrated his birthday by sharing a throwback video of the comedian doing a funny bit in his early years. Check it:  

Oh, what we would have given to see Jim Carrey perform standup in those days! The video was from back in 1981, which occurred just a couple of years before Jim Carrey decided to move to Hollywood and really get his career moving. This one is from a decade later when he was on In Living Color: 

Jim Carrey has always been a great physical comic, and honestly, he has a great set of pipes on him too. Just look at this funny appearance on The Larry Sanders Show one fan shared just in time for his 62nd birthday: 

Over 20 years later, Jim Carrey also still has it when he makes a talk show appearance. For example, there’s that time he shared the couch with Margot Robbie and Daniel Kaluuya on The Graham Norton Show, and ended up stealing the show with a hilarious quip made toward the Barbie star and a song for Kaluuya. Take a look: 

Not only is Jim Carrey a hilarious guy, he’s also one of those comedians who had an impressive turn into a dramatic role, not only once but a few times over the years. As another fan pointed out on Twitter: 

Jim Carrey starred in one of the best movies of the 2000s with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and as the fan shared, his performances in Man on the Moon and The Truman Show were Oscar-worthy as well. The actor celebrated his birthday by getting together with a bunch of awesome fellow comedians to celebrate, including Adam Sandler, David Spade, Seth Green and Jimmy Kimmel. Jeff Ross called the gathering “The Laugh Supper” while sharing photos: 

These days, Jim Carrey has reportedly been taking a step back from Hollywood, between saying goodbye to his Los Angeles home last year after making comments on retiring the year prior. Now that all these tributes are fresh in my mind, I definitely want to celebrate the great talent by watching all of his movies all over again. What a legend he is and continues to be! 

In the world of physical comedy, few performers in recent memory have stood taller than Jim Carrey, who has dazzled audiences for years with his high-energy hijinks and uproarious facial expressions. Of course, the witty one-liners the actor has quipped in some of his best movies and TV shows should not go unnoticed either. In fact, we have more than plenty hilarious Jim Carrey quotes to share below.

"Allllllllrighty Then!" - Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

The top catchphrase from the iconic ‘90s movie classic, Ace Venture: Pet Detective, may be the ultimate Jim Carrey quote, and not just because of its recognizable quality. It demonstrates the actor’s ability to turn a simple and common word combination into guaranteed laughs with such a bombastic delivery.

"So You're Telling Me There's A Chance" - Dumb And Dumber 

When Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) asks Mary (Lauren Holly) what sort of chances he might have of dating her, she says it would be about “one out of a million.” Technically, his interpretation of this is not wrong, but his failure to pick up on its negative implications makes for one of Dumb and Dumber’s smartest moments. 

“I’ve Caught Fire So Many Times, I Can't Even Feel It Anymore" - In Living Color 

Before Jim Carrey became a movie star, his big break came when he joined the In Living Color cast from 1990-1994. One of his most popular characters was Fire Marshall Bill, who is not very good at his job, as this quote seems to imply, though that is far from the only clue provided in his many appearances on the classic sketch comedy series.

"That's A Spicy Meatball!" - The Mask 

As his titular, magical alter ego, The Mask, Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey) saves Tina Carlyle (Cameron Diaz in her acting debut) by swallowing whole an explosive device just seconds before it goes off. His quippy reaction to the incendiary snack has since become a fun way to let others know your meal is a challenge to the taste buds.

"Was That Over The Top? I Can Never Tell" - Batman Forever 

In Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever, Jim Carrey’s Riddler asks Val Kilmer’s Dark Knight this question after uttering, “For if knowledge is power, then a god am... I!" with an extensive, larger-than-life growl on the last word. Considering Carrey’s reputation for being frequently over-the-top, this introspective line makes for one of the funniest moments in one of the funniest live-action Batman movies.

"Well, It Was Nice To Meet You, God. Thank You For The Grand Canyon, And Good Luck With The Apocalypse" - Bruce Almighty

If it not for the cynical outlook on life that Jim Carrey’s titular character in 2003’s Bruce Almighty adopts by this point, this might seem like a genuine bid of appreciation for God, played by Morgan Freeman. Of course, he clarifies his true feelings toward the Alpha and Omega in the next, more overtly blasphemous line.

"4:00, Wallow In Self Pity; 4:30, Stare Into The Abyss; 5:00, Solve World Hunger — Tell No One; 5:30, Jazzercize; 6:30, Dinner With Me — I Can't Cancel That Again; 7:00, Wrestle With My Self-Loathing..." - How The Grinch Stole Christmas

We catch a deeper glimpse into the life of Jim Carrey’s other most popular green character when he recites his daily schedule to see if he can squeeze in the Whobelation. It’s these more darkly funny moments that make Ron Howard’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas one of the best Dr. Seuss movies.

"Hi, I'm Looking For Ray Finkle... And A Clean Pair Of Shorts" - Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

At the childhood home of his prime dolphin kidnapping suspect, Ray Finkle, Ace Ventura is greeted by the disgraced football player’s father in a way that would understandably cause anyone to ruin their undergarments on the spot. Thus, the line is already funny in concept, but it's Jim Carrey’s delivery that makes it a classic.

"I Gotta Get Back Pretty Soon Or They'll Worry. People Disappear In The Finger Lakes." - The Office 

Out of the many hilarious celebrity cameos in The Office’s Season 7 finale, one of the funniest is easily Jim Carrey as an applicant for the new manager of Dunder-Mifflin’s Scranton branch. He explains that he told his family he was going for a hike and slipped out to go to the interview.

"Tell Auntie Em To let Old Yeller Out" - The Mask 

After getting shot by one of Dorian’s (Peter Greene) goons, Stanley Ipkiss — basically immortal while wearing the titular Mask — fakes his incoming death with an Oscar-worthy performance that includes several classic movie callbacks. Perhaps the funniest is the one that combines two different pop culture references in one, with mention of Auntie Em from The Wizard of Oz and the dog from Old Yeller.

"Like The Jacket? It Keeps Me Safe When I'm Jogging At Night" - Batman Forever

Say what you want about it, some believe Batman Forever was ahead of the curve for many reasons — including its truly eye-catching costume design, like the light-up sports coat Edward Nygma wears when greeting the captive Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman). It is truly witty one-liners like his comment about the jacket’s brightness that makes Jim Carrey’s performance one of the best Riddler portrayals ever.

"Do NOT Go In there! Pheeww!" - Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

While searching for the missing dolphin Snowflake at a party, Ace Ventura ends up coming face-to-face with a different sort of beast: a shark, with which he uses to reenact the opening scene from Jaws. When he reemerges soaking wet with ripped slacks, the goofy sleuth plays it off like a simple

 restroom mishap.

"Behind Every Great Man Is A Woman Rolling Her Eyes" - Bruce Almighty

At the center of Bruce Almighty is a turbulent, but ultimately heartwarming love story between Jim Carrey’s title character and Friends cast member Jennifer Aniston as Grace. At the end, after announcing their engagement, he quips this play on the old “Behind every great man is a greater woman” adage that might have replaced it in terms of popularity and even accuracy in modern times.

"We Landed On The Moon!" - Dumb And Dumber

In Dumb and Dumber, a newspaper clipping reporting the NASA moon landing framed at a hotel bar in Aspen appears to be a total shock and source of excitement for Lloyd. It was already clear that Jim Carrey’s character in the 1994 comedy was not a bright bulb, but his complete lack of awareness for a revolutionary moment from a quarter of a century earlier shows just how out of touch with reality he truly is.

"I Definitely Don't Have Gills" - 30 Rock

One of the most absurd fake movies from 30 Rock is featured in Season 6’s “Leap Day” episode, in which Jim Carrey stars as the title character of Leap Dave Williams, who begins turning into February 29th’s equivalent to Santa Claus. As part of this transformation, he grows gills, which he does not do the best job hiding from his wife (played by Andie McDowell) when she asks him if everything is OK from outside from the bathroom door.

"It's Party Time. P, A, R, T. Y? Because I Gotta!" - The Mask

When Stanley Ipkiss first puts on “The Mask,” the effects are initially pretty terrifying. However, his spelled-out declaration for debauchery convinces us that the mystical artifact is exactly what the lonely banker needs to bring out his more positive side. 

"How's My Mole?" - Batman Forever 

Even as he is secretly conspiring against Bruce Wayne and has become his competitor with his own company, Edward Nygma is still infatuated with Wayne (Val Kilmer) in Batman Forever. This is made clear in the way he tries to resemble the billionaire as closely as possible at a Gotham City gala and goes as far as adding a fake mole to his face, which he asks overlooked Batman movie character, Sugar (Drew Barrymore), to check on for him.

"LOOO-HOOO-ZUH-HER!" - Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Never would the world pronounce or be able to hear the word “loser” the same way again after Jim Carrey stretched it past its furthest extent with extra syllables. No matter how many times he says it in the 1994 original and the following year’s Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, it’s still gold.

"Kids Today, So Desensitized By Movies And Television" - How The Grinch Stole Christmas

After failing to scare away young Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) from his mountaintop lair with an uproarious display of erratic behavior, The Grinch breaks the fourth wall to address his belief that she, like other children, has been negatively conditioned by the media. For a pretty goofy movie, this could easily be viewed as a pretty thoughtful commentary that is somewhat ahead of its time.

"I Got Worms" - Dumb And Dumber 

In conversation, context is crucial, as demonstrated by this knee-slapper from early on in Dumb and Dumber. Lloyd should have explained to Mary that “I Got Worms” is the name of his planned worm farming business with Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) before uttering the very misleading phrase.

