Bob Odenkirk proved his incredible range by evolving from a comedy writer to a dramatic powerhouse. Yet, despite what many call a masterclass performance in Better Call Saul, major awards and leading roles were slow to find him. For an actor of his depth and dedication, the industry's top tier took far too long to welcome him in. | © Universal Studios
Michael Keaton had the kind of electric talent that could have made him a permanent leading man. He proved his range in everything from comedies to an iconic Batman, yet the industry never gave him the consistent A-list career he deserved. His recent comeback just reminds us how much we missed out on all those years. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Angela Bassett brings a powerful, regal intensity to every character she portrays. While her iconic performance as Tina Turner earned a well-deserved Oscar nomination, that moment should have been a springboard to even greater leading roles. Surprisingly, an actor of her immense caliber and consistent work hasn't yet received the industry's ultimate acknowledgment. | © Marvel Studios
Elijah Wood's career is so much richer than his iconic role as Frodo suggests. Long before Middle-earth, he was a captivating child actor delivering complex, emotionally charged performances in films like The Good Son. It's a shame that his incredible early work and proven range haven't led to a wider variety of leading adult roles. | © Focus Features
Keira Knightley possesses a subtle, intelligent talent that consistently elevates every role she takes on. Despite a celebrated career filled with great films, her single Oscar nomination feels like a significant oversight. An actor like her who can command both period dramas and modern stories with equal grace, absolutely deserves more recognition from the industry. | © Universal Pictures
Shelley Duvall gave one of the most authentically terrified performances in film history for The Shining. The legendary stories of her mistreatment on set reveal the brutal cost of that performance, which took a severe physical and emotional toll. She deserved far more recognition for her sacrifice and a much kinder path in the industry. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Megan Fox faced a massive and unfair backlash for having the courage to speak out about her treatment on the Transformers set. The public criticism she endured from all sides effectively sidelined a career that was just taking off. She deserved a real chance to build on her early success, not to be punished for telling an uncomfortable truth. | © Millennium Media
Rosamund Pike delivered a career-defining performance in Gone Girl that should have cemented her as a permanent A-list star. It's surprising she hasn't become a more dominant presence in major films since that massive success. An actor of her chilling precision and intelligence absolutely should be leading more of Hollywood's biggest projects. | © Universal Pictures
Adrien Brody's early work was a masterclass in raw, intelligent acting, culminating in his historic Oscar win for The Pianist. That incredible promise makes his subsequent fade from the cinematic forefront all the more puzzling. Whether it's a matter of poor role choices or a lack of good offers, such a distinct talent deserves a much more consistent career. | © Netflix
Gemma Arterton is a genuinely incredible actor who consistently elevates every project she's in. Yet, she's often found in B-movies or smaller character parts, never quite breaking through to the A-list. You have to wonder if the "Bond girl" label from early in her career put her in a box that's been hard to escape. | © Lionsgate
Brendan Fraser had the charisma and physicality to be a modern action star on par with the biggest names. His career trajectory was unfairly derailed, first for speaking out against powerful figures and then by cruel commentary about his personal life. It's a testament to his talent that he's finally making a well-deserved comeback after audiences and the industry alike failed him for years. | © Universal Pictures
Hattie McDaniel possessed a commanding presence that often made her the most compelling part of any film, whether in comedy or drama. Despite being consistently limited to roles as maids and slaves, she brought a depth and humanity that frequently held the entire movie together. Her historic Oscar win for Gone with the Wind was a bittersweet triumph, as she was forced to accept the honor from a segregated table away from the other nominees. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Moira Kelly had the charm and talent to become a massive star after The Cutting Edge. She completely lit up the screen with a performance that should have defined a leading career. It's a real puzzle why that breakthrough role didn't lead to the lasting fame she so clearly deserved. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Since her breakout role in Freaks and Geeks, Linda Cardellini has consistently proven her incredible range. Yet, Hollywood so often relegates her immense talent to the background as "the wife" or supportive friend. Her raw, Emmy-nominated work in Dead to Me is a powerful reminder that she should be leading major projects, not just supporting them. | © Netflix
Andrew McCarthy possessed a quiet, natural talent that made him one of the most compelling actors of the 1980s. He had a genuine everyman quality that resonated deeply with audiences. It's a genuine shame that such a relatable presence didn't continue to dominate our screens for decades to come. | © Netflix
For some actors, raw talent just isn't enough. Despite delivering unforgettable performances and showing incredible range, their careers never quite reached the heights they should have. This is a look at the stars who deserved a much bigger spotlight.
