I'm talking about an actor that typically was a supporting actor or had smaller roles in movies. Yes they might have been the main in a couple but for the most part we're not a super big name.


For me, it's Bill Paxton.

I liked him in almost everything he did.

From "Game over man!" to
"you're an American." "No sir. I'm from Kentucky."

Walton Goggins.

After The Shield he wanted a part in Sons of Anarchy. Kurt Sutter made the offhand comment the only way he was getting on the show is if he had t*ts. Walton said he was in. One of the funnier characters on the show.

These days this character wouldn't be that out of place.

Bruce Campbell

I guess I wouldn't call PS Hoffman a lesser known one, but he was often utilized in a smaller role but to awesome effect. His character in Lebowski for example...there was no reason in the world that that character should have been so memorable, or the manager from Moneyball. Miss seeing him on the big screen.

Karl Urban, Jason Isaacs, Hugo Weaving

Keith David.

Sydney Greenstreet

LB12Diamond said:

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I'm talking about an actor that typically was a supporting actor or had smaller roles in movies. Yes they might have been the main in a couple but for the most part we're not a super big name.


For me, it's Bill Paxton.

I liked him in almost everything he did.

From "Game over man!" to
"you're an American." "No sir. I'm from Kentucky."

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sad that he died in his 50s

Stephen Root. Especially in Newsradio

An L of an Ag said:

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Bruce Campbell

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Groovy.

He's moved into leading man, "big name" territory now, but Jason Bateman always blew his bit roles out of the water -- Dodgeball, The Breakup, The Sweetest Thing, etc.

Before his Oscar, it was this guy.




But second choice?



Supporting roles in:
Office Space
In the Line of Fire
Dodgeball
Talladega Nights
Pineapple Express
The West Wing
Arrested Development
Chuck
Entourage
Suits
Veep

Also, a dominant Mike Brady and Harvey Birdman

Sam Rockwell and Giovanni Ribisi. Not sure if they qualify, but I found both their acting skills compelling and always interesting.

Ah, porkchop beat me. Didn't realize he got an Oscar. Well deserved imo

Chris Cooper

Always the most interesting character in every film he is in.

Stellan Skarsgard -- dominates every role he plays

Hunt for Red October
Good Will Hunting
Chernobyl
Ronin
Pirates

Ben Foster

Sam Rockwell is a good choice and fits the mold. His Oscar was for best supporting actor.

I like all his stuff as well. His part in JoJo rabbit was pretty funny and had depth at the same time.

David Morse


Contact, The Hurt Locker, Green Mile, Treme, and countless bit parts in more shows than you can you imagine. He can play an a-hole, a nice guy, the hero, the villain. Sometimes he's the lead, and sometimes he's just a guy. And if you ever want to binge a good show that was cancelled too soon, you should give "Hack" a try. Great show.

He was good in The Rock as well.

Noah Emmerich


He crushed it in The Americans, and his part in the Truman Show was fantastic. He shows up in small roles all the time on shows & movies you'd never expect. Not much range, but what he does is done perfectly in my opinion.

Jared Harris


The number of high-quality credits to his name are too many to name, but he flies under most people's radar. He can play the terrifying villain just as well as the loving father. The hen-pecked beat-down pathetic guy as well as the past-his-prime bad ass with a little left in the tank. He's a character actor with an unexpectedly wide range, but he can also be the everyman. The emotion he can show with just a look is amazing. His stint on Mad Men blew me away, and Chernobyl (where he was the lead) is the best miniseries of the last decade in my opinion.

Neal McDonough

et98 said:

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Noah Emmerich


He crushed it in The Americans,

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Rewatching this now and I'm constantly reminded how perfect he was for the role of Stan Beeman.

His facial twitches, winces and quiet delivery are incredible.

AlaskanAg99 said:

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Walton Goggins.

After The Shield he wanted a part in Sons of Anarchy. Kurt Sutter made the offhand comment the only way he was getting on the show is if he had t*ts. Walton said he was in. One of the funnier characters on the show.

These days this character wouldn't be that out of place.

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He used to kind of annoy me, but after Baby Billy I'm a fan for life!