"Did You Feel Bad At All Letting Leo DiCaprio Drown While You Were Safe Floating On The Big Door?" - Bruce Almighty 

After learning, live on air, that a coveted anchoring position has been filled by Evan Baxter (Steve Carell), Bruce goes a little mad and sabotages his remote segment on a boat near Niagara Falls and asks a passenger from its maiden voyage a question that likens her to Titanic cast member Kate Winslet’s character. The line has only gotten better with age as the debate surrounding James Cameron’s Best Picture Oscar winner over whether or not Jack could have fit on the door with Rose rages on.

"Somebody Stop Me!" - The Mask

The most recognizable line from The Mask might be “Sssssssmokin’!” but it is this one that really defines Stanley Ipkiss’ alter-ego the best. It indicates how the anti-hero’s over-the-top behavior is clearly grounds for criminal punishment, but also serves as a way of winking at the audience’s reluctance to let it cease.

"Hey, Guys! Oh, Big Gulps, Huh? All Right! Well, See Ya Later" - Dumb And Dumber

Lloyd’s completely one-sided exchange with a couple of gentlemen outside of a 7-Eleven could be viewed as the most random scene in Dumb and Dumber. However, it is essential in developing the goofy character’s more endearing and sociable qualities, if not with a little awkwardness mixed in.

"Oh, No. I'M SPEAKING IN RHYME!" - How The Grinch Stole Christmas 

No Dr. Seuss story is complete without rhyming and 2000’s live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas adaptation has plenty of it. However, when Jim Carrey’s titular grouch starts to speak like the Whos (or Anthony Hopkins as the narrator), the realization is treacherous for him.

"Well, I'm IB-Positive. I Be Positive They Ain't Touching Me With No Needle" - Bruce Almighty 

When Grace tells Bruce about the blood drive her school is hosting, he explains his own reluctance to participate by inventing a clever play on her own blood type, AB-positive. We are surprised there are not more Trypanophobic people who quote this moment from Bruce Almighty to indicate their aversion to needles.

"I'm Here For Three Good Reasons: Last Show. Big Ratings. Movie Comin' Out. Bim. Bam. Boom. Otherwise I'd Be Sitting At Home Watching 'Nightline'" - The Larry Sanders Show

HBO’s The Larry Sanders Show may be one great sitcom that never made it to 100 episodes, but it went out with a “boom” with a finale featuring a memorable Jim Carrey cameo. After performing a seemingly heartfelt performance for Garry Shandling’s titular late-night host, the actor brutally admits his appearance on his last show is purely for self-promotion. Celebrities were always refreshingly willing to poke fun at themselves on one of the best TV shows on Max, but Carrey really went for the jugular, portraying himself as a hostile egomaniac.

"Take That, You Winged Spawn Of Satan!" - Ace Venture: When Nature Calls 

Ace Ventura is the kind of person who loves animals more than people, but we discover in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls the one creature he is not too fond of: bats. That just so happens to be the species of animal he has been assigned to help retrieve in the sequel, in which, at one point, he fearfully throws his coveted medallion in the direction of the White Bat while shouting this insult.

"Was I Chewing Gum Before?" - Yes Man 

In Yes Man, a totally plastered Carl Allen (Jim Carrey) misinterprets a woman’s request to cut past him at the bar and starts kissing her. He then spits out a piece of gum that very likely came from that woman’s mouth, leading to, arguably, the funniest line from the 2008 comedy by future Ant-Man movies director, Peyton Reed.

"If Elected, I Promise I Won't Tweet Once... Because I Don't Know How" - Saturday Night Live 

While Jim Carrey was never officially an SNL cast member, he did serve as Studio 8H’s resident Joe Biden during the 2020 Presidential Election. In one sketch, he promises the American people that he would not indulge in the social media habits of the Commander in Chief before him, but only because his version of the then-78-year-old is just not tech-savvy enough.

"Guess You Didn't See That Coming" - Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues 

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues made a valiant attempt to top the fight scene from the original by packing in a crazy amount of celebrity cameos, including the Canadian-born Jim Carrey as the Great White North’s Scott Riles. The otherwise overly polite reporter puts in one of the battle’s most brutal attacks: plucking someone's eye out with a hockey stick and putting it up to his own eye before spouting this cruel pun.

"Short, Shriveled, And Always To The Left" - Liar Liar 

In 1997’s Liar Liar — a great movie under 90 minutes — Jim Carrey’s Fletcher Reede attempts to reverse a birthday wish from his son Max (Justin Cooper) that prevents him from lying for 24 hours, only to learn his past dishonesty has caused Max to resent him. He returns to the office so dejected that when a colleague "How's it hangin'?" he sheepishly gives into his curse with a more literal answer than likely intended.

"I'm Tellin' Ya, You Can't Float Until You Get Rid Of Those Sinkers" - In Living Color 

A classic In Living Color character performed by Jim Carrey is bodybuilder Vera de Milo. This is her funny way of explaining her exercise plan, which is intended to flatten a woman's upper body.

These quotes are sssssssmoookin'!

There is no genre more near and dear to my heart than comedy. The skills necessary to make others laugh -- whether live and in-person or through a screen -- are a unique and beautiful combination that should be protected at all costs. Some artists are able to do so without leaning in to touchy subjects or cursing, while others go all the way to really earn that R rating. The tactics may differ, but the end goal is the same, to bring others joy through jokes. 

Many comedians see movies as the apex of a potential career, but most don't start out their careers in Hollywood. Many grow first through either stand-up comedy or sketch comedy. This list honors them. Here's a look back at famous actors who started in either the stand-up or sketch comedy world and went on to bigger screens.

Rainn Wilson

Known as arguably one of the best characters on the hit show The Office, Rainn Wilson got his start in the arts in New York City where he studied acting at NYU. He went on to do theater both off and on Broadway as well as sketch comedy. He even did a post-modern clown show before getting his big break on the show Six Feet Under in 2001. 

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg got her start by studying drama in New York, where she landed a few stage performances before trying her hand at stand-up comedy. Like many others on this list, her comedy routine -- "The Spook Show" -- caught the attention of Oscar-winning director Mike Nichols, who helped get the young comedian to Broadway. She eventually landed her first film in Steven Spielberg's film The Color Purple, for which she earned an Oscar nomination in 1986. 

Steve Buscemi

The veteran character actor made his acting debut in 1985, but also tried his hand at stand-up comedy. Eventually, Busemi decided he "wasn't funny enough," and switched to acting instead. Buscemi has since starred in popular movies including Fargo, Resevoir Dogs, and the hit HBO Max show Boardwalk Empire.

Emma Thompson

If you're looking for a stand-up with some serious credentials, look no further than Emma Thompson. Winner of two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, a British Academy Television Award and a Primetime Emmy Award, the talented actor got her start in stand-up while in Cambridge. 

John Candy

Arguably one of the greatest comedy legends to ever live, John Candy led a fascinating life, getting his big break after joining the ensemble of SCTV — which is, essentially, the Canadian equivalent to SNL. In 1989, the star even added radio personality to his resume. The LA Times did a whole write-up of his syndicated, two-hour program, Radio Kandy, which sounds wild and apparently included rock music and comedy sketches featuring some of his former SCTV co-stars.

Mo'Nique

Mo'Nique started her comedy career with stand-up, heading to It's Showtime at the Apollo and Def Comedy Jam before eventually landing a leading role on TV's The Parkers. The comedian took her acting to the next level in 2009's Precious, for which she won an Academy Award.

Steve Carell

A versatile actor with numerous groundbreaking performances in both television and film, Steve Carrell was once a legend at Second City in Chicago who went on to land his dream job working on the ill-fated Dana Carvey Show, which you can learn about in Too Funny To Fail, one of the best comedy documentaries to date. Known best for his role as Michael Scott in the U.S. adaptation of The Office, Carell eventually went on to become a leading man in both comedies and dramas. 

Michael Keaton

To put himself through college where he studied acting, Michael Keaton worked as a cab and ice cream truck driver, and it wasn't until 1975 that he officially debuted on television. He did some stand-up comedy in his early 20s, which he recounted in an interview with Ellen, but he eventually found the right calling with movies.

Tina Fey

Known for her work on the smash hit show 30 Rock, Tina Fey got her start in acting at Second City which quickly led to a job at Saturday Night Live as notably one of the only female writers at the time. She got her break co-hosting Weekend Update and later went on to be a huge star in Hollywood. 

Jamie Foxx

It all started with a dare from a girlfriend to try his hand at an open mic. Flash forward some years and that performance led Jamie Foxx to multiple awards, including two Academy Awards, double digit Grammys, and three Golden Globe Awards, all while showing a versatile ability to crush performances across multiple genres and artistic art forms.

John Cleese

Coming from the United Kingdom, John Cleese is a British comic actor best known for his television work on Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Fawlty Towers. Cleese began writing and performing in comedy revues at Clifton College in Bristol, England, and was a member of the renowned Footlights Club while a law student at the University of Cambridge. He is best known for his work with Monty Pythion, namely Monty Python And The Holy Grail. 

Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais went to school at Ashmead Comprehensive School before going on to study at University College, London, where he gained a degree in Philosophy. After university, Gervais attempted to pursue a pop career with Seona Dancing, a synth-pop duo he formed with a fellow student. After forming a writing partnership with Stephen Merchant, he would go on to land his breakout role on The Office, premiering in 2001. In between all his acting gigs, he's performed plenty of stand-up and has multiple Netflix specials. 

Eddie Murphy

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, SNL star Eddie Murphy began performing his own comedy routines at 15. In 1980, the work of the soon-to-be comedy legend caught the attention of Saturday Night Live producers. In 1982, Murphy landed his first leading role in the film, 48 Hrs, which led to multiple leads in classics such as Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America. He went on to earn an Oscar nomination for Dreamgirls and truly set the bar by playing six characters in the 1996 smash hit, The Nutty Professor. His '80s comedy specials are still discussed today. 

