For some actors, typecasting is hard to shake — they’re either known for comedy or known for drama, and generally pigeonholed into roles that fit one genre or the other.
Sometimes, comedy actors try unsuccessfully to show range by attempting a more dramatic role, only to revert to humor once it’s clear that fans just won’t accept the change. (Ryan Reynolds, anyone? While he’s laughing all the way to the bank thanks to Deadpool, the guy just can’t seem to capture a stellar leading dramatic role.)
That said, in some unique cases, comedy actors have managed to stun viewers by delivering a head-turningly fantastic performance that truly shows their versatility — and ability to do far more than just generate laughs.
Here are 10 of the most successful pivots from hilarity to tears.
