7 Actors Better Off As Second Fiddle
Is there anything wrong with being a great character actor rather than a big movie star? Absolutely not! It’s always a joy to realize that guy is in the movie. He may not be the biggest name but he always makes everything he is in a little bit better. Some of the following actors may be aspiring for movie mega-stardom while others are happy with picking great supporting roles but they all have one thing in common. They shine the brightest when they aren’t the top dogs in the show. Here are 7 actors that we believe are better off as second fiddle:
Zach Galifianakis
Galifianakis proved that he can be a very effective comedian as part of an ensemble cast with his breakout turn in The Hangover. However like most over-the-top comedians, he is much better off in tidbit roles rather than as the main dish. His man-child brand of comedy can get irritating very quickly when he has to do it for the entire length of a movie as shown in the middling Due Date in which he co-starred next to Robert Downey Jr. Hollywood seems to be trying to turn him into the next Will Ferrell but I doubt this is going to work out. Used more sparsely however, Galifianakis can provide great comedic relief without becoming an obnoxious presence.
John C. Reilly
It’s been great to see this character actor rise to prominence the past few years as filmmakers only recently realized his comedic talent and ability to wear a Chewbaca mask. As seen in Step Brothers and Talladega Nights, John C. Reilly can be an extraordinarily funny complementary piece. While Reilly has played lead roles competently in movies such as Cirque Du Freak and Walk Hard, those two movies were massive box office flops that demonstrated that he simply doesn’t have the star power required to highlight a movie.
Alec Baldwin
Anyone who has seen the movie Glengarry Glen Ross can attest of the fact that Alec Baldwin is a game-changer as a supporting actor who is given a small but flashy and well-written role. Indeed, if coffee is for closers then Baldwin can have plenty of it. While his early career was spent as a forgettable leading man, Baldwin’s transition to supporting roles has yielded much better results. He was very good among a star-studded cast in Martin Scorsese’s The Departed and let’s not forget his long-standing role on one of America’s most popular TV show 30 Rock which is also a great reminder that this man can do comedy.
J.K. Simmons
Most will recognize J.K. Simmons as that funny guy because he has appeared in so many movies for sporadic comic relief. He is the type of character actor who makes all the movie he appears in invariably better. May it be as a newspaper editor-in-chief pinning for pictures of Spider-Man, the dad of a pregnant teenager named Juno, or a moody production manager in Extract, Simmons steals every single scene he is in with his dry sense of humor and always appropriate sense for delivering funny lines.
Ed Harris
An actor who epitomize the fact that there is nothing wrong with playing second fiddle on the silver screen, Ed Harris is indeed one of the most accomplished actor of our time even though he has played almost exclusively supporting roles for most of his career. Although he received an Oscar nomination for playing the title character in Pollock (2000), his other 3 Oscar nominations are for supporting turns in Apollo 13, The Truman Show and The Hours. Harris has always had an affinity for portraying characters that are tough yet gentle, convincingly conveying self-doubt and personal flaws with subtlety and nuance as shown with his roles in The Rock, and Gone Baby Gone.
Stanley Tucci
He’s the loving husband you ever dreamed of (Julie & Julia), the free spirited dad you’ve always wished you had (Easy A), the obnoxious federal agent who tries everything to make your life hell (The Terminal) or the only sympathetic and trustworthy friend you have at your new workplace (The Devil Wears Prada). Stanley Tucci has played a great variety of supporting characters throughout his career, earning himself an Oscar nomination for his creepy turn as a serial killer in the otherwise disappointing The Lovely Bones. Although he will never highlight a cast, Stanley Tucci has become one of the most highly respected character actor in the industry.
Cillian Murphy
Another actor who is better suited in supporting roles or as part of an ensemble cast is Cillian Murphy. The notoriously shy and private Murphy isn’t the kind to seek the spotlights and it is doubtful that he has any aspiration for movie mega-stardom. Nonetheless, after breaking out with Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later, the talented and versatile Irishman found himself appearing in numerous Hollywood blockbusters such as Batman Begins, Red Eye, The Dark Knight and Inception. Look for this to continue as Murphy continues to make more independent movies while taking the occasional supporting role in Hollywood blockbusters.
Agree/Disagree with any of our picks? What other actors do you think are better off with third or fourth billing? Let it be known in the comments!
