We all love those famous movie stars who got their start on TV sitcoms – like Will Smith and Tom Hanks. Their journey from the small screen to the big screen has been nothing short of spectacular. But did you know that there are also many TV stars who have conquered the world of movies? These actors have not only found success on television but have also dazzled us with their talents on the silver screen.
While we may instantly think of Jason Alexander as the hilarious character from Seinfeld, he has also delivered outstanding performances in movies that deserve our attention. This list aims to shed light on these remarkable movie roles, which may have flown under the radar. From well-known films to hidden gems, all of these movies are a must-watch if you want to see your favorite sitcom stars stepping outside their comfort zones.
So, let’s dive in and explore the extraordinary journey of these TV stars turned movie icons. Which sitcom actor do you believe has truly excelled in the world of movies? Share your thoughts and let’s celebrate the incredible talent of these multifaceted entertainers!
1. Jackie Gleason Plays A Legendary Billiards Player In ‘The Hustler’
Jackie Gleason, known for his comedic role as Ralph Kramden on The Honeymooners, also showcased his dramatic talents in the 1961 film The Hustler, alongside the legendary Paul Newman.
In the movie, Gleason portrays billiards legend Minnesota Fats, who must defend his world title against a young and talented player named “Fast” Eddie Felsen. What makes Gleason’s performance truly captivating is the way he brings his character to life, revealing a rich inner world. Renowned critic Roger Ebert perfectly captures this, describing Gleason as someone who “gives the impression of a man purified by pool, who has experienced all the disappointments and dishonesty that come with the game, yet emerges as a graceful and skilled player.”
Gleason’s remarkable portrayal garnered him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.
2. Betty White Plays A Foul-Mouthed Grandma With A Secret In ‘Lake Placid’
Sometimes a performance stands out because it defies our expectations of the actor or actress. Betty White, known for her roles in sitcoms like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls, always brings a sense of warmth and friendliness that makes us happy. But there’s one movie, Lake Placid from 1999, where White takes on a completely different character.
In a surprising and unconventional move, White plays a foul-mouthed widow who has been secretly feeding a giant crocodile in the local lake. It’s quite a departure from her usual roles. Not only does she lead a cow to its doom at the jaws of the crocodile, but she also delivers some hilariously profane lines that I won’t repeat here. White fearlessly embraces this edgy material, and it’s both unsettling and impressive how convincingly she delivers those lines.
3. Ted Knight Plays An Uptight, Snooty Judge In ‘Caddyshack’
Caddyshack, a comedy film, features a star-studded cast including Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and Rodney Dangerfield. However, it is worth noting that the funniest character in the movie is Ted Knight, who portrays Judge Smails, the snobbish and elitist member of Bushwood Country Club. This speaks volumes about the quality of Knight’s performance. His portrayal of Smails is remarkable, as he constantly finds himself in fits of rage, particularly when the brash outsider Al Czervik, played by Dangerfield, arrives.
Knight has built a career playing characters who are uptight and foolish, gaining recognition for his roles in sitcoms like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Too Close for Comfort. In Caddyshack, he takes these qualities to the extreme, exemplifying the WASP establishment that the movie satirizes. Some of the most memorable lines in the film are delivered with great enthusiasm by Knight, such as the iconic “You’ll get nothing and like it!”
It is possible that Knight tapped into some real-life frustration while portraying Judge Smails. According to reports, he was the only sober and professional individual on set, surrounded by a cast and crew known for their partying ways.
4. Tim Allen Plays A Washed-Up Actor Who Gets A Second Chance At Glory In ‘Galaxy Quest’
Tim Allen became famous for his role in Home Improvement, where he portrayed a skilled handyman who lacked some common sense when it came to family matters. He also lent his voice to the beloved character Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story movies. Despite his success, Allen’s on-screen movie career hasn’t been as prominent. However, he did star in two movies that have gained a cult following over time: The Santa Clause and Galaxy Quest.
In Galaxy Quest, Allen delivers a hilarious performance as a character reminiscent of William Shatner. This character achieved fame through a past sci-fi show and now spends his days attending fan conventions. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when they are called upon for a real intergalactic mission, similar to the ones they faced on TV. Suddenly, this washed-up star is thrust into a leadership role in real life.
Allen’s wit shines through in Galaxy Quest, perfectly balancing his character’s egotism. He manages to portray someone who enjoys their fame but also resents no longer being the center of attention as they once were.
5. Neil Patrick Harris Plays A Shy Science Geek Who Becomes A Stone-Cold War Criminal In ‘Starship Troopers’
Neil Patrick Harris is known for his success in two sitcoms. He gained recognition in the 80s portraying a young doctor in Doogie Howser, M.D. In the 2000s, he charmed audiences with his role in the long-running series, How I Met Your Mother.
In Paul Verhoeven’s intense sci-fi masterpiece, Starship Troopers, Harris’s youthful appearance and playful personality were skillfully utilized. He takes on the character of Colonel Carl Jenkins, a timid science enthusiast who joins the Federal Service and undergoes a surprising transformation into a ruthless war criminal. This unexpected change is particularly striking considering Harris’s typically clean-cut image.
Harris fully grasps the satirical nature of the film and delivers a deliberately exaggerated performance that hits all the right notes. His portrayal perfectly captures the over-the-top essence that the movie aims to achieve.
