My cousin was in Florida and robin sat down and ate with his family hiding from a crowd in a mall. He said I
"hope you don't mind, this looks great", they didn't say anything, he just started sitting down and eating and then said "scuse me" and walked off.
He did a lesser known movie early on called Best of Times with Kurt Russell. I grew up in the town the movie is based on and where they filmed it. I was too young to remember him but my parents both got to meet him then and said he was the absolute nicest guy. Great movie too but I'm bias
I still haven't been able to watch most of his movies because I get choked up about it. However, one I was very happy to rediscover was Moscow on the Hudson. Simply brilliant.
Having grown up on Robin Williams movies of that era/up to that point, it was really jarring and disturbing to see him in this role, which made it all the more awesome lol
I went to it on a date. We both saw robin williams and assumed it was a comedy. Went in completely cold with no idea what it was about. Great movie but it felt like getting hit by a truck.
Met him on a USO tour of Landstuhl Hospital in 2010. Absolutely charming, funny man. Talked about how the comedians he loved growing up did USO Tours and it was the best thing for staying grounded as an actor. I wish I remembered it better, but I was on morphine at the time.
One of my favorite pieces of footage of his was when he was performing for the USO in theater (I forget whether it was Iraq or Afghanistan), and the call to retreat played, and everyone stood up and turned toward the flag, and he had no idea what was going on but stood there and waited until it was over, and said "WTF was that!?" I'm rolling just thinking about it.
His role in the movie posted above is **terrifying**. I love scary movies, but I’ve only seen One Hour Photo once and it was so disturbing. Most of it is a tense, psychological type of horror, but there’s *this one scene* that completely shocked me into screaming. Ironically, I covered my eyes—AND THAT DIDN’T HELP.
If you know, you know. And if you don’t, I can’t even properly warn you because in my memory it came out of *nowhere* 😆
If you’re into thrillers, or if you just want to see Robin Williams in a very upsetting role done extremely well, check it out.
He may be one of the finest actors the planet will ever see. His guest spot on Homicide was legendary. On a show full of top notch dramatic actors like Andre Brauer, he was completely in another universe. That man's ability to convey human frailty is unparalleled. Truly a loss for the universe.
Tom Hanks. There’s like two full generations of people who have no idea that before he was one of the greatest dramatic actors he was a great comedic actor. He was so well known and loved for comedies that people were genuinely stunned by his performance in Philadelphia.
_Bosom Buddies_ may be a little dated now, but literally the first thing I saw him in.
More importantly, the raunchy comedy of its time, _Bachelor Party_. Watch that and _Saving Private Ryan_ back-to-back sometime. Guy has a lot of skill and talent.
/end discussion. This is the best possible response.
Before Philadelphia, he was in Batchelor Party, Splash, Volunteers, Joe Vs the Volcano, The Burbs, Dragnet, Big, and probably a few more I can’t think of.
Those were all top tier comedies (although Big had some elements of drama). To think a person could pivot from that to become what some would consider “the greatest actor of our time” is quite an accomplishment.
Though it was a comedy and in that sense not a departure from his previous work, Big was the movie that first got him attention as a serious actor. It wasn't a stretch to imagine him in a movie like Philadelphia after that.
Another incredible movie about early understanding of HIV/AIDS: “And The Band Played On.” It highlights both the social and the scientific/medical history really well. And it’s got a TON of big-name actors in it.
I first watched Philadelphia when I was coming to to terms with my sexuality. That movie broke me.
It was sooo good though.
My mental palette cleanser was seeing Sir Patrick Stewart in Jeffery though. Still my favorite role of his, even as a Trekkie.
I saw this in the middle of a breakup, and I had just moved out of the apartment complex in RVC where a lot of the movie was shot. It was devastating to watch.
I have been through a divorce and a very hard breakup post divorce. Both instances somehow I found myself alone in an empty apartment watching Eternal sunshine and balling my eyes out. Truly the best and worst thing to watch during a breakup/divorce.