50 Comments
I agree with most of these except for Cillian, I think he’s got enough charisma to play leading roles. I’m sure Novroz will be mad at you for putting him on this list, Castor
Weird…I was replying for your comment but the comment appears below
Well…anyway. I totally disagree with putting Cillian in this list!
Well, Cillian certainly could but would he? There is nothing wrong with picking great supporting roles instead of playing lame, generic leading role.
hmmmm… i would love ed harris, cillian murphy and stanley tucci to each star in something. I’d watch their movies they’re headlining in an instant
Agreed that Galifianakis is best when limited to a supporting role. As much as I loved him in The Hangover, I still think his funniest role was in Out Cold.
I don’t know what the fuss is about Zach G so yeah, I certainly don’t mind him doing mostly supporting roles.
His short part in Up in the Air cracked me up.
I don’t even remember him in Up in the Air, so it must not be all that memorable. Melanie Lynskey on the other hand, is always noteworthy even in tiny parts. Now I’d like to see her get a leading role for once.
I also pretty much agree with your picks. Personally, I most all of the mentioned actors, with the exception being Galifianakis for whom I just don’t care. For example, Ed Harris’ name is reason enough for me to see a film. And also, must say I loved Cillian Murphy in everything I’ve seen him in so far. I think he could even pull a shallow blockbuster type of role (like James McAvoy in “Wanted”) without breaking a sweat.
Another great actor who I love to watch, and always plays supporting characters, is William H. Macy.
Yes! I’m an Ed Harris fan myself. Dude brings a lot of extra depth even to his most generic characters like in The Rock or Enemies at the Gate. Cillian Murphy has been great in everything he has done so far indeed.
I really want to disagree with you about Stanley Tucci, but I’m not sure I’ve got an argument. I think he’s something a little bit more than merely a “character actor,” but I agree that he’s not lead material. I know that for me personally, his involvement in a movie could be the tipping point in terms of whether or not I’ll bother to see it. Still, my definition of character actor is someone that turns up often, but that the average person can not necessarily name, and I think Tucci is more typically well-known than that. Solid “Supporting Actor” territory.
I can’t say that I disagree in principle, but I think everyone with the exception of Galifianakis could carry the right movie well if given a good shot at it. Problem is, they probably won’t get it.
Steve Zahn. Hands down one of the best supporting actors in the biz.
I think Michael Caine could fit into this category as well, although I haven’t seen many of his movies where he was the leading actor.
Totally agree, I put Zahn in my list of Actors Who Should Get More Leading Roles because he’s capable of so much more.
Castor, it’s sad to see Ed Harris on this list, but you’re right he’s probably ok with it as he cares more about the quality of the film than the fame. Makes me like him more. I’d also add Christian Bale who’s willing to play second fiddle to many projects (I even dedicated a post that list ‘em all). He did The New World even for just 20 minute screen time because he wanted to work with Malick.
You are right Ruth! I am mad at Castor for putting him in this list
I hate Hollywood for always making him as supporting role whereas he has amazing talent as Leading Role. He won best actor for his brilliant act in Breakfast on Pluto, he was nominated in many awards for The Wind That Shakes the Barley. He SHOULD get nominated for oscar for his amazing performance in Peacock. Although I always see his movies even as cameo…but in truth I hate seeing him as cameo or supporting role…what a waste of talent! (I talk about this in this month’s monthly murphy)
Fortunately he still keeping up with independence movies who really appreciate his real talent.
Ahah come on! You really think Cillian Murphy would carry his own Hollywood movie? No doubt he has the talent and the abilities but I just don’t think he desires to run the show unless it’s a really great, specific role tailored for him. Now, I can see why you would think being on this list would feel like a condemnation of the actors on this list but it’s not. There is nothing wrong with being a great supporting actor. Guess who has been a supporting actress for most of her career and is about to win an Oscar? Natalie Portman!
But the words BETTER OFF makes it sounds like he is incapable of making it as leading roles. I guess that’s what really makes me angry.
I know he will NEVER play a lame character. He has a ‘thing’ for picking a character. He always tries to choose the most challenging characters.