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer is certainly better known these days for her work in numerous films including the fantastic Trainwreck, but most of those career opportunity doors opened through her stand-up comedy. She built a name for herself through her work on the live mic before mostly switching to movies.

Chris Rock

An SNL vet, Chris Rock's comedy career began in 1984 at 19 when he took the stage in the New York City club Catch a Rising Star. His performance ended up catching the eye of future comedy legend Eddie Murphy, who had been watching his act. Murphy would become a huge presence in Rock's life and served as a mentor, giving him his first break with a role in Beverly Hills Cop II.

Ron Perlman

Known for very courageous roles such as Clay Morrow on the FX show Sons Of Anarchy, Ron Perlman said his ventures as a stand-up comedian ended after a heckling exchange in the Bronx escalated and he retreated out of the venue through the back door, which seems like a strange move for such an intimidating man. 

Robin Williams

Arguably one of the best comedians of all-time, Robin Williams studied acting at the Juilliard School, which he later dropped out of to devote himself entirely to stand-up comedy before making the leap to television and movies. Known for his high energy and skillful impressions, he himself has inspired other actors to reenact some of his most dramatic real-life moments in honor of the late comedian. 

Patton Oswalt

The Prince of Queens, Patton Oswalt went from struggling in the comedy world to writing for the sketch comedy show MADtv and earning his own comedy special on HBO. He continued to impress critics and fans alike, with roles such as the voice of the lead character Remy the Rat in the Pixar film, Ratatouille. 

Richard Pryor

Unfortunately, tragedy and comedy often go hand-in-hand. Such is the case with arguably one of the genre's biggest icons, the late, great, Richard Pryor. The legend had a tough life growing up and eventually joined the military before playing nightclubs as both a musician and comedian at age 23. His comedy career was populated with milestones and achievements, as well as struggles and substance abuse before passing away in 2005 due to complications from M.S..  

Bette Midler

Bette Midler landed her first Broadway role in Fiddler on the Roof by 1966, four years before trying her hand at stand-up comedy. In 1972, she released the album The Divine Miss M, which earned her a Grammy Award, and she started making frequent appearances on late-night television shows and eventually a huge acting career. Along the way, she performed live comedy and even released an album.

Norm Macdonald

Norm Macdonald's first job was writing for The Dennis Miller Show and then Roseanne. While writing on the show, he was noticed by Lorne Michaels, who liked Norm's stand up so much that he offered the young comedian a job on Saturday Night Live in 1993.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey, who is easily considered one of the greats, was himself taken under the wing of another comedy legend, Rodney Dangerfield, who spotted the young comic in a Toronto nightclub. Carrey eventually made it to The Tonight Show which led to his role on In Living Color and parts in many comedy classics that we know and love today, such as Dumb and Dumber, The Mask, and Ace Ventura. 

Tim Allen

Tim Allen started his career as a comedian in 1975 in a pretty peculiar way. On a dare from one of his friends, he participated in a comedy night at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, outside of Detroit. Following his release from prison in 1981 for a drug-related crime, he returned to comedy and went on to lead the hit show Home Improvement on ABC. 

Steve Martin

From community theater, to Disneyland, to the big screen, Steve Martin began his showbiz career as a teenager. After writing his own comedy routines, plays, and music, he went on to study philosophy and poetry before winning his first Emmy Award for comedy writing on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour at the young age of 23.

Lily Tomlin

Initially studying biology at Wayne State University, Lily Tomlin decided to audition for a play which led to her changing her major to theatre and diving into stand-up comedy. Her stand-up was so impressive that it attracted the attention of the producers of Laugh-In, the notorious 1960s sketch comedy show. Tomlin went on to snag an Oscar nomination for her acting work.

Dana Carvey

One of SNL's most talented and beloved alumni, Dana Carvey absolutely dominated during his six seasons on Saturday Night Live, creating some of the show's most memorable characters. He never drifted far from stand-up though and has continued to take the stage and release specials.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks took the weirdest route to stand-up of anyone on this list. He was already in Hollywood and establishing a nice career when he decided to audition for a movie about stand-up comedy called Punchline. As part of that process, he developed his own stand-up routine and performed in clubs. There's even footage of it that trends every now and again.

Bob Odenkirk

Starting out as a D.J. in Illinois, Bob Odenkirk got his start in local improv workshops in Chicago, where he also did open-mic stand-up comedy for several years. In Chicago, he became friends with Robert Smigel, who would later help him become a writer for Saturday Night Live.

Larry David

Starting out in stand-up comedy, Larry David befriended Jerry Seinfeld and later went on to co-create Seinfeld. He also wrote for Friday's and Saturday Night Live and famously went on to create the all-time ridiculous show Curb Your Enthusiasm. 

Ed Helms

Ed Helms was studying improv with the Upright Citizens Brigade when he got his big break as a correspondent on Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He later moved on to the hit NBC show The Office where he played Andy Bernard. From there, Helms went on to star in The Hangover trilogy. More importantly, he also acted in Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie.

Mel Brooks

There aren't many names in the world of comedy that stand larger than Mel Brooks. The legend started his career in stand-up before working as a writer for Sid Caesar's variety show Your Show of Shows from 1950 to 1954. After that, he, of course, took over Hollywood, winning an EGOT and directing classics like Blazing Saddles, The Producers and Robin Hood: Men In Tights.

Simon Pegg

A comedic force to be reckoned with in the U.K. before dropping smash hits like Sean of the Dead in the U.S., Pegg once told The Hollywood Reporter “I went into stand-up because comedy was something I enjoyed but also because it offered me a certain autonomy that I wouldn’t have if I was sitting and waiting for the phone to ring as an actor.”

Dan Aykroyd

Dan Aykroyd started performing comedy at 17 and later joined the main casts of Second City in Toronto and Chicago. Later, it was his work in the sketch comedy powerhouse Saturday Night Live that turned him into a huge name and opened the door for him to start in classics like The Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters.

And those are some of the actors who also took the stage to perform stand-up or sketch comedy at some point during their careers!

While Saturday Night Live may be the most recognizable and, easily, the longest-lasting sketch comedy series in American history, there have been others, in case you didn’t know. In fact, there are quite a few legendary comedic actors who got their start in sketch comedy and have even been prominently featured in some great SNL sketches as hosts, but have never called Studio 8H home… as regular cast members, at least. The following are some of our favorite well-known masters of mirth who did sketch comedy, but weren't SNL cast members. 

Jordan Peele

Before becoming known as the mastermind behind some of the best horror movies in recent memory, Jordan Peele made a name for himself as a MADtv cast member, and later, as one-half of Key & Peele’s eponymous duo on Comedy Central. The Academy Award winner was actually offered to be on SNL, but was unable to break from his contract with MADtv, which is why he left the Fox series on bad terms after five years.

Carol Burnett 

Carol Burnett has been one of the most essential names in comedy for decades, but you can find much of her most iconic performances — such as a timeless Gone with the Wind parody — on her own long-running variety show, The Carol Burnett Show. Following her dramatic turn on Better Call Saul, a viral campaign was launched for her to host SNL, which, very shockingly, would be the first time.

John Candy

The late John Candy is one of the most beloved comedic talents of all time, known for great movies like Uncle Buck and Planes, Trains & Automobiles. For years, the actor’s claim to fame was Canada’s SCTV, on which he debuted characters like Johnny LaRue, whom he based off of rude people he knew and “wanted to get back at.”

Dave Chappelle

Any time that Dave Chappelle has hosted SNL, it always seems to spark controversy for one reason or another, which should come as no shock to anyone who watched the Emmy-nominated Chappelle’s Show. Running from 2003 to 2006 on Comedy Central, the series reflected the comic’s risqué, but thought-provoking, humor and featured now iconic bits including recreations of true stories about Rick James and Prince and an epic Wayne Brady cameo.

Jamie Foxx

Multi-talented Academy Award winner and Grammy winner Jamie Foxx has proved to be an absolute natural when he shows up at Studio 8H. After all, the Spider-Man movie villain actor — who also had his own sitcom featuring SNL alum Garrett Morris called The Jamie Foxx Show — did get his start on In Living Color from 1991 to 1994.

Eric Idle

There are some really weird SNL sketches that toe the line between terrible and amazing, but none have reached quite the level of distinct surrealism that Monty Python’s Flying Circus is defined by. One of the most famous members of the eponymous British comedy troupe is Eric Idle (i.e. “Wink-wink, nudge-nudge, say no more”), who would headline at Studio 8H four times in the ‘70s.

Catherine O'Hara

In addition to her epic film career — including the Home Alone movies, Beetlejuice, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, to name a few — Catherine O’Hara’s small screen career has earned her two Emmy awards. Her more recent win was for playing Moira Rose in the Schitt’s Creek cast, but there first was as a writer for SCTV, on which she also inspired laughs as a cast member.

Bob Odenkirk 

Future Breaking Bad cast member Bob Odenkirk actually wrote some beloved SNL sketches, such as Chris Farley’s first appearance as Matt Foley. His skills as a sketch comedy performer, however, could be seen in the 1990s on the short-lived The Ben Stiller Show, the more successful HBO series, Mr. Show with Bob & David, and its Netflix original revival, W/ Bob & David, in 2015.

Michael Richards

Years before starring in the Seinfeld cast as one of the funniest sitcom characters ever, Cosmo Kramer, Michael Richards portrayed various characters on Fridays. The short-lived sketch comedy — essentially ABC’s answer to Saturday Night Live — is also where the three-time Emmy winner met Seinfeld creator Larry David.

