Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Top 10 Dramatic Performances by Comedians


My friend and fellow film blogger, Sam Fragoso, recently asked me if I’d like to come on as a list man for his site, Movie Mezzanine. Because Sam is a fan of my movie lists, and I’m such an admirer of what he’s doing with the Mezzanine, I was honored to contribute. So, every Tuesday, I’ll be posting a list on Movie Mezzanine – some will be new, others will be face-lifts of lists I’ve published on this site years ago. I’m still going to post my own lists on And So it Begins, typically every Friday or, you know, whenever I feel like it – my Movie Mezzanine lists are just another portal into my movie freaked mind.

Every Tuesday, I’ll post the list intros on this site, but you’ll have to head over to the Mezzanine to check out the rest. Thanks so much for reading, everyone!

Top 10 Dramatic Performances by Comedians
I’m a fond admirer of performers going out of their comfort zone. Stretching and trying something new – something that carries weight. Every actor on this list faultlessly fits that bill. All noted comedians before venturing into the world of drama, these performers proved they had more to offer than laughs (as genuine and iconic as those laughs may be). I hope you enjoy my picks, and believe me, I know there are plenty more roles to choose from here, so be sure to tell me some of your favorites. 

8 comments:

  1. Great list! I love that you put Monique as number 1. If someone would've told me 10 years ago that she would have an Oscar, I would've laughed. But she SO deserved that. I loved Precious, that was just a powerful film.

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    1. Thanks Brittani! So glad to hear you love that film. Everyone involved really delivered beyond our expectations, didn't they? Mo'Nique, Lenny Kravitz, Sherri Shepherd, and definitely Mariah Carey... they all truly killed it.

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  2. Good list, I don't know if you were aware of this, but Eric Bana was a pretty huge in his native Australia for his stand-up comedy before being cast in Chopper. Apparently, he specialized in impressions, even getting his own T.V comedy show. Didn't figure Avner from Munich could do a killer Sly Stallone... always great to see talented people extend themselves.

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    1. Ohhhh I did know that but I honestly completely forgot. Hmm, wonder if Chopper would've made the cut had I remembered? That is a GREAT call there Jeff. Thanks for reading!

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  3. Great list! Adam Sandler was great - completely surprised me!

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  4. Nice list. If you wanted to go more classic I think Fred MacMurray in Double Indemnity would have been a great pick.
    -Dan

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    1. Thanks Dan! Oh yeah, that is definitely a great pick right there. Old Fred is perfect in that movie.

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