Well the goal wasn’t to make you angry Novroz!!! Except for Zach Galifianakis, those guys are some of my favorite actors
Yeah..I admit I easily become sensitive when it comes to Cillian
I just hope one day he gets his real break in Hollywood as leading role with (of course) a character of his choice….and stop being associated with great villain.
God, it’s so hard for me to want them all to stay as second fiddles, because while they’ve been kicking ass as second fiddles their whole careers, I would love to see every last one of these guys get their moment in the spotlight. Great list though, this whole crew rocks.
I really disagree with Cillian Murphy being listed here – 1) Because he has shone in leading roles in the past, though they were mostly independent films like Breakfast On Pluto and 28 Days Later and 2) I feel, as many probably do, that he has yet to hit his prime yet, and if he has the chance for a great lead role with a good script I doubt he would forfeit it easily. Have you watched Peacock? 28 Days Later? Red Eye, where he was co-lead? Actually, he’s so good that it doesn’t matter what role he’s taking be it lead or supporting, he’s always highly watchable.
Also it was very jarring to go down the names and come across Cillian last, he seems totally out of place here; by far the youngest actor you’ve placed on this list.
Another Cillian fan! I have seen 28 Days Later and Red Eye both several times and I agree that he is very good actor. As explained multiple times above, I feel Cillian isn’t the type of actor who would take on a generic lead role in a Hollywood blockbuster to get ahead. Of course, like every single actor out there, he would certainly jump at the opportunity if there was well-written, meaty lead role waiting for him but you ask yourself the odds of that happening.
Thanks for the input Vern!
The direction John C. Reilly’s career has taken reminds me a lot of Walter Mathau. Started off part-comic but in mostly serious roles, then with a breakthrough blockbuster starts being taken as more of a comedy than serious actor.
Completely agree about J.K. Simmons and Stanley Tucci (though I wouldn’t mind it if Tucci calmed down the crazy-questionable sexuality older man routine).
Galikinakis… *shrug* could do with him, could do without him.
I absolutely agree with you there on Reilly. The movies I’ve seen him in were dramas, making me wish somebody would give a good dramatic part in the near future.
Murphy and Harris don’t really fit on this list. For years Harris was a leading man and Murphy has led films without going into the “generic” lead roles you suggest.
Yes but they aren’t Hollywood movies. You are telling me if you saw a major Hollywood film with Cillian Murphy top-billed, you wouldn’t think box office flop? At this point in time, he just doesn’t have the star power to draw people to the movie theater. He is still young so maybe it will happen. I just doubt it ever does.
I don’t think the ‘star’ is the only reason a movie will flop or succes in box office.
District9 has Sharlto and does anyone knew who Sharlto was? And I don’t think Sam Worthington is the reason people went to see Avatar.
Good script and good visual effect has better power in drawing people than the star itself.
True but how often does a District 9 come along and did that make Sharlto Copley a bona-fide leading man? Would an empty role like Sam Worthington’s in Avatar really advance Cillian Murphy’s career after all? There is more to being a movie star than being a good actor.
Castor, I think you’re focusing a bit too heavy on money. There are plenty of indies that people such as Cillian can be the lead in, and be a ‘star.’ It sounds as though you think there’s category A for the STARS of the 80s a la Ford and Willis and Arnold, and category B for…everyone else. There are varying degrees on stardom.
We were discussing this on the podcast this week about Vince Vaughn. He’s a small doses actor.
A good list here, except for Mr. Murphy. He’s a brilliant leading man.
I’d add Jude Law to this list. He has frequently been brilliant in supporting roles (Ripley, AI, The Road to Perdition, Gattaca, Sherlock Holmes) but he doesn’t have the chops for a leading performance.
I have to agree on that, but this is my question: would you call his performance in Closer lead or supporting?
I’d say the four actors in Closer are co-leads, and as he’s not very good in closer, that means my theory is sound! Hurrah!
Great list Castor, I think I agree on all counts.
The all-timer for so-called second fiddle has got to be John Cazale, right?
He was the ultimate supporting guy in The Godfather, The Godfather II, Dog Day Afternoon, The Deer Hunter, and The Conversation. No other second fiddle guy has a resume that can match that I think.
Maybe Karl Malden comes close with his turns in Streetcar Named Desire and On The Waterfront.