Jim Carrey

There are few living comedic legends as widely celebrated as Jim Carrey, who has hosted SNL a number of times and even signed on as the show’s resident Joe Biden for a brief period. What first led the Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Dumb and Dumber actor on the path to stardom was his four-year stint on In Living Color, on which he debuted characters like Fire Marshall Bill, which came out of a failed sketch idea, apparently.

Aziz Ansari

Along with The League star Paul Scheer and Children’s Hospital actor Rob Huebel, Aziz Ansari formed a comedy troupe called Human Giant, who led their own titular sketch series that lasted for 20 episodes on MTV. The comic — who has also hosted SNL before — saw his star power rise when he joined the Parks and Recreation cast and went on to play one of best South Asian TV characters in recent memory on Netflix’s Master of None, which he also co-created. 

Rowan Atkinson

While most people associate him best with Mr. Bean these days, there are many great Rowan Atkinson movies and TV shows that pre-date his debut as the famous man-child. For instance, one of the the British comedian’s earliest claims to fame was a sketch comedy series called Not the Nine O'Clock News, which ran from 1979 to 1982 on the BBC.

Eric Wareheim

A series that best defines the surreal humor that Adult Swim is known for is Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, in which Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim portray various characters in strange situations in sketches the drip of a low-budget. Wareheim has done many notable things on his own — such as his starring role on Master of None and recurring character on Bob’s Burger — but the duo still works together on shows like Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories or the sitcom parody Beef House from 2020.

Goldie Hawn

A show that largely inspired SNL was Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In — which, also like SNL, served as a jumping off point for many stellar careers, such as Lily Tomlin and Richard Dawson. Perhaps its most icon and successful alum, however, is one-time Hollywood It Girl Goldie Hawn, who won an Oscar for Cactus Flower very shortly after leaving the show and before going on to lead classics like Private Benjamin and Overboard.

Eugene Levy

Before starring in the American Pie cast, before Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, and before many other great Eugene Levy movies and TV shows, the Canadian actor gained notoriety as party of Second City. His stint on the eponymous, Emmy-winning sketch series, SCTV, also saw the beginning of professional and personal relationship with the likes of John Candy, his Schitt’s Creek co-star Catherine O’Hara, and plenty more.

Flip Wilson

In the early 1970s, before SNL’s premiere, Flip Wilson hosted his own variety show, which was one of the most popular series on television during its four-year run on NBC. The most famous character the comedian portrayed on The Flip Wilson Show was a boisterous woman named Geraldine, whom he resurrected when he hosted SNL in 1983.

John Cleese

John Cleese — also known for writing and starring in the classic con artist movie, A Fish Called Wanda, and voicing the King in the Shrek movies — has never hosted SNL, but did appear on an episode with fellow Monty Python member, Michael Palin, in 1997. In addition to a cold open poking fun at the recently instituted TV ratings system, Cleese and Palin performed a special recreation of one of the most famous Monty Python’s Flying Circus sketches, “Dead Parrot.”

Bobby Lee

Known for characters like counter-productive translator Bae Sung, wannabe tough guy Tank, or Bruce Lee’s cousin, Bobby Lee is one of MADtv’s most notable success stories. The Korean-American became a staple of the Harold and Kumar movies, landed recurring roles on show like Magnum P.I. and Reservation Dogs, has moonlighted as the host of podcasts TigerBelly and Bad Friends, and plenty more to boast.

David Cross

From playing Tobias Funke — a character who could totally ruin Thanksgiving — on Arrested Development to appearing in the Alvin and the Chipmunks movies, David Cross has a pretty stacked and reputable resume. What set the path for the comedian’s success was co-headlining (along with Bob Odenkirk) HBO’s Mr. Show, on which he debuted a character who got his own movie in 2002 called Run Ronnie Run.

David Alan Grier

Arguably David Alan Grier’s most famous character from his In Living Color tenure was Antoine Meriwether — one half of a duo also consisting of Damon Wayans’ Blaine Edwards. The They Cloned Tyrone cast member — who hosted SNL a couple of times in the ‘90s — reprised the flamboyant film critic on an SNL episode hosted by Wayans.

Rick Moranis

The beloved Rick Moranis has starred in many funny movies, such as Ghostbusters from 1984 and 1983’s Strange Brew. The latter was the film debut of Bob McKenzie — a stereotypical hoser he originated on SCTV alongside Dave Thomas as his brother, Doug.

Tracey Ullman

Tracey Ullman was cast on a few different sketch comedy shows — such as BBC’s A Kick Up the Eighties — before becoming the star of her own in 1987, which also saw the debut appearances of the Simpsons. Fox’s The Tracey Ullman Show was actually just one of many sketch series that the British comedian would headline, such as HBO’s Tracey Takes On… and Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union.

Keegan-Michael Key

In 2021, Keegan-Michael Key became the first MADtv alum to host SNL, which saw him reunite with this fellow Schmigadoon cast member, Cecily Strong. The episode — in which Key broke into laughter during a sketch featuring the Muppets —  was certainly a Season 46 highlight, but could have been even better if he brought back characters from some of the best Key & Peele sketches, like Luther.

Jennifer Saunders

Arguably, the most iconic duo Jennifer Saunders is a part of comes from Absolutely Fabulous, in which she plays Edina opposite Joanna Lumley’s Patsy. However, a sketch comedy that both predates and surpasses that long-running Britcom is French and Saunders, in which Saunders and her fellow Death on the Nile cast member, Dawn French, cleverly send-up everyday life in the U.K. and American cinema.

Larry David

In a story shared to Vanity Fair that mirrors one of the best Seinfeld episodes, the sitcom’s co-creator, Larry David, once quit his SNL writing gig in a rage, only to return on Monday acting like it never happened. Years later, he would make semi-regular appearances on the show as Bernie Sanders but, prior to all of this, the Curb Your Enthusiasm star was a performer on Fridays from 1980 to 1982.

Tim Heidecker

Tim Heidecker is best known as one half of the eponymous duo from Adult Swim’s hit sketch comedy series, Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! On his own, the Us actor has made waves in the comedy world with the 2012 dramedy, The Comedy, or for an ongoing, multi-media big following his fictionalized self’s murder trial.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein has been on SNL a few times — including once as herself for an edition of “What Up With That?” that did not go as planned, thanks to Samuel L. Jackson’s F-bomb. The musician and actor has also shared the screen with several Studio 8H all-stars on Portlandia, including her co-star and co-creator of the Portland, Oregon-based sketch show: Fred Armisen.

Stephen Fry

Before earning a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Wilde in 1999, later appearing in Amazon’s adaptation of Red, White and Royal Blue, and other versatile achievements, Stephen Fry was partners in comedy with House’s Hugh Laurie on BBC’s A Bit of Fry & Laurie form 1989 to 1995. Earlier than that, the pair were on another British sketch comedy show with future Harry Potter movies stars Emma Thompson and Robbie Coltrane called Alfresco. 

Michael Ian Black

Michael Ian Black is, perhaps, best known from Wet Hot American Summer and its Netflix original series spin-offs, but many of his collaborators on that cult comedy favorite — including director David Wain and his co-writer Michael Showalter — were on MTV’s The State together. Black later worked with Wain and Showalter on a sketch series called Stella and then headlined a sketch comedy/sitcom hybrid with Showalter for Comedy Central called Michael & Michael Have Issues in 2009.

Amy Schumer

One of the biggest names in stand-up is Amy Schumer, whose notoriety expanded after her Golden Globe-nominated performance opposite SNL’s Bill Hader in 2015’s Trainwreck, which she also wrote. Before then, however, the comedian’s stardom certainly rose after she scored her own Comedy Central show called Inside Amy Schumer, which won three Emmys — including Outstanding Variety Sketch Series.

Tim Conway

It may have been Carol’s show, but one could argue that the funniest cast member from The Carol Burnett Show was Tim Conway, who passed away in 2019. Some of his most memorable moments do not even involve the eponymous host, such as a sketch where he plays a clumsy doctor that had co-star, Harvey Korman, in stitches.

Amanda Bynes

Kenan Thompson — one of the longest-running SNL actors ever — is easily one of the biggest stars to start out on All That (essentially SNL, but with kids), but his co-star, Amanda Bynes, was the first to get her own sketch comedy series: The Amanda Show. Her post-Nickelodeon career includes leading the sitcom What I Like About You and movies like the Shakespeare-inspired rom-com, She’s the Man.

We still have nothing but love for our favorite iconic SNL actors, but also recognize that they do not make up all of our most cherished heroes in sketch comedy.

Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas has become one of the most iconic stories of the holiday season and it among the Best Christmas movies of all time. It’s been adapted for TV and film, in both live-action and animation. Most recently in an Illumination animated film, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch. It’s only a matter of time before we see The Grinch on the big screen again, but recent rumors that Jim Carrey was set to return in a sequel to The Grinch have turned out to be inaccurate, as a rep for Carrey has completely shot the reports down.

A report claiming that Carrey had signed on to a Grinch sequel began making the rounds in the last day or so, and it went viral on social media. Ultimately, a representative for Carrey had to speak on the report, and they told People, in no uncertain terms…

Sometimes when rumors like this get started you get a denial that isn’t entirely conclusive because there might be some truth to it. But that’s not the case here. Carrey’s rep says there’s no truth to it, so if you were one of those people excited by the report, sorry.

If we want to give the original report the benefit of the doubt, it’s possible, since it was originally written several months ago, that at the time there were talks with Carrey about reprising the role. Otherwise we have to assume the story was just entirely made up.

Today a sequel to The Grinch seems as unlikely as it ever could be. The fact that it’s been more than two decades since the first one isn’t a major stumbling block, sequels hitting years after the last entry of a franchise have become commonplace. And it’s not shocking why there might be interest in reviving Grinch as the first movie was a solid box office hit in 2000, even if it wasn’t exactly a critical darling.

