But let’s be real: it is absolutely exhilarating to actually recognize that the bad guy, the hero, and even the sidekick with a penchant for comedic timing are all brought to life by the same actor. It is a function of viewing that may leave your mouth agape, your eyebrows raised, and your mind simply blown with amazement at the degree of acting prowess staring you right back in the face. Whether it is a nod to the viewing audience, a clever flourish, or a full-on acting spectacle, so to speak, viewing actors who exhibit this capability of doing multiple roles in one show is a treat for all pop culture enthusiasts out there. So, prepare to fasten your seatbelt as we take a look at the 15 most iconic, jaw-dropping, and simply entertaining experiences of actors who brought home this capability.
15. Jamie Foxx – The Jamie Foxx Show
Even before Jamie Foxx gained widespread recognition and won an Academy Award, the multifaceted performer had already shown off his talents on television, specifically on this eponymously titled sitcom. More than being the smooth-talking and charismatic Jamie King that viewers loved, Jamie Foxx had other characters that the comedian/actor did justice to. Another fascinating feat of this talented individual is being able to do other characters simultaneously without losing the charm that made the show heartwarming. The ability of Jamie Foxx to pull off many characters within the show.
14. Seth MacFarlane – Family Guy
“If you’ve ever wondered how a guy can have a 20-minute argument with himself, well, let me tell you. That guy is me.” That’s what Seth MacFarlane told Entertainment Weekly about voicing the multitude of characters on Family Guy. MacFarlane’s ability to “do voices” is central to the show’s humor and is what makes Family Guy so popular. Every character voice is distinct and reflects the character’s style of humor, and MacFarlane performs each with incredible skill and panache. MacFarlane is a talented voice artist and reminds us that voice work is as much about endurance as it is about talent.
13. Patton Oswalt – Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
Patton Oswalt had a habit of appearing in increasing numbers in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” where he not only played one brother in “The Koenig Brothers” with Stan Lee, which is referenced four other times in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” but he also played their grandfather. Eric, Billy, Sam, Thurston, and Ernest Hazard Koenig are now a recurring joke in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” and one that fans love, and Oswalt’s acting in this show demonstrated that he could make complete characters even with a comedic premise.
12. Lisa Kudrow – Friends
Although it might be a stretch to claim that any character is more legendary than the likes of Phoebe Buffay, it is certainly possible to argue that Lisa Kudrow’s repertoire of acting talents is not simply defined by the quirky but lovable nut that is Phoebe Buffay. Kudrow also incorporated her real-life twin sister, Ursula, into her acting career, who was introduced on Mad About You but was featured in a crossover episode on Friends. The on-again, off-again relationship between the sisters was a source of comedic fodder, but also another string to Kudrow’s already considerable bow of comedic talents.
11. Sheryl Lee – Twin Peaks
Sheryl Lee’s acting in Twin Peaks is as disturbing as it was unforgettable. Starring in Twin Peaks first as the unfortunate Laura Palmer, Sheryl Lee reprised her role as Laura’s cousin, Maddy Ferguson, and in the Twin Peaks revival series in 2017, she portrayed Carrie Page. Each successive role had demanded that Sheryl have her own distinct approach and attitude, ranging from the mythical Laura to the haunting Carrie. Sheryl’s talent in playing all these complex and haunting characters significantly contributed to setting Twin Peaks’s distinct and haunting atmosphere.
10. Donald Glover – Atlanta
Glover’s contributions to Atlanta extend beyond his work as a creator and cast member. He has also appeared as other actors, including his most notable performances, that of the disturbing Teddy Perkins and the mysterious Kirkwood Chocolate. Glover’s Teddy Perkins performance, in particular, is a work of incredibly effective character acting. From physical appearance to speech patterns, he brings to his character a sense that is both unsettling, tragic, and compelling to watch. Roles like these not only reflect Glover’s range but also his determination to challenge his audience by exploring the limits of his character to influence a story’s development.
