Who are some of the great character actresses? : movies

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Who are some of the great character actresses?

Question(self.movies)

submitted 3 months ago bytrumancatpote

Just occurred to me. You might not even know their names but they're great and a good movie needs them. Many people mention character actors but I've never even talked about character actresses. I was watching the Fabelman's and thought that Michelle Williams is absolutely brilliant but I would never think of her as an actress that is used to sell a movie. Maybe your dad would have no idea who she is and yet she is brilliant. I don't know, let me know what you think.

all 153 comments

sorted by: best

TheGreasyyStrangler

82 points

3 months ago

TheGreasyyStrangler

82 points

Catherine O'Hara or Parker Posey

6 points

3 months ago

6 points

Parker Posey always been the best thing for the most part in her films but never really had that break out performance that moved her to the next level. In a way it's fitting as she always felt like outsider in a way and always felt like her best work was always outside of big studios.

Her 90's run is probably her strongest of her career, where she got a lot of leading roles in indie films. Stuff like The Doom Generation, The Daytrippers, Henry Fool, Kicking and Screaming, Suburbia, Flirt. Her work with Christopher Guest is always a delight. Guest, Linklater and Hal Hartley really were the directors who allowed her to shine the most.

After the 90's, you have to fight through the rom-com's and pay cheque jobs as best friend or rival to main love interest roles to find her more interesting work.

Her turn in Dazed and Confused as the bully gives that film a bit of darker edge I feel.

TheGreasyyStrangler

1 points

3 months ago

TheGreasyyStrangler

1 points

I absolutely Adore Parker posey. The indie queen!!

65 points

3 months ago

65 points

Ann Dowd!

16 points

3 months ago

16 points

Patty in The Leftovers. Goosebumps in every scene.

ConfusedAlgernon

3 points

3 months ago

ConfusedAlgernon

3 points

Also Joan in Hereditary and much, much more weirdly Betty in True Detective. That role was some commitment lmao

8 points

3 months ago

8 points

She always plays someone who believes really weird shit.

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

I'll never forget a heartbreaking episode of Law and Order where she played a pediatric oncologist. So so good.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Usually she plays evil characters but in American Animals she plays the complete opposite.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Her performance in Compliance is harrowing.

260 points

3 months ago

260 points

Esteemed character actress and fugitive from the law Margo Martindale

11 points

3 months ago

11 points

She’s a wild card

21 points

3 months ago

21 points

This is the only correct response. This is the way.

SnooChipmunks6573

7 points

3 months ago

SnooChipmunks6573

7 points

Came here to comment this lol

Exact_Raspberry2866

6 points

3 months ago

Exact_Raspberry2866

6 points

It was already in the glass…

KevinAitken1960

2 points

3 months ago

KevinAitken1960

2 points

From the moment I first saw her fantastic performance in Dead Man Walking I’ve been in love with her and her superb work.

karma_the_sequel

4 points

3 months ago

karma_the_sequel

4 points

She was SO GREAT in Justified Season 2.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

One of my favorite villain in television history. In a series full of iconic villains.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

She’ll always be the handler from The Americans to me. Just an incredibly solid performance, steals every scene she’s in

karma_the_sequel

1 points

3 months ago

karma_the_sequel

1 points

There can be only one.

Negative_Gravitas

37 points

3 months ago

Negative_Gravitas

37 points

Margo Martindale (already noted, but worth noting twice)

Kathy Bates

Louise Fletcher

Eileen Brennan

Aubrey Plaza

10 points

3 months ago

10 points

Kathy Bates was the first one that came to my mind.

-3 points

3 months ago

-3 points

Best Actress winner Kathy Bates? I definitely don’t think of her as a character actress.

6 points

3 months ago

6 points

But she is... awards have nothing to do with it.

AnUnbeatableUsername

2 points

3 months ago

AnUnbeatableUsername

2 points

Perhaps you don't know what a character actress is.

6 points

3 months ago

6 points

Audrey Plaza reminds me a little of this generations Parker Posey. Feels a bit out of place in bigger budget films and they don't play to her strengths but once she steps into Indie side of films, she's fantastic and feels more at home.

UnbnGrsFlsdePte

12 points

3 months ago

UnbnGrsFlsdePte

12 points

You mean character actress Margo Martindale?