However, following his appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Jim Carrey has said that he is retiring from acting, or at least taking a significant break. So getting to work on a new Grinch movie now seems highly unlikely. It’s also highly unlikely that a Grinch sequel is the sort of thing that would lure Carrey out of retirement, as he has spoken publicly more than once about how much he hated the makeup on the movie, and that he literally worked with somebody who taught CIA agents how to endure torture in order to get through it.

And Carrey wasn't the only one who had a hard time with the film as Taylor Momsen, who played Cindy Lou Who, recently talked about how alienating The Grinch was for her. But who knows, maybe if the outcry of disappointment that a Grinch sequel isn’t happening is loud enough, perhaps it will actually spark interest in such a thing. Until then, we’ll just have to make do with one of the other versions of The Grinch to watch this holiday.  

We see it quite often – comedians and comedic actors cut their teeth performing stand-up or appearing on beloved sketch comedy shows before knocking everyone’s socks off with a remarkable and remarkably emotional dramatic role. Sometimes, these earn the actors and actresses Academy Awards or at least their first Oscar nomination for unforgettable performances that make us cry as much as they once made us laugh.

That being said, here are 32 examples of people known for their comedy being great in dramatic roles…

Robin Williams

Even before Robin Williams earned a much-deserved Oscar for his performance in Good Will Hunting, the comedian proved time and time again that he was more than capable when it came to dramatic roles. In fact some of Williams’ best movies like Dead Poets Society and Awakenings showed early on what he could achieve in a less comedic capacity. And let’s not forget his frightening turns in One Hour Photo and Insomnia.

Jim Carrey

After being an almost guaranteed box office draw in the mid 1990s, Jim Carrey showed he was more than just an over-the-top slapstick comedian with roles in The Truman Show and Man on the Moon. However, Carrey’s most notable dramatic turn, and probably his best overall performance can be found in 2004’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Eddie Murphy

For years, Eddie Murphy was well-known for beloved comedic roles in classics like Coming to America, 48 Hrs., and Beverly Hills Cop, but he’s also displayed a more dramatic side over the years. At the top of this list is Dreamgirls, the 2006 musical drama that saw him take on the role of James “Thunder” Early, a performance that should have earned him an Oscar.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is an all-time great comedian who has made audiences laugh with her stand-up specials and various film and TV projects for the better part of the past 40 years. During that time, Goldberg has also given us some of the richest and most nuanced dramatic performances like her take on Celie Harris Johnson in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple, which earned her a Golden Globe and numerous other accolades.

Adam Sandler

When he wants, Adam Sandler can stand toe-to-toe with just about any living actor. Though he’s mostly known for his various comedies like Happy Gilmore, The Waterboy, and the Grown Ups movies, let’s not forget his outstanding dramatic performances in Punch-Drunk Love, Reign Over Me, and Uncut Gems. Watching Sandler in the Safdie Brothers’ 2019 crime thriller is like watching a completely different actor.

Steve Carell

Around the same time Steve Carell was making us fall over with laughter with his portrayal as Michael Scott on The Office, he was also giving audiences some of the best dramatic performances in movies like Little Miss Sunshine and Foxcatcher. Even since then, Carell has continued to steal the show with heart-wrenching turns in Beautiful Boy and Last Flag Flying.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx made a name for himself as one of the funniest comedians on the planet in the early ‘90s thanks to shows like In Living Color and The Jamie Foxx Show, which he followed up with some truly great movies in the final decade of the 20th century. But in 2004, Foxx showed off his dramatic chops in Michael Mann’s thrilling Collateral and the must-watch music biopic, Ray, a performance that earned him an Oscar.

Aubrey Plaza 

To some, Aubrey Plaza will always be remembered for her hilarious portrayal of April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation, but the comedian has given some commanding dramatic performances over the years as well. Movies like Emily the Criminal and Black Bear, as well as the second season of The White Lotus, have shown she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Melissa McCarthy

Okay, Melissa McCarthy may be one of the funniest comedic actors on the planet right now, but let’s not overlook her gripping portrayal of literary fraudster Lee Israel in 2018’s Can You Ever Forgive Me, a movie that saw her hold her own with Richard E. Grant. That’s not nothing.

Will Ferrell

Though Will Ferrell’s dramatic roles still have the comedian's unique style of humor, his performances in Everything Must Go and Stranger Than Fiction are still worth bringing up. He’s less manic and a tad bit quieter in these two movies, but that charm is still there, which really messes with your head.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller has shown over the years that he can do more than play the lovable loser in movies like Meet the Parents, detestable villains in Dodgeball, or caricatures of models in Zoolander. In fact, he’s given quite a few outstanding dramatic performances in everything from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty to the gutting Permanent Midnight.

Mo'Nique

In addition to being a prolific comedian with multiple stand-up specials including The Queens of Comedy, as well as having a lead role on the long-running sitcom, The Parkers, Mo’Nique is also an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA winner thanks to her lights out performance in the 2009 drama film, Precious. 

Bette Midler

Bette Midler has made us laugh ourselves out of our seats countless times over the years, but her performance as Cecilia Bloom in Beaches has been making everyone cry for decades now. It’s impossible to listen to “Wind Beneath My Wings” without thinking of that masterful dramatic turn.

Richard Pryor

Legendary stand-up comedian Richard Pryor had a series of comedies with frequent collaborator Gene Wilder at the height of his career, but the comic also gave a dynamic dramatic performance in Paul Schrader’s 1978 crime film, Blue Collar. The movie, which showed the actor’s range, also featured Harvey Keitel and Yaphet Kotto. Talk about a cast.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin, an actress who continues to thrive decades into her career, is best known for performances in comedies like 9 to 5, shows like Grace and Frankie, and various stand-up specials and Broadway productions. But Tomlin can also pull off dramatic roles like her Academy Award-nominated performance in Nashville, her feature film debut.

Albert Brooks

Albert Brooks is wonderfully hilarious in movies like Finding Nemo, Broadcast News, and so many others, but his trademark happy-go-lucky and funny sensibility and charm went out the window with his bone-chilling portrayal of Bernie Rose in Drive. Ice cold.

Marlon Wayans

Here’s something wild to think about: Marlon Wayans played the stereotypical stoner Shorty in the parody horror flick Scary Movie and Tyrone in Darren Aronofsky’s devastating drama Requiem for a Dream in the same year. During the latter film’s development, the star of The Wayan Bros., the comedian had to go through five auditions.

Kristen Wiig

Some of Kristen Wiig’s best movies are those that lean more towards the dramatic side of the spectrum, with Mother, The Skeleton Twins, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty all coming to mind. This isn’t to say her comedic work isn’t great, as Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is legitimately one of the funniest movies of the 2020s.

Jason Segel

Jason Segel, through shows like Freaks & Geeks and How I Met Your Mother, has shown time after time that he’s undeniably hilarious. However, through work in movies like The End of the Tour and the 1999 dramedy SLC Punk, the actor has proven he can handle more dramatic performances as good as the rest.

Steve Martin

On top of being the all-time best SNL host, Steve Martin is also one of the most prolific actors of our time. But in addition to all of that, the actor, writer, musician, and what we can assume is a generally good hang, Martin can also pull off more dramatic roles. This can best be seen in the 2005 romantic drama, Shopgirl, which was based on one of his novellas.

Maya Rudolph

Two years after her Saturday Night Live tenure came to an end, Maya Rudolph gave a passionate and beautiful performance in Sam Mendes’ 2009 dramedy, Away We Go. The role, which saw her play the pregnant wife trying to find a place to settle down, allowed the comedic actress to play a more grounded, and sincere character.

Goldie Hawn

In 1991, Goldie Hawn took on the role of Adrienne Saunders in Damian Harris’ psychological thriller, Deceived, which saw her play the wife of the manipulative Frank Sullivan (John Heard in a devilish role). Though the movie wasn’t all that well-received, Hawn was still masterful in it, showing a great deal of range in the process.

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen has given one wonderfully funny performance after another for nearly the past quarter-century, but the actor and writer behind movies like Superbad and Pineapple Express can handle his own when it comes to drama. Danny Boyle’s 2015 biopic, Steve Jobs, saw the comedian portray Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, which required him to go head-to-head with Michael Fassbender’s tech CEO in some extremely intense scenes.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart made the jump to serious drama in The Upside in 2019, an English remake of the french film, The Intouchables. However, this wouldn’t be a one and done type situation for the comedian. He would give another emotional performance in the 2021 Netflix drama, Fatherhood, in which he played a widower trying to raise his daughter in the wake of his wife’s sudden passing.

Jack Black

After dipping his toes in the drama waters with his charming performance in The Holiday, Jack Black played his darkest role yet in the 2011 crime biopic, Bernie. In Richard Linklater’s movie, Black took on the role of mortician Bernhardt “Bernie” Tiede, who was later convicted of murdering his friend and millionaire Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLane). 

Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick is best known for her starring roles in musical comedies like the Pitch Perfect franchise and the Trolls animated movies, but the comedic actress has also given commanding dramatic performances. This includes the likes of Up in the Air, 50/50, Alice Darling, and A Simple Favor, all of which show her dynamic range.

Awkwafina

If you look at Awkwafina’s best movies, you’ll see a lot of great comedies like Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean’s Eight, and Quiz Lady. However, you’ll also find Lulu Wang’s 2019 drama, The Farewell, which saw the comedian pull off a whole range of emotions throughout its story. In fact, she even won a Golden Globe for her performance.

