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Some actors are super versatile and can play anyone or anything. Others, on the other hand, are often described as “just playing themselves.” Today we have a list of 35 actors and actresses who, at least once, have been accused of such performances. Some of these you might agree with, while some might be controversial. It’s time to put this question to bed once and for all - are they really good, or are they just really good at playing themselves? Cast your votes and see if others agree.

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    #9

    Vince Vaughn

    Actor Vince Vaughn in a suit with a serious expression, exemplifying a common on-screen persona.

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    4 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Quick talk, darting eyes, punch line jokes, responds by awkward look like he just heard French and has never heard a foreign language before....basically all his roles.

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    #11

    Tom Cruise

    Actor Tom Cruise with a confident smile reclining in a chair, embodying a familiar persona onscreen.

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    Penguin Panda Pop
    Community Member
    8 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Comedian Rich Hall mentioned that not only is he the same character, but the plots of his movies are all the same. "He's a fighter pilot, maybe the best damn fighter pilot. Then he has a crisis of confidence, meets a girl, and gets his mojo back. He's a cocktail waiter, maybe the best damn cocktail waiter, until he has a crisis of confidence, but then he meets a girl and gets his mojo back. He's a race car driver, maybe the best damn race car driver..."

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    #17

    Mindy Kaling

    Actress Mindy Kaling on a talk show, smiling, showcasing actors who play themselves theme.

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    CK
    Community Member
    8 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She always plays the same character but I hope it's not herself.

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    #18

    Angelina Jolie

    Actress Angelina Jolie on a train, gazing out the window, reminiscent of roles where they portray themselves.

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    Danni
    Community Member
    7 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What?! I don't think I've seen her play same character in any of her movies. She's all range. I get people don't like the person I suppose, but she's a very good actor.

    #19

    Samuel L. Jackson

    Bald man with a serious expression played by Samuel L. Jackson talking to another person, showcasing actors who play themselves in movies.

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    Bozimandeus
    Community Member
    8 minutes ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The man is an amazing actor, yes we all know he likes one particular curse word, but all of his roles are different unique characters.

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    #22

    Melissa McCarthy

    Actor Melissa McCarthy at a dining table, holding a wine glass, in a kitchen setting.

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    ScootyPuffJr
    Community Member
    26 minutes ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think fat actresses get screwed over with the roles they're given. They're either the funny fat chick, or the wise bestfriend/momma character.

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    #23

    Jack Nicholson

    Actor Jack Nicholson in rugged attire in front of ornate mirror and mounted horns, embodying his usual self in film.

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    Happy Onion
    Community Member
    2 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can only think of ONE movie where he's not Jack Nicholson: About Schmidt

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    #26

    Zach Galifianakis

    Actor Zach Galifianakis with puppets at a formal event, showcasing the theme of actors who always play themselves.

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    ScootyPuffJr
    Community Member
    22 minutes ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of my favorite Onion articles was titled something like, "Director of new Zach Galifianakis movie disappointed to find out he's just a potato with a crayon beard." But I think he's pretty great.

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    #27

    Steve Carell

    Actor Steve Carell in a suit stands in front of a digital display screen, embodying a role typical of his style.

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    Sweetie Dahling
    Community Member
    2 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you only know him from The Office, just watch Foxcatcher and you'll see why he doesn't deserve a place on this list at all.

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    #28

    Jennifer Lawrence

    Actress Jennifer Lawrence in a cozy kitchen setting with long hair and a turtleneck, embodying their signature persona.

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    #30

    Nicolas Cage

    Actor Nicholas Cage with a beard leaning against a tree, wearing a jacket, embodying familiar character traits of actors who play themselves.

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    G Bono
    Community Member
    2 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really? I don’t even like him, but there’s no denying his talent. The problem is he’s been calling it in for years. He’s just lazy

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    #31

    Reese Witherspoon

    A blonde actress Reese Witherspoon with a serious expression, in a studio setting, representing actors known for consistent roles.

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    #34

    Keanu Reeves

    Actor Keanu Reeves in a casual henley shirt outdoors, exemplifying actors known for consistently playing themselves in films.

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    Jaya
    Community Member
    7 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it's funny how Kristen Stewart is hated by so many people for showing no emotions while acting, and Keanu is universally adored despite showing even less emotions while acting.

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    #35

    Morgan Freeman

    Actor Morgan Freeman in a red suit holding a drink at a party, surrounded by people, representing actors who always play themselves.

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