“They Always Play Themselves”: 35 Actors & Actresses Accused Of Having No Versatility On The Screen, See If You Agree
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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Seth Rogen
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.)
Owen Wilson
Tom Cruise
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..."
Samuel L. Jackson
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.
Will Smith
Vince Vaughn
His comedy roles are all identical but when he branches out to dramas he shows his range.
Melissa McCarthy
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.
Julia Roberts
Steel Magnolias, Erin Brockovich, Sleeping With The Enemy... She's definitely got range.
Zach Galifianakis
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.
Angelina Jolie
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.
I wonder if it's just because she is very recognizable?
Load More Replies...The Changeling was heartbreaking, a million mile turnaround from the superficiality of Tomb Raider. She's not everyone's favorite person, but she does have excellent range.
Agreed, also Gia, girl interrupted and so many other movies she's an excellent actor.
Load More Replies...Jack Nicholson
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.)
Steve Carell
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.
Scarlett Johansson
I feel like we haven't seen her full capability yet. Like if we gave her a really good dramatic role, lots of pain and anguish, and the right director to bring out the best in her, I think we could see an incredibly deep and powerful performance. Think she's not getting utilized well or she's not taking enough challenging roles.
Morgan Freeman
I think Jeff Goldblum always plays himself and that he’s brilliant at it
He does. Also, I'm surprised that Jim Carrey isn't on this list.
Load More Replies...What the f**k is this? What kind of answer options are those? Some are *way* too specific why not just have the same options for everyone, and make them general, instead of trying to put words into people's mouths? Also, yes, I DO sometimes take things too seriously. WHY DO YOU ASK?
Lol yeah the options changing seemed to be based on how the OP felt about the celeb
Load More Replies...There really should have been a 'No they are just s**t' option for a lot of these.
Sad to see Zoey D so high on the list. She’s capable of great acting. Generally, the perception of this lack of range thing has a lot to do with how actors are being cast. They don’t have as much control over what movies they do as people imagine. Studios want to make money, and they will keep creating the same dynamic over and over if it sells well.
A lot of these actors/actresses do not belong on here. I think it's that unless you've seen them in earlier films in their career or their smaller grittier roles? You probably will only know them for their roles in their big major films. The ones that they are most known for. Morgan Freeman and Samuel L Jackson have played amazing roles over the years for example. Love Samuel L Jackson in - Juice, Do The Right Thing, Unbreakable... Just to only name a few! Morgan Freeman in Shawshank Redemption? 💜💜💜
How is Will Smith not ranked higher? Dude is 100% The Fresh Prince of _______ in everything.
Bill Murray does always play the same character, but it's not himself. He's a complete douche irl. Arrogant AF, and generally mean.
Yeah, ive read a few stories about him being mean or rude. But then again I would say a lot of his characters are arrogant douches! Ghostbusters, Groundhogs Day, Scrooged, Kingpins…all arrogant douches!
Load More Replies...If you keep doing these garbage quizzes they'll keep posting them. All BP cares about are engagement metrics to keep the corporate overlords happy.
I think Jeff Goldblum always plays himself and that he’s brilliant at it
He does. Also, I'm surprised that Jim Carrey isn't on this list.
Load More Replies...What the f**k is this? What kind of answer options are those? Some are *way* too specific why not just have the same options for everyone, and make them general, instead of trying to put words into people's mouths? Also, yes, I DO sometimes take things too seriously. WHY DO YOU ASK?
Lol yeah the options changing seemed to be based on how the OP felt about the celeb
Load More Replies...There really should have been a 'No they are just s**t' option for a lot of these.
Sad to see Zoey D so high on the list. She’s capable of great acting. Generally, the perception of this lack of range thing has a lot to do with how actors are being cast. They don’t have as much control over what movies they do as people imagine. Studios want to make money, and they will keep creating the same dynamic over and over if it sells well.
A lot of these actors/actresses do not belong on here. I think it's that unless you've seen them in earlier films in their career or their smaller grittier roles? You probably will only know them for their roles in their big major films. The ones that they are most known for. Morgan Freeman and Samuel L Jackson have played amazing roles over the years for example. Love Samuel L Jackson in - Juice, Do The Right Thing, Unbreakable... Just to only name a few! Morgan Freeman in Shawshank Redemption? 💜💜💜
How is Will Smith not ranked higher? Dude is 100% The Fresh Prince of _______ in everything.
Bill Murray does always play the same character, but it's not himself. He's a complete douche irl. Arrogant AF, and generally mean.
Yeah, ive read a few stories about him being mean or rude. But then again I would say a lot of his characters are arrogant douches! Ghostbusters, Groundhogs Day, Scrooged, Kingpins…all arrogant douches!
Load More Replies...If you keep doing these garbage quizzes they'll keep posting them. All BP cares about are engagement metrics to keep the corporate overlords happy.