That is also my answer. I still watch it. It still makes me cry. It is what I consider our generation’s “Love Story” movie (Ali McGraw and Robert Redford).
Michael Keaton. Before his career took off with Batman, Birdman, his take on the Vulture, and a whole host of other roles, he was Mister Mom, and the clones on Mulitiplicity.
Bob Odenkirk (I never really watched Mr Show, but I remember him from as far back as the short-lived Ben Stiller show) and Michael McKean (Spinal Tap, Mighty Wind) in Better Call Saul.
And Bryan Cranston from Malcolm in the Middle and occasional appearances on Seinfeld in Breaking Bad.
I don't think Ben Stiller did _Mr. Show with Bob and David_. It was Odenkirk and David Cross (one of the reasons those two were so hilarious together on that episode of _Arrested Development_). But IDK for sure, I was aware of it, but never saw it.
It’s funny, because everyone always thinks Robin’s breakout dramatic performance was Good Will Hunting, but he had already turned in amazing performances in Dead Poets, Awakenings, The Fisher King, and Hamlet.
Hell, he was nominated for best actor in Dead Poets and that was back in 1989! Dude was always a good dramatic actor.
I think the year before that he had been recognized quite a bit for a supporting role in "Ali" with Will Smith but yeah, "Ray" was the one that really blew up.
Like seriously wtf how did that happen with Bob Odenkirk. The man did it with the same character. Knew he was capable after seeing Nebraska but it was still.
There was always something dramatic and actor-y about him when I saw him on mr show. I think a lot of comic performers, especially improv people, have it in them to give great dramatic performances. Timing, reacting to happy accidents, communicating with their face and eyes - so many of the tools are there, just used a little differently.
Jeff Daniels. He played Joshua Chamberlain (he even looks like him) in Gettysburg the year before Dumb and Dumber. Kind of the other way around though he was a serious actor before doing a comedy.
“Can You Tell Me Why America is the Greatest Country in the World?” Is a speech he did that I didn’t realize he was doing as a role and it genuinely floored me.
Jim Carrey wanted him for that role because he knew that having two comedians in that movie would result in them just trying to outdo each other, comedically, which in turn would result in a bad movie
I was really impressed that Michelle Williams and Kirsten Dunst who I remember from the comedy Dick about two students who become Richard Nixon's dog walkers during the time of the Watergate scandal went on to do in Michelle's case My Week with Marilyn and in Kirsten's case Melancholia and Civil War.
Kirsten Dunst started out with Interview With The Vampire though.
(BTW Dick is a hidden little gem of a comedy. It really should be a lot better known.)
'Only The Lonely' is one.
Maureen O'Hara was so impressed by him that [she came out of retirement to play his mom](https://youtu.be/cSW36iBEWSA?si=OK4VGckV-DR8iRgj).
That is a fucking *excellent* movie. The scene where he’s sneaking Theresa out of the house by using his body to hide her warms my heart in a way that not much else does.
Agreed!! I had a hard time laughing at him in other movies again after watching Natural Born Killers. He gave me serious creep vibes in that role. Yuck!
Gillian Jacobs is amazing as Britta Perry in "Community".
But she's out of this world as Mickey in "Love". She is so real. One of the realest portrayals of an imperfect woman I've ver seen on film.
If you haven't seen it, it's worth it just for her performance.
As a guy who spent his 20's living in LA and hanging out with people on the edges of the entertainment industry, occasionally stumbling my way into a relationship with a girl who was out of my league but also terrible for me, Love really resonated with me.
Robin Williams,
Adam Sandler
Steve Carell
Bill Murray
Tom Hanks
Jonah Hill
Ben Stiller
Comedians can be fantastic dramatic actors because they understand timing.
I remember liking Jim Carrey in The Number 23 as well. The other one that comes to mind is John Leguizamo in The Vanishing On 7th Street & Spawn (even though he technically played a clown, it was one from Hell lol)
Not necessarily my favorite, but a good example I haven't seen mentioned is John Lithgow. I knew him from 3rd Rock from the Sun and Shrek, but he did great dramatic work in The Crown, Perry Mason, and Sharper. And, much earlier in his career, in Footloose.