John Lithgow

John Lithgow has had a remarkable career full of great comedies, including 3rd Rock from the Sun and Shrek, but he’s also given some impressive dramatic performances throughout his career. Be it shows like Dexter and The Crown or a list of movies that includes Killers of the Flower Moon, Terms of Endearment, and Interstellar, the decorated actor has always been able to pull off some impressive feats.

Jerry Lewis

One-half of Martin and Lewis with Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis was one of the funniest names in show business throughout his career, be it with his Vegas shows or various movies like The Nutty Professor and The Ladies Man. But Lewis also gave a terrific dramatic performance in Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy, which saw the legendary comedian play a late night TV host kidnapped by an obsessed fan (played by Robert De Niro).

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston will always be remembered for her take on Rachel Green in the landmark sitcom, Friends, but the actress has since taken on some rather dramatic roles that worked quite well. One of the most notable is the 2014 drama, Cake, which saw Aniston take on the role of a woman coming to terms with the death of her son.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill spent the better part of the 2000s appearing in comedies like Superbad, Grandma’s Boy, and Accepted, but he started to take more dramatic roles in the 2010s. One of the most promising was his part in 2011’s Moneyball, which saw him play Billy Beane’s (Brad Pitt) incredibly intelligent (and sometimes awkward) assistant to great effect.

Steve Coogan

Steve Coogan is lights out in comedies like the Night at the Museum movies and Tropic Thunder, but he was equally as good in the 2013 drama film, Philomena, which saw him take on the role of a journalist helping a woman (played by Judi Dench) track down the son she was force to give up for adoption decades earlier.

Each of these comedians found a way to turn audience expectations on their head and give us some all-time great dramatic performances. It’s safe to say we’ll never forget some of these beloved, and wonderfully emotional roles and the people who brought them to life.

There are just as many great and popular Saturday Night Live sketches as there are segments that are not remembered quite as fondly. However, there also exists a strange middle ground of sketches that seem so one-note and infantile that we should feel like our time is wasted, but we don't. This is because the bizarre nature of the bit or even just one unique key component or moment makes it all feel enjoyable and worthwhile. We actually managed to come up with many examples of SNL sketches we believe you will enjoy while not quite understanding why.

Angelo (Season 47)

While he only made it one season on SNL, Aristotle Athari still had an ultra-memorable recurring character whose whole premise seemed like it would get old immediately after his Season 47 debut. Yet, somehow, international lounge singer Angelo’s improvisational songs — all nearly identical ramblings of gibberish — get big laughs every time. Maybe he truly is the genius they say he is.

SNL Digital Short: Anger Problem (Season 32) 

In their infancy, the SNL Digital Shorts were, dare we say, plagued by a shabbily random structure, like this one involving an unstable fast food manager (Fred Armisen), an exploding head mannequin, and a holiday greeting in the Lost font — supposedly in reference to host and Lost cast member Matthew Fox. Armisen’s commitment to every ludicrous threat at his employees — complete with an estimated time of attack — is what keeps this bit amusing.

Chandeliers (Season 31)

This sketch pokes fun at local ads for specialty shops from a few different angles — such as promoting the titular ceiling installation as the highway to a fancy lifestyle and an awkward attempt to include the store owners’ child (host Scarlett Johansson). Above all, however, the funniest part about the sketch might be Fred Armisen’s pronunciation of “chandelier” with a heavy Brooklyn accent.

SNL Digital Short: Daiquiri Girl (Season 33)

This Digital Short — framed as a creepy dude’s (Andy Samberg) poorly produced musical tribute to a woman who shares his love of daiquiris — kind of cheats its way onto this list. It apologetically acknowledges its own objective flaws with a cheeky text scroll explaining that musical guest Gnarls Barkley backed out of the original plan, forcing the creators to turn to alcohol for inspiration.

SNL Digital Short: The Date (Season 35) 

The joke here initially seems to be based on the unlikelihood of a woman, like host Megan Fox, dating a guy as strange as Will Forte’s character, until she appears to like him for being a S.W.A.T. team commander and his heart-wrenching confession about selling his pet lambs’ meat. The twist that even he would refuse to marry her is a bit predictable, but Forte’s unsettling manner of speaking and his tendency to turn his emotions on a dime at least keeps your attention.

Fart Face (Season 34)

When you establish the main idea of a sketch — in this case, a veteran office worker begrudgingly nicknamed “Fart Face” — and the audience responds with dead silence, you know you are in trouble, especially when this playground insult is repeated enough times to play a potentially fatal drinking game with. Leave it to host Josh Brolin to give the bit a slight boost by incorporating the same level of professionalism we have seen in all his best movies though to make it funny.

Haunted Elevator (Ft. David S. Pumpkins) (Season 42)

It is easy to understand why, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Tom Hanks was initially hesitant to play the very bewildering David S. Pumpkins. However, it is equally easy to see how the incomprehensibly charismatic goof instantly became one of Hanks’ most iconic SNL characters. After our first interaction with the silly character, he would also return with his skeleton friends (Bobby Moynihan and Mikey Day) in an animated Halloween special and a Season 48 sequel sketch. 

The Herlihy Boy House-Sitting Service (Season 19)

Sometimes, just putting Chris Farley and Adam Sandler on stage together was enough to ensure comedy gold. I think with any two other SNL cast members, this sketch — starring Sandler as a house-sitter desperate for work and Farley as his extremely supportive boss (or father or rehab sponsor, maybe?) — would have crumbled underneath its thin concept.

SNL Digital Short: Hey! (Murray Hill) (Season 34)

In the history of SNL Digital Shorts sending up modern teen TV dramas, some have been refreshingly clever (i.e., “Dear Sister"), while others offer nothing of the sort. Like this one in which the only joke is that James Franco’s character has a “tiny ding-dong.” If not for the Gossip Girl cast member Blake Lively’s rejuvenating cameo at the end, this Murray Hill episode would have been completely lost in obscurity.

Holes (Season 44)

This musical video in the style of a ‘90s power ballad is just a little too repetitive to earn the honor of being a classic, even with a guitar-shredding Adam Sander flashing some dirty, protrusive teeth for some reason. However, its concept about clothes technically counting as holes with the purpose of covering holes on the human anatomy is oddly fascinating.

I'll See You In Hell (Season 21)

By the end of this sketch — in which Joe (Jim Carrey) gets addicted to saying, “I’ll see you in Hell,” after its use on a thieving colleague earns him respect in the office — you’ll never want to hear the phrase again. That being said, Carrey keeps the one-joke bit somewhat fresh with a new take on the insult almost every time, and the final punchline is not bad either.

Joker Wedding (Season 48)

For the first half of this sketch — in which a Halloween wedding ceremony is nearly ruined by the best man (Andrew Dismukes) dressing as Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight — it seems like the only point is hearing “Joker” repeated ad nauseam. It takes a pretty fun turn, however, when the guests vote on his right to keep the costume Survivor-style, complete with a Jeff Probst cameo.

SNL Digital Short: Lettuce (Season 31)

While the legendary “Lazy Sunday” was The Lonely Island’s breakout SNL moment, their official, much-forgotten debut digital short was “Lettuce.” Honestly, we don’t blame anyone for subconsciously blocking out this bit — nothing more than Andy Samberg and Will Forte discussing a personal tragedy between big bites of leafy green vegetables — but if you can find it, you might find yourself unable to look away.

The Librarian (Season 42)

I imagine the pitch here was, “Let’s make Margot Robbie disgusting!” Well, we can’t say they didn’t nail it, and with some ideas that we truly did not see coming — eating a banana peel, “straight-up murder,” and the random appearance of Beck Bennett with a snake. Plus, setting the scenario to the iconic movie song, Yello’s “Oh Yeah,” from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is an inspired choice.

Meatballs (Season 47)

Maybe it is not entirely fair to call this pre-taped, partially musical bit “terrible” since the concept of a woman (Sarah Sherman) with singing meatballs on her skin is pretty inventive and heightened by the participation of host Oscar Isaac and musical guest Charlie XCX. It’s just that it’s pretty gross and, therefore, not the easiest thing to sit through for the more squeamish.

SNL Digital Short: My Testicles (Season 31)

The subject matter of this ‘90s dance music parody featuring a Right Said Fred-esque duo called Ariel (Andy Samberg) and Efrim (Tom Hanks) makes us thoroughly uncomfortable and their inability to rhyme a single lyric is cringeworthy. Yet, we cannot stop watching it and can’t help but chuckle every time.  

Rap Roundtable (Season 46)

Nunya Bizness (Ego Nwodim) hosts a panel of hip-hop artists including Queen Latifah (Punkie Johnson), Questlove (as himself), and a fresh, young duo (Pete Davidson and Timothée Chalamet) whose primary contribution to the conversation is the sounds “yeet” and “skirt.” Admittedly, some of their mindless ramblings earn a chuckle or two, but Questlove slapping Davidson and then striking Chalamet’s character with his hair pick are the most satisfying moments.

Ratatouille (Season 46)

In our opinion, the night John Krasinski hosted SNL for the first time was what we might call a “terrible, yet amazing” episode, especially with this sketch. It’s a far less kid-friendly take on one of the best Pixar movies, Ratatouille, and instead of a rat helping a man with his performance in the kitchen, this rat helps Krasinski’s character with his performance in bed.

SNL Digital Short: Roy Rules! (Season 32)

Early on, it’s easy to write off this musical short in which Andy Samberg professes his unhealthy attraction toward his sister’s husband, Roy, as an egregiously raunchy one-joke throwaway bit. However, you start to see the clip in a whole new light when Andy reveals the segment is a prank on his actual brother-in-law, as he confirmed in an IGN interview in 2012. 