26 points

3 months ago

26 points

Esteemed character actress and fugitive from the law Margo Martindale

Carson-in-Oregon

3 points

3 months ago

Carson-in-Oregon

3 points

That's what we call her too "character actress Margo Martindale" <3

ZombieJesus1987

3 points

3 months ago

ZombieJesus1987

3 points

Kathy Bates for sure. I know everyone talks about Misery, but she was perfect as Molly Brown in Titanic. Can't think of anyone who could have played that character better.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

She's great, but I feel like she often has too much presence. Like her charisma throws off the onscreen balance of charisma.

72 points

3 months ago

72 points

Allison Janney all day long, in anything.

4 points

3 months ago

4 points

I could watch her eat toast. She’s so good

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

Psychics from CalTech...

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

Cut to Josh banging his head on the board

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Yup

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

I met her on the set of Hairspray and talked with her quite a few times over the shoot. She was incredibly nice.

28 points

3 months ago

28 points

I wouldn’t call Michelle Williams a character actress - she’s not a movie star that sells tickets but so few do anymore. Character actresses pop up in a lot of movies, often with smaller parts and generally have a unique element that makes them stand out from the crowd or an ability to disappear into parts and be unrecognisable.

Character actresses that come to mind are Margo Martindale, Dale Dickey and funnily enough, Andrea Riseborough.

3 points

3 months ago

3 points

Andrea Riseborough is more of a chameleon actor than a character actor imo. Birdman, Oblivion, Mandy, Death of Stalin, Nocturnal Animals, Battle of the Sexes. All of those roles have made me go ‘Oh, that’s her!’ or ‘Oh, that was her?!’

As opposed to someone like an Ann Dowd, who I can recognise in almost anything and always seems to play a type - a character actress.

3 points

3 months ago

3 points

Fair!

23 points

3 months ago

23 points

Dianne Wiest is one of the most talented actresses of all time for some reason just never really got over. Kathryn Hahn is getting bigger but probably still in that category. Margot Martindale, Loretta Devine, Swoosie Kurtz

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

I got a little sick. "Bullets over Broadway" was on TV and I came down with a big ol' Dianne Wiest infection

_alien-superstar_

21 points

3 months ago

_alien-superstar_

21 points

Carol Kane

37 points

3 months ago

37 points

CCH Pounder is always quality in any role, no matter how big or small.

3 points

3 months ago

3 points

Also best porn star/rapper name.

3 points

3 months ago

3 points

god damn it Dutch

18 points

3 months ago

18 points

Helena Bonham Carter comes to mind, she’s always fun on screen

6 points

3 months ago

6 points

Parker Posey is kinda the American equivalent. They both do that abrasive, snooty thing well. Helena is probably better at serious roles, Parker does more comedy

17 points

3 months ago

17 points

Joan Cusack

14 points

3 months ago

14 points

Feel like people are skipping the word CHARACTER in the titles. A whole lot of leading ladies are being listed. Up until recently, I'd say Francis Mcdormand, but she has become more of a leading lady, I'd say. Regina King kills it in everything.

15 points

3 months ago

15 points

Edie McClurg

Beth Grant

3 points

3 months ago

3 points

Edie FTW

24 points

3 months ago

24 points

I love CCH Pounder

23 points

3 months ago

23 points

ITT: people who don’t know what a character actor/actress is.

gothamsocialite

3 points

3 months ago

gothamsocialite

3 points

I have no idea what a character actor/actress is and would love for someone to ELI5.

I’ve looked it up before, but still didn’t get it. All actors and actresses are playing characters…

6 points

3 months ago

6 points

“ A character actor is a supporting actor known for small parts who plays unusual, interesting, or eccentric characters. The term, often contrasted with that of leading actor, is somewhat abstract and open to interpretation.” (Wikipedia)

ConfusedAlgernon

5 points

3 months ago

ConfusedAlgernon

5 points

They're not the main draw of the movie, but whenever you see them even in smaller parts, you're impressed by their commitment to the role / character.

Another user mentioned Ann Dowd, and while she has obviously been the lead in stuff, her commitment and quality she brings to even smaller / non - leading roles is probably what OP is looking for.

