Page 1 of 3

Great supporting actors who never get the lead

Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 7:48 pm
by nauru
William Sadler -- has this guy ever had a starring role, other than a few episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine?

It's annoying that people like Sam Worthington get lead roles in pretty much everything while far more talented people spend their whole careers in the background.

Re: Great supporting actors who never get the lead

Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 8:15 pm
by 3dRevelation
One of the first actors that came to my mind was Chris Cooper. Although I'm sure he has a few lead roles, I haven't seen any of his films where he is in the lead. I thought his supporting role in Adaptation was phenomenal. I'm kind of surprised not to have seen him more in the lead (unless I'm just missing a huge part of his work).

Re: Great supporting actors who never get the lead

Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 9:07 pm
by edkrak
Takuzo Kawatani - he almost always gets small comedic roles, but even with only few munite roles he's often the highlight of the film.

Re: Great supporting actors who never get the lead

Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 9:33 pm
by afx237vi
From the old-school, I've really liked William Bendix in everything I've seen him in.

Re: Great supporting actors who never get the lead

Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 12:13 am
by stuie299
Charles Durning
Rip Torn
Stephen Root
Tim Curry
Jeffrey Wright
Kevin Pollak

Re: Great supporting actors who never get the lead

Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 12:56 am
by Pickpocket
Image

Re: Great supporting actors who never get the lead

Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 2:56 am
by Stewball
stuie299 wrote:Charles Durning
Rip Torn
Stephen Root
Tim Curry
Jeffrey Wright
Kevin Pollak


Yeah, Charles Durning, but his role in O Brother was one of the best supporting roles.....EVER.

Tim Curry? He was a close to being a lead in Rocky Horror as I can imagine. I mean, the title character was a walk on, in effect.

Can't think of any females that would qualify, but I'm sure they're there.

OK, how 'bout Holly Hunter & Helena Bonham Carter.

Re: Great supporting actors who never get the lead

Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 4:11 am
by nauru
Definitely William Fichtner and Helena Bonham Carter. Two of my favourite actors.

Re: Great supporting actors who never get the lead

Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 4:28 am
by stuie299
Stewball wrote:
stuie299 wrote:Charles Durning
Rip Torn
Stephen Root
Tim Curry
Jeffrey Wright
Kevin Pollak


Yeah, Charles Durning, but his role in O Brother was one of the best supporting roles.....EVER.

Tim Curry? He was a close to being a lead in Rocky Horror as I can imagine. I mean, the title character was a walk on, in effect.


1. So you're saying that he was good in a supporting role...isn't that the point? Good actors that should be in lead roles.

2. I guess you could say the same thing about Clue but I like him as an actor and wouldn't mind if he got another lead role.

Re: Great supporting actors who never get the lead

Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 4:57 am
by tonydal
Martin Balsam