Comedy and drama are often seen as opposites in entertainment, yet some comedians have mastered both. Being good at just one of those skill sets is challenging, so managing to thrive with both is particularly impressive and takes a talented individual. Only a few have excelled at making people cry with laughter in one performance and then cry from an emotional perspective in another, proving how tough it is to master both.
Robin Williams
The most iconic example of a comedian thriving in dramatic roles is Robin Williams. He could quickly provide rapid-fire humor and improvise in movies such as Aladdin and Mrs. Doubtfire. Yet, simultaneously, he could have people fighting back the tears in Good Will Hunting, where he won an Academy Award. His heartwarming performance in Dead Poets Society showcased his range as an actor.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is the man behind hilarious characters in Ace Ventura and The Mask, but he showed his dramatic chops in The Truman Show, Man on the Moon, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Each of these roles showcased a different layer of his acting abilities, proving that Carrey could bring out emotional depth.
Steve Carell
Anyone who can bring performances of Michael Scott from The Office is a comedic genius, and that’s certainly the case for Steve Carell. He’s constantly delivered when it comes to humor in both television and film. But he’s not a one-trick pony, having showcased his versatility in movies such as Foxcatcher and Beautiful Boy, where he can play a more serious, darker role. In Little Miss Sunshine, Carell could blend both worlds in what remains one of his most outstanding performances.
Adam Sandler
When Adam Sandler delivered his performance in Uncut Gems, many people were surprised by his dramatic acting abilities because people knew him best for comedy. Sandler is one of the all-time great comics, whether that’s performing on stage or being goofy in movies like Happy Gilmore or Big Daddy. While not all of his comedic roles have been great, as some have been too silly, like Jack and Jill, the fact he’s also able to bring a detailed dramatic performance proves he’s a great actor.
Melissa McCarthy
Melissa McCarthy was celebrated for her comedic roles in Bridesmaids and Spy, becoming one of the biggest names in Hollywood due to her humor. But she took a dramatic turn in Can You Ever Forgive Me? Her portrayal of biographer Lee Israel was raw and authentic, earning her an Academy Award nomination and demonstrating her impressive range as an actress.
Bill Murray
Another comedian who has successfully leaped into drama was Billy Murray, who enhanced his legacy as an actor by showcasing that range. While he is beloved for his roles in Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, his performances in Lost in Translation and Broken Flowers are detailed and emotional, earning him critical acclaim and several award nominations.
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy is known for his energetic comedic roles in Beverly Hills Cop and The Nutty Professor, where he had no problem sprinting around and pushing himself to his limits to get a laugh. But he also showcased his dramatic talents in Dreamgirls, which was a calmer and more focused role. His performance as the troubled singer James “Thunder” Early was powerful and earned him a Golden Globe Award.
Whoopi Goldberg
Known for her stand-up comedy and roles in Sister Act and Ghost, Whoopi Goldberg displayed her dramatic prowess in The Color Purple. Her role as Celie, a woman facing real hardship, was both moving and unforgettable, earning her an Academy Award nomination while proving she was more versatile than people first thought.
Lily Tomlin
Lily Tomlin, often seen in comedic roles such as 9 to 5 and Grace and Frankie, gave an outstanding dramatic performance in Nashville. Her role as Linnea Reese showcased her ability to convey deep emotion and complexity, enhancing her career in new ways.
Albert Brooks
As a staple in comedy films like Broadcast News and Defending Your Life, Albert Brooks took a dark turn in Drive. His chilling portrayal of the villain Bernie Rose was the complete opposite of his usual roles, proving his versatility as an actor.
Marlon Wayans
Best known for his roles in Scary Movie and White Chicks, Marlon Wayans surprised audiences with his dramatic performance in Requiem for a Dream. His portrayal of Tyrone, a man caught in the grips of addiction, was haunting and showcased his dramatic capabilities.
Kristen Wiig
Having made a name for herself on Saturday Night Live, Kristen Wiig was best associated with comedy. She shone brightly in Bridesmaids and proved to people how funny she is, but Wiig is more than a comic. Having put together brilliant dramatic performances in the likes of The Skeleton Twins, it’s clear that she’s one of the most talented actresses in the world.
Jason Segel
Jason Segel, beloved for his comedic roles in How I Met Your Mother and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, delivered an unforgettable performance in The End of the Tour. In that role, he proved his dramatic range and showcased his acting ability.
Steve Martin
Steve Martin is a comedy legend from The Jerk and Planes, Trains and Automobiles, which is how he made his name in the business. But he also showed his serious side in Shopgirl, which enhanced his reputation.
Maya Rudolph
Another actress who got their start on Saturday Night Live, Maya Rudolph, has gone on to put together many brilliant comedic performances over the years in various movies and television shows. But she put together a heartfelt performance in Away We Go, which was far more grounded than her usual over-the-top characters.
Seth Rogen
One of the biggest names in Hollywood when it comes to comedy is Seth Rogen. He’s the comedic force behind Superbad and Pineapple Express, but he’s also delivered a compelling performance in Steve Jobs. His portrayal of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak required him to hold his own against Michael Fassbender’s intense portrayal of Steve Jobs, demonstrating his capability in drama.
Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart is renowned for his stand-up comedy and roles in films like Ride Along and Central Intelligence, where he doesn’t take himself too seriously. But Hart took on a dramatic role in The Upside. His performance as a caregiver for a paralyzed man was touching and showed a different side of the usually comedic actor.
Jack Black
Regarding eccentric comedic performances, Jack Black is often the ideal man for the role. His work at the School of Rock and Nacho Libre highlights just how entertaining Black can be. But he’s also a fantastic actor who can put lots of heart into his performances, as he showcased in Bernie. His portrayal of the main character was a beautiful one that proved his dramatic acting skills.
Anna Kendrick
Anna Kendrick is best known for her roles in Pitch Perfect and Up in the Air, which has created her a reputation as a comedic actress. While she’s brilliant at that, Kendrick also showed her dramatic skills in Alice, Darling.
Awkwafina
Awkwafina burst onto the scene with her comedic roles in Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s 8, immediately getting people talking about her. But she also delivered a stunning dramatic performance in The Farewell.