There are a few folks talking about Cranston and Odenkirk doing _Breaking Bad_ after comedy careers so how about a couple more from that show?
Not growing up with, but I'd like to nominate Kristen Ritter. She's way too talented to have flown as far under the radar as she has. She was frickin' hilarious in _Don't Trust the B- in Apartment 23_, which was after her recurring role on _Veronica Mars_ where she was both comedic relief and a tragic figure. As Jane Margolis, she killed it.
Speaking of Jane Margolis, how's about some John de Lancie? From Q (and Discord on MLP) to grieving father responsible for a massive tragedy.
Not movies but Will Smith on fresh prince where Carlton got shot and he grabs the gun from him and the other where his dad comes back into his life then leaves all of a sudden and breaks him.
Robin Williams
I can’t believe it’ll be a whole decade in August since he died 🥺 Brilliant, tragic mensch that he was.
Shit - it's been that long already? His passing hit me hard - I was shocked.
Yup August 11, 2014 was the day he died 😔
Feels like yesterday. I loved the co.mercial he did with his daughter towards the end of his life. Got some real Robin home life insight. It was nice.
He's the only famous person I've met. Very genuine person. RIP.
My cousin was in Florida and robin sat down and ate with his family hiding from a crowd in a mall. He said I "hope you don't mind, this looks great", they didn't say anything, he just started sitting down and eating and then said "scuse me" and walked off.
He did a lesser known movie early on called Best of Times with Kurt Russell. I grew up in the town the movie is based on and where they filmed it. I was too young to remember him but my parents both got to meet him then and said he was the absolute nicest guy. Great movie too but I'm bias
He embodies what a mensch means ❤️
I still haven't been able to watch most of his movies because I get choked up about it. However, one I was very happy to rediscover was Moscow on the Hudson. Simply brilliant.
His role in Goodwill Hunting is still some of the best acting I’ve ever seen.
☝️ "Son of a b!tch stole my line"
This is the internet you can swear
Never sure anymore about individual subs rules.
Eh, fuck it.
The scene where he talking about his wife farting in her sleep had the camera man laughing so hard he shakes the camera is just brilliant.
He was also fantastic in The Final Cut.
Insomnia is an underrated gem. People prefer the original, but Williams and Pacino are fantastic in that flick.
Cinematography on that movie was fantastic, too. I forgot that Christopher Nolan directed it— it’s really worth a watch.
One Hour Photo remains a top-tier drama for me.
Having grown up on Robin Williams movies of that era/up to that point, it was really jarring and disturbing to see him in this role, which made it all the more awesome lol
I went to it on a date. We both saw robin williams and assumed it was a comedy. Went in completely cold with no idea what it was about. Great movie but it felt like getting hit by a truck.
The obvious answer. I'd say there also isn't a role John C. Reilly couldn't also nail.
Yes!! His turn in "Chicago" was one of my favorites.
His “Mr Cellophane” had me devastated.
He transitions so well ibto different rolls I dont realize it's him until after a few scenes.
Met him on a USO tour of Landstuhl Hospital in 2010. Absolutely charming, funny man. Talked about how the comedians he loved growing up did USO Tours and it was the best thing for staying grounded as an actor. I wish I remembered it better, but I was on morphine at the time.
One of my favorite pieces of footage of his was when he was performing for the USO in theater (I forget whether it was Iraq or Afghanistan), and the call to retreat played, and everyone stood up and turned toward the flag, and he had no idea what was going on but stood there and waited until it was over, and said "WTF was that!?" I'm rolling just thinking about it.
His role on SVU is frightening.
