Top 10 Actors Whose Personalities Are Nothing Like Their Characters

“Good Omens” (2019-)


This famous Welsh actor has found fans across generations, but his recent role as Aziraphale in the Neil Gaiman series “Good Omens” has particularly appealed to young viewers. Aziraphale is unbearably angelic, even among his own kind. Sheen, on the other hand, is known for his witty banter, sarcasm, and playfulness. In an interview with The Guardian, he also revealed he had a bit of an anger management issue – something we can’t ever imagine Aziraphale grappling with. Besides, he’s known to be a stickler for rules. Mr. A. Z. Fell, however, wouldn’t mind breaking the occasional one for the right reason.

“The Last of Us” (2023-)


The only thing Pascal has in common with his character Joel Miller in “The Last of Us” is the fact that they’re both baby girls in one way or another. However, Miller is guarded and detached from his emotional side, appearing almost indifferent. On the contrary, Pascal is governed by the heart. With him, what you see is what you get. He isn’t afraid to express himself authentically, whether that be when he is complimenting an interviewer’s nails or rocking up to the red carpet in an androgynous fashion. He is emotionally intelligent, vulnerable when he needs to be, and as far away from toxic masculinity as can be. Of course, we stan.

“The Office” (2005-13)

Angela Martin, the accounting department head at Dunder Mifflin Scranton from “The Office” is exactly the kind of co-worker we all despise. She is always complaining, playing the blame game, and judging others ruthlessly. Frankly, she’s quite the mean girl, although Kinsey couldn’t be more different. She is not only exceedingly kind but also deeply considerate of others. As opposed to how her character treated Pam Beesly, Jenna Fischer’s character in the show, they're the best of friends. In fact, when the latter got diagnosed with breast cancer and wanted to keep it private, it was Kinsey who supported her in her journey to recovery. She even wore hats to work in solidarity with Fischer when she started chemotherapy.

“Gossip Girl” (2007-12)


Blair Waldorf, a.k.a the Queen B of “Gossip Girl,” might have been a manipulative, rich spoiled brat … for the most part, but the actress playing her is the polar opposite. Neither did she grow up privileged – her parents were incarcerated when she was born – nor does she have notorious social climbing tendencies. Meester is an entirely self-made woman whose own struggles inspired her to give back to the community. She is involved with several charities and organizations like Feeding America to combat child hunger and food insecurity. Needless to say, she is a true role model.

“House” (2004-12)


Dr. Gregory House may have traded his bedside manners for utter genius and proudly so, but Laurie has not an iota of his arrogance. As a matter of fact, he has admitted in interviews to being rather insecure. Having no formal education in acting, he doubted his capabilities and never expected the level of success he achieved. Fans who have met the actor can vouch for his gentlemanly personality and sense of humor. Not the dark kind House is known for. Laurie also vehemently opposes his heartthrob status, claiming he isn’t the least bit “sexy.” We beg to differ, though.

“Hannibal” (2013-15)

This one is a bit self-explanatory, isn’t it? Of course, Mikkelsen is a far cry from the literal cannibal he plays in “Hannibal.” If we talk about nuances, there are even more differences between them. For starters, did you know he was a ballerino? The man even performed at cabarets and it all started because he wanted to get girls. His unserious, silly, goofy personality makes for some unforgettable viral moments wherever he goes and fans just can’t get enough. The fact that he’s not chronically online somehow makes him even more endearing and effortlessly funny.

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-21)


One of the most recognizable modern TV characters, Rosa Diaz from “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” was brought to life by an actress so strikingly different from her that it makes her performance all the more impressive. Everything about Stephanie Beatriz, from her chirpy voice to her animated personality, is definitely not Detective Diaz-approved. However, her bisexual identity did inspire her character’s coming out arc. In several interviews, Beatriz has surprised fans with her ability to switch to Rosa in a split second. She calls it her “second nature.” Now, that’s not just some incredible talent but also pure dedication and love for her craft.

“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)


The king of geeks, Sheldon Cooper from “The Big Bang Theory” is the epitome of the socially inept brainiac stereotype. That said, if you’ve seen even a single interview of Jim Parsons out of character, you’ll notice how amicable, witty, and even puckish he can be! He has stellar chemistry with his co-stars, both in and out of “TBBT” and is extremely skilled at making others comfortable around him. While Sheldon is unintentionally funny, Jim knows exactly what he’s doing when he has us rolling on the floor laughing. Either way, we love them both!

“Breaking Bad” (2008-13)

Surprise, surprise! The “Breaking Bad” star and his character in the series, Walter White, are worlds apart. That said, the actor did base White on a close relative – his father. From his physical appearance to his mental disposition, Cranston shaped the famed anti-hero in the mold of the man who walked out on his family when he was a young boy. Despite his rather traumatic childhood, with an absent father and a substance-using mother, the Cranston we know and love is welcoming with a heart of gold. Plus, he sure knows how to give us a good laugh.

“Game of Thrones” (2011-19)


You know an actor has done a fantastic job playing a villain when fans just can’t stand them. This was the case for “Game of Thrones” actress Lena Headey, who plays the cruel Queen Cersei Lannister. So, when we found out she was actually a total sweetheart in real life, everyone cheered. Lena describes herself as a “clumsy nerd,” but considers crashing out as Cersei a form of catharsis. As opposed to Cersei’s narcissism, Lena admittedly has a major case of imposter syndrome and is infinitely humble. In her own words, she’s barely tough, but thoroughly enjoyed playing such a diametrically opposed role.

Who do you like more? These actors or their famous characters? Tell us in the comments!