22 Actors Standing Together With The Most Famous Characters They Played (New Pics)
Interview With ArtistIn the grand theater of cinema, actors are primarily known by the iconic characters they portray. Before achieving fame, they aren't recognized by their names but by their characters. Take, for instance, the iconic roles of Kevin McCallister played by Macaulay Culkin in "Home Alone", or Robert Downey Jr.'s memorable portrayal of Tony Stark. These names are so intertwined that it's easy to confuse the actor with the character, to the point where they're nearly synonymous.
Netherlands-based artist, Ard Gelinck, presents a take on this confluence of actor and role. Through his skill, he detaches the inseparable, juxtaposing the actor and their character in a fascinating and reflective manner. His work frames the two side-by-side as though they're conversing, spending time together, and just engaging in a unique form of interaction.
Also, make sure to check out part one of the post on Bored Panda by clicking here.
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Emma Watson And Hermione Granger
Harry Potter.
Fun fact: because the Harry Potter franchise started filming when they were all literal children Emma Watson for example would actually try to do homework and write stuff with quills during the class scenes in the first movie for example
They all did this. The kids have said that they were told to try to do actual homework in their scenes to make them look more realistic.
Load More Replies...She was a cute child who grew into a beautiful woman. I have a lot of respect for her, and she's a very good actress.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit, well, fruit flies like a banana.
Load More Replies...Is it me or does Emma Watson play smart characters? Belle and Hermione! One of the best actresses ever, slay.
Did you even read the book and see how Hermione was described as looking like? Seems more like you're just grasping for reasons not to like someone who is vastly more liked, respected and successful than you'll ever be in a million life times.
Load More Replies...I love the dress she is wearing in that pic, she's a very pretty lady.
Load More Replies...Explain how she is ungrateful. You seem to think that because Emma doesn't agree with Rowling's transphobia, that somehow makes her ungrateful for being cast in the Harry Potter movies? That is beyond idiotic- it's like saying that because you don't agree with your parents on certain subjects you are therefore ungrateful for everything they did for you during childhood- utterly, utterly idiotic remarks from bigoted little people like you.
Load More Replies...Gelinck is like that friend who has an uncanny knack for remembering everyone's past - the good, the bad, and the goofy. He pulls out these throwback shots of actors and gives them a fresh spin, setting up a meet-and-greet between the actor and their most popular/recognized role. It's a bit like those high school reunion flicks, where you get to see who has changed, who hasn't, and who’s still trying to live down that unfortunate prom outfit.
Robbie Coltrane And Hagrid
Harry Potter.
He was such a well known actor in the UK he was easily recognisable to us.
Load More Replies...I keep thinking back on that interview he did where he said in 50 years he won't be here but Hagrid will. Damn onion ninjas.
Load More Replies...I remember seeing him on Frasier, when he played one of Daphne’s brothers. I was so used to him playing Hagrid, that I barely recognized him.
Michael J. Fox And Marty Mcfly
Back to the Future.
Why'd I get downvotes? I think the expanded life expectancy for Parkinson's is quite remarkable! When he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, people expected he had 20 years to live if he were "lucky" (being a relative concept here).
Because people can be twats I'm afraid, and jerks' knees jerk.
Load More Replies...Ard also knows we love our current generation of actors too. He features celebrities with their more recent, unforgettable roles, like for example Jenna Ortega and her role as Wednesday Addams. It's a great way to see how far they've come in such a short span. Plus, it's kind of fun to see how they've adapted to their characters, becoming almost inseparable from them in the public's eye.
Daniel Radcliffe And Harry Potter
Harry Potter.
I always thought he'd just be "Harry Potter" in my mind....but by brain currently has him labeled as "Weird Al" so clearly I was wrong.
Load More Replies...He's a good actor. I don't think Harry Potter when I see him in a movie. It took me over 20 years to see Leo DiCaprio as the character he was playing instead of Jack.
Not true- I'll paste in my previous reply about Emma Watson: Explain how she is ungrateful. You seem to think that because Emma doesn't agree with Rowling's transphobia, that somehow makes her ungrateful for being cast in the Harry Potter movies? That is beyond idiotic- it's like saying that because you don't agree with your parents on certain subjects you are therefore ungrateful for everything they did for you during childhood- utterly, utterly idiotic remarks from bigoted little people like you.
Load More Replies...Macaulay Culkin and Kevin Mccallister
Home Alone.
I would love a new home alone movie with him and everyone just pretends he's a child xD
Please. We need some home alone parody movies with him!
Load More Replies...I'm so glad he seems to be doing better now. One thing that really sticks with me is the fact that his father forced him to sleep on the floor instead of in his bed, "just so I knew that I would sleep on the floor if that's what he wanted." His family was so abusive and cruel and controlling, it's brave and powerful as hell that he's found peace within himself.
I believe his middle name is also "Macaulay Culkin." Making his full name Macaulay Macaulay-Culkin Culkin.
