Actors often find themselves typecast into specific roles and genres, their identities intertwined with the characters they portray. However, every once in a while, a defining moment occurs, a cinematic turning point that shatters these preconceived notions and catapults an actor into an entirely new trajectory. It is the moment when a celebrated actor embraces a role so compelling and transformative, that it becomes the catalyst for a career reinvention.
In the article, we to take a look at the roles that aided actors, inadvertently or deliberately, in repositioning themselves as a completely different type of performer, shattering the constraints of their previous image and leaving an indelible mark on both the silver screen and their own artistic journey.
10 Leslie Nielson — Dr Rumack (Airplane!)
Leslie Nielsen, renowned for his serious and dramatic performances in film and television during the early stages of his career, experienced a seismic shift in trajectory thanks to the uproarious comedy Airplane!. Released in 1980, the film took audiences by storm, redefining the genre of spoof movies and paving the way for a whole new comedic Leslie Nielsen.
Drawing on his previously established reputation as a dramatic actor, it brilliantly employed Nielsen's deadpan delivery and gravitas to comedic effect, turning him into an unexpected comedic sensation. Following his success in Airplane!, Nielsen embraced his newfound comedic prowess and went on to star in a series of beloved slapstick comedies like The Naked Gun series and appearances in the Scary Movie franchise, cementing himself as the king of parody.
9 Robert Downey Jr. — Tony Stark (Iron Man)
Despite displaying remarkable talent in his previous roles, Robert Downey Jr. faced difficulty securing major projects due to his well-documented troubled legal and addiction history. However, all that changed when Marvel Studios, despite initial reluctance, cast him as the star of Iron Man, the film that kick-started the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The decision proved to be a game-changer, as Downey's magnetic portrayal of Tony Stark not only revived his career, but also propelled him to unparalleled stardom.
Since then, he has become synonymous with the superhero genre, captivating audiences worldwide with his charismatic and iconic portrayal of Iron Man. Beyond the realm of superheroes, Downey's presence has graced numerous blockbuster hits including the Guy Ritchie-directed Sherlock Holmes movies, solidifying his status as a seasoned and beloved actor in the industry.
8 Kristen Stewart — Valentine (Clouds of Sils Maria)
By 2012, following the immense success of the Twilight series in which she played Bella, Kristen Stewart was one of the most sought after, bankable names in Hollywood. Instead of chasing the next big blockbuster or franchise, however, she chose to appear in a string of lower budget, indie flicks – most notably the psychological drama Clouds of Sils Maria, where she became the first American woman to ever win the César, the French national film award (per Variety).
The movie showcased her dedication to the art of acting and paved the way for the rest of her career which would see her become an international arthouse favorite as she continued to appear in critically acclaimed independent and lower-budget films, including Certain Women, Personal Shopper, Still Alice and Café Society.
7 John Travolta — Vincent Vega (Pulp Fiction)
Quentin Tarantino's game-changing decision to cast John Travolta in Pulp Fiction marked a turning point in the actor's career. At the time, Travolta was experiencing a career slump following the immense fame he’d garnered in the late-70s and early-80s with hits like Grease and Saturday Night Fever.
However, Pulp Fiction showcased a whole new side of Travolta's talent, revealing his remarkable ability to embody complex and edgy characters. Following his stellar performance, he received widespread acclaim, which led to a series of diverse and challenging roles in movies such as Get Shorty, Face/Off, and The General's Daughter.
6 Drew Barrymore — Julia Sullivan (The Wedding Singer)
After her early success as a child actress in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, actor and entertainer Drew Barrymore went on to embrace her teenage rebelliousness by taking on roles that epitomized the "bad girl" image, such as in Poison Ivy and Bad Girls However, the real changing point in her career arrived when she starred alongside Adam Sandler in 1998’s The Wedding Singer. This endearing romantic comedy showcased her comedic talent and undeniable chemistry with Sandler, setting the stage for a successful professional relationship that would continue in future films.
The Wedding Singer's success opened the door to a series of rom-com hits for Barrymore, including Never Been Kissed and Music and Lyrics as well as 50 First Dates and Blended (both of which also starred Sandler), further solidifying her position as a beloved leading lady in the genre.
