13 Actors and Actresses Known for Their Supporting Roles in Film

In the world of cinema, it’s not just the main actors who steal the show. For example, Christoph Waltz’s smile and charisma undoubtedly attract the audience’s attention, leading his supporting characters to compete on equal terms with the protagonists for the audience’s love. Jennifer Coolidge is probably best known even to those who haven’t seen American Pie – A First Time Unforgettable for her iconic portrayal of Stifler’s mother. And Joe Pesci, the determined thief in Home Alone, will surely be remembered by an entire generation for his character’s cunning and creativity.

We, from awesome.club, we decided to honor 13 very talented actors whose filmography has few or no main roles in films and series, but that did not stop them from winning the hearts of viewers. Check out!

The recognized and very talented Spanish actress Rossy de Palma began her career in the late 1980s. Her performance as a criminal in Ata-me!, by filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, was one of her first works on the big screen.

In her modern filmography, the film Madame stands out, in which Rossy conquered the audience by playing a maid, whose life suddenly changes. In addition to the crime comedy Mystère à Saint-Tropez (no summer in Portuguese), a production in which the actress gives life to an elegant movie star.

Fans of the couple Jack and Rose, from the movie Titanic, certainly weren’t very fond of the protagonist’s fiancé, played by Billy Zane. But it must be recognized: even though he was a secondary character, the actor played him brilliantly.

Later, Billy also appeared in the feature The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption, in which he gave life to King Talus. One of his last works was in the production O Hóspede Penetra. Well, we can only hope that the directors see Billy’s talent and invite him to act as a protagonist in the future.

Jennifer Coolidge’s filmography includes an appearance in Legally Blonde, playing a manicurist, as well as the iconic and popular role of Stifler’s mother in the hit comedy American Pie. One of the last works of the actress was in the film Swan Song (no Portuguese version).

Despite exploring the “attractive blonde” look on the big screen, unfortunately the actress has not received offers of leading roles in films or series.

Dominic Monaghan became world famous after giving life to the hobbit Meriadoc Brandybuck in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The actor later taped for years on the cult sitcom Lost, in which he portrayed former rock star Charlie Pace. For this work, Dominic was nominated for a Saturn Award in the Best Supporting Actor on Television category.

One of the last prominent projects that the actor participated in was the long Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Jonathan Kimble Simmons is often closely associated with the character of J. Jonah Jameson, who he played in the Spider-Man film series. The actor also participated in the psychological drama Whiplash: In Search of Perfection. His strong performance, despite his minor role as a tyrannical jazz teacher in the film, earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

The superhero theme is visibly linked to Simmons’ professional career, so his participation in Zack Snyder’s Justice League was predictable and even expected.

Roles like Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds and Dr. King Schultz, from the hit Django Unchained, won Christoph Waltz an Oscar and a Golden Globe. Despite playing supporting characters in both, the actor became world famous and was critically acclaimed. Among Waltz’s last works is a performance in the feature Alita: Angel of Battle.

Certainly, when thinking of Laurence Fishburne, many associate him with the enigmatic Morpheus of the Matrix franchise. The actor’s filmography, however, also includes Mission: Impossible 3 and the thriller The Ice Road (no Portuguese version). Laurence’s performances are well crafted and are often critically acclaimed.

Harvey Keitel’s filmography is rich and has dozens of award-winning productions. Thelma & Louise, in which he played a supporting role, received five Academy Award nominations. For his performance in the film A Drink in Hell, Harvey was nominated for a Saturn Award in the Best Supporting Actor category. Among the actor’s recent works is a performance in the feature Fátima — A História de um Milagre.

Kathy Bates even in the smallest of participations is able to add a unique atmosphere to film productions. An example is the film Secrets of Power, which even earned him an Oscar nomination.

Subsequently, Kathy had a small but expressive role in Road Trip. But her performance in the biographical drama The Affair of Richard Jewell earned her an Academy Award nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Christopher Walken received an Academy Award for his performance in The Shooter. Additionally, Captain Koons, played by Walken in Pulp Fiction, has become one of history’s most unforgettable supporting characters.

And although the recent production At War with Grandpa was not a success at the box office, we still had the chance to watch a performance by the talented and already mature Christopher Walken.

Liv Tyler decided to dedicate herself to the acting profession in her teens. And although her talent was already noted by critics in the melodrama Circle of Passions, it was only her performance as Arwen Undómiel in The Lord of the Rings trilogy that brought her worldwide fame.

Liv Tyler, on the other hand, constantly records for series: last year, the actress participated in the first season of the series 9-1-1: Lone Star (no Portuguese version) as head of a team of paramedics.

Which actors would you like to see acting more as leads? Do you consider it unfair that some talented artists end up in the background of the cinematographic world? Tell us in the comments section!