Benoit B. Mandelbrot's middle name is "Benoit B. Mandelbrot". And if you want a more obscure maths joke, an anagram of Banach–Tarski is Banach–Tarski-Banach–Tarski
Load More Replies...last time I've seen him was propably on the Home Alone games special with James Rolfe on Cinemassacre
He's now older than his movie mom and I... i don't wanna grow up anymore. 😭
Gelinck's work is like a cultural snapshot. It shows us how powerful cinema is, how it can shape our perceptions of an actor so strongly that we see them as their character. We might call Robert Pattinson 'Edward' or Daniel Radcliffe 'Harry' without even realizing it.
And then there's the whole fame game. One minute, you're just an actor; the next, you're the face of a global franchise. Gelinck's art is a cool reminder of how fast someone can zoom to stardom, all because of one character that resonates with the audience.
Given the opportunity this time around, Bored Panda reached out to Ard for an interview as we discussed some interesting topics letting Gerlinck shed some light on his unique creative process when it comes to this series.
When asked about the process behind creating his renowned images, Ard explained, "Creating these images involves a careful process of research, conceptualization, and execution. I always start by gathering high-resolution images of the actors and their most iconic roles, ensuring that the lighting and angles align as closely as possible for a seamless blend. After that, it's all about meticulous attention to detail in Photoshop, blending the images together and adjusting colors, shadows, and textures until I'm satisfied with the end result."
Tom Hanks And Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump.
Personal choice, but if you could only choose one actors films to watch for the rest of your life, which actor would you choose? For me it can only be Tom Hanks, such a wide variety of movies and hardly a dud amongst them.
have you seen "a man called otto" yet? i saw it on a flight to barbados and it was so good, i watched it again the other night with my niece, who had never seen it. we both loved it.
Load More Replies..."My Mama told me that life is like a box of chocolate." - Forrest Gump.
This man is amazing. I watched Captain Phillips again yesterday and the scene of where they rescued him, afterwards when he was in shock was amazing, so sooo realistic. Watching Sully tonight.
That is my favorite scene in that movie. He is pure gold in that scene.
Load More Replies...I still to this day if one of my friends needs to run for something i would yell run forest run
Harrison Ford And Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones.
I would always remember Harrison Ford as Hans Solo, though. I didn't watch the Indiana Jones series yet, is it good?
One of my favorite parts of the movie is when Henry says, "She talks in her sleep." Sean Connery improvised the line and it caused the crew to stop filming because they were laughing so hard.
Load More Replies...I'm sorry but, not to step on anyone's toes here, the only reason Indy is famous NOW is memes of Kingdom and the fact that he has a new movie coming out. That should be either Solo or Deckard in Indy's place for sure.
In response to the question about how he decides on which actor and role to feature in this exact series, Gelinck mentioned, "The decision largely depends on a combination of factors. It's partly based on my personal preferences, the impact of the role on pop culture, and, of course, requests from my followers. I try to keep a balance between all these factors."
Regarding the message he aims to convey in his works, the designer revealed, "When merging an actor with their famous role, my main objective is to evoke a sense of nostalgia and recognition. I want to capture the essence of the character and the actor's interpretation in one image, reminding viewers of the impact these roles have had on them and the wider world of cinema and television."
Carrie Fisher And Princess Leia
Star Wars.
It's Princess Leia twice. The elder Carrie Fisher should not be in her character.
She most likely would have passed by the time he started this project? Can only manipulate photos so much. Needed to use Leia as it was her most famous role, so photographs available that were both the most current, and would fit with a corresponding Leia shot would be limited. Can't exactly manipulate a sitting down late night interview shot to look like it's interacting with a rebel space princess...
Load More Replies...I loved her Leia. I had a girl crush on her for years. I never did meet a nerf-herder, not even one that wasn't scruffy looking.
"tootsie" ? not sure. :D (i loooooove Tootsie !!!! one of my fav movies) (sneaky, they change the title since)
Robert Downey Jr. And Tony Stark
Iron man.
Well, he didn't ... much. Couldn't we see him in Air America? True Believer? The Pick-up Artist? (My favorite of his early movies was Heart and Soul)
Load More Replies...He looks very different now or at least more different that now the newest photo
the first thing i saw him in was less than zero in 1987. talk about a transcendent performance that was extremely hard to watch.... whew! he has been one of my all-time favorite actors ever since.
i still believe he is one of the most underrated actors of our time. he was positively BRILLIANT in tropic thunder, and i sincerely believe he would've won the oscar if heath ledger hadn't OD'd.
Gelinck also shared some of the challenges in his work. "Sometimes, it can be difficult to find suitable photos that match in terms of perspective and lighting. Other times, the challenge lies in portraying the actor and the character simultaneously, especially if the character's appearance is vastly different from the actor's regular look."
Jude Law And Pope Pius XIII
That's what I was going to say. No offense to The Young Pope, but I think his biggest (certainly his breakout) role was as Gigolo Joe in A.I.
