Top 10 Alec Baldwin Moments
#10 – TV, Or Not TV
Sure, he became a huge movie star, but some of Baldwin’s best moments happened on the small screen – and not just on “SNL” and “30 Rock.” His first big part was on the risqué soap opera “The Doctors,” which he followed with another soap role, this time on the primetime “Dallas” spinoff, “Knot’s Landing.” Yadda yadda yadda he eventually cracked us up with memorable guest-spots on our favorite sitcoms.
#9 – Sex Sells
Today, Baldwin is known as a character actor who adds his trademark wit and confidence to nuanced roles. But there was a time when Alec was best served shirtless. Good guy or bad guy, Baldwin always used to find a way to get half-naked – which is probably how he ended up with his first wife. And just cause he’s gotten a little older doesn’t mean he’s slowed down in the lady department. Well, you can’t un-see that.
#8 – Baldwin Casts a Long Shadow
Alec Baldwin is a lot of things: versatile actor? Definitely. Billionaire playboy? Probably. Action hero? Really? Yeah, we were surprised too. In 1994, he took on the role of “The Shadow,” and it wasn’t a huge hit. But, it’s one of those awful movies you can’t help but love: Baldwin gives it the camp-factor it deserves – after all, this comic book character uses psychic abilities to fight crime. But that’s not his only out of character part…
#7 – Out of the Comfort Zone
It’s well-established that Baldwin plays a perfect businessman, doctor, or guy wearing a suit. But we think he shines just as much when he’s doing something atypical – like, say, singing. Or maybe doing some sort of crazy voice or accent. Okay that one may not have been that good. K, that one’s arguable too. But what about Russian Santa? Or this? Alright, we pick “old Jewish guy” as our favorite.
#6 – Baldwin’s A Lone Voice in the Wilderness
If you’ve ever thought to yourself “boy, that Alec Baldwin has a great voice” you wouldn’t be alone: he’s a prolific voice actor. Whether he’s playing himself, himself, a dog, a lion, Santa Claus, any number of bad guys, or simply the narrator, we love to hear him speak. However, some of his voice recordings are less…good.
#5 – The God Complex
Baldwin is the king of the wordy soliloquy – in fact, more than one of his rants qualifies for this list. However, nothing beats the narcissism and God complex exhibited in his speech from the 1993 film “Malice.” Some context: Baldwin’s character is a young and brilliant surgeon accused of performing a questionable medical procedure – despite the objections of his colleagues. Subtle.
#4 – Baldwin’s Cool As Ice
Baldwin loves to sink his teeth into bad guy roles, but he’s rarely this bad. In 2003’s “The Cooler,” he’s a Vegas casino owner who’s unhappy with the modernization of his town, and who settles his scores the old-fashioned way. For the part, Baldwin earned Oscar and Golden Globe nods, and we figure the way he bounces between brutish villainy and wistful contemplation helped earn him the recognition.
#3 – Smart Alec
Before “Saturday Night Live,” did you know Alec Baldwin was funny? Did you know he could do impressions? Honestly, he seems like the kind of guy who could easily take himself too seriously, but SNL changed that: Baldwin has hosted a record number of times, and with each appearance comes a new, most memorable sketch. What’s best: when he makes fun of himself? When he hits on the castmembers? No, it’s almost definitely this.
#2 – Executive Decisions
GE-slash-Kabletown suit Jack Donaghy is a hilarious TV character in itself – but tack on Baldwin’s acting skills, comedic timing, low-talking and personal politics and “30 Rock” is a one-man masterwork. Seven-years of TV domination spawned multiple best moments, but there are some standouts. Need more? Try Tracy Jordan’s family therapy session. Honestly, Baldwin’s just constantly Reaganing.
#1 – Baldwin’s Got Brass Balls
Based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning David Mamet play, 1992’s “Glengarry Glen Ross” is full of Hollywood’s finest – but even so, Baldwin is the most memorable part of the film. Playing a role that was written specifically for him, Baldwin comes in and gives hell to the lackluster sales force like the coach of any losing team at halftime. And the result is one of cinema’s most famous speeches.
Do you agree with our list? What do you think is Alec Baldwin’s best moment? For more top 10s about your favorite actors, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
