Top 20 Stars with the Most Iconic Accents

#20: Fran Drescher

Before being the president of the Screen Actors Guild, Fran Drescher achieved stardom for her work on The Nanny. The TV show helped to make her voice iconic. In the program, her eccentric part allowed her to exaggerate her vocals for comedic effect. Her earlier roles in the likes of This Is Spinal Tap feature a slightly more subdued take. Regardless, Dreschers comic timing and persona would be incomplete without mentioning her accent. She seems to embody much of the New York essence. Some might only associate her with television, but she has a much deeper catalog worth hearing.

#19: Alan Rickman

Earning acclaim on the stage, he only needed one film role to make him a screen icon. Alan Rickmans turn as Hans Gruber was an impressive debut. Rather than being a more macho villain, the actor played a German to great effect. He then famously used his British accent to play Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series. As the potions instructor, Rickman developed one of his most beloved roles. The series allowed him to showcase his dynamic and dry voice. He could utilize it for humor, speak with authority, or give you a touching monologue. The actor could make everything from Jane Austen to sci-fi comedy sing. He had the sophisticated vocals of a thespian, but the natural ability of a movie star.

#18: Cary Grant

Hes among the more sophisticated men Hollywood ever produced. His charms were second to none, but his voice is equally famous. Cary Grant has a transatlantic accent that blends his British origins with some Americanized influence. This arguably made him sound more aristocratic, but he often played men undone by the world around them. It became something of his trademark to be out of his depth, trying to hold it all together with his amazing delivery. He also makes romantic moments sing with his lilting voice. By having this multi-faceted personality, he could blend into any genre and make it work.

#17: Al Pacino

If youre a fan of this man, you know that hes had many eras of highs and lows. His New York accent and higher tone accompany many of his early films. From The Godfather to Dog Day Afternoon, he captured a variety of young and brash personalities in the Big Apple. He could be more tremendously subtle or he could shout like the best of them. Pacino even tried out a few foreign accents. His voice seemed to change in his later career. His Oscar-winning role in Scent of a Woman showcased his deeper transformation and bold inflections. Some people might criticize it, but he makes some entertaining choices in his later work.

#16: Ingrid Bergman

Hailing from Sweden, Ingrid Bergman got her start in Europe before skyrocketing in Hollywood. Her extraordinary career in America led to three Academy Awards. Through it all, Bergman flaunted her native accent through many English-language roles. She became part of film history as one-half of the iconic duo in Casablanca. Opposite the likes of Humphrey Bogart and Charles Boyer, she built up a slate of incredible leading parts. Her voice arguably became one of her signatures, helping her create some searing and emotional performances. The actress provided years of compelling work while holding onto her Swedish heritage.

#15: Elvis Presley

In the 1950s, Elvis Presley quickly became an international icon. He holds a king-like status in the world of rock music. From hit records to screen musicals, the singer had a widely identifiable voice. His singing and dancing shook up pop culture. While his movies didnt always get great reviews, they helped to sell the mans distinct vocal phrasing. His Southern accent comes out as both rich and authentic. Presley is so famous that his speech and image have been parodied for decades. The many films about the legend only help to make him sound more mythical.

#14: Samuel L. Jackson

If you dont know this mans voice, you havent been watching movies for the last several decades. Samuel L. Jackson pulls together a mix of regional influences, with time spent in both Tennessee and Georgia. The actor doesnt have the thickest Southern accent, but he does like to emphasize certain words. Hes practically made yelling and swearing an artform at this point. In his storied career, hes also shouted in some of the more successful movies ever made. Few people can say theyve delivered Tarantinos speeches and used a lightsaber. For every single role, Jackson gives it one-hundred percent with his booming intonation.

#13: Marlon Brando

Chances are that your favorite actor was partly influenced by Marlon Brando. The Omaha, Nebraska native went to Broadway and became an icon. His method acting made performances feel real, with his voice leading the way. The performer created the ultimate Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, giving a masterclass in vocalization. Brando could mumble his lines and turn it into a smart character choice. This makes his exceptional roles in On the Waterfront and even The Godfather more engaging. As one of the most admired artists of his generation, the man knew how to modulate his accent for huge results.

#12: Ian McKellen

Long before his mainstream popularity in film, Ian McKellen had a reputation as an excellent stage performer. This made him an asset in several of the biggest franchises of the last thirty years. His deep British accent lent credibility to his work as Gandalf. In Tolkien adaptations and superhero movies, the actor could do no wrong. His turn as Magneto has even more gravitas thanks to his dialect. McKellen once again proves that many Brits play great villains, putting his theatrical background to good use. Whether hes playing real-life figures or literary characters, he makes every role sound more elegant.

#11: Marlene Dietrich

Working with directors like Josef von Sternberg, Marlene Dietrich was a German star. Her efforts in Hollywood brought her accent to an even larger audience. Dietrich could play heroines and femme fatales with equal success. Her roles in Stage Fright and Witness for the Prosecution also let her show off her range. The voice made her career all the more notable, giving her another intriguing element with her performances. She can lure you into a scene while preparing to surprise you. Even a supporting part in an Orson Welles movie let her work some magic. In the end, shes so iconic that Madeline Kahn parodied her for Blazing Saddles.