6. Andy Griffith Plays A Folksy Hero Who Builds A Dangerous Cult Of Personality In ‘A Face in the Crowd’
Andy Griffith is widely recognized for his portrayal of the kind and compassionate Sheriff Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show, as well as his role as the loyal defense attorney on Matlock. However, if you want to see Griffith in a completely different light, you should definitely check out A Face in the Crowd. Released in 1957, this drama showcases Griffith as an alcoholic drifter who unexpectedly becomes a sensation in the media after a radio producer gives him a chance on air.
In this film, Griffith showcases his signature folksy and down-home charm, but he also delves into a darker side of his character. As his fame grows, his character begins to develop a narcissistic streak and revels in the adoration of his fans. Additionally, he struggles with a weakness for women, which adds complexity to his portrayal. Griffith expertly navigates these intricacies, delivering a nuanced performance that truly captures the essence of his character.
7. Mary Tyler Moore Plays A Grieving Mother Trying To Present A Perfect Image In ‘Ordinary People’
Mary Tyler Moore, known for her role in the ’70s sitcom named after her, was able to captivate audiences with her smile. As the upbeat news producer Mary Richards, she effortlessly managed a vibrant newsroom filled with unique colleagues. However, in 1980, she surprised the movie industry when she took on a much darker role in the Oscar-winning film Ordinary People.
In the movie, Moore portrayed Beth Jarrett, a seemingly perfect wife, mother, and suburbanite. Yet, beneath her facade, her marriage was crumbling, and her relationship with her son was strained due to a shared personal tragedy. This role allowed Moore to challenge the perception people had of her, revealing that even those who exude positivity can have a hidden dark side.
Moore’s exceptional performance in Ordinary People earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
8. Jason Bateman Plays A Man Rudely Trying To Get Rid Of An Old Acquaintance In ‘The Gift’
Jason Bateman, known for his nice-guy image onscreen, breaks away from that stereotype in the 2015 thriller The Gift. In this film, he plays Simon, a character who appears friendly on the surface but harbors a dark and angry side within.
Simon’s life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Gordo, an old classmate portrayed by Joel Edgerton. Gordo, hoping to revive a nonexistent friendship, becomes somewhat clingy. Ignoring the subtle hints, Simon eventually becomes the aggressor, resorting to threats and even physical violence in his desperate attempts to push Gordo away.
The brilliance of Bateman’s casting lies in the stark contrast we witness. His character’s outbursts of anger catch us off guard, as we never anticipated such behavior from him. Initially, we find ourselves cheering for Simon, but gradually our sympathies shift towards Gordo as the story unfolds.
9. Jennifer Aniston Plays A Sensual, Demanding Dentist In ‘Horrible Bosses’
Jennifer Aniston became a famous name thanks to her role as Rachel Green on Friends. Rachel was known for being sometimes unsure of herself, but always dependable when her friends needed support. And let’s not forget that iconic haircut!
Aniston has taken on many movie roles that are similar to Rachel. However, some would argue that her best work on the big screen is in Horrible Bosses. In this film, she plays a dentist with an insatiable sexual appetite. Her character has no problem pressuring her employee into satisfying her desires. Aniston truly shines in this role, showcasing a side of herself that is both sexy and wickedly funny.
Aniston herself found the opportunity to play against type to be exhilarating. In an interview with Collider, she expressed her excitement about being offered the role: “That was a great script to get because I couldn’t believe that they wanted me to do it. They actually never thought that I would say yes, and of course, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.”
10. John Krasinski Plays A Father Determined To Save His Family In ‘A Quiet Place’
If you only know John Krasinski from his role as the witty Jim Halpert on The Office, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by his performance in A Quiet Place. In the show, he mastered the art of conveying his character’s exasperation with his boss through clever glances at the camera. He’s a natural at comedy.
However, in A Quiet Place, which he not only directed but also co-wrote, Krasinski leaves behind the mischievous antics to portray a father who is determined to protect his family. They’re hiding in a farmhouse from extraterrestrial creatures that rely on sound to hunt. It’s truly impressive to see Krasinski excel at playing a character who is serious due to the circumstances. One particularly heartfelt aspect is his effort to mend the strained relationship with his deaf daughter, who wrongly believes he has rejected her. It’s a scene that will surely tug at your heartstrings.
11. Steve Carell Plays The Infamously Eccentric Millionaire John du Pont In ‘Foxcatcher’
Steve Carell received an Oscar nomination for his role as John du Pont in Foxcatcher, a character completely different from his well-known portrayal of Michael Scott in The Office. John du Pont, a member of the prominent chemical company family, gained infamy for his conviction in the murder of a gold medal-winning wrestler.
Carell skillfully utilizes prosthetics to subtly alter his appearance, delving deep into the character of du Pont. He presents du Pont as peculiar, creating an unsettling atmosphere instead of relying on humor. Through Carell’s portrayal, we gain insight into how du Pont’s immense wealth isolated him from reality, causing him to lose touch with his grip on sanity. This performance in Foxcatcher proves that Carell is equally skilled in drama as he is in comedy.
The essence of playing this character, according to Carell, is similar to how he approached his role as Michael Scott – by not portraying him as a typical villain, but rather by finding empathy for him. Carell explains, “I never saw him as a villain, and I didn’t want to depict him in that way. Here was a guy who was the product of his upbringing, his enormous wealth. He was isolated to a great extent from many of the things that he longed for – and it was compounded with mental issues, of course. He was someone who didn’t possess the tools to achieve what he wanted out of life; and in that regard, incredibly heartbreaking.”