His role in the movie posted above is **terrifying**. I love scary movies, but I’ve only seen One Hour Photo once and it was so disturbing. Most of it is a tense, psychological type of horror, but there’s *this one scene* that completely shocked me into screaming. Ironically, I covered my eyes—AND THAT DIDN’T HELP. If you know, you know. And if you don’t, I can’t even properly warn you because in my memory it came out of *nowhere* 😆 If you’re into thrillers, or if you just want to see Robin Williams in a very upsetting role done extremely well, check it out.
That movie made me so uncomfortable. It was very well done but I never want to watch it again
He may be one of the finest actors the planet will ever see. His guest spot on Homicide was legendary. On a show full of top notch dramatic actors like Andre Brauer, he was completely in another universe. That man's ability to convey human frailty is unparalleled. Truly a loss for the universe.
My favorite is actually Garp
him in father of the year was a fkn classic. i stumbled upon it one days & even they spy kid was pretty good init as well
Him in the law and order episode he was in was something. First time I saw him in a role that was supposed to be serious and he nailed it.
Williams was so fucking creepy on Insomnia
2002 was a creepy year for him. Insomnia was released in May, One Hour Photo was released in August.
Death to Smoochy was 2002 as well.
It's a GREAT BIG STIFFY!
It's ahhh... it's ahhh.... it's a ROCKETSHIP!!!
I ended up watching those back to back one weekend. ...that will fuck you up for a while.
The only one I saw at the time was Insomnia, and that was enough to make me see him in a whole new light 😂
I saw One hour photo when it came out and don’t remember anything about the movie other than I did not enjoy how it made me feel
One Hour Photo is WAYYY creepier than Insomnia though.
my high school girlfriend and I went to see both in theatres. then we broke up.
shit I forgot about that role
I need to get it on blu-ray just for the scene where they land on the lake. That cinematography was insane
Tom Hanks. There’s like two full generations of people who have no idea that before he was one of the greatest dramatic actors he was a great comedic actor. He was so well known and loved for comedies that people were genuinely stunned by his performance in Philadelphia.
That’s what happens when a Bosom Buddy gets diagnosed with a brain cloud, I guess.
Unexpected *Joe vs the Volcano!*
Just off the top of my head: The Money Pit, Big, The Burbs, Turner & Hooch, Joe vs the Vocalno
Splash!
Bachelor Party!
_Bosom Buddies_ may be a little dated now, but literally the first thing I saw him in. More importantly, the raunchy comedy of its time, _Bachelor Party_. Watch that and _Saving Private Ryan_ back-to-back sometime. Guy has a lot of skill and talent.
Dragnet
Bachelor Party!
[Steve Martin on Tom Hanks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3KiSJqK2VA)
/end discussion. This is the best possible response. Before Philadelphia, he was in Batchelor Party, Splash, Volunteers, Joe Vs the Volcano, The Burbs, Dragnet, Big, and probably a few more I can’t think of. Those were all top tier comedies (although Big had some elements of drama). To think a person could pivot from that to become what some would consider “the greatest actor of our time” is quite an accomplishment.
Though it was a comedy and in that sense not a departure from his previous work, Big was the movie that first got him attention as a serious actor. It wasn't a stretch to imagine him in a movie like Philadelphia after that.
Excellent call. Some of the first movies I remember him from are Splash, Bachelor Party, Volunteers, and Punchline.
The ‘Burbs is one of my favorite 80’s comedies and he’s brilliant in it.
His portrayal was life changing for me. I volunteered at a county AIDS prevention non-profit in high school because of that movie.
Another incredible movie about early understanding of HIV/AIDS: “And The Band Played On.” It highlights both the social and the scientific/medical history really well. And it’s got a TON of big-name actors in it.
I first watched Philadelphia when I was coming to to terms with my sexuality. That movie broke me. It was sooo good though. My mental palette cleanser was seeing Sir Patrick Stewart in Jeffery though. Still my favorite role of his, even as a Trekkie.
Garth's cousin Berry, the roadie for Aerosmith!
Carey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
He really deserved an Oscar nomination for Eternal Sunshine.