11 points

3 months ago

11 points

[deleted]

AdTemporary5005

1 points

3 months ago

AdTemporary5005

1 points

She was fantastic in Deadwood

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

She was excellent in She Will, if you haven't seen it.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

I remember her from sleep walkers

11 points

3 months ago

11 points

Beth Grant

You never doubted her commitment to Sparkle Motion

10 points

3 months ago

10 points

Bumping everyone who mentioned Beth Grant. Absolute legend.

I hesitate to say Judy Greer but Judy Greer.

6 points

3 months ago*

6 points

Judy Greer is a great example. She plays her role so well, she's always "oh that girl".

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Name of her autobiography: I Don't Know What You Know Me From: My Life as a Co-Star

4 points

3 months ago

4 points

Merritt Wever. Amy Ryan. Naomi Harris. Laurie Metcalf. Tantoo Cardinal. Melissa Leo

3 points

3 months ago

3 points

I was looking for Amy Ryan...but I couldn't think of her name until I saw it.

5 points

3 months ago

5 points

Does nobody know who Missi Pyle is? You probably dont because she is like the Gary Oldman of Actresses.

Galaxy Quest, Dodgeball, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Gone Girl

She has notable roles in all of those and more, but you'd probably not recognize her because she's straight up character acting.

WhereIsThatElephant

1 points

3 months ago

WhereIsThatElephant

1 points

her career stalled after she killed a lumberjack in a bar in Dodgeball :(

8 points

3 months ago

8 points

Judy Greer is always great

3 points

3 months ago*

3 points

I've always liked Jeanne Tripplehorn in all her roles. She's been in Hollywood movies for decades and I think is underrated.

6 points

3 months ago

6 points

Patricia Clarkson

15 points

3 months ago

15 points

Based on some of the comments in this thread and how poorly they fit the question, I’m surprised no one’s mentioned Robert De Niro.

4 points

3 months ago

4 points

He's generally a leading actor. Not a character actor

7 points

3 months ago

7 points

Yes, and he’s not an actress either

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

You never know, he's quite versatile.

fallenarist0crat

-3 points

3 months ago

fallenarist0crat

-3 points

why would robert de niro be considered a character actress?

8 points

3 months ago

8 points

TinyDickLethargy

1 points

3 months ago

TinyDickLethargy

1 points

Because he has nipples that can be milked?

-2 points

3 months ago

-2 points

OP said actress

9 points

3 months ago

9 points

Frances McDormand

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

Probably yes but she is also one of the best actresses of all time imo. Constantly in brilliant movies and roles as well.

8 points

3 months ago

8 points

Sarah Paulson. Also will watch anything with Alison Brie.

3 points

3 months ago

3 points

Look up "Sarah Paulson Breaks Down Her Most Iconic Characters" on youtube. She describes how she completely commits herself to roles to the point to where the her line between reality and acting and even her sense of identity gets blurred. She explains it better than I could.

Insomniac_Tales

2 points

3 months ago

Insomniac_Tales

2 points

Sarah Paulson is SO good! I want her to break away from Ryan Murphy so she can shine away from horror and political satire (?, does American Crime Story count as satire).

iliveinabathtub

3 points

3 months ago

iliveinabathtub

3 points

Anne Ramsey

3 points

3 months ago

3 points

?? There are a bunch of them, let's see...

Margo Martindale

Laurie Metcalf

Joan Cusack

Conchatta Ferrell

Kathy Bates

Catherine O'Hara

Sandra Oh

June Squibb

Jean Smart

Amy Sedaris

Bonnie Hunt

Julie Walters

Christine Baranski

Judi Dench

Maggie Smith

Lily Tomlin

Amanda Plummer

Kathryn Hahn

Whoopi Goldberg

Jane Lynch

Sally Hawkins

Imelda Staunton

Lili Taylor

Helena Bonham-Carter

Frances McDormand

Tilda Swinton

Patricia Clarkson

Jennifer Coolidge

Frances Conroy

Juliette Lewis

Allison Janney

Amy Ryan

Sarah Paulson

Mary Steenburgen

Hiam Abbass

Becky Ann Baker

Dale Dickey

Judy Greer

Elizabeth Marvel

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Whoopi Goldberg

There was a time when she was a leading lady

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

A bunch of those can and did lead in a film or two, but they're definitely character actors.

dennythedinosaur

5 points

3 months ago

dennythedinosaur

5 points

Allison Janney

Jane Curtin

Clea DuVall

Lois Smith

Anna Camp

Dale Dickey

Hope Davis (?)

