They Say Comedy Is The Hardest Form Of Acting, But Clearly Not For These Otherwise-Serious Actors

    Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe both killed it in The Nice Guys!

    Benjamin Dzialdowski
    by Benjamin Dzialdowski

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Recently, a Vanity Fair article headline claimed Ryan Gosling's role in Barbie was his 'chance to be funny'. While the article did mention his comedic roles in Crazy, Stupid, Love, and The Nice Guys, Twitter was quick to jump on the piece for the headline.

    Warner Bros. Pictures

    Someone hasn't seen The Nice Guys. https://t.co/TRRKzJapjW pic.twitter.com/55J0Y6TQGZ

    — Gabriel (@cambregabriel19) March 6, 2024
    Twitter: @cambregabriel19

    So, that got us thinking about serious actors who've nailed comedic roles, here's nine times they've done exactly that:

    1. Ryan Gosling – The Nice Guys

    Ryan Gosling in a scene, wearing a blue jacket and a yellow tie, with a cast on his left arm
    Warner Bros. Pictures

    While the VF article plays down his comedic chops in The Nice Guys, his performance is full of humour, both in a physical sense, and in his line delivery. Having starred in more serious roles including Drive, Blade Runner 2049, and A Place Beyond the Pines, it was refreshing to see Ryan excel in The Nice Guys.

    2. Russell Crowe – The Nice Guys

    Four characters from a film, positioned in a row, with 1970s-style clothing
    Warner Bros. Pictures

    We couldn't give Ryan his props without also mentioning Russell. Having been in more serious and blockbuster action roles, his part in The Nice Guys is also hilarious, and the back-and-fourth he and Ryan have during the film make for a truly funny and engaging watch. 

    3. Meryl Streep – Death Becomes Her

    Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp in fancy dresses, from the film "Death Becomes Her"
    Universal Pictures

    Obviously one of the most celebrated and respected actors of her generation/all time, Meryl paved her illustrious career with serious roles, but she can certainly do comedy too. Her portrayal of Madeline Ashton is over the top and hilarious, and is one of the better aspects of the screwball comedy that is Death Becomes Her.

    4. Tom Cruise – Tropic Thunder

    Person with suspenders and wristwatch, striking a pose with one hand raised
    Paramount Pictures

    Tom Cruise certainly isn't known for his comedy. And back when Tropic Thunder was coming out, the actor was somewhat out of favour in Hollywood, having been one of the hottest properties of the decade prior. Thus, when he turned up as Less Grossman, his comedic prowess shocked everyone, and some even went as far as saying that it revitalised his career.

    5. Alan Rickman – Galaxy Quest

    Character in Starfleet uniform with alien prosthetics looking pensive at a meeting
    DreamWorks Pictures

    Accomplished stage actor, and renowned for his serious, impressive performances, Alan Rickman absolutely stole the show in the sci-fi spoof, Galaxy Quest. Alongside Sigourney Weaver, Tim Allen, Sam Rockwell, and a series of other great actors, Alan Rickman's hilarious deadpan performance showed us all that he really can do everything. 

    6. Brad Pitt – Burn After Reading

    Man in red sportswear with headphones dancing with raised fists
    Focus Features

    Brad had done a number of serious roles, but his part in Burn After Reading exemplified how he could certainly play a more comedic role. The energy he brought to Chad, alongside Frances McDormand equally great performance, really elevated the film as a whole. 

    7. Robert De Niro – Meet the Parents

    Man at dinner table with a concerned expression, plate of food in front of him
    DreamWorks Pictures

    De Niro's rise to prominence as one of the classic mobster actors, along with his frequent work with Martin Scorsese, very much cemented him as one of Hollywood's premium 'drama/crime/thriller' actors. However, later in his career he made a pivot to more lighthearted movies, and Meet the Parents was one in which he showed this pivot something totally manageable for him. While some of his later comedy films have been more questionable, Meet the Parents certainly proves he can do comedy. 

    8. Ralph Fiennes – The Grand Budapest Hotel

    Ralph Fiennes in a concierge uniform standing in a hotel lobby from "The Grand Budapest Hotel."
    Fox Searchlight Pictures

    Ralph's filmography is stacked with serious, impressive roles, and of course, he excelled on stage as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company, so no one was suggesting he couldn't do comedy. That being said, his performance as M. Gustave was so full of flair and humour, and it's a role that you can't imagine being played by anyone else. 

    9. Kate Winslet – The Holiday

    Woman on phone looking distressed in a TV show scene
    Sony Pictures Releasing

    Kate hadn't particularly touched comedy all that much before being cast in the festive rom-come, The Holiday. However, like most things she does, she completely nailed it. Comparing it to another of her romance film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, we can see both serious and comedy roles, perfectly executed!  

    What other serious actors have nailed comedy roles? Let us know in the comments below!