Actors spend their time working hard to convince us they're someone else. Most of the time, actors end up type-cast, or we get used to seeing them in specific types of movies. However, there are those actors who are so versatile and their acting is so convincing that they can wear almost any face at all. Here are the actors who successfully portrayed a diverse array of characters--and made them exceptionally convincing each time.
1. Robin Williams
A master actor, Robin Williams has been greatly missed since his untimely passing. He played many iconic roles such as Mrs. Doubtfire and the Geenie from Aladin, and his talents range from comedy to drama.
Williams is most celebrated for his ability to create comedic content on the spot, but his performance in the Dead Poets Society and other films demonstrates that he owns each character he plays.
2. Helena Bonham Carter
Although Helena Bonham Carter is probably most known for her quirky, psychotic characters, she also manages to fit seamlessly into period dramas and historical films. She embodies her characters in such a way that it's easy to forget that she's simply acting!
Bonham Carter will likely always be celebrated for her maniacal portrayal of Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter franchise. However, she has also held roles in Fight Club, Suffragettes, and the Crown. No matter the role, she always commits %100!
3. Gary Oldman
From Sci-Fi to traditional drama, Gary Oldman has been there, done it all. He's just as convincing in a top-hat as he is in a futuristic haircut. Oldman owns each of his roles, and portrays them expertly.
Oldman certainly has understood the assignment every time, as he even manages to embody the loveable and eternally optimistic Jim Gordon in the Batman trilogy. That's a hard role to get right!
4. Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks is another one of those exceptionally versatile actors who have been in all sorts of films, from drama all the way to animation. Over the past few decades, he has become a household name when discussing talented actors.
While his most notable role was likely that of Forrest in Forrest Gump, he also was the comforting voice behind Woody in the childhood favorite Toy Story. Hank commits completely to each role he takes on, bringing it to life.
5. Stanley Tucci
Stanley Tucci is so good it's practically impossible to even tell how old he is. He can play gay men, old married men, even threatening accountants, and he's just so good!
It's also mind-boggling how many TV shows and movies Tucci has starred in. While he has an impressive resume of films in which he is one of the main actors, there are a lot of shows and movies in which he only had a small part--and we didn't even realize it was him!
6. Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp is a highly celebrated actor who has played many iconic characters always transforming them into a second skin. His quirky roles have made him a household favorite.
Of course the drunken ways of Captain Jack Sparrow will always hold a special place in our hearts. But there will always be room for other strange characters such as the Mad Hatter and Grindelwald.
7. Meryl Streep
One of the most commanding actresses of the past few decades, Meryl Streep has played corporate women, the quintessential housewife, even a prime minister. She's so versatile, she's even starred in a musical or two.
Streep has been a household name for so long, her repertoire is truly incredible. She brings so much talent and experience to every one of her performances, and she definitely understood the assignment every time!
8. Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson is one of the big names whose talents are so versatile that she is able to flawlessly portray a wide array of characters, some satirical and some dramatic.
Thompson has so much class which she brings to each of her roles, fully embodying each character that she plays. She absolutely understood the assignment in our book!
9. Heath Ledger
Oh Heath Ledger, RIP, we miss you! This man had so much talent. He made our hearts melt in A Knight's Tale and Ten Things I Hate About You. What's not to love?
Ledger was also perfect in more dramatic roles such as his iconic character in Brokeback Mountain. And of course we can never forget his chilling portrayal of the Joker in the Batman franchise!
10. James Mcavoy
Whew, James Mcavoy has come a long way since The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe! He's been in several superhero movies, portraying the loveable and mysterious Professor X.
He also portrayed the love interest in the classic drama Atonement, as well as a darker superhero in Glass. Mcavoy always looks so earnest, and maybe that's what helps him play all of his roles so convincingly!
11. Samuel L Jackson
Ah, Samuel L. Jackson, he's so iconic and so talented! Though he mostly plays dramatic roles, he is perfectly able to fit beautifully into animated films and comedies as well.
His deadpan gaze and serious persona bring gravitas to all of the characters that he portrays. He's certainly a fan favorite, and definitely nails the assignment each time.
12. Viola Davis
Viola Davis may be one of the greatest dramatic actors out there at the moment. She is able to convey so much emotion simply with her facial expressions. She always understands the assignment!
Davis did an exceptional job in The Help, breaking hearts everywhere with her devotion to the little girl in the film. And of course, she portrays the boss protagonist in How To Get Away With Murder, a show that continuously had us at the edge of our seats!