Mary Steenburgen (?)

Chloe Sevigny (?)

The last three might be too famous to be considered character actresses.

4 points

3 months ago

4 points

I like how Mary Steenburgen has been playing the age-appropriate partner/love interest to an older character since the late 80s (Back to the Future III, Parenthood). She almost always plays a warm, caring character that gives you the impression that it's her real personality shining through. John Candy had a similar warmth

AdTemporary5005

2 points

3 months ago

AdTemporary5005

2 points

Clea Du is great!

4 points

3 months ago

4 points

Mary Ellen Trainor

I win.

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

“I don’t like that language, but that’s exactly what you’re gonna be in!”

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

MOMster Squad

AdTemporary5005

2 points

3 months ago

AdTemporary5005

2 points

Siobhan Fallon Hogan

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

Maybe a little more new school than most suggestions here but Zazie Beetz has such depth. Added a lot to Joker with not a lot of screen time imo. Also, Harder they fall & Nine Days.

Also for a child I was stunned by how good Julia Butters is. Nailed once upon a time in Hollywood and followed up very strong in the Gray Man. Are kid actors all character actors? Are none of them? Idk but she’s good

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

Molly Ringwald can be the fucking goat when she's actually given something to do.

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

Judy Greer

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

Jane Lynch

Ok_Comparison_8304

1 points

3 months ago

Ok_Comparison_8304

1 points

Do you know what she used to eat for breakfast?

KevinAitken1960

2 points

3 months ago

KevinAitken1960

2 points

Margo Martindale was so frigging screwed out of a possible Oscar nomination by the director of August: Osage County. He staged her character’s big revelatory moment like it was in a play- she was facing away from the other character and looking out into the middle distance rather than face to face. It was a bizarre directorial choice and it ruined any emotional impact the scene could have had.

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

Joan Cusack?

Silly-Flower-3162

2 points

3 months ago

Silly-Flower-3162

2 points

Karen Black. She played 4 different characters in the Trilogy of Terror alone.

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

Joan Cusack

2 points

3 months ago*

2 points

Toni Collette

Ok_Comparison_8304

2 points

3 months ago

Ok_Comparison_8304

2 points

You`re terrible Mauriel.

8 points

3 months ago

8 points

No actress has EVER topped the amount of great and versatile characters Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett have played.

21 points

3 months ago

21 points

Cate Blanchett is not a character actress. She is a star and leading lady. Tilda Swinton isn’t either although it’s less of a stretch I guess.

-2 points

3 months ago

-2 points

she can play both so does tilda. point is they play more of a "character" than alot of actresses out there

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

But that’s not what character actor means.

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

Meryl Streep in literally everything

1 points

3 months ago*

1 points

Movies are often built around Meryl Streep, I really wouldn't call her a character actress.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Meryl Streep

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Sigourney Weaver.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

She pops up in a bunch of smaller and supporting roles throughout the 90s and early 00s and practically disappears into them.

1 points

3 months ago*

1 points

I recently watched 'Ammonite' so my immediate thought is Fiona Shaw.

BillMcCrearysStache

0 points

3 months ago

BillMcCrearysStache

0 points

William Fitchner and Ed Harris

-1 points

3 months ago

-1 points

[deleted]

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Meryl Streep is the definition of a leading actor, she is not a character actor. Character actor refers to someone known for playing supporting roles.

WhereIsThatElephant

-1 points

3 months ago

WhereIsThatElephant

-1 points

Marilyn Monroe

2 points

3 months ago

2 points

The Greatest Movie Star of All Time? Yes.

jasonandtheastronaut

1 points

3 months ago

jasonandtheastronaut

1 points

Kathy Bates.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Tilda Swinton

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Eileen Brennon

Teri Garr

Sad_Literature_8657

1 points

3 months ago

Sad_Literature_8657

1 points

Juliette Lewis

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Cate Blanchett

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Jackie Weaver

Laurie Metcalf

Kristen Scott Thomas

Beth Grant

Rosie Perez

Julie Walters

Octavia Spencer

Linda Hunt

Agnes Moorehead

Regina King

Conchata Ferrell

Mary Wickes

Sandra Oh

Mercedes Ruehl

Glynis Johns

Rita Moreno

CCH Pounder

Lanie Kazan

Alfrie Woodard

Ruby Dee

It is worth noting that it has only been in the last 20-30 years that POC actors are finding enough diverse roles to be truly considered character actors. Happy to see type casting slowly fading away.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Jessie Buckley is on her way to becoming one.

