Top 10 Supporting Actors That Stole The Show
Script written by Nathan Sharp
Top 10 Supporting Actors That Stole The Show
Sometimes it’s who we’d least expect that makes the biggest impact. Welcome to Watchmojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Supporting Actors that Stole the Show.
For this list, we’re looking at those actors who were not billed as the primary character, but somehow managed to steal every scene that they were in and take viewers’ attentions away from the stars. However, we’re excluding antagonists like Heath Ledger’s Joker, Christophe Waltz’ Hans Landa and Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly.
#10: Michael Clarke Duncan
“The Green Mile” (1999)
You’d think it’d be hard to stand out among a movie cast that includes Tom Hanks, James Cromwell, Sam Rockwell and Gary Sinise, but that’s exactly what Michael Clarke Duncan does as John Coffey in this fantasy crime drama. The film adaptation of the Stephen King novel sees the actor playing a convicted rapist who slowly but surely reveals himself to be more than meets the eye. In fact, thedeath row inmate is more gentle giant than dangerous killer – and one with a magical secret to boot. Duncan’s portrayal was so touching and effective it earned him an Oscar nod for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.
#9: Melissa McCarthy
“Bridesmaids” (2011)
“Bridesmaids” follows Kristen Wiig’s Annie as she attempts to be the best bridesmaid for her friend, Lillian, played by Maya Rudolph. While they give pretty good performances, it’s Melissa McCarthy’s Megan who proved to be the scene-stealer and gave the movie its biggest belly laughs. Most of the movie’s signature raunchy humor comes from McCarthy, and she pulls it off with confidence. While she was a regular on “Gilmore Girls,” it was “Bridesmaids” that shot McCarthy into Hollywood superstardom, as everyone realized what a magnificent and hilarious actress she really is.
#8: Christian Bale
“The Fighter” (2010)
Mark Wahlberg dominated the ring in this drama about a boxer who is trained by his troubled brother. However, it was Christian Bale who dominated the silver screen with his exceptional performance. Bale plays Dicky Eklund, a crack-addicted former boxing hero.The method actor transformed himself to fit the role, losing a significant amount of weight and completely changing his traits and accent. He effectively captures the heartbreaking and tragic character that is Dicky, and won the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his troubles.
#7: Brad Pitt
“12 Monkeys” (1995)
Before Pitt became a massive worldwide star, he was just a kid from Oklahoma. After starring in bit parts, 1995 proved to be thebreakout year for Pitt, as he starred in “Seven” and completely stole “12 Monkeys” from Bruce Willis, playing the mental Jeffrey Goines. Pitt realistically portrays a hyperactive mental patient, and his energy is infectious, as audiences immediately fell in love with him and his exemplary commitment to the role. He’s both lovable and a little freaky.
#6: Jennifer Hudson
“Dreamgirls” (2006)
Hudson was a contestant on the third season of “American Idol” before appearing in this movie, based on the Broadway musical ofthe same name. While Eddie Murphy’s performance is also exceptional, there’s no denying that Hudson is the true show-stealer. Her success is entirely deserved, as her performance as Effie White was a revelation. The winner of the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Hudson commendably draws attention not only through her unbelievable singing talent, but also from her realistic temperamental attitude, which she plays with respect and appreciation.
#5: Christoph Waltz
“Django Unchained” (2012)
While we can’t include Waltz’s role as Landa in Inglourious Basterds due to his antagonist status, the Austrian-German actor absolutely deserves a place on this list.Supporting Jamie Foxx as Django, Waltz plays Dr. King Schultz, a bounty hunter who helpsthe title character free his wife from a slave owner. Waltz oozes with certainty, and his speeches are both intelligent and a delight to listen to. He not only plays the mild-mannered Schultz perfectly, but his brief bursts of violence and anger are made even more powerful through Waltz’s hypnotic delivery.
#4: Robin Williams
“Good Will Hunting” (1997)
While Robin Williams proved long before this movie was released that he could be an unbelievably good dramatic actor, his role here as Sean Maguire cemented him as one of the all-time greats. Complete with a wonderfully bushy beard, Williams is in full dramatic mode for this movie. He delivers with rousing speeches about love and introspective observations about life itself, all with his typically calm and alluring voice. While he was definitely helped by the movie’s great writing, Williams knocked his performance out of the park and won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
#3: Leonardo DiCaprio
“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” (1993)
Even as a teenager, DiCaprio knew how to command a scene and stole the movie from the likes of Johnny Depp and Juliette Lewis. Playing Grape’s developmentally challenged brother Arnie, Leo’s quest for that coveted Oscar began over twenty years ago. His performance is difficult to watch due to his troubling mannerisms and jerks, but through that hardship, he makes the movie that much more compelling and important. He spent a few days with real mentally challenged individuals, and it’s safe to say that it was time well spent, as he beautifully and respectfully acquires all the touching nuances of Arnie Grape.
#2: Joe Pesci
“GoodFellas” (1990)
Even though he’s a little guy, Pesci proved to everyone that he could be just as tough as anyone else through his mesmerizing performance as Tommy DeVito. As the wildcard of the gangster group, Tommy is often prone to significant bouts of brutal violence, and his temper is easily sparked. Pesci occupies Tommy’s unfriendly character with intensity, and we legitimately fear for everyone when he’s around. Even if Pesci is the nicest guy in the world, we can’t help but be scared of him after watching the brutality that he gives off in this movie.
Before we get amazed by our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
John Goodman
“The Big Lebowski” (1998)
Tom Cruise
“Tropic Thunder” (2008)
Cuba Gooding, Jr.
“Jerry Maguire” (1996)
Burgess Meredith
“Rocky” (1976)
Rebel Wilson
“Pitch Perfect” (2012)
#1: Harrison Ford
“Star Wars” Trilogy (1977-83)
The “Star Wars” films are some of the most beloved movies of all time, and Harrison Ford’s iconic performance as Han Solo has earned him respect and admiration from generations of movie lovers. Ford easily outshines the other actors and becomes the true star of the trilogy. He’s equal parts hilarious and badass in the role, and Ford lends Han a sarcastic attitude that no other actor could have possibly matched. While the special effects were groundbreaking, we all know what the real draw of these movies is.
Do you agree with our list? Which actor do you think stole the show? For more scene stealing top tens published everyday, be sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.com.