Actors who made a successful transition

[The Burgomaster]

Many actors & actresses start out making movies (or television shows) in certain genres (such as comedy, action, etc.), but are able to successfully transition to other genres where you would never expect them to be successful. Some examples are:

* TOM HANKS in the TV series "Bosom Buddies," and then in a series of movies that were all comedies. Now, he is also a respected dramatic actor.

* ROBIN WILLIAMS in the TV series "Mork & Mindy," plus stand-up comedy, plus a series of movies that were comedies. Now, he is also a respected dramatic actor.

* ROBERT DENIRO in movies like "Mean Streets," "Taxi Driver," and "The Godfather, Part II." Now, he stars in the occasional comedy, such as "Meet the Parents," and "Analyze This."

Who are some others that come to mind?

[kriegerg69]

Started his career as a dramatic actor and leading man....and for almost 25 years now has been a very successful comedic actor!

"I've never been more serious in my life....and DON'T call me Shirley!"

[Kirk]

But Tom Hanks was so much better as a silly comedy actor.  I'll take "Bachelor Party" over "Forrest Gump" anyday.  

I see too many funny actors crashing and burning when they try to do serious films.  Jim Carey, Roseanne, Robin Williams, stick to what you do best.

Kirk

(and Robin, you farking comedy thief, get back on the white pony.  You were much funnier when you were coked to the gills.)

[Dolph Lundgren]

I might get laughed off of the board for this, but I thought Van Damme did a great transition from his usual b-movie action fests to an actual acting role in Replicant.

I guess you could say Pierce Brosnan came from practically out of nowhere to become one of the best Bonds, and to save the franchise.

Nick

[Bernie]

How about Shatner?  Like Leslie Nielsen, he went from drama (no cracks now!) to comedy, quite successfully.

[Fearless Freep]

Unfortunately, much of Shatner's comedy (see Airplane 2) is sorta self-mocking

He actually seems to be showing up  more in the last year, from Sci-Fi channels "Full Moon Fight Night" to playing judge of a talent show in a C&W video ("Celebrity").  I caught him last night in a movie on Sci-Fi (didn't see much of it, just that he was in it...something about aliens)

[The Burgomaster]

Kirk wrote:

"Jim Carey, Roseanne, Robin Williams, stick to what you do best."

I must respectfully disagree with the Robin Williams portion of your response. He is an excellent dramatic actor.  His performances in THE DEAD POETS' SOCIETY, GOOD WILL HUNTING, and ONE HOUR PHOTO were top-notch.

I think that Jim carey COULD make the transition, but he isn't there just yet.

[Fearless Freep]

Yeah, as far as Robin Williams you can argue that you don't like him going from comedy to drama if you want, but you can't really say he hasn't done it successfully and with good results.  Same with Tom Hanks

[George]

Robin Williams in One Hour Photo top notch?!?!?!?!?

I have to disagree.  The film would have been soooo much better with someone a bit more......Max Cady....if you will.  Robin Williams did great in Good Will Hunting and I'll even give him props for The Fisher King, but he needs to stay with the comedies.

WHY MUST SO MANY ACTORS TRY TO DIVERSIFY???  WHY NOT JUST BE HAPPY BEING GREAT AT WHAT YOU DO??  (YES, THIS IS DIRECTED AT YOU MR. CAREY)

[The Burgomaster]

George wrote:

> Robin Williams in One Hour Photo top notch?!?!?!?!?

Yes . . . I think Robin Williams turned in a RIVETING performance in ONE HOUR PHOTO. He was perfect. Max Cady was more of a hardened psychopath; not the right choice for the character in ONE HOUR PHOTO. Robin Williams played the mild-mannered clerk just about as perfectly as anyone could have.

[BoyScoutKevin]

Dick Powell. From song and dance man in countless movie musicals to dramatic actor as Marlowe in "Murder, My Sweet."

And, while we're talking about Robin Williams, let us not forget his role as Osric in Kenneth Branagh's unabridged version of "Hamlet." A little bit comedy, a little bit drama, and probably the biggest surprise in the film.

[NEC]

Diane Keaton has always been able to go back and forth between drama and comedy.