Top 10 Moments We Found Out Dramatic Actors Were Funny

Nicolas Cage is a force to be reckoned with on screen, no matter the genre. “Raising Arizona” might have been one of the first times audiences saw his true potential as a comedic performer. He and Holly Hunter play a desperate couple that takes a baby as one of their own. Cage becomes an ex-convict that moves like a cartoon character, complete with an enjoyable accent and wide-eyed expressions. It almost feels like the actor is roaming free, thus nailing a bold part that few others could’ve given the proper energy to. While some might call him too silly, we say Cage executes a perfect performance full of robberies and madcap chases.

Instead of playing a murderous gangster, Joe Pesci resorts to lesser crimes in this holiday classic. He becomes Harry the robber, targeting the McCallister residence amid their big vacation. Things don’t go as planned, resulting in some physical comedy gold from Pesci and co-star Daniel Stern. Both criminals fumble around as they try to gain access to the house, falling and injuring themselves in hilarious scenes. Kevin’s booby traps provide a plethora of moments where Pesci can play up his best comedic reactions. It’s a far cry from a Martin Scorsese movie, but the comedy allows him to bring charm and laughter at every turn. The fact that he reprised the role in the sequel is just the cherry on top.

While he’s known for his work in acclaimed dramas, Ralph Fiennes proves he can be hilarious in a lead role with Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” In the film, he portrays a concierge who’s extremely attentive and loyal to his guests. Fiennes brings his gravitas to quick-witted lines, always one step ahead of his counterparts with well-spoken dialogue. He even delivers a few moments of physical comedy that guarantee laughs. Anderson knows how to use the actor’s eloquence, subverting it in an intriguing plot that sees him mentoring a lobby boy played by Tony Revolori. In the end, the Oscar-nominee offers up a deadpan performance that transcends many of his more serious showings.

Even before the industry knew the true potential of Colin Farrell, he was proving himself in a variety of action films and dramas. But after he was cast in Martin McDonagh’s dark dramedy “In Bruges”, his talent became impossible to ignore. Farrell’s hitman Ray makes a horrible mistake and ends up contemplating life in the titular city. His performance infuses a tragic character with both humor and humanity, meshing well with co-star Brendan Gleeson. McDonagh’s script, for its part, gives the actor line after line of hilarity to work with. Even though he’s committed terrible crimes, Ray still comes off as an affable man, and that’s largely thanks to Farrell.

In the ten years prior to “Lady Bird,” Saoirse Ronan impressed audiences with a slew of roles in fantastic films, most of which were dramas. But writer-director Greta Gerwig gave the actress the perfect outlet for her comedic side with “Lady Bird.” Playing an outspoken teenager, Ronan proves to be a remarkably funny presence in this coming-of-age film. Indeed, she’s able to explore the character’s real problems through Gerwig’s engaging script. And her take on a high school kid that speaks her mind, sometimes clashing with others, is humorous while also being three-dimensional. In other words, Ronan dives head first into sometimes cringey behavior, accessing the awkwardness that everyone feels at that age.

Is there a more awarded actress in modern history than Meryl Streep? She’s been nominated for many of her serious roles, but she’s also underrated in comedies like “Death Becomes Her.” Streep unleashes her goofiest side in this fantastical, surprise-filled comedy. Parodying self-serious celebrities, she brings a self-awareness to the love triangle-centered plot. Streep plays Madeline, an actress who takes an immortality potion that only makes things in her relationship and overall life worse. Using impressive effects and makeup, the award-winner transforms into a comedian you might’ve seen in the classic Hollywood era. She’s basically game for anything in this funny trip courtesy of visionary director Robert Zemeckis, and we’re here for it.

Disappearing into the role of Jordan Belfort, Leonardo DiCaprio is at his most unhinged in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” The movie allows him to partake in all kinds of nefarious schemes and partying. At one point, his character engages in substance use and finds himself crawling around, showing off the actor’s talents for physical comedy. There’s also plenty of speeches that turn him into an over-the-top monster. Throughout the epic Martin Scorsese film, DiCaprio finds new ways to be wonderfully off-putting with one excessive choice after the other. He’s so wild that you can’t help but laugh at the self-destructive behavior on display.

Few comedies are as iconic as “The Big Lebowski.” The entire film is anchored by Jeff Bridges’ performance as The Dude, turning him into a comic legend in the process. Bridges is so good that he makes every line of dialogue sound completely natural. He’s the ultimate slacker who finds himself inside a complicated story, bringing a humorous philosophy to every scene. The impact of his performance is further amplified by the inclusion of acting giants like John Goodman and Julianne Moore. Having great chemistry with these stars, the lead actor makes the Coen brothers’ script sing with his comic timing.

Famous for playing James Bond, Daniel Craig often finds himself in action films or serious dramas. But his role in “Knives Out” (and its sequel) is something else entirely. He plays Benoit Blanc, turning on his best Southern accent to poke fun at – and pay tribute to – famous detectives. The 2019 film sees the gentleman investigator charm his way through an unsavory cast of characters that may or may not have killed their patriarch. Full of energy, Craig embodies a well-spoken man who seeks to find justice in his own unique way. In doing so, he gives some truly hilarious explanations and a few analogies we’ll never forget.

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

Jason Statham, “Spy” (2015)
The Action Star Parodies His Favored Genre with a Self-Serious CIA Agent

Tom Cruise, “Tropic Thunder” (2008)
Channeling an Evil Executive to Dance His Way Into Comedy History

Jane Fonda, “9 to 5” (1980)
The Actress Had Already Won Two Oscars by the Time She Gave Us This Hilarious ‘80s Classic

Brad Pitt, “Burn After Reading” (2008)
In His Wackiest Role, Pitt Plays a Personal Trainer Who’s in Over His Head

Chris Hemsworth, “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)
Letting the God of Thunder’s Funny Side Fly

Leslie Nielsen got his start in more dramatic films and sci-fi projects. Once he was cast in “Airplane!” by the Zucker brothers, his career was never the same. Nielsen plays every single moment with absolute sincerity. Never winking to the camera, the actor’s dedication to each line in this disaster spoof is pitch perfect. Of course, one of his most indelible contributions to comedy comes in the form of the famous “Shirley” line. He would continue to utilize his comic skills throughout the rest of his career, taking parodies to the limit with the likes of the “Naked Gun” franchise. At the end of the day, it was “Airplane!” that first gave him the chance to really shine as a comedy star.