There’s something profoundly compelling about watching a comedian move away from punchlines and give a performance that will move you. Watching a comedian take on a role that will pull at your heartstrings is a surprise in the best possible way. It’s almost like the class clown winning the highest honor for academic achievement, surprising, yes, but also incredibly impressive.
These are the moments that Hollywood is most in love with — the ones that will make you do a double-take. When comedians are known for their punchlines, suddenly moving away from the punchlines and into raw, emotional storytelling is a shock to everyone. But when they do it well, it’s clear just how much range they have. Here’s a reverse countdown of the top ten times that comedians stunned audiences by taking on dramatic roles and crushing them.
10. Will Ferrell – From Anchorman to Stranger Than Fiction
When you hear the names Ron Burgundy or Buddy the Elf, you automatically think of the outrageous comedy that made Will Ferrell a household name. However, in the movie Stranger Than Fiction, he completely toned down his comedic side and gave a performance that was so sincere and heartfelt that it surprised many people. Ferrell was inspired by the likes of comedy legends Jack Lemmon and Tom Hanks, who both took up dramatic roles and performed successfully.
9. Jim Carrey – From Ace Ventura to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The rubber-faced, over-the-top wizard of The Mask and Ace Ventura evolved into a sensitive, subtle turn in Eternal Sunshine. Carrey has referred to his dramatic work as his “kids,” but this one spoke particularly close to home—embalming the universal pain of lost love and memory.
8. Bill Murray – From Ghostbusters to Lost in Translation
Bill Murray’s deadpan humor made him a comedy legend, but Lost in Translation showcased a deeply introspective, almost vulnerable side. Though he’s said he enjoys comedy, this softer, more melancholic role earned him critical acclaim and a whole new generation of fans.
7. Kevin Hart – From Stand-Up to True Story and Fatherhood
Kevin Hart’s career was founded on quick-fire humor, but appearances in True Story, The Upside, and Fatherhood demonstrated he’s capable of much more than that. Hart has indicated that he’s acclimating audiences to his dramatic performances—what he refers to as “slow walking” them into viewing the whole gamut of his talent.
6. Whoopi Goldberg – From Comedy Stage to The Color Purple
Before she was an EGOT legend, Whoopi Goldberg was illuminating stages in her one-woman comedy routine. But after reading The Color Purple, everything changed. Steven Spielberg was so impressed by her work on stage that he cast her as Celie straight away—a turn for which she was Oscar-nominated.
5. Robin Williams – From Mork & Mindy to Good Will Hunting
Recognized for his whirlwind pace, Robin Williams established a reputation for rapid-fire humor and large laughs. But in movies such as Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society, he introduced a sensitivity and weight that lingered long after the credits rolled. Williams himself once acknowledged that serious dramas helped break people out of the mold they had put him in.
4. Adam Sandler – From Happy Gilmore to Uncut Gems
Loud, goofy, and frequently over-the-top—Adam Sandler’s brand of comedy did not warn audiences for the ferocity of Uncut Gems. Reluctantly on board, Sandler accepted the role on the urging of his wife Jackie, delivering a performance which surprised both viewers and critics alike.
3. Steve Carell – From The Office to Foxcatcher
To most, Steve Carell will forever be Michael Scott. But his chilling, unsettling performance as John du Pont in Foxcatcher dispelled any questions about his range as a dramatic actor. Carell admits he doesn’t separate comedy and drama sharply—he tackles them both with the same intention: truth.
2. Tom Hanks – Comedy’s Smoothest Leap into Drama
From sitcoms such as Bosom Buddies and comedies such as Splash and Big, Tom Hanks delighted the world with his friendly, everyman image. But in the ’90s, his career turned dramatically with Philadelphia and Forrest Gump—both of which brought him Oscar wins. Hanks has been dubbed “America’s Dad” and says that his early work in theater taught him to excel in any genre.
1. Mo’Nique – From Stand-Up to an Oscar in Precious
Mo’Nique made her reputation in comedy and television, but playing Mary Jones in Precious, she gave an unhinged, unflinching performance. She said the role was emotionally tough because she’s habitually attracted to humor, but it paid off—winning her an Academy Award and the admiration of global audiences.
So next time you spot your favorite comedian in a dramatic part, don’t be surprised if they leave you at a loss for words. Some of the most talented actors are those who can make you laugh until your belly aches… and then only a few minutes later, break your heart.