Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.
No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good?
A character actor specializes in playing distinctive, often unconventional roles – typically supporting or secondary characters – that are crucial to the storytelling process. These actors bring depth and authenticity to their parts, making even the most eccentric or minor characters unforgettable, despite not being the central focus of the narrative. The best character actors have an exceptional ability to fully inhabit their assignment, often transforming themselves physically or through accents to disappear completely into the character. While they might not often be the star, they’re the performers who make us say, “Oh, this person! I love when they show up on screen!”
Character actors are known for their versatility, taking on a wide variety of personas across genres, and their performances often add layers of complexity to the story. Without them, many films would feel incomplete or flat. Their incredible work enriches the ensemble cast, adding authenticity and depth to the films they’re a part of.
I took this question to X (formerly Twitter) and got some great responses: James Cromwell, Michael Shannon, Tilda Swinton, and Sam Rockwell, to name a few. And while I can’t argue their status as character actors, they have also been leads in films and a couple have won Oscars. For the purpose of this list, I’m looking more for deep cuts in that character actor world. Lesser known names than those mentioned above.
10. Bill Camp (The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Hostiles, News of the World)
9. Bokeem Woodbine (The Inspection, Queen & Slim, Overlord)
8. John Carroll Lynch (Fargo, Zodiac, The Trial of the Chicago 7)
7. Leland Orser (Seven, Saving Private Ryan, Alien Resurrection)
6. Ann Dowd (Compliance, Hereditary, The Leftovers)
5. Stephen Root (Office Space, Barry, No Country for Old Men)
4. Keith David (The Thing, Platoon, American Fiction)
3. Shea Whigham (Take Shelter, American Primeval, Fancy Dance)
2. Margo Martindale (August: Osage County, Million Dollar Baby, Justified)
1. Scoot McNairy (Argo, Killing Them Softly, A Complete Unknown)
Superb theme and list.
I'd like add Mr Michael Stuhlbarg who is a great overlooked supporting actor outside (Outside fantastic A Serious Man).
Just missed the cut. He might have been my last one out, if I remember correctly. It was him or William Fichtner.
Not sure Martindale counts as underrated given she has a few Emmy awards.
It's a fair point.
What a great topic. I was thinking about this recently. I enjoyed yourlist. Margo might be teetering between character and lead these days. Leland Orser!! What a random inclusion, and fantastic.
A few under the radar actors I’d also add are: Celia Weston,
Richard Kind,
Will Patton,
Kate Nelligan ,
Loretta Devine,
Annabeth Gish,
Olwen Fouéré
All great choices… I struggled with whether Margo should be on the list or if she is too big a name now. Totally understand the sentiment. Glad you enjoyed seeing Orser make the cut. I never understood how he didn't get more opportunities!