These Actors’ Most Famous Characters Are Total Opposites

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It’s common for actors to play many different parts, but it’s really noteworthy when they convincingly portray truly iconic characters who are vastly different from each other. While some actors become known for playing similar roles – getting ‘typecast’ – and audiences might confuse their characters, others successfully avoid this. These actors stand out by taking on roles that are a complete departure from what people expect, proving their versatility and range.

Actors often find success by transitioning between comedic and dramatic roles, sometimes even winning major awards like Emmys or Oscars in both genres. Those who play a variety of memorable characters demonstrate impressive versatility, proving they can convincingly portray a wide range of personalities. Their most well-known roles often span diverse genres, from science fiction and drama to comedy and historical films.

6
Matt Smith

The Eleventh Doctor in ‘Doctor Who’ and Daemon Targaryen in ‘House of the Dragon’


HBO

Matt Smith is still widely remembered and loved for playing the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who, even though he left the show nearly eight years ago. He was the youngest actor ever cast in the role, and his time on the show demonstrated his range and talent. More recently, he’s gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Daemon Targaryen in the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon.

Matt Smith’s portrayal of Daemon Targaryen is a stark contrast to his Doctor Who character. Where the Doctor generally strives to do good, Targaryen is ruthless and driven by a desire for power. While charming, he’s also unpredictable and dangerous. Though the