Comedians are often the heart and soul of Hollywood, their improvisational skills unmatched and talent at making people laugh both lucrative and deeply appreciated. Despite bringing happiness and joy to the masses, there is a stigma around comedians that most are actually depressed and unhappy behind closed-doors; this has even been called ’the sad clown paradox.’ While this theory is by no means universal, the funny men and women of cinema are generally upfront about their own demons and struggles. Perhaps that’s why they seemingly gain so much joy from the delight of others.
While many funny actors enjoy staying in their proverbial lanes and killing it at comedy, there are quite a few who embrace their multi-faceted nature and relish challenges. Many of comedy’s biggest heavyweights have taken on dramatic roles and received critical acclaim in doing so. These are the best dramatic movies from funny comedians, in no particular order.
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8 Robin Williams, Dead Poets Society
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Known for his infectious personality and side-splitting improvisational skills, the late and beloved Robin Williams had a knack for making audiences of all ages smile. With iconic roles in hilarious films like Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire and The Birdcage, Williams knew how to captivate and entertain the masses. Though heavily regarded as one of the best comedians of all time, the actor did not shy away from taking on diverse and dramatic roles. One of his earlier and most note-worthy performances was as private-school English teacher John Keating in 1989’s Dead Poets Society.
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MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
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Though many revere Williams for his Oscar-winning role in Good Will Hunting, he did just as phenomenal a job in Dead Poets Society. His tender portrayal of Professor Keating encouraged moviegoers to challenge the status quo and inspired the masses, earning Williams an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in the process. He was able to capture both humor and pain in his performance, while cementing his status as an actor who can do anything.
7 Whoopi Goldberg, The Color Purple
Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name written by Alice Walker. The moving and emotional film depicted the life of Celie Harris, an African American woman during the beginning of the twentieth century. Whoopi Goldberg was cast in the lead role, with a breakthrough performance that highlighted her range and talent. Known previously as a Broadway sensation and for her effervescent on-stage persona, Goldberg enthralled audiences as Celie and delivered in her heart-breaking and raw depiction. The Color Purple earned Goldberg a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama and also an Academy Award nomination. Critics praised her performance, with Roger Ebert calling her role, “One of the most amazing debut performances in movie history.”
6 Jim Carrey, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Focus Features
Beloved for his zany energy and slapstick humor, Jim Carrey has been making audiences laugh for nearly three decades. With iconic and memorable roles in films like The Mask, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and Dumb and Dumber, the actor knows how to tickle moviegoers right in the funnybone. Though often typecast as a comedic performer, Carrey has branched out and found success in dramatic roles, such as the titular character in the heartbreaking film The Truman Show. It was his perfect performance in the utterly original Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind that further showed the world the acting capabilities Carrey has.
Both the film and Carrey received critical acclaim, and the actor’s portrayal was lauded as the most poignant and significant in his career. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mindwon the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and Carrey received both a Golden Globe and BAFTA Award nomination for his efforts.
5 Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems
A24
Saturday Night Live alum and Hollywood heavy-hitter Adam Sandler’s comedy resume is both impressive and colorful; he has starred in massive classic comedy hits like The Waterboy and The Wedding Singer. While some of his projects have been less than well-received, Sandler knows his brand of comedy and fans can always depend on the comedian to deliver in full force. He is also not afraid to zag instead of zig, taking on roles in movies outside of his funny comfort zone such as Reign Over Me and Funny People, for which he has received praise.
Arguably his most dramatic and critically acclaimed role to date is in the 2019 crime thriller Uncut Gems, in which Sandler portrays a gambling addict and jeweler. The gritty and intense film perfectly showcased his acting chops and many praised Sandler’s performance, calling it the best of his career. The role also earned him the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead.
4 Mo’Nique, Precious
Lionsgate
Known for her comedy skills in both television and film, comedian Mo’Nique first gained recognition for her standup work as a member of ‘The Queens of Comedy.’ With lead roles in sitcoms like The Parkers and films like Soul Plane and Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, Mo’Nique knows how to make a crowd laugh. Even with an innate talent to entertain, she opted for a more dramatic and challenging role in 2009’s heart-wrenching drama Precious. Mo’Nique portrays the abusive and violent mother of the titular character, and both she and the film blew moviegoers away.
Rolling Stonecalled the actress’ performance “dynamite” and “tears at your heart.” Precious received six landmark Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress. Mo’Nique nabbed the award for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the fourth African American woman to do so.
3 Seth Rogen, Steve Jobs
Universal Pictures
Everyone’s favorite resident pothead Seth Rogen is famous for his weed-centric roles and persona, starring in beloved films like Knocked Up and Pineapple Express. Despite his gift of making audiences laugh until their sides hurt, Rogen is far more than just a comedic actor. He is a highly esteemed writer, producer and director who thoroughly enjoys venturing into new territory. The actor moved into dramatic work with his roles in less comedic films like Funny People and 50/50, but it wasn’t until his portrayal of Steve Wozniak in 2015’s Steve Jobs that viewers truly saw his depth. Rogen beautifully captured Wozniak’s frustration and anger towards his friend Steve Jobs, proving to everyone he’s far more than just a stereotypical stoner. He’s back to his usual antics with Santa Inc., but has proven he can return to drama anytime.
2 Steve Carell, Foxcatcher
Sony Pictures Classic
Steve Carell is a superstar in both the television and cinema world; he played everyone’s favorite boss Michael Scott in The Office and had major success in comedies such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Crazy, Stupid, Love. Despite beginning his career in more humorous roles, the actor shifted into dramatic film in the 2010s and broke out in the genre with 2014’s Foxcatcher. Carell portrayed former wrestling coach and convicted murderer John Eleuthère du Pont, garnering praise from fans and critics alike.
The Hollywood Reportercalled Carell’s performance “career changing” and earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. This role led to the actor being cast in additional successful dramatic movies like The Big Short and Battle of the Sexes, allowing him more diversity in the projects he sought out.
1 Bill Hader, It Chapter Two
Warner Bros. Pictures
Adored for his many spot-on impressions and endearing humor, beloved Saturday Night Live alum Bill Hader left the hit show for a successful career in film and television. He’s earned two Emmy awards for his brilliant dark comedy HBO series Barry, and has starred in hit movies like the depressing The Skeleton Twins and the hilarious Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Trainwreck. In 2019, he starred as fictional character Richie Tozier in the terrifying film It Chapter Two. Hader’s performance was heralded and singled out, with many critics claiming he was the scene-stealer. The actor was able to show off his dramatic and emotional capabilities with the role and won the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.