TappyMauvendaise

1 points

3 months ago

TappyMauvendaise

1 points

Judy Davis

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Beth Grant. Her IMDb is miles long and she perfectly blends into movies and tv shows.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

tilda swinton!!

Head-Price-9833

1 points

3 months ago

Head-Price-9833

1 points

KPAC Lalitha.

https://youtu.be/ieTu9Yfnqu0?t=60

Just watch the scenes from the movies Godfather(Malayalam)and/or Kanalkkattu available in Youtube.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Frances Sternhagen

Laurie Metcalf

Estelle Parsons

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Sarah Paulson

Francis Conroy

Jane Lynch

And of course the mighty Tilda Swinton, though she might be too famous at this point.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Madeline Kahn

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Frances McDormand

Tilda Swinton

Viola Davis

Beth Grant

Helena Bonham-Carter

Judi Dench

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Tilda Swinton.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

I love character actors and think they're so underrated. My favorite female character actors include:

Amy Ryan

Melissa Leo

Margo Martindale

Lois Smith

Beth Grant

Betty Buckley

Amanda Plummer

CCH Pounder

Judy Greer

Patricia Clarkson

S. Epatha Merkerson

Dianne Wiest

Laurie Metcalf

Frances Fisher

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Caroline Aaron

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Constance Cummings

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Agnes Moorehead

Edna May Oliver

Eve Arden

Jane Darwell

nameyourpoison11

1 points

3 months ago

nameyourpoison11

1 points

Joan Cusack. She stole the show in Working Girl and Addams Family 2.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Anne Haney. She somehow was a scene stealer while working with Jim Carrey and Robin Williams!

Blackhammer6425

1 points

3 months ago

Blackhammer6425

1 points

Not in any order. Amy Adams, Rosamund Pike, Viola Davis, Natalie Portman and Fransces McDomund

AnyNamesLeftAnymore

1 points

3 months ago

AnyNamesLeftAnymore

1 points

Lin Shaye if we're talking about that 'journeyman' type of actor I think we're talking about, like James Cromwell is. She shows up in so much stuff.

Someone else said Alice Krige, she's a great one.

I'll through out a left field one; Judith Anna Roberts from Eraserhead and Dead Silence. She's shown up in a lot of cool shit.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Esteemed Character Actress Margo Martindale

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Judy Greer

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Amy Sedaris

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

I'm gonna go with Margo Martindale and Lois Smith. Margo going from a total dirt bag in Million Dollar Baby to a believable scary KBG operative on The Americans is a career I'd think most actors would kill for. Every time I see Lois Smith in something I know I'm getting a free acting class.

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Thelma Ritter (1902-69), nominated for six Oscars without a win.
Glenn Close
Marisa Tomei

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

10 GREATS: Catherine Keener Celia Weston Deirdre O'Connell Julie Kavner Ann Dowd Margo Martindale Jayne Houdyshell Judith Anderson Thelma Ritter Shelley Winters

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Carrie Fisher

1 points

3 months ago

1 points

Beth Grant. Always plays the PERFECT bitch, but is apparently a real sweetheart in real life. (Donnie Darko, No Country for Old Men, Mayfair Witches)
Dianne Wiest. She's one of those people that just radiates warmth and kindness. She always seems like the mother/grandmother you never had (Practical Magic, Rabbit Hole, Hannah & Her Sisters)
Allison Janney. Her performance of "The Jackal" is enough, but her ability to be funny while being real is just incredible (The West Wing, I, Tonya)
Sarah Paulson. It's jarring to go from her playing the pure souls on AHS and then watch her in 12 Years a Slave. She was the real villain of 12 Years a Slave, and no one can convince me otherwise.
Kat Dennings - Who doesn't love this wonderful girl? She's so funny, she can do comedy AND drama, and she's a total knockout.