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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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    #2

    Seth Rogen

    Actor with glasses expressing surprise, highlighting actors who always play themselves.

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    Karl der Große
    Community Member
    1 hour ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It seems he always plays similar characters, but I don't think he can be said to be "playing himself." His characters tend to be hapless schlemiels, but he is actually pretty thoughtful and erudite in real life. (TBH - I have only seen a few of his movies.)

    #4

    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
    10 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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    #8

    Owen Wilson

    Actor Owen Wilson in cowboy attire on a cobblestone street, showcasing a typical role often portrayed.

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    MEB
    Community Member
    1 hour ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know it is not his fault, but his nose looks like a penis and I cannot, for the life of me, think about anything else when I see him. So, I don't know, really, what kind of actor he is.

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    #15

    Kristen Stewart

    Actress Kristen Stewart gazing thoughtfully, representing actors who always play themselves in movies.

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    Miki
    Community Member
    1 hour ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Normally I would agree but I saw her in "Underwater". Movie was totally meh but she was cool in it.

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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
    10 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.

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    #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
    3 hours 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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    #23

    Melissa McCarthy

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

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    ScootyPuffJr
    Community Member
    3 hours 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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    #24

    Robert Downey Jr.

    Robert Downey Jr. with dark hair in a somber setting, capturing a contemplative moment, often portraying himself in roles.

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    G Bono
    Community Member
    5 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He is possibly the most talented actor working today. Had his personal issues not overshadowed his career, he would already be considered on par with Brando, Nicholson, etc and I think he will be eventually, but, if you really want to see him.

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    #25

    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
    3 hours 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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    #26

    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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    Karl der Große
    Community Member
    1 hour ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His characters are always so intense and a little off-balance that it makes me wonder about his actual personality. (I had a friend who is an actor, and he was so caught up in the character he was playing that it took a long time to see who he really was.)

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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
    5 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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    #29

    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
    5 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
    10 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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