Potato Chip (Season 35)

When choosing SNL sketches we believed were both terrible and amazing, the first one we thought of was this thoroughly peculiar bit in which an aspiring astronaut (Jason Sudeikis) blows his chance when he steals a potato chip from a NASA recruiter’s (Will Forte) desk. For one, everyone's commitment to this asinine concept — especially host Blake Lively — is legendary, but what really takes it over the edge is when Sudeikis physically returns the chip he ate.

Short Term Memory Loss Theater (Season 38)

This is one of those sketches that is actually enhanced — dare we say, saved — by someone who couldn't stop laughing during a sketch. In this case, it was Bill Hader as a doctor who must constantly assist his patients afflicted with short-term memory loss with their lines in a play. Otherwise, the joke might have gotten too old and too fast, leaving no bearing on our memory.

Spelling Bee (Season 31)

Will Forte plays a young spelling bee contestant so nervous that he spends well over a minute spouting random letters (mostly “q’s”) while attempting to spell the word “business.” It’s a very simple premise, but Forte’s stone-cold, deadpan delivery actually keeps it afloat, and the Tenacious D cameo is a perfect way to end it.

Suitcase Boy (Season 11)

In an otherwise forgettable moment from one of SNL’s most infamous seasons, Robert Downey Jr. performs a “confrontational monologue” while housed in a suitcase for no discernible reason. The one incoherent ramble we found unintentionally interesting was when the future MCU star mentioned that he learned why whales beach themselves from Spider-Man.

Technology Hump: Emma Stone (Season 37)

This sketch featuring Andy Samberg and host Emma Stone is actually just one edition of a recurring bit in which smartphones, cameras, and other forms of technology are used to simulate intimate romance scenarios. Why? We have no idea. Why do we find it entertaining? Still totally stumped.

Waking Up (Season 48)

Pedro Pascal could not help but laugh on SNL a few times during his hosting debut, including in this sketch in which he comes out of a coma with a strange new personality and an even stranger voice. While you could see the voice as a bit annoying, the dialogue maddeningly low-brow, and the entire concept pretty lifeless, it's honestly so hilarious, and that's because the Last of Us cast member makes it charming.

What The Hell Is That? (Season 5)

We have little interest in watching two brainless individuals take turns expressing their bewilderment over an unidentifiable object without any context. We do, however, love Bill Murray (seemingly debuting his Caddyshack character here) and Steve Martin (arguably the all-time greatest SNL host), whose collaboration saves this otherwise empty bit.

America's Funniest Pets (Season 42)

Cecily Strong and Kate McKinnon play hosts of a French show presenting funny homemade clips of domestic animals who prove to have a dark sense of humor (or lack thereof) when visiting its American version. What makes the mostly one-joke premise particularly memorable, however, is that the American host is Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard, portrayed with an overly-animated impersonation by a star of many Ron Howard movies, Tom Hanks.

Big Dumb Hat (Season 48)

This sketch, featuring host Amy Schumer, quickly begins to suffer from being as irritating as the titular fashion trend it is poking fun at. Luckily, it does earn some solid chuckles for a few jokes about the kind of people who do wear “Big Dumb Hats” that, as anyone who knows this kind of person can support, are pretty spot on.

Sarcasm 101 (Season 23)

Host Matthew Perry essentially plays Chandler Bing in this classroom sketch, technically making it one of three Friends parodies from this episode alone (including the monologue), for which we deduct points. Also, many of the funniest moments from this lesson in smart-alecky behavior come courtesy of the late Norm Macdonald, but in ways that almost seem unintentional from his broken cadence, giving the bit a thoroughly awkward aura.

Patrick Kelly and Gunther Kelly (Season 28)

This is actually one of several segments in which Patrick (Will Forte) and Gunther Kelly (Fred Armisen) appear on “Weekend Update” to inform people of a pressing topic with a song that actually offers no valuable information, save Forte’s ability to hit some crazy high notes. We chose to highlight this song asking viewers to “listen up” about SARS because, out of all their greatest hits, it is the weirdest and most irritating, but perhaps the biggest banger, too.

Steve's Beanie Babies (Season 47)

We’d call Lizzo a non-actor who nailed her SNL hosting gig, especially in how her uncontrollable laughter likely enhanced this sketch in which she plays the wife of a man (Andrew Dismukes) who freaks out after learning his Beanie Babies collection is worthless. The ensuing revelation of how he quit his job (talking through his butt like Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura) and ludicrous aspiration to make a living drawing Nintendo’s Mario feel so half-heartedly wedged in, but its the ludicrousness of the situation that also earns laughs.

In retrospect, maybe being a little awkward and bizarre is exactly what makes an SNL a classic.

Behind-the-scenes drama can be just as captivating as the films themselves. One of the most infamous feuds in Tinseltown history is the clash between two titans of the silver screen, Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones. Their beef, which ignited during the production of Joel Schumacher's 1995 hit Batman Forever, remains a fascinating tale of clashing personalities, artistic differences, and the enduring legacy of one of its era's most iconic superhero films.

The Birth of the Feud

When Tim Burton stepped as the director for the third Batman film, Joel Schumacher took the helm, ushering in a new visual style. Gone were the Gothic influences of German Expressionism, replaced by the vibrant neon aesthetics reminiscent of MTV music videos. Another significant change was in the casting department; despite the possibility of Michael Keaton reprising his role, he decided to step away, citing his dissatisfaction with the script, which he deemed "never good."

While Val Kilmer stepping in as the new Batman was noteworthy, it wasn't the movie's biggest headline. The Hollywood buzz of that era centered around a beloved figure for those of us who grew up in the '90s – the comedic genius Jim Carrey, stepping into the shoes of The Riddler. Adding to the star-studded cast was Academy Award-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, portraying the complex district attorney Harvey Dent/ Two-Face. The comedian speculates it was his star power and prominent role that may have irked the Oscar winning actor and sparked the flames of their feud. 

A Clash of Styles

At first glance, The Mask actor and the Fugitive star seem unlikely to clash. Carrey, known for his eccentric comedic roles, was cast as the Riddler, a character that perfectly suited his offbeat humor. And the Ace Ventura star chewing up the scenery in a relentlessly maddening performance makes the film worth revisiting even today. In contrast, the Coal Miner’s Daughter actor, renowned for his intense and stoic performances, embraced the role of Two-Face, another iconic Caped Crusader villain. It was precisely these differences in approach and temperament that fueled their discord.

The Dumb & Dumber vet candidly shared his experience on Norm Macdonald Live in 2017, recounting how the Men In Black actor expressed his strong aversion to working with him on the Batman Forever set. Carrey recalled the tension reaching its peak during production, just before their “biggest scene” when he unexpectedly found himself in the same restaurant as Jones, as he revealed to Macdonald:

Jones' Uncomfortability With The Material

Carrey and Macdonald seemed to have some insight into the situation, and as revealed in a 2015 oral history from Heat Vision, the No Country For Old Men star required quite a bit of persuasion to commit to the project. According to producer Peter Macgregor-Scott, the always serious actor initially expressed his confusion after reading the script:

The Legacy is "Forever"

Despite the on-set tensions, Batman Forever proved to be a blockbuster, raking in over $336 million globally. While the feud between Carrey and Jones didn't appear to affect the film's commercial triumph, it undeniably left its mark on the actors. The movie enjoyed immense success and set the stage for introducing Batnipples and Arnold Schwarzenegger's pun-laden performance as Mr. Freeze. So can we really complain? 

For those longing to revisit the most '90s incarnation of the Dark Knight–seriously, you have never seen so many curtain haircuts on display–Batman Forever is now available for streaming to anyone with a Max subscription.

As the epitome of good-natured prankery, comedy legend Jim Carrey knows how to shock people. At any given moment, the man can pull a face or a pratfall that’ll break the room, with results that sometimes wind up on camera. One such example of that skill at work contributed one of the most memorable scenes in Dumb and Dumber, as Carrey mooned a co-star out of nowhere to help with his performance. 

What makes this story even funnier is that scene partner happened to be Cam Neely, former right wing for the Boston Bruins. Though in this case, you’d know him better as Seabass, one of the truckers who Harry and Lloyd ran afoul of in the 1994 classic. Explaining why he needed such encouragement to the folks at the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, Neely broke down this particularly rough day on set:

At that point in his career, Carrey was a pretty big deal. Already a rising star from his time on In Living Color, the Canadian actor would score one of the ultimate hat tricks in 1994. With Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask and Dumb and Dumber all landing in the same year, that particular run yielded some of the reasons why Jim Carrey is the most important actor. But even in the middle of it all, it was enough to intimidate Cam Neely a little bit.

Working through those sort of nerves is what put Neely on the path to this cheeky bit of humor. As he continued telling his story, the hockey legend recounted framing his problem on set, which yielded a moment of Jim’s trademark kindness. This moment was soon after followed by the madman energy we’ve all come to expect: 

In the end, the most important part of this Dumb and Dumber story is that they got the shot. Cam Neely’s reaction is certainly one for the history books, which might also be part of how he got to reprise the role of Seabass in both Me, Myself, and Irene and Dumb and Dumber To. Knowing the story that inspired his performance only makes his star making moment all the funnier, as you can see in the clip provided below: 

While Jim Carrey may have left acting altogether, his legacy of laughter is still very much in play. As people like Cam Neely tell stories of personal interactions with the storied funnyman, his antics will continue to live on from both sides of the screen. In this particular case, it’s comforting to see Carrey and his devil may care attitude surrounding comedy being upheld. 

Putting himself on the line to get the laugh has always been the thing, and this is just another reminder of what we’ll all be missing in the years to come. Thankfully, we’ll have movies like Dumb and Dumber, as well as viral talk show clips of Carrey in action, to keep us all laughing. Anyone who wants to return to the antics of Harry and Lloyd can do so pretty easily at the moment, as their big movie is currently available to stream with a Max subscription. 

