Top 10 First and Last Performances by Beloved Actors

“The Express: The Ernie Davis Story” (2008) & “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020)

From his first film role, Chadwick Boseman showed that he had a knack for playing historical characters. It’s hard to watch his work in “The Express” and deny his star power. Playing real-life halfback Floyd Little, the actor introduced himself as an engaging presence. He used this power again to great effect in all kinds of dynamic roles from biopics to Marvel epics. Keeping his illness secret, Boseman pushed forward to create one of his finest roles in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Playing musician Levee Green, he earned multiple accolades and nominations for his fiery and deeply-felt performance. His strong and impressive work adds up to a beautiful legacy.

“On the Waterfront” (1954) & “Winter’s Tale” (2014)

It did not take long for Eva Marie Saint to make an impact in Hollywood. Her first film was “On the Waterfront,” a pivotal release that still echoes through cinematic history. She won an Oscar for her movie debut, proving that she could hold her own beautifully in scenes with Marlon Brando at his most powerful. This started a prosperous career filled with more classics like “North by Northwest.” Before she stopped screen acting, Saint lent her talents to “Winter’s Tale.” The fantasy gave her an underrated send-off to an incredible catalog of work. While it might not be as acclaimed as her previous projects, the story was elevated by her mere presence as Willa.

“For Me and My Gal” (1942) & “Xanadu” (1980)

If you love Hollywood musicals, you probably love Gene Kelly. His ability to sing, dance, and act was apparent right from his first movie. Directed by musical expert Busby Berkeley, “For Me and My Gal” let Kelly perform fantastic routines with Judy Garland. The performer never stops in a promising debut that shows off his generational talents. When he came to the end of his film career, the “Singin’ in the Rain” star took a cinematic bow with “Xanadu.” The project might’ve received a mixed reception, but it did allow the actor to have fun on screen. It’s now considered something of a cult classic that’s enhanced by Kelly’s performance.

“Dr. Strangelove” (1964) & “Coming 2 America” (2021)

On both stage and screen, James Earl Jones was a powerful force of nature. He began a towering career in the Stanley Kubrick film “Dr. Strangelove.” As one of the bomber crew members, Jones didn’t say much but his singular voice stood out among a talented cast. He got to trade lines with the likes of Slim Pickens in a memorable Cold-War satire. Along with bringing Darth Vader to life, the actor built up a steady stream of work in everything from searing dramas to comedies with Eddie Murphy. Decades after playing King Jaffe in “Coming to America,” the performer returned for the funny sequel. It’s touching to watch him play opposite Murphy again in an appearance that plenty of fans can appreciate.

“Gaslight” (1944) & “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (2022)

In her first film role, Angela Lansbury appears in an acclaimed drama. “Gaslight” features the actress as the maid Nancy and she was rewarded for her efforts with an Oscar nomination. Throughout her career, she kept people guessing in multi-genre parts that went from serious to effortlessly fun. Her brief appearance in “Glass Onion” shows that she’s willing to make fun of her image and appear with other titans of the entertainment world. It’s so enjoyable to watch Lansbury play “Among Us” with detective Benoit Blanc, giving us one last chance to laugh with her.

“Bonnie and Clyde” (1967) & “Another You” (1991)

Many know him as Willy Wonka, but some people forget that Gene Wilder got his cinematic start in “Bonnie and Clyde.” The role of Eugene showcases his ability to make you laugh and feel for him. In just a few scenes, Wilder makes a significant impression in a groundbreaking film from the era, even when competing with the likes of Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. He achieved even more success in the 1970s with Mel Brooks comedies and a professional partnership with Richard Pryor. The two talents shared the screen for a fourth outing in 1991, giving audiences a last look at their one-of-a-kind connection. “Another You” still lets Wilder reveal his artistic spark despite the movie’s sour reception.

“The Farmer Takes a Wife” (1935) & “On Golden Pond” (1981)

Among the more beloved performers of the screen, Henry Fonda gave his all to a career full of natural performances. His Hollywood beginning might be lesser known, but it does give a sense of his unique abilities under the direction of Victor Fleming. Fonda’s everyman persona helps endear the audience to him no matter the role. This continued through a long list of dramas and culminated in his devastating work in “On Golden Pond.” He starred as the older and stubborn husband that struggles in his family relationships. The legend won an Oscar for his last role, creating tender moments with his real-life daughter Jane. Up until his final years, this leading man showed that he could make audiences think and cry.

“The Godfather” (1972) & “The Deer Hunter” (1978)

Though only starring in five movies, John Cazale might’ve had one of the finest careers of any actor. His first film performance was as Fredo in “The Godfather.” It’s a difficult part to master, full of weakness and mixed emotions. Cazale gives every subtle gesture meaning in a part that he’d reprise in the sequel. Dealing with terminal cancer, the star completed his final role in “The Deer Hunter” before his death. The Best Picture-winner puts him in a volatile group of friends that’s broken apart by the Vietnam War. While he doesn’t have the most screen time, the performer steals key moments in heartbreaking and compelling scenes.

“The Killers” (1946) & “Field of Dreams” (1989)

Any list of major Golden Age actors is incomplete without Burt Lancaster. In a classic adaptation of a Hemingway story, the performer revealed a sensitive soul beneath his tough exterior. He stars with Ava Gardner in a story that puts his strongest assets on full display. In what would become trademarks of his career, Lancaster leaps off the screen with palpable emotions. He carried that kind of robust artistry with him all the way to his last movie performance. As Moonlight Graham in “Field of Dreams,” the icon concluded his catalog on a high note. He’s one of several reasons audiences love the baseball film, lending his magical presence to one of the drama’s most touching moments.

“The Men” (1950) & “The Score” (2001)

As one of the most revered stars of his generation, Marlon Brando took the movie world by storm in the 1950s. The artist first transitioned into the cinematic world with “The Men.” Before his bold screen performance in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the actor gave a humanistic performance in a post-war drama. The empathetic tale about injured veterans signaled his potential as a silver screen icon. At the end of his career, Brando showed his range once again in a crime thriller. He also proved that he can make the most of a supporting role, playing opposite Robert De Niro with a clear charisma. The performer draws you in no matter the material, always showing the audience his magnetic energy.



Which stellar acting career did we fail to mention? Let us know in the comments below.