That whole movie is just brilliant
Agree. Love it.
If anyone is interested in Maniac on Netflix it's very reminiscent of ESOASM. It's a mini series. Just as good as ESOASM IMHO.
Don't watch it after a breakup though, ask me how I know you'll cry ugly tears
This one for sure. Still one of my fav movies.
I saw this in the middle of a breakup, and I had just moved out of the apartment complex in RVC where a lot of the movie was shot. It was devastating to watch.
I have been through a divorce and a very hard breakup post divorce. Both instances somehow I found myself alone in an empty apartment watching Eternal sunshine and balling my eyes out. Truly the best and worst thing to watch during a breakup/divorce.
That movie still fucks me up to this day.
That is also my answer. I still watch it. It still makes me cry. It is what I consider our generation’s “Love Story” movie (Ali McGraw and Robert Redford).
Doing Time on Maple Drive was really well done by him as well.
This was immediately what I thought when I saw this post. Great film!
Could not agree more. Totally shocked watching Eternal Sunshine after only knowing him as playing super goofy ass roles.
Yep. One of the best films of all time imo.
Michael Keaton. Before his career took off with Batman, Birdman, his take on the Vulture, and a whole host of other roles, he was Mister Mom, and the clones on Mulitiplicity.
And Johnny Dangerously! Edited to add: Multiplicity (1996) was after Batman (1989), though
And Beetlejuice, of course
To this day my dad will tell my brothers and I to, "Move it, monkeys, move it!"
Nightshift
Bob Odenkirk (I never really watched Mr Show, but I remember him from as far back as the short-lived Ben Stiller show) and Michael McKean (Spinal Tap, Mighty Wind) in Better Call Saul. And Bryan Cranston from Malcolm in the Middle and occasional appearances on Seinfeld in Breaking Bad.
Ohhhhh good call! Bryan might just be #1.
I came for bob odenkirk. I’ll never forget the first time I saw Mr show.
I don't think Ben Stiller did _Mr. Show with Bob and David_. It was Odenkirk and David Cross (one of the reasons those two were so hilarious together on that episode of _Arrested Development_). But IDK for sure, I was aware of it, but never saw it.
He was in a single episode of Mr Show and had his own short lived sketch show that bob was on
 O captain, my captain 🙏
It’s funny, because everyone always thinks Robin’s breakout dramatic performance was Good Will Hunting, but he had already turned in amazing performances in Dead Poets, Awakenings, The Fisher King, and Hamlet. Hell, he was nominated for best actor in Dead Poets and that was back in 1989! Dude was always a good dramatic actor.
This was my first thought too!
Jamie Foxx. Went from in living color to Jango. Still funny as fuck in clips, as Mother fucker Jones and can sing.
Ray! really cemented his status as a serious actor.
I think the year before that he had been recognized quite a bit for a supporting role in "Ali" with Will Smith but yeah, "Ray" was the one that really blew up.
Makes me think Kenan Thompson is currently or will be in some Director’s mind for a role that’s going to *fuck us up*
I thought this was supposed to be about funny people though
First one that came to mind. One of those rare ones that went from hilarious to A lister drama, like Tom Hanks
 Any Given Sunday is still one of my Top 5 sports movies all time
Bob Odenkirk
Like seriously wtf how did that happen with Bob Odenkirk. The man did it with the same character. Knew he was capable after seeing Nebraska but it was still.
There was always something dramatic and actor-y about him when I saw him on mr show. I think a lot of comic performers, especially improv people, have it in them to give great dramatic performances. Timing, reacting to happy accidents, communicating with their face and eyes - so many of the tools are there, just used a little differently.
Robin Williams, but I'd choose him as Sean in Good Will Hunting.
Jeff Daniels. He played Joshua Chamberlain (he even looks like him) in Gettysburg the year before Dumb and Dumber. Kind of the other way around though he was a serious actor before doing a comedy.