It’s been over two years since Ant Anstead wooed Renée Zellweger on the set of Celebrity IOU Joyride, but you’d barely know it with how quiet they keep their relationship. However, just because the love birds aren’t blasting their love for each other from the rooftops of every social media platform, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a good thing going. In fact, those close to the two-time Oscar winner apparently have only positive things to say about the car enthusiast, especially when it comes to comparing him to the men she’s dated in the past.

Renée Zellweger and Ant Anstead have seemingly been going strong since they started dating in April 2021, after the actress appeared on an episode of Property Brothers stars Jonathan and Drew Scott’s Discovery+ series. There’s been speculation for a long time about if and when the couple will take things to the next level, given how good Zellweger’s friends say they are for each other. A source for OK! Magazine said: 

Getting friend approval is vital, so way to go, Ant! The Bridget Jones’s Diary star’s relationship history includes dating Bradley Cooper, an engagement to Jim Carrey, and a brief marriage to Kenny Chesney before they filed for annulment just four months later. She and Ant Anstead seem to have found happiness in their quiet life together. The source continued: 

Ant Anstead shares 3-year-old son Hudson with his ex-wife Christina Hall, and also has a 19-year-old daughter Amelie and 16-year-old son Archie from his marriage to Louise Anstead. While his three kids are featured prominently on the Celebrity IOU Joyride star’s Instagram page, he’s tried to keep his relationship with Renée Zellweger low-key since the beginning. 

Even after their “secret relationship” was exposed a few months after they started dating, he kept it low-key, with just the rare peek at a date night out together. Even this past Christmas — nearly two years into their romance — Ant Anstead didn’t make a big deal of the fact that Renée Zellweger had traveled with him and the kids to the U.K., with eagle-eyed fans pointing out the actress in her signature orange ball cap in the background of some of his photos.

The two have apparently been talking about their long-term future together at least since the fall, and it’s possible the couple either has moved in together or plans to, after Ant Anstead sold his bachelor pad in April. Regardless of if big moves are being made, though, it sounds like this is a good situation for the actress — as her friends allegedly said — and that’s what really matters. 

Jim Carrey is not my favorite actor. That'd be Paul Newman. He's also not the greatest actor. That would be Cate Blanchett. But, you know what? When it comes down to the actor who I think is the most important in my life, I'm pretty sure it would have to be Carrey.  

Somebody stop me if you've heard this one before, but Carrey was kind of a big deal for us '90s kids. His film career spans all the way back to 1983 with The Sex and Violence Family Hour, but his heyday was definitely in the '90s (especially 1994) with movies like The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber. There are a number of reasons why he's so important to me, and here are five of them.    

Jim Carrey Made The Leap From My Small Screen To The Big Screen Right Before My Eyes 

Let me tell you something! Jim Carrey is hilarious. Back when I was growing up with stuff like The Simpsons, I always used to mentally separate my "White shows" from my "Black shows."    

I don't really know why I did this, but it might have been because networks like UPN, the WB, and Fox had whole time slots dedicated to Black audiences. I know shows like Martin, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and The Steve Harvey Show were for everybody, but I kind of felt a certain personal connection with these shows since I thought they were directed more toward my demographic, whereas shows like Frasier, Roseanne, and Mad About You (all of which I also watched) were more focused on white audiences.    

Anyway, one show that I always mentally put in my "Black shows" category was In Living Color. I mean, how could I not? It was created by Keenen Ivory Wayans, and the hit sketch comedy show featured a predominantly Black cast. But then, there was Carrey, who totally threw me for a loop. Funny story, but when I first heard Eminem on the radio, I thought, this Black dude sounds really weird, since I hadn’t seen him yet and he was on one of my “Black” stations. Well, I had a similar reaction to Jim Carrey when I first saw him on In Living Color, because I thought, what’s this white guy doing here?    

The answer was clear as soon as he opened his mouth and moved, because there really was nobody else like him on television at the time. His characters were legendary. Fire Marshall Bill, Vera De Milo, Reginald Denny, the Karate Instructor. All of them were probably my favorite part about In Living Color (besides Homie the Clown and the Fly Girls, with a pre-fame Jennifer Lopez).  

So, when he made the leap from my small screen to the big screen, it was a huge deal for me. I wasn’t really into SNL back in those days, so I didn’t immediately connect movies like Wayne’s World or The Blues Brothers with sketches on TV. Besides, Carrey was different in that he wasn’t taking Fire Marshall Bill or Vera De Milo to the big screen. He was in all new projects, which, unbelievably, were even WACKIER than his characters on In Living Color, which I’ll get into next.  

For A Time, Jim Carrey Was Inescapable, And I Loved It  

A lot of my friends at school didn’t watch In Living Color. You see, I went to a mostly white elementary and middle school, where I was one of only two Black students in the entire building. So, while I could talk to my friends about shows like Full House with John Stamos, or Blossom with Mayim Bialik, I really couldn’t talk to anybody about In Living Color with Jamie Foxx and Tommy Davidson, because my friends simply had no idea who they were.      

But then, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective came out, and that changed everything. Soon, all of my friends were talking about Jim Carrey like he was this brand new comedian, when all the while I kept thinking, "He’s not new. He’s Fire Marshall Bill!" In a lot of ways, however, he kind of was brand new, because while he definitely stood out on the sketch show (and not just because he was “the white guy”), he REALLY stood out in his movies. 

As I mentioned earlier, he was like nobody else with his wild mannerisms and loud performances on TV, and Ace Ventura was like his characters there TIMES TEN. This was a dude who literally talked out of his butt, which I had never seen before (or since, really) from a movie star. 

Then The Mask came out (same year), and it was over. Ace Ventura was like a cartoon character, but this literally was a cartoon character, with all of the CGI special effects of his eyeballs popping out, and his tongue crinkling. Close out 1994 with Dumb and Dumber (With Batman Forever the very next year!) and Carrey was seriously inescapable for a very impressionable time in my life. I couldn’t have been happier.   

In A Lot Of Ways, Jim Carrey Was Like A Live-Action Cartoon Character  

As stated, Carrey was pretty much a cartoon in Ace Ventura and The Mask, and this was a huge deal for me. In 1994 I was 11, and at that point in my life, I thought it was “pretty lame” to see cartoons in the theaters. Cartoons were for home. I was, of course, full of it, since I definitely saw every movie from the Disney renaissance in theaters (and secretly loved them), but when it came to other animated movies, I said, “No, thank you” whenever my dad asked me if I wanted to see them. 

I kind of did still want to see them, though, even if I didn’t want to admit it to myself. That’s where Carrey comes in. Because of him, I was still getting my big screen cartoon fix, without actually seeing cartoons at the movies.    

Because, seriously, he was absolutely bonkers. In The Mask, he was literally bouncing off the walls, and in Batman Forever, his Riddler was as cartoony as you could get. Sure, The Cable Guy was a STARK contrast from his other roles with its subtle darkness (which I hated then, but LOVE today), but Liar Liar was another example of a semi-cartoon character wearing a lawyer’s suit (he even fit in a Fire Marshall Bill cameo).   

In a lot of ways, Jim Carrey helped me weather the stormy transition of both growing up, but also still being a kid inside, and I can’t help but thank him for that.  

But He Also Had Range, Which Showed Me What True Acting Could Be  

I already discussed The Cable Guy, which was unsettling to me then, but I think it was an important movie, because it helped show the darker side of things to me in my teenage years. This is meaningful, because in a lot of ways, I grew up through Carrey’s movies. In 1996, when the film came out, I had a pivotal year, because I started getting into horror franchises like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Now, I’m pretty sure I got into horror because of The Cable Guy.    

No lie! That movie really disturbed me, and I think it was my gateway into other disturbing movies, and it’s all because Carrey acted so differently there. Yes, it was still a bit silly (him singing Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love” had serious Fire Marshall Bill vibes), but it was also really dark underneath the surface.  

This touch of darkness would follow him into later films like The Truman Show, The Majestic, and especially the Andy Kaufman biopic, Man on the Moon.  But, it was 2004’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind that really allowed me to understand what acting even truly was. 

Before that, I never really associated “actors” with “acting.” I just watched flicks and enjoyed them as the entire package. After Spotless Mind, I honed in on acting because Carrey showed me what range is, since he wasn’t being a goofball. 

Sure, he wasn’t being a goofball in The Majestic, either, but I skipped that one; it didn’t look like a “Jim Carrey movie.” Spotless Mind was the one that made me seriously consider every aspect of a film, from actors to cinematography and even the score, and I owe it all to Carrey, who showed me what true acting is.     

I Still Associate Him With My Childhood 

For a time, I gave up on Carrey. It started with Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (which I found disappointing after Spotless Mind), and basically continued for years after that. Carrey was dead to me.  

However, Sonic the Hedgehog (the best video game movie ever), came out, and that changed everything.  

Really, it was the perfect combination. I grew up with Sonic, and I grew up with Jim Carrey. I honestly don’t think I would like the movie as much as I do if not for him, since I associate him with my childhood. Like CinemaBlend's own Mack Rawden, I had a blast watching Jim Carrey be a weirdo in Sonic. It reminded me of all the times he was a complete weirdo in Ace Ventura and Batman Forever.     

I think I will always love Carrey’s performance as Dr. Robotnik. Whenever I re-watch Sonic, it reminds me of my childhood, and I don’t think any other actor can really do that for me like he can. I may age, but Jim Carrey’s performance in Sonic the Hedgehog will keep me eternally young in my heart.

Is Jim Carrey an important part of your life, too? For more news on the star, be sure to swing by here often.