I think I will try something new....

[babyblob]

I was thinking it would be fun to list and talk about actors that were well known for one style or for one thing and then switched to something completely different.

What I mean is an actor that was known for action, or for being a slap stick comedy, Goofy side kick, Drama actor, switching to do something new.

Two that come to mind for me are both from the world on comedy.

Robin Williams who was really over the top in his comedy changed how I view him when I saw him in one hour photo (My favorite Robin William's movie)

I also am going to note lovable goofball Chris Pratt changing to something new in Jurassic World.

So what are some that you can name?

[Jokerz79]

Leslie Nielsen was a dramatic actor for nearly 30 years before doing Airplane and becoming the comedic actor many remember him for.

[ChrisIII]

Bill Murray, Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey etc. often do dramatic roles although they're not always sucessful, similar to Williams who was doing a lot of other darker material when he did OHP.


Jon Pertwee did a lot of comedy stuff and other most popular role was a talking scarecrow, but when it came to Doctor Who he's actually one of the more serious Doctors.

[Kirby101]

Liam Neeson was a dramatic actor before Taken made him an action hero.

Robert Dinero went from being one of the biggest dramatic actors to a comedy star with movies like Meet the Parents.

[CaptCleghorn]

I want to say Bryan Cranston, but wonder if Malcolm and Breaking Bad are enough of a resume to qualify him here.

[MoneySpider]

I think Michael Keaton would fit into this thread, since some people originally thought he was miscast for the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman for the 1989 Batman movie, because he was well-known for comedic roles.

[80sbaby]

Tom Hanks, easily tops this category. He was mostly known for his comedic talents early in his career. I believe it was Philadelphia that changed that perception?

[williamtheday]

Fred MacMurray went from romantic comedies to dark drama, Double Indemnity, a heartless heel in The Apartment, a dog hating dad in The Shaggy Dog and finally wise father Stephen Douglas on My Three Sons.

[Mister Mets]

Leslie Nielsen was a dramatic actor for nearly 30 years before doing Airplane and becoming the comedic actor many remember him for.

He came to mind immediately.

Another example would be when child actors have comebacks in middle age (Jackie Earle Haley, Ke Huy Quan.)

Airplane also revived the career of the mom in Leave it to Beaver when Barbara Billingsley was fluent in jive.

https://www.openculture.com/2014/12/...-airplane.html

I want to say Bryan Cranston, but wonder if Malcolm and Breaking Bad are enough of a resume to qualify him here.

Malcolm was the biggest project in his career, although he was also known as Ted the dentist in Seinfeld.

Vince Gilligan really liked his performance as a racist plagued by alien experiments in an X-Files episode he wrote, but Breaking Bad definitely changed his career.

Just as it turned Bob Odenkirk into a serious dramatic actor who could have small roles in prestige dramas (Little Women, Nebraska, The Post) and be the lead in something more ridiculous (Nobody.)

[Jack Dracula]

Adam Sandler went from Little Nickie and Big Daddy to Uncut Iems.

[krazijoe]

I find some of the best comedic actors really excel as Dramatic actors.
Robin Williams
Adam Sandler
Jim Carey
<>Leslie Nielsen
Melissa McCarthy
Bill Murray
Etc.

[numberthirty]

On Cranston/Breaking Bad?

It was always there...

[CliffHanger2]

Jamie Foxx, from sitcom comedic actor to oscar winning dramatic actor.

I think Vince Vaughn was a serious actor once...currently goofy af.

[AndrewCrossett]

There are a lot of guys who started out as goofball comedians and ended up as respected dramatic actors. Many have already been listed but I would add Steve Martin to the list.

[ChrisIII]

Liam had a share of action roles before but apart from Darkman and Star Wars I don't think they were as many 'leading man' roles.