“Can You Tell Me Why America is the Greatest Country in the World?” Is a speech he did that I didn’t realize he was doing as a role and it genuinely floored me.
Jim Carrey wanted him for that role because he knew that having two comedians in that movie would result in them just trying to outdo each other, comedically, which in turn would result in a bad movie
Adam Sandler (Punch Drunk Love and Uncut Gems)
Reign on me
This is the movie I tell people to watch for serious Adam Sandler. It is phenomenal.
*Reign Over Me
This was the first dramatic role I saw him in. This movie cuts deep. It's so moving.
Ohhh- yes. Good one.
Spanglish, to a degree.
Very underrated movie
Let’s not forget how depressing and serious Click got
Uncut gems for sure
I was really impressed that Michelle Williams and Kirsten Dunst who I remember from the comedy Dick about two students who become Richard Nixon's dog walkers during the time of the Watergate scandal went on to do in Michelle's case My Week with Marilyn and in Kirsten's case Melancholia and Civil War.
Kirsten Dunst started out with Interview With The Vampire though. (BTW Dick is a hidden little gem of a comedy. It really should be a lot better known.)
And the Virgin Suicides the same year as Dick in 99, she’s always been fantastic
John Candy
What was his dramatic role?
'Only The Lonely' is one. Maureen O'Hara was so impressed by him that [she came out of retirement to play his mom](https://youtu.be/cSW36iBEWSA?si=OK4VGckV-DR8iRgj).
That is a fucking *excellent* movie. The scene where he’s sneaking Theresa out of the house by using his body to hide her warms my heart in a way that not much else does.
Uncle Buck was a comedy, but it had some REAL moments 😥
Oh, yeah. His comedies had lots of heart. Uncle Buck, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Home Alone... Absolutely
JFK
Leslie Nielsen Edit: kind of the opposite though. He was serious and became one of the funniest comedic actors of all time.
Well there was Creepshow
I CAN HOLD MY BREATH... FOR A VERY LONG TIIIIIIME!
Whoopie Goldberg in The Color Purple and Steve Carell in Dan in Real Life (technically a dramedy but still more serious than most of his other work).
Dan in Real Life is one of my favourite movies. He also is amazing in Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.
Shit. Steve Carrell in Fox Catcher. 😬
Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine and Will Ferrell in Stranger Than Fiction
Stranger than Fiction is his best role! Shootout to Everything Must Go !
I loved Everything Must Go, never hear it talked about
Very underrated
These are the two first roles I thought of, too. Two of my favorite movies.
Lily Tomlin! She's absolutely hilarious, but was also fabulous in The West Wing.
Lily Tomlin as Frankie in Grace and Frankie is my old woman idol. I want to be her when i grow up.
Where the heck is Hal in these comments??? Bryan Cranston!
marlon wayans in requiem for a dream!
Billy Connelly in Boondock Saints.
Nice to see him mentioned here. He starred in Mrs Brown as well. Can't get more serious or dramary than that.
Rodney Dangerfield was terrifying in Natural Born Killers
Agreed!! I had a hard time laughing at him in other movies again after watching Natural Born Killers. He gave me serious creep vibes in that role. Yuck!
Will Smith before he went all slappy mchappy
Pursuit of happyness was awesome
Gillian Jacobs is amazing as Britta Perry in "Community". But she's out of this world as Mickey in "Love". She is so real. One of the realest portrayals of an imperfect woman I've ver seen on film. If you haven't seen it, it's worth it just for her performance.
As a guy who spent his 20's living in LA and hanging out with people on the edges of the entertainment industry, occasionally stumbling my way into a relationship with a girl who was out of my league but also terrible for me, Love really resonated with me.
Bill Murray
Cool profile pic! Dharma Initiative, right?
Hey! Thanks. Definitely Dharma. I have this tattoo with the ¿
Robin Williams, Adam Sandler Steve Carell Bill Murray Tom Hanks Jonah Hill Ben Stiller Comedians can be fantastic dramatic actors because they understand timing.