5 Liam Neeson — Bryan Mills (Taken)
Liam Neeson is a highly respected actor who was known for his dramatic performances in films like Schindler's List and Michael Collins. However, it was the unexpected success of 2008’s Taken that catapulted him into a new realm of stardom and transformed his career trajectory. In Taken, Neeson portrayed Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative on a relentless quest to save his daughter from human traffickers, showcasing his commanding presence and intense action sequences.
The film's unexpected box office triumph sparked a renewed interest in Neeson as an action star, and he soon became synonymous with the "aging badass" genre. Embracing this new phase, Neeson went on to star in a series of action-packed films, such as Unknown (2011), Non-Stop (2014), and The Commuter (2018) as well as a further two Taken sequels.
4 Tom Hanks — Andrew Beckett (Philadelphia)
In the 1980s, Hanks established himself as a beloved funny man with hits like Big, Splash and The ’Burbs, delighting audiences with his comedic timing and affable charm. However, it was his portrayal of Andrew Beckett, a gay lawyer battling AIDS discrimination in Philadelphia, that truly showcased to the world the depth of his acting prowess. The emotionally charged performance earned Hanks widespread acclaim and a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor.
This pivotal moment in his career opened the doors to more dramatic roles, leading to further award-worthy performances in films like Forrest Gump, which won him a second consecutive Oscar for Best Actor, and The Green Mile and Saving Private Ryan. Hanks has continued to deliver powerful, touching and emotive performances to this day proving himself to be one of the most reliable and accomplished actors in the industry.
3 Matthew McConaughey — Mickey Haller (The Lincoln Lawyer)
In the early-2000s, Matthew McConaughey had established himself as one of the go-to actors for the rom-com genre, renowned for his charming performances in movies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Wedding Planner. However, he later experienced a remarkable career resurgence that came to be known as the "McConaissance" (per The New Yorker). This transformational period was ignited by his standout role in 2011’s The Lincoln Lawyer, where he portrayed a charismatic defense attorney.
The film showcased McConaughey's dramatic depth and talent, earning him critical praise and setting the stage for a series of captivating performances. Following The Lincoln Lawyer, McConaughey continued to choose compelling and challenging roles that further solidified his newfound reputation as a serious actor. Movies like Dallas Buyers Club, which won him an Academy Award for Best Actor, Mud, and Interstellar further highlighted his incredible range and artistic versatility.
2 Eddie Murphy — Professor Sherman Klump (The Nutty Professor)
Eddie Murphy was well known for his raunchy and irreverent comedy in the 80s, both on stage in his stand-up routines and in R-rated hit movies like Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America, but underwent a significant transformation in the 90s. The success of The Nutty Professor marked a turning point in his career, propelling him into a new phase as a family-friendly comedian. In this comedy classic, Murphy portrayed multiple roles with comedic finesse, and his ability to charm audiences across all ages became evident. Following the success of The Nutty Professor, he continued to captivate family audiences in films like Dr. Dolittle and the beloved animated hit Shrek, lending his voice to the iconic character Donkey.
While Murphy's transition into family-friendly comedies in the 90s showcased his versatility as an actor and endeared him to a new generation of fans, his run of success began to slowly come to an end. He sadly began to appear in more flops than hits with family-oriented movies like The Haunted Mansion, The Adventures of Pluto Nash, and Imagine That all bombing at the box office and being critically lambasted. After a short hiatus, Murphy is being more picky with his roles and has returned to his roots, appearing once again in more adult oriented movies like Coming 2 America and Dolemite Is My Name.
1 Kurt Russell — Snake Plissken (Escape from New York)
Kurt Russell, prior to working with John Carpenter, was, per Mice Chat, the poster boy for Disney’s live-action movies. After teaming up with the renowned genre director, however, he found his mojo and managed to transition from family friendly comedy actor to cult hero over the course of the 80s, thanks to his collaborative work with Carpenter.
While the pair’s first collaboration was the made-for-TV biopic Elvis, it was Escape from New Yorkthat really set the stage for Russell’s newfound career path, which included a further three movies with Carpenter himself. Although Russell has dabbled in almost every genre imaginable since, his tenure as Carpenter’s go-to leading man has had an undeniable impact on his career, influencing his style and movie choices to this very day.