Top 10 Times an Actor Surprised Us with Their Range

“The Truman Show” (1998)

For the bulk of the 1990s, Jim Carrey was proving himself to be the most successful comedian of his generation with films like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” and “Dumb and Dumber.” Carrey steered towards more dramatic parts at the end of the decade, starring in the movie “The Truman Show.” It allowed him to become the straight man in a satirical look at American consumerism and the power of media. The actor brings a heartbreaking reality to a character that slowly realizes his life is a TV show, giving audiences much more than wacky voices or outrageous body movements. This project arguably opened the door to years of diverse work that included the romantic drama “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”

“Punch-Drunk Love” (2002)

After captivating audiences on “Saturday Night Live,” Adam Sandler starred in a string of hit movies in the 1990s. His iconic projects like “Happy Gilmore” tapped into the comedian’s goofy personality and made him a star. In the 2000s, Sandler subverted his image in the Paul Thomas Anderson film “Punch-Drunk Love.” His role as Barry Egan allowed him to investigate his rage-filled characters with more edge and depth. The entire production has a stylistic quality that’s unlike any of his previous films, delving into a sadness that lies underneath Barry. He even gets a chance to have a full-on romance that feels much more substantial than his other efforts.

“Prisoners” (2013)

Most people know Hugh Jackman as Wolverine from the “X-Men” movies or his commendable work in musicals. He put all that aside for this thriller about a mysterious disappearance and one father’s search to find his child. Jackman is desperate to track down his daughter at any cost, even if he loses his soul in the process. His character commits various horrible acts such as torture in order to find out the truth. Turning in an emotional performance, the performer is unrecognizable as a man slipping into darkness and acting in incredibly tense scenes with Jake Gyllenhaal.

“Foxcatcher” (2014)

Coming from the world of absurd comedy, Steve Carell’s talents have brightened up films and television for decades. The drama “Foxcatcher” was a substantial shift in tone for the performer that provided him with one of his biggest challenges. He played the real-life figure John du Pont that ended up killing wrestler Dave Schultz. Carell becomes a man devoid of emotion, driving a wedge between two brothers and paying for his friendships. His new nose might be a noticeable change, but it's window dressing for other details such as the comedian’s terrifying way of speaking. Ultimately, there’s absolutely no trace of his goofball characters such as Brick from “Anchorman.”

“Blue Collar” (1978)

Often put in the league of greatest stand-ups ever, Richard Pryor also starred in a number of popular comedies in the 1970s and 1980s. Pryor’s most dynamic performance came with the crime drama “Blue Collar.” The comedian plays an auto worker who goes to extremes to make ends meet, planning to rob the local union safe. Paul Schrader’s script and direction push the actor to perhaps his finest screen performance as a result. His character Zeke begins as a tragically comic presence and ends the movie in a complex state of emotion. The performer sells the dramatic scenes as well as any of his comedy specials, showing he was much more than a box-office draw in other films like “Stir Crazy” and “Silver Streak.”

“Tropic Thunder” (2008)

Tom Cruise completely changed his image in order to play studio man Les Grossman for “Tropic Thunder.” Shedding his action-hero experience, Cruise plays a blunt executive in a surprising bit of casting. Director Ben Stiller utilizes the actor in one of the more shockingly hilarious performances of its decade. The performer’s makeup and huge hands are just two elements that take this character to the next level. He manages to pull off a rare comedic effort, showing that he will go to great lengths for a joke in the same way he might for a huge stunt. You almost can’t believe that it's him given his constant swearing and outrageous one-liners. Did we also mention his impressive dancing skills?

“Precious” (2009)

Well-known as a stand-up and television star from “The Parkers,” Mo'Nique rose to fame in the 1990s as a world-class comedian. The performer really altered her usually-funny self into an abusive mother for "Precious." Her matriarch spends the majority of the film yelling or arguing with the title character, a far cry from her prior status as one of the “Queens of Comedy.” She’s able to be completely repulsive on screen, while also later showing remorse in highly-emotional scenes of realization. Her chemistry with Gabourey Sidibe and dedication to every moment won her a much-deserved Oscar. While there was some controversy in her career surrounding and following this project, it hasn’t changed the impact of her engaging work.

“Monster” (2003)

Charlize Theron slowly earned her stellar reputation in a variety of roles in the 1990s, spanning from dramas to comedies. “Monster” finally took her career to the next level, showcasing her dedication to a part in a dark tale about serial killer Aileen Wuornos. She disappears into the part and doesn’t leave behind any semblance of her real self. Theron could have easily created another stereotype of a murderer, but instead, she imbues the character with a twisted humanity that makes the entire performance much more compelling. The end result earned her copious accolades and a spot on Hollywood’s A-list.

“Dead Poets Society” (1989)

While he dabbled in drama before, "Dead Poets Society" fully established Robin Williams as a leading dramatic actor. He was widely known for his madcap comic persona leading up to this project, transitioning into movies like “Good Morning, Vietnam” that allowed him to use his improvisational style to great effect. This coming-of-age story trades that ability for a more reserved presence, instead focusing on the importance that an inspirational teacher can have on a young student's life. Williams gets a few chances to bring out his comedic energy, while at the same time reaching the hearts of many impressionable viewers.

“The Dark Knight” (2008)

Heath Ledger built his early career on heartthrob roles and dramatic parts. Taking an unlikely assignment for "The Dark Knight," the actor was met with initial skepticism. The final performance silenced all of his critics for its incredible effectiveness. His Joker was considered the most exceptional adaptation of the comic book villain for the screen, bringing together a ruthless and exciting presence. Ledger's more subdued work in the past was completely missing from this film. The performer went for broke in scenes that had him laughing maniacally and embodying pure evil. The iconic transformation revealed the artist's darker edge, winning him a posthumous Academy Award for his efforts.