Top 10 Moments We Found Out Comic Actors Could Nail Dramatic Roles

Playing the furthest thing from Ron Burgundy, Will Ferrell stars in a movie about a man that’s at a low point. This isn’t for comedic effect either, instead focusing on a salesman who gets fired and loses his wife. Ferrell deals with the character’s faults in a complicated tale about the effects of alcoholism. Through his worst moments, the anti-hero comes to realize the bigger picture as he sells his possessions and meets new people. The actor could have easily tried to milk the comedy out of every scene. Rather than turning it into a hilarious or melodramatic plot, the performer mines the depths of a nuanced man faced with confronting his mistakes.

Based on a true story, this drama takes a look at a brief glimpse into the life of David Foster Wallace. The author has a journalist follow him around as he conducts his book tour. Jason Segel plays the writer in a role that gives him plenty of room for a subtle emotional journey. Opposite Jesse Eisenberg, the comedian doesn’t attempt to mimic the man so much as capture his essence. The underseen film allows Segel to break away from his trademark goofiness in broader comedies. In the best possible way, the performer doesn’t give you everything and instead invites you to ask questions about his choices instead.

Known for her stand-up comedy and television work, Mo’Nique is widely known as a successful comic actress. Her performance in “Precious” is that much more impressive given that it resembles none of her previous work. She plays the abusive mother to the title character, often verbally and physically combative. Tense sequences show off her rough parenting style as a woman that’s full of anger and pain. The comedian steals every scene with her ability to both command attention and let go of her emotional barriers. Winning awards for her role, the performer created a scary and believable person.

Over the last two decades, Melissa McCarthy displayed her talents as a physical comedian in both TV and film. She finally received an opportunity to break out from typecasting for “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” This drama centers around Lee Israel, a writer that sold forged letters to make ends meet. McCarthy isn’t afraid to play someone that’s both scamming people and not exactly fun to be around. The role requires her to go against all of her comedic instincts, instead forcing the actress to play an all-around cold personality. In Israel’s lowest moments, there’s still enough room for the comedian to provide some shred of humanity.

Shooting to stardom in the 1990s, Jim Carrey quickly showed everyone that he was the next king of physical comedy. He established so much success in the genre that he eventually went for dramatic works like “The Truman Show.” He plays a man who slowly realizes he’s the star of his own TV show, forcing him to react to an increasingly mind-bending plot. Carrey goes from a wide-eyed dreamer to a desperate hero searching for answers. By the time he discovers the truth, the comedian has run the gamut of emotions on his chaotic adventure. The comedian ultimately finds both sadness and happiness inside a likable hero.

Bringing laughs for years on her own variety show, Carol Burnett holds a legendary place in American comedy. She rarely took on dramatic roles until projects like “Friendly Fire” came along. After her son dies in Vietnam, a mother tries to carry on without him. Burnett takes a chance with this part considering that it’s both deadly serious and emotionally revealing. She easily could’ve cried throughout the movie, but instead, the actress deals with grief in a much more nuanced way. Her character Peg Mullen turns her pain into action as she protests the war and tries to understand her child’s death. Alongside her co-star Ned Beatty, the comedian gives a raw performance that doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the Vietnam era.

Jamie Foxx continuously shows audiences that he’s one of the most talented performers of his generation. His ability to sing and act helped him win the role of Ray Charles, guiding him through the singer’s life from nobody to superstar. The biopic allows Foxx to use his musical ability along with his gift for drama. He completely transforms into the musician, capturing every nuance from Charles’ voice to his mannerisms. His ability to sell the legend’s peaks and valleys as a man never fails to impress. Shocking viewers with his dedication to the part, the actor won an Academy Award for good reason.

Before this serious performance, Mary Tyler Moore made her mark on TV shows like “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and her own sitcom. Her cheery personality brightened up those projects, but it’s nowhere to be found in “Ordinary People.” This adaptation of the Judith Guest novel features Moore as a cold mother that doesn’t allow herself to forgive her son. Over the course of this domestic drama, her character drifts further away from her family until she finally decides to leave them. It’s definitely a heartbreaking role that allows the actress to bring out a darker side of herself.

Adam Sandler took the 1990s by storm with his silly brand of comedy. After making several hit films, the actor explored a more serious role in “Punch-Drunk Love.” This Paul Thomas Anderson movie pushes Sandler to produce a more well-rounded character. The comedian plays Barry Egan, an anxious man with anger issues who enters into a whirlwind romance. He’s able to show off his romantic side after some touching scenes that get to the heart of a troubled man. It’s not completely devoid of humor, but the project definitely gives audiences a look at the performer's more dramatic side. The result is a powerhouse showcase of his natural talents.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Bill Hader, “The Skeleton Twins” (2014)
As the Depressed Milo, the Comedian Reconnects with His Sister in This Underrated Dramedy

Luke Wilson, “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001)
The Actor Embodies a Misunderstood Tennis Player Contemplating His Own Existence

Sacha Baron Cohen, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (2020)
Cohen Brings His Charm & Wit to Abbie Hoffman in This Courtroom Drama

Olivia Colman, “The Favourite” (2018)
The Performer Becomes Queen Anne in a Powerful Display of Royalty Gone Wrong

Jennifer Aniston, “Cake” (2014)
The TV & Film Comedian Excels as a Serious Character Dealing With Substance Use Disoder

Robin Williams might have been the wildest comedian of all time, but he was also able to tackle serious drama. The film “Dead Poets Society” gave him a major chance to flex his other creative muscles. As the inspirational teacher John Keating, Williams turns subjects like poetry into engaging topics for his students. He’s exactly the kind of instructor that you wish you had in school. Aside from a few comic moments, the performer delivers lessons that tug at the heartstrings for their passionate and sincere demeanor. It was one of several Oscar nominations for the actor that solidified the full range of his abilities.