13. Leonardo DiCaprio
We're so glad he finally won an Oscar, because Leonardo DiCaprio is an extremely accomplished actor! He is just as convincing as a singing and dancing newsboy as he is a Wall Street slimeball.
DiCaprio convincingly portrays such a wide array of characters, and he devotes himself completely to each one. He most definitely understood the assignment! DiCaprio movie marathon, anyone?
14. Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey is such a diverse actor, he's seen in all. He's been in sports films, dramas, and romantic comedies, and he has played so many different characters we're simply in awe.
He was even cast as a male stripper and an idealistic terrorist, and we were completely sold on his performances. This man definitely understood the assignment!
15. Jamie Lee Curtis
As an actress, Jamie Lee Curtis has really made the rounds in different film genres. Beginning in dramas and comedies, Curtis transitioned to family friendly and then to horror.
Each one of her roles is played very convincingly, whether she is supposed to give us chills or make us believe she's a teenager in a grown woman's body. She definitely knows what she's doing!
16. Tom Hiddleston
Although he is celebrated these days for his portrayal of Loki in the Avengers franchise, Tom Hiddleston's acting abilities go above and beyond mere superhero films. Hiddleston is an extremely versatile actor.
He is comfortable in historical and period shows as well as modern day. He looks fabulous in a suit of armor or a gray hoodie toting a gun. Whatever the role, Hiddleston commits and absolutely delivers.
17. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman's skills as an actress have been honed since she was just a young girl. It's no wonder she won an Academy Award! Her intensity and devotion to her craft are evident in each of her films.
Portman is mostly known for dramas, though each role she takes on is acted with excellent skill. It is clear she works hard to take on the persona of each of her characters. She definitely understood the assignment!
18. Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock is another one of those actresses who rocks every role she plays. She can go from comedy to drama to horror and not miss a beat.
Bullock always knows the right tone to strike with the characters she plays, making even her career-driven, obnoxious characters likeable. She is an actress who definitely understood the assignment!
19. Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is most known for his role in the Godfather movies. However, he has many more films to his name that showcase his incredible talent as an actor.
De Niro has played the loveable grandfather in several films, as well as a boxer and a hitman, among other roles. De Niro's distinctive acting style have made him a recognizable name in movies.
20. Will Smith
Will Smith has played roles from animated films to sci-fi to live-action remakes. In each case, he fully embraced his character and brought it to life.
It seems that Smith never shied away from a challenging role, or even a silly one. Most known for his stint as an agent in Men In Black, Smith also played the hero in more serious action films. He absolutely understood the assignment!
21. Colin Firth
Colin Firth is most known for his roles in dramas, whether period dramas or modern movies. He has played kings, actors, and aristocrats, and has even moved into comic-book adaptations.
Regardless of the role, Firth always makes his characters believable and relatable. He embodies each of the roles that he plays, and makes us as the audience fall in love with him each time.
22. Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway seems to be just as comfortable wearing a tiara as she is with cat ears. Most recognized for her role in The Princess Diaries (alongside Julie Andrews), Hathaway has come a long way and starred in many films since.
One of her most celebrated films is The Devil Wears Prada, where she once again plays an ugly-ducking-turned-swan. Hathaway even made the move into fantasy to portray the White Queen in Alice Through the Looking Glass.
23. Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie is an actress who has made a name for herself over the past few years. She has picked up many main roles lately, as opposed to the supporting roles she has had over the years.
Her roles are extremely diverse, ranging from historical figures to athletes to comic book villains. But her style remains the same: absolutely impeccable and completely devoted to her craft.
24. Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder is most known for her roles in some fairly quirky and unusual films. While her name has returned to most households thanks to Stranger Things, most of Ryder's work was done in the 1980's and 90's.
Ryder starred in some strange roles, like the character she played in Beetlejuice--which was itself a pretty weird film. It seems that she has stayed within the sci-fi genre with Strange Things as well.
25. Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey's name is associated with comedy around the world. He's been making us all laugh since the 90's with comedies like Ace Ventura and Brice Almighty. His over-the-top acting makes him perfect for these roles.
But Carrey also portrayed some more sinister characters, such as his role in the Series of Unfortunate Events film. And of course, we cannot forget his portrayal of the Grinch, the grouchy green figure who hates Christmas. All in all, we'd say he definitely understood the assignment.
26. Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence is such a versatile actress that it's easy to forget how many films she has starred in. While the Hunger Games franchise skyrocketed her popularity, Lawrence's talent has done the rest of the work.
From starring as a blue mutant in X-men to a crazed, slightly robotic housewife in Mother!, Lawrence's skills are extremely impressive. She has always, always understood the assignment.
27. Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhal also began his acting career at a very young age. He has starred in many films, most of which are dramas, though he was the lead in a romantic comedy.
Gyllenhall has portrayed every type of character from ghost hunter to gay cowboy. He has managed to bring life and originality to each role he has played. He definitely understood the assignment.
28. Rachel McAdams
While she has a sweet smile, Rachel McAdams is way more than that when it comes to her acting skills. She perfectly portrays a bitchy high school girl in one film, while playing the love interest beside Ryan Gosling in another.
McAdams has also been cast in comedies, dramas, and documentary-style movies. She is fresh and real, and in every case she definitely understood the assignment.
29. Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy has been a big name in comedy for a long time. He is known for his loud, exuberant portrayal of many different characters. Perhaps the most known is Donkey from Shrek.
Murphy also starred as the dragon in Mulan, as well as playing several other notable characters, such as Dr. Doolittle. Despite sticking primarily to comedic roles, Murphy always brings a new face to each movie he is in.
30. Bill Hader
A main actor on Saturday Night Live for many years, Bill Hader has recently begun to come into the limelight. He has a knack for imitation and playing many different types of characters.
Hader has been cast in animated films, as well as romantic comedies and dramedies. He knows exactly the tone to set with his acting, and he definitely always understood the assignment.
31. Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh is a fierce actress who brings a lot of punch to the table. Her confidence and unflappable grace come through in every one of her performances.
Yeoh is flexible enough that she has starred in sci-fi, action and romantic comedy films. Each of her roles is exceptionally well-played, and she certainly knows how to wrap the audience around her finger.
32. Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill is an actor so easy to look at that he fits seamlessly into most of his films. Cast as the quintessential American superhero in Man of Steel, Cavill did not let that get to his head.
He brings a fresh perspective to each of his characters, whether they are international spies or popular video game characters. Cavill always aims to give his fans the best performance possible, and he always delivers.
33. Emilia Clarke
Known the world around as the Mother of Dragons, Emilia Clarke's incredible performance in the Game of Thrones franchise is a testament to her phenomenal skill as an actress.
Clarke has also starred in several other films, from Star Wars to several romantic comedies and dramas. She even has a role in an action film. Clarke is extremely skilled, and we look forward to seeing more of her work.
34. Chris Evans
Chris Evans has become the face of Captain America in the Avengers franchise. With his clean good looks and earnest smile, it's no wonder that he is loved in this role.
But Evans is not just a superhero. He has been the lead in several dramas and romantic comedies, and has had roles in other superhero movies as well.
35. Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy really showcased her acting talents recently with her role in The Queen's Gambit and Emma. Those characters were so different, and yet Taylor-Joy portrayed them both flawlessly.
It is clear that she brings everything to the table in each of her roles, giving a different aura to each character that she plays. Anya Taylor-Joy is one actress who definitely understood the assignment.
36. Zoe Saldana
A very talented actress, Zoe Saldana has had a wide range of roles throughout her career so far. She has portrayed characters in Sci-Fi films, both humans and non-humans.
She starred as a superhero in Guardians of the Galaxy. And of course, she portrayed a female pirate in our favorite Pirates of the Caribbean films. In each role, Saldana is absolutely committed to giving the audience the most authentic portrayal possible.
37. Uma Thurman
Uma Thurman is so versatile that she is virtually unrecognizable from film to film. Between the wigs, costumes, and incredible acting, Thurman is able to make us believe that she is someone different each time.
From playing a villain in a superhero movie to a drugged up sex interest, Thuman tends to work with quirky scripts and unusual characters. She definitely understood the assignment.
38. Kathy Bates
Kathy Bates has been around Hollywood for a little while, and has definitely proven that she is unparalleled in her acting skills. She has starred in movies and TV shows alike.
Though she has a distinctive look, Bates is easily able to convince us that she is someone new each time we see her on screen. She absolutely understood the assignment!
39. Danny DeVito
Danny DeVito has a career that spans movies, theater, and television. He has portrayed heroes and villains, a grumpy bar owner, and a self-centered father. He's a classic face in film.
DeVito always brings a fresh face to each role he plays, a new interpretation with quirks and all. He's definitely an actor who's been on the scene for long enough that his career speaks for itself.
40. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington has proven time and again that he is a master actor. Usually the star in dramas, he perfectly conveys the proper emotion to suck us in each time.
Also a veteran of the film industry, Washington commits fully to each role that he plays. He expertly draws in the audience and presents an extremely convincing portrayal each time. He definitely understood the assignment.