9. Nina Dobrev – Vampire Diaries
Handling a single doppelganger may be problematic on its own, but Nina Dobrev had the unique ability to handle four different ones, Elena, Katherine, Amara, and Tatia, all at once. Every single character had a different personality and set of intentions, making Dobrev’s performance a unique challenge of contrast and subtlety. “Carrying” four or more major characters can be a very difficult task for an actor to accomplish without diluting the show’s clarity or the character nuances, but Dobrev’s performance is an outstanding exception among other actors.
8. Jeffrey Wright – Westworld
In Westworld, the acting talents of Jeffrey Wright were seen in a dual role as the character Bernard and his creator, Arnold. The subtle nuances of the actor’s performance, from the slightest changes in facial expression to the minute changes in body language, made it easy to believe the duality of the roles. In fact, it is interesting to see how multi-role acting could make a storyline more interesting and mysterious.
7. Tatiana Maslany – Orphan Black
Tatiana Maslany’s performance deserves infinite credit for the fact that she was able to portray an incredible 17 different clones so convincingly in the series Orphan Black. Every clone Tatiana played had special behaviors and mannerisms, and she was able to portray each one so realistically that it was incredible at times to believe that these were all the performances of the same actor. The fact that she was able to perform these incredible feats of acting and technical skill, especially during the scenes involving the different clones, is a testament to the exemplary work she has done and continues to do in the television series Orphan Black and Perry Mason, and is one of the best examples of the incredible caliber of work done by the actress Tatiana Maslany.
6. Martin Lawrence – Martin
However, Martin Lawrence had more up his sleeve than just the character Martin Paynee. Lawrence had created an entire character ensemble in the form of alter egos. Sheneneh Jenkins, Mama Payne, and Dragonfly Jones are just a few examples of the type of characters that have since become icons in pop culture. They are examples of Lawrence’s great comedic range.
5. Eddie Murphy – The Nutty Professor / Norbit
Eddie Murphy is, in fact, the king of multi-character acting. Be it his rendition of the entire Klump family in “The Nutty Professor” or his comical presentation of a host of crazy characters in “Norbit,” Murphy’s acting is renowned for its timing, physical comedy, and uninhibited willingness to slip into these caricatures, making his performances both laugh riot material and completely immersive experiences. The ease with which Murphy moves between characters in a single scene defies comparison in comedy on screen.
4. Peter Capaldi – Doctor Who
Before playing the prestigious role of the Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi had acted in the role of Caecilius in the “Doctor Who” episode “The Fires of Pompeii.” Getting back to playing the role of the Doctor brought much excitement to fans and made way for an interesting twist in terms of an Easter egg within the storyline, which even included information about his previous role. The roles acted by Peter Capaldi showcase how an actor can perform different roles in the same setting.
3. Jaleel White – Family Matters
Jaleel White’s evolution from Steve Urkel to Stefan Urquelle is arguably the most remembered multiple roles in television history. Steve Urkel’s character with the iconic high-pitched voice is a name synonymous with greatness and foolishness in equal measure; however, White’s skill to perfectly transform into Stefan’s cool and charming character shows the huge talent the actor has and the huge versatility he showcased with this role.
2. Tatiana Maslany – Orphan Black
A second mention for the incredible work that Tatiana Maslany has delivered in Orphan Black, where her performance has been nothing short of amazing. Playing the role of 17 clones, each one so well-developed to the point that each could have been the basis for the masterful careers that each actress has carved out for herself, her skill at making each one distinctly different yet keeping the story intact has been awe-inspiring.
1. Robin Williams – Mrs. Doubtfire
One of the greatest multi-role appearances in movie history is the iconic performance given by the legendary Robin Williams in the movie Mrs. Doubtfire. Williams’ transformation from the loving but clumsy Daniel Hillard to the unforgettable and charming nanny is a treat to observe and a joy to experience. This performance not only showcased the legendary talents of the amazing actor but also went on to lay down the benchmark performance for actors who wish to attempt multi-roles.
The next time you see a familiar face in an unexpected role, take a moment to appreciate the work that goes into the performance. Actors who inhabit multiple roles are doing much more than simply entertaining; they are turning the screen into a playground of possibilities, and it is up to us to join them in the game.