I agree with most of this list especially Zach and John C. Reilly. I haven’t been a fan of the latter’s work ever really, but I did like his work with P.T Anderson in Magnolia. I worked at the cinema when Walk Hard was released and I don’t think I have seen a bigger flop. Ed Harris, Stanley Tucci and Alec Baldwin are all quality actors that always play great in an ensemble. J.K Simmons is another example, but have you guys seen OZ? I like the comment when you said he is used for ‘sporadic comic relief’ but in OZ he plays the leader of the Aryan Brotherhood, a real cold-hearted bastard. The only one I disagree with is Cillian Murphy, as many before me have said. He is still relatively young and while he is soft-spoken and reserved, I really think he could be an effective lead.
I couldn’t help not to smile reading all these comments. Glad I’m not the only who misunderstood Castor’s list
I think most actors are good in ensembles, so…yeah…
Like who?
Ooh, I love this list, Castor. The only one I could even argue is probably Harris who is pretty good as a lead in The Abyss and Pollack. But he is reeeeeeeally good in supporting roles so point taken. I have to go think up some of my own now!
“They shine the brightest when they aren’t the top dogs in the show.”
When is the last time you saw Tucci or Simmons in the lead role? I’m wondering how you can make the above statement. I think the last time I saw Tucci prominently featured was in Big Night…in 1996…and he was awesome. Simmons? Never.
I’m not saying you’re wrong, but give ‘em a chance. After all, Richard Jenkins would probably make a list like this as well, but he was pretty great in The Visitor.
Oh I absolutely loved The Visitor, probably more than most and it was truly a pleasure to see Richard Jenkins gets the type of role he deserved after all these years. I’m always open to people surprising me
This list may seem like a condemnation of the talent of those actors but it really isn’t. As I said somewhere in the comments above, I really like all of those actors except for Galifianakis.
I agree with you on Jenkins … The Visitor bored me to tears, and I thought he was PHENOMENAL in Eat Pray Love among other memorable supporting roles.
I love Richard Jenkins. Six Feet Under and Burn After Reading are two roles that spring to mind. I haven’t seen The Visitor but I am sure he was excellent.
I think John C. Reilly will basically do anything you need him to do. I’ve seen him be funny, dramatic, poignant. He can sing and dance too! So I think if you need him to be a leading man, he’ll do that too. I quite enjoyed him in Cyrus. I always thought every movie was better with a little Steve Buscemi, but now that he’s on Showtime, we’ll probably get less of him. I was upset that Tucci’s nomination was for such a creepy role! He’s quite hot and I’d like to see him as a leading man in a good relationship flick.
I actually think Johnny C. is more flexible, working well as a lead and as a supporting character, but since he tends to find himself in the latter position more than the former he fits.
My own pick would be Ciaran Hinds. He’s an absolutely amazing actor more than capable of appearing in the forefront of a movie and owning it, but he works so, so much better as the old reliable advisor or friend than as the protagonist. This lends itself to an unfortunate tendency toward making his leads look rather foolish as he acts circles around him, but as long as the star can match Hinds’ magnificent chops then his presence as a support character in a film is absolutely invaluable. If I’m looking forward to Harry Potter Finally Ends For Real This Time (pt.2) for one thing only, it’s seeing him as Aberforth.
Please add Danny Trejo to this list! haha he is much better playing 2nd fiddle in movies like Con Air, From Dusk til Dawn, Predators, and The Replacement Killers, etc, instead of lead role in movies such as Machete. haha. Fun list Cap!
*btw- did you happen to get my email abt the GG’s??
Yes. I emailed you back!
Pete Postlethwaite would have been a good add to this list prior to his untimely death last week.
I hate to see Ed Harris on here, but I think you’re right about him. He’s excellent as a supporting character, but probably couldn’t draw enough as a lead (Even though he did a great job in the Abyss).
Stanley Tucci on the cast list is always a good sign, too!
Great list!
Steve Buscemi was born to play character parts.
Ray Liotta is another actor who’s migrated successfully into supporting parts. He was never a conventional leading man anyway, which probably made the transition smoother. He’s versatile enough to play both drama and comedy too.
Murphy is leading man material – only have to watch Breakfast on Pluto to know that. C Reilly probably suits support stuff better, but id watch him in anything. you could argue hes the lead in Magnolia, in a sense. thats a whole other post though
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