When you think of the prototypical Hollywood star, is this face what you see? No, I didn’t think so. Rather images of Pitt, Clooney, Jolie and Megan Fox pop up in your head, as actors are supposed to be flawless and gorgeous, right?
Though that’s generally true, many roles require the actor to be significantly different looking than your average leading man. But also, since they can’t rely on their looks to get them by, these actors have had to make their careers based on their talents alone, and therefore I find them to be better dramatic and comedic performers than most of your average A-listers.
While most might consider these eight actors “strange looking,” they are supremely talented individuals, and while most of them have proven themselves onscreen, it is kind of a bummer they’re largely restricted to specific roles that require a certain look.
1. Jackie Earle Haley
He’s been an actor for a while now, but his breakout role was as a former sex offender in the otherwise terrible, but critically-lauded Little Children. Since then, he’s filled the mask and trenchcoat of Rorschach in Watchmen, and was the burned face of Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm St. remake. He was also in the new Robocop.
Was He Always This Strange Looking?
Verdict: Yes
2. Robert Knepper
A TV actor best known for his stint as psycho rapist-killer T-bag in Prison Break, Knepper‘s biggest movie role to date was as the bad guy in Transporter 3. But he has seemed to find his footing in hollywood.
Was He Always This strange looking?
Verdict: Eh, a bit skinny, but pretty normal back in his Star Trek guest starring days.
3. Steve Buscemi
Perhaps the poster boy for famous, creepy looking actors, Buscemi has a storied career, and to me, his most memorable role had to be in Fargo, where he met an untimely end inside of a woodchipper in one of the most memorable deaths in movie history. But obviously his performance in Boardwalk Empire stands for itself.
Was He Always This Creepy?
Verdict: Yes
4. Willem Dafoe
His roles are surprisingly split between good guy and bad buy, but he’s so well-versed he can do either well. The man’s film career is impressive as he’s played everyone from Jesus to a vampire to a Mexican dictator. The man’s got range.
Was He Always This Creepy?
Verdict: Yes. Oh God, yes.
5. Christopher Walken
Everyone should have immediately recognized the face that was the lead image for this article. It was THE Christopher Walken of course, and the man’s distinctive face and speaking style have crafted him an acting genre all his own, and spawned, way, way too many YouTube impressions.
Was He Always This Strange Looking?
Verdict: Nope.
6. Crispin Glover
I’d have to say that out of everyone on this list, Glover’s talents are probably in the shallow end, as fare like Willard doesn’t exactly speak for him as a solo performer. But yes, he’s definitely creepy, and the next time you’ll see him making you uncomfortable will be in whatever Tim Burton wants him to do.
Was He Always This Creepy?
Verdict: Yes
7. William Fichtner
Fichtner is a prototypical “that guy” actor who I know you’ve seen in many, many films and TV shows over the years. He has a distinctive look about that I would not call…ugly or weird per se, just really…different, and I think that definitely helps him land all these roles looking for someone that stands out in a crowd.
Was He Always This Creepy?
Verdict: Eh, split decision
8. Michael Emerson
Benjamin Linus from Lost rounds up this list, and his latest was Person of Interest In Lose Michael Emerson played an unnerving little weasel of a bad guy, but he brought great dramatic range to the role and it’s parlayed him to a steady career in TV.
Was He Always This Creepy?
Verdict: Uhhhh, yeahhhh.
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