They weren’t though, they were straight up comedians. After all these years it’s obvious they had more to them, but when they first stepped into serious roles it wasn’t known and was a surprise to most what they could do outwith comedy.
I hear you and agree, though for the sake of discussion and argument - let’s say OP was referring to unnamed nobodies who nailed it in their acting debut.
Yes and no. We often differentiate between “comics” and “actors” as people who belong to different disciplines of entertainment. Robin Williams and Jim Carrey got their starts in stand-up, and Bill Hader as an improv sketch comic. It’s pretty commonplace for notable comics to transition into comedic acting on screen, but that’s basically the type of production they get typecast into from that point on.
So when much of the industry places all this emphasis on having backgrounds in stage, working up through the indie circuit, or having some sort of Hollywood pedigree, it’s notable when a comedic actor manages to break free of the typecast and thrive.
Exactly. I remember seeing Liar Liar and Jim Carrey’s reaction when the kids were taken away by his client was top-tier drama. And just his line delivery and malleability were signs of great acting, regardless if it’s offen “wasted” in comedy.
All these dudes are known for their acting though first and foremost…
They weren’t though, they were straight up comedians. After all these years it’s obvious they had more to them, but when they first stepped into serious roles it wasn’t known and was a surprise to most what they could do outwith comedy.
I hear you and agree, though for the sake of discussion and argument - let’s say OP was referring to unnamed nobodies who nailed it in their acting debut.
Who’s your best?
Probably Whoopi Goldberg in The Colour Purple.
Yes and no. We often differentiate between “comics” and “actors” as people who belong to different disciplines of entertainment. Robin Williams and Jim Carrey got their starts in stand-up, and Bill Hader as an improv sketch comic. It’s pretty commonplace for notable comics to transition into comedic acting on screen, but that’s basically the type of production they get typecast into from that point on.
So when much of the industry places all this emphasis on having backgrounds in stage, working up through the indie circuit, or having some sort of Hollywood pedigree, it’s notable when a comedic actor manages to break free of the typecast and thrive.
Exactly. I remember seeing Liar Liar and Jim Carrey’s reaction when the kids were taken away by his client was top-tier drama. And just his line delivery and malleability were signs of great acting, regardless if it’s offen “wasted” in comedy.
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