Load More Replies...There's no way that's his biggest role. I'm pretty sure more people would recognize him from Sherlock Holmes, The imaginarium of DR Parnassus, or as the Author from The Grand Budapest Hotel
My first thought was Watson, followed by Dumbledore....though that might just be due to personal preferences.
Load More Replies...What a bizarre show that Young Pope was. He's an amazing actor though
For me he IS HAMLET... he has been to denmark to play it on it's own castle...
Jack Nicholson And Jack Torrance
The Shining.
I would've thought Joker would be more iconic for him but Torrance still works great
Randie McMurphy in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest"
Load More Replies...Unpopular opinion here, but I don't like The Shining, mainly because I think Kubrick is overrated. Nicholson's best crazy face had to be in The Witches of Eastwick.
Name a movie where Jack does not look exactly the same - could have gone with As Good As It Gets too.
Finally, when asked about the research and preparation that goes into his projects, the artist emphasized their importance, saying, "Research and preparation are integral to the process. I spend hours looking through pictures, even looking up the interviews, and revisiting the movies or shows to capture the essence of the character. I am indeed a fan of many of the shows and movies I work on, which adds another layer of enjoyment to the process."
Julia Roberts And Vivian Ward
Pretty Woman.
Still looks exactly the same. Beautiful woman inside and out. Love her hair, smile, & laugh.
Agree I prefer her as a red head though.
Load More Replies...Red is such a rare and gorgeous hair colour. However, I know so many redheads (both celebrities and people in my personal life) who dye it away.
Tom Selleck And Thomas Magnum
Magnum, P.I.
Unpopular opinion: I like the original AND the reboot. both are good
Agree! The new Magnum is not sexist, which is a major plus compared to the original. And such a fun and thrilling watch with a great cast that you love being in the company of. Selleck is iconic, of course, but the show is very of its time. They updated and reimagined it very well.
Load More Replies...The show that prevented him from playing Indiana Jones and made Harrison Ford get the role
Henry Thomas And Elliott
Molly Ringwald And Andie Walsh
Pretty in Pink.
Sylvester Stallone And Rocky Balboa
Rocky Balboa.
Some of these are very good but as a photoshop artist I must say some photos could use a bit more or work. It’s very hard to make them look as if they are in the same room. I don’t mean to be mean or judgmental but some pictures are just not right with the lights and the cuts are too obvious. This one however is really well done.
Luke Perry And Dylan Mckay
Beverly Hills, 90210.
I don't know how many people remember that movie, or that Luke was in it, but I love that movie and have seen it dozens of times. I own it on VHS, that's how old I am.
Load More Replies...Sharon Stone And Catherine Tramell
Basic Instinct.
Denzel Washington And Dr. Philip Chandler
St. Elsewhere.
Training Day or Malcolm X. Not some short-lived TV show. edit: short-lived in collective memory, not number of episodes
Well, first, St Elsewhere was not short-lived. Second, I think they are going for youngest well known pics.
Load More Replies...I would've chosen Glory or Philadelphia as Washington's most famous role. Or, hell, even the Bone Collector! 😜
Jenna Ortega And Wednesday
Wednesday.
Well, to be fair, the heading says it's actors next to the most famous character they played, which this is, but the ones that "traverse time" are more interesting.
Load More Replies...Wow, so she looks the same now as she did earlier this year? What an idiotic inclusion in this list!
Christina Ricci and Wednesday would've been more appropriate for this
Yessss. Jenna is the best Wednesday and no one can convince me otherwise. (I say, only having seen the other one in YouTube clips...)
Stuck in the Middle her original Disney series would be more appropriate.
Tom Cruise And Joel Goodsen
Risky Business.
In fairly sure that his most famous roles were in Top Gun or Mission Impossible. Risky business was a breakthrough but not the most famous.
risky business was hyuuuge for him, that sliding into the archway in sox n boxers? Iconic even today. "Sometimes, you just have to say What the Fu*k."
Load More Replies...tom cruise has way too many amazing movies i can't decide. (Minority Report, last samurai, rain man, a few good man etc... etc.. etc... He is such a great actor
Dmm i love his movies the fact that both top gun movies are based of real life events is so awsome im sad they did not point it out more with an specific this movie is based , they did an an thing abouth the top gun flight scool tho
Mel Gibson And Martin Riggs
Lethal Weapon.
Nope, Marin Riggs was much later. This pic is from the Mad Max era for sure.
The sceptic critic: In the past an apprentice would learn a craft for decades until he was called an artist. Today even the most basic ingredients like scale or lightning aren't respected. Which is weird in an age where Photoshop reigns. The concept is interesting but the execution is amateur, there is no beauty or art Here, should've paid more attention in Photoshop class.
The sceptic critic: In the past an apprentice would learn a craft for decades until he was called an artist. Today even the most basic ingredients like scale or lightning aren't respected. Which is weird in an age where Photoshop reigns. The concept is interesting but the execution is amateur, there is no beauty or art Here, should've paid more attention in Photoshop class.
