Remarkable Character Actors Who Enhance Every Movie

      Simon Thompson presents ten remarkable character actors who can surely enhance any film…

      Movies and football share a commonality: while having star names to draw an audience is essential, it's often the talent brought off the bench that can truly make or break the experience. For every Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Stallone, Tom Cruise, or Robert De Niro, there's a need for a John Cazale, Carl Weathers, or Joe Pesci to provide balance.

      The ten actors listed here are those whose names I look forward to seeing in the credits before the film starts; this is, however, a personal selection…

      **John C. McGinley**

      When it comes to portraying an unbearable antagonist, John C. McGinley is often one of the first names mentioned. Mastering both drama and comedy, McGinley has contributed to some of the finest action and drama films of the 1980s and 1990s, such as Platoon, Point Break, Se7en, and The Rock, alongside comedies like Mike Judge’s Office Space. While he is chiefly recognized for his role as the acerbic Dr. Cox in the medical sitcom Scrubs— a role suited to him— McGinley can effortlessly yell at Keanu Reeves or portray oppressive middle management. With the ability to deliver sharp insults, John C. McGinley embodies the lovable bastard archetype.

      **Carl Weathers (1948-2024)**

      In an ideal scenario, Carl Weathers would be featured next to the definition of legendary in the dictionary. As a former NFL linebacker turned actor, his physicality allowed him to secure roles typically for henchmen in films. However, Weathers was far too talented for that; his perfect casting as Apollo Creed in Rocky, a role he reprised up to the fourth film, as well as parts in Predator and lead roles in underappreciated films like Action Jackson, solidify his legendary status in action cinema. Yet, it is his comedic talent that often goes unnoticed—from playing Adam Sandler’s mentor Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore to portraying a parody of himself in Arrested Development, it’s in this latter role that his comedic prowess, alongside talents like David Cross, truly shines. With an impressive comedic flair, Carl Weathers brought remarkable energy to nearly every project.

      **Claude Rains (1889-1967)**

      The tradition of British actors playing villains in Hollywood has a long history, with notable examples like Alan Rickman, Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Gary Oldman, and Jeremy Irons delivering masterful performances. The honor of initiating this tradition goes to Claude Rains. After his arrival in the 1930s and establishing himself with the role of the Invisible Man, his long-term contract with Warner Bros led to a career filled with iconic villain portrayals. From Prince John in The Adventures of Robin Hood to the corrupt senator in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Rains' impeccable diction and elegant demeanor set the standard for sophisticated villains that subsequent actors would follow. Despite often being typecast, Rains demonstrated immense range in roles such as the scheming yet sympathetic Louis Renault in Casablanca and the title character in the Universal adaptation of Phantom of the Opera. With four Academy Award nominations for best supporting actor and a Tony, Rains could have easily claimed leading roles but chose instead to support talents like James Stewart and Humphrey Bogart. His indelible impact on great films like Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia underscores his extraordinary talent.

      **Robert Forster (1941-2019)**

      Measured yet commanding, Robert Forster is one of those rare actors who could elevate any film he starred in. He made a strong debut in Reflections of a Golden Eye, sharing the screen with Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor, which led to prominent roles like that of the conflicted cameraman John Cassellis in Haskell Wexler’s Medium Cool. Unfortunately, Forster's career faced a downturn from the mid-1970s to early 1990s, primarily appearing in straight-to-video releases that fell well short of his talent. His remarkable resurgence came in 1997 when Quentin Tarantino cast him as bail bondsman Max Cherry in Jackie Brown—a performance that earned him widespread critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination. The chemistry between Forster and fellow comeback star Pam Grier was delightful, reminding Hollywood what they had overlooked for too long. Tarantino opened doors for Forster again, allowing him to shine in works like David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive and The Return of Twin Peaks, as well as Alexander Payne’s The Descendants, introducing him to a new generation of film enthusiasts. With his quiet professionalism, Forster managed to render even less celebrated films somewhat enjoyable.

      **Philip Baker Hall (1931-2022)**

      With a gravelly voice and a wise presence, Philip Baker Hall's acting demonstrated a timeless quality that was hard to