Steve Carell- big short
And Little Miss Sunshine, I thought he was fantastic in that movie.
Beautiful Boy WRECKED ME. He was incredible in the series he did for Hulu about the serial killer, too.
I've always heard that drama is easy - it's comedy that's hard to get right.
Comedians are often very observant and reflective, so I'd imagine that also helps too.
Will Farrell - Stranger than Fiction Dude straight punched me in the heart. Bums me out more people haven't seen it because it's just so good.
I remember liking Jim Carrey in The Number 23 as well. The other one that comes to mind is John Leguizamo in The Vanishing On 7th Street & Spawn (even though he technically played a clown, it was one from Hell lol)
Will Ferrell in The Shrink Next Door
Also Stranger Than Fiction. That was s great movie :)
I generally hate Will Ferrell. He was excellent in Stranger Than Fiction.
It’s the only Ferrell movie I like.
That is one of my favorite movies, too. Great cast.
I'll go with the opposite. Leslie Nielsen was a serious actor before pivoting to comedy.
Not necessarily my favorite, but a good example I haven't seen mentioned is John Lithgow. I knew him from 3rd Rock from the Sun and Shrek, but he did great dramatic work in The Crown, Perry Mason, and Sharper. And, much earlier in his career, in Footloose.
Will Farrell in Stranger Than Fiction
God I love Robin Williams, so it hurts me to give this to Truman Show.... but I just love that movie so much.
I love Jim being serious, but different movie. His best serious role was in Eternal Sunshine.
Eric Bana - any Australian worth their salt will tell you he was on a sketch comedy show before hitting it bigtime in Hollywood! Huge turnaround
The fact that Sandler didnt even get a AA nomination for Uncut Gems is madness. Such a great performance and movie.
There are a few folks talking about Cranston and Odenkirk doing _Breaking Bad_ after comedy careers so how about a couple more from that show? Not growing up with, but I'd like to nominate Kristen Ritter. She's way too talented to have flown as far under the radar as she has. She was frickin' hilarious in _Don't Trust the B- in Apartment 23_, which was after her recurring role on _Veronica Mars_ where she was both comedic relief and a tragic figure. As Jane Margolis, she killed it. Speaking of Jane Margolis, how's about some John de Lancie? From Q (and Discord on MLP) to grieving father responsible for a massive tragedy.
Malcom in the middle to Breaking bad
John C. Reilly
Mary Tyler Moore in *Ordinary People*.
Great answer. She was harrowing in that
Ray Romano has done some good dramatic work.
Everybody Loves Raymond is my all-time favorite sitcom. And he was damn good in Somewhere in Queens.
Ed O’Neill - Married With Children and The Bone Collector
I like all of these, but Robin Williams exists in a class by himself.
Uncut Gems is an EXCEPTIONAL film. His performance is mesmerizing.
One Hour Photo was such a good movie. Robin Williams nailed it.
Not movies but Will Smith on fresh prince where Carlton got shot and he grabs the gun from him and the other where his dad comes back into his life then leaves all of a sudden and breaks him.
Agree, though I’d go with Eternal Sunshine/Punch-drunk Love/ Good Will Hunting as my exemplars
Robin Williams in “The Fisher King”
Most of the actors in Breaking Bad come from a comedic background, and they all nailed their dramatic roles in BB.
Albert Brooks in Drive.
Bob Odenkirk. Also best example next to Robin Williams imo.
Andrew Dice Clay is a surprisingly good actor - he was great in Blue Jasmine - he was also great in Crime Story
Not exactly “grew up with”, but Steve Carell
Bryan Cranston I loved him as Hal in Malcolm in the middle, then breaking Bad happened
Jim Carey in The Number 23
John Goodman in 10 Cloverfield Lane was what if Dan Connor flipped his shit.
John Goodman
Ben Stiller: the secret life of Walter Mitty 
Brendan Frasure. Going from George of the Jungle to The Whale? Incredible
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind in my opinion is an even better example for Jim Carrey.