#10: Sam Elliott

Hes not just known for his bushy mustache. Sam Elliott might be from California, but he also carries the lowkey spirit of a Texas cowboy. Hes brought his deep voice to many large and small screen projects over the years. Road House is just one project that brings out his somewhat ageless persona, becoming a cool guy in the process. His inviting tone is the personification of a warm hug. With The Big Lebowski, he became a narrator for a cult comedy. Elliott clearly has a presence even when hes not onscreen. More importantly, his lower delivery makes you sit up and listen to him.

#9: Dolly Parton

As a singer and personality, Dolly Parton continues to build an awesome legacy for herself. She first came to prominence for her singing. The country performer wrote and recorded some of the most popular songs in her genre. Not only that, Parton later became an actor in many successful films like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias. She epitomizes Southern hospitality and never forgets her home state of Tennessee. Her charity foundation proves that, while her accent is part of her upbeat presence. Her speaking voice is arguably as famous as her singing performances now.

#8: Humphrey Bogart

Whether he played a good guy or a villain, Humphrey Bogart had an extraordinary presence. This included a voice thats sometimes-parodied and otherwise legendary. He might be the definitive American actor of the 1940s. In Casablanca alone, he turned Rick Blaine into the most compelling and reluctant hero. Bogart cant help but be cool with his unorthodox speech and stone-cold look. His turn as prospectors, military men, and detectives give him a chance to utilize his vocal abilities. Rather than masking his voice, he creates some of his best moments by embracing his lisp. He was among a group of leading men that brought a grittier and more natural sound to his dialogue.

#7: Judy Garland

For her role in The Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland became a Hollywood icon. She came from Minnesota and honed her talents in vaudeville. At an early age, the performer was a superstar with a definitive voice. Garlands accent added to her girl-next-door persona. There was also her more theatrical side, with her awe-inspiring singing voice always ready to come out. The actresss storied career includes some classic musicals and incredible dramatic works. In each and every one, the star knew how to make every line of dialogue glow. She often projected pure happiness on screen even as her personal life turned tragic.

#6: Sidney Poitier

Nothing short of a trailblazer, Sidney Poitier made a tremendous impact on American film. His accent was unmistakable, giving movies like In the Heat of the Night an additional power. Virgil Tibbs is a hero who pushes back against a racist Southern town with his determination and voice. His roots in the Bahamas likely added to his unique tone. Poitier couldnt be boxed into one kind of role, playing multiple genres across a stellar career. Every step of the way, he had an extraordinary way of selling his lines. He could easily convey his characters emotional state, setting up some subtle inflections and larger outbursts. The icon directed and acted across many decades while never losing his smooth delivery.

#5: Julie Andrews

The hills are alive with the sound of her voice. Julie Andrews has a British accent that helped make Mary Poppins better. Along with The Sound of Music, the star became a household name by the mid-1960s. She can sing and fill the scene with wonderfully-said dialogue. Making an art out of every syllable, the performer knows how to make her mark through enunciation. When she played royalty in The Princess Diaries, the actress didnt need much time to establish her character. Its hard to imagine her without the posh sensibility. Across fifty years of work, she developed a reputation for her refined presence.

#4: Michael Caine

You could argue that Michael Caine helped revolutionize British acting. His Cockney accent wasnt the standard when he started, but it helped make him a new kind of movie star. His work in Zulu and Alfie were among his breakout roles, bringing him to larger audiences and critical notice. Get Carter and The Italian Job helped to make him an elite English actor. Hes both disarming and charming, making his parts as certified anti-heroes soar. By the start of the 21st century, he garnered two Academy Awards and the respect of the industry. He also had a widely-imitated accent. From working class veteran to movie icon, the performer uses his dialect to great effect.

#3: James Stewart

As an archetype of the ordinary guy, James Stewart also has a signature drawl. Hes one of the few Hollywood superstars that could truly capture the spirit of Middle America. The entertainer could do drama and comedy with equal measure, bringing an authenticity to his parts. He rarely did an accent and instead relied on his native sound. In some of his more ionic roles, including Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stewarts way of speaking helped to power his performance.

He also utilized it in a handful of Alfred Hitchcocks best films, making him the perfect choice to play the average man in trouble.

#2: Sean Connery

Along with being James Bond, Sean Connery is perhaps best known for his voice. The actors native brogue is among his defining characteristics. His natural Scottish intonations elevated some of his greatest roles and became the saving grace of his lesser ones. He was not much for doing other accents, making his own standout on films such as Highlander and The Hunt for Red October. The distinguished and deep tone helped to make him a movie star. Even if you close your eyes, theres no mistaking him from any of his co-stars. Many still believe hes the definitive 007 and his booming vocals make for a strong argument.

#1: Katharine Hepburn

Her strong personality wasnt the only thing audiences loved. This actress also possessed a notable and sharp voice, separating her from many contemporaries. Her Connecticut roots combined with a put-on accent known as Mid-Atlantic. You hang on her every word through period films, rom-coms, and important social dramas. She could hold her own against any performer from Spencer Tracy to Henry Fonda, using her speech patterns to assert herself. The star could take control of a scene with only a few piercing lines or a stern monologue. Hepburn is partly remembered for her pronounced vocals, utilizing the latter to play smart lawyers and queens alike. To top it all off, she was awarded four Oscars.

Did we forget another stars iconic voice? Let us know in the comments below.