Famous
When you think of the attributes of a famous actor or actress, you most likely imagine toned bodies and handsome chiseled jaws (guys) or high cheekbones (ladies). But from time to time you’ll come across accomplished actors who have none of the characteristics associated with Hollywood attractiveness, and yet it doesn’t stop them from thriving. Here are nine examples of such actors who have been entertaining us for years.
1. Steve Buscemi
Steve Buscemi might resemble a googly-eyed pug, but he’s an A-list celebrity who is as good an actor as anybody. His breakout role came in 1992 as Mr. Pink in Quentin Tarantino’s cult-favorite “Reservoir Dogs.” Aside from his success on the big screen, he’s also extremely accomplished on television, receiving several Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for both his acting and directing. Off-camera, he supports a lot of charity causes, including the Global Fund for Women and Action Against Hunger.
2. Amy Schumer
Amy Schumer has faced her share of bullies who’ve tried to body shame her for not having the slim figure of a supermodel, but that hasn’t stopped her from reaching stardom. She got her start as a standup comedian who finished 4th place on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She’s gone on to star on the Comedy Central show “Inside Amy Schumer,” and has appeared on several other shows and movies. She’s been nominated 12 times for a Grammy Award, twice for an Emmy, and was nominated for Tony Award for Best Actress in a “Play.” All of these accomplishments in just these past five years, mind you!
3. Ron Perlman
Ron Perlman is an ugly dude. There’s no way to sugarcoat that. He has acted as the Beast in “Beauty & The Beast”— for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Actor — as well as Hellboy in, uh, “Hellboy,” two roles that were seemingly made just for him. Aside from being a good actor on TV and in cinema, he’s been doing voice over work both in video games and in animated movies and TV shows. He’s also a legitimately good guy, supporting worthy causes such as the Make a Wish Foundation.
4. Peter Dinklage
Unlike a lot of people born with dwarfism, Dinklage refused to be typecast as a leprechaun or elf. Instead, he sought out serious roles, but for a while it was a real struggle. Although he has worked in Hollywood since 1995, it wasn’t until he started receiving acclaim for his role as Tyrion Lannister in the HBO series “Game of Thrones”that he became a household name. He’s been nominated a total of 58 times for his acting, and has won four Primetime Emmy Awards, the only “Game of Thrones” cast member to go home with the award.
5. Danny Devito
Younger people today are probably most familiar with Danny Devito as Frank Reynolds in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” but he’s had an extensive acting career that goes back to the early 1970s. Devito was born with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, a bone condition that accounts for his 4’10” stature. But at 75 years old he’s still very active in the entertainment industry. Aside from acting, he’s also directed and produced TV shows and movies, even being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture as one of the producers of “Erin Brockovich.”
6. Jack Black
Although Jack Black is never going to be cast as the leading man in a romantic drama, his sense of humor and acting talents have helped him achieve a Hollywood career that most people can only dream about. He was nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his role in “School of Rock,” and he is half of the comedy rock duo Tenacious D, known for performing music that is both catchy and extremely funny.
7. Rachel Dratch
There’s something vaguely frog-like about this Saturday Night Live alumna — perhaps best known for her recurring character Debbie Downer — but that’s precisely what makes Rachel Dratch so loveable. By her own admission, she wouldn’t be considered a Hollywood beauty, but if you saw her on the street it’s not like you’d run away screaming in terror either. She’s probably never destined to play the lead role in a movie or TV show, but ever since she left SNL in 2006 she’s managed to find consistent work in movies, TV shows, and as voices in cartoons.
8. Rebel Wilson
The Australian actress, born Melanie Elizabeth Bownds, first gained attention for her role as Fat Amy in the 2012 musical comedy flick “Pitch Perfect,” which won her Best Breakthrough Performance at the MTV Movie Awards. A lot of “brave” internet keyboard warriors have ganged up on her as a result of her weight, but she’s stayed positive and is currently on a workout training plan. She’s lost around 48lb (16kg) and has stated that she is 6lb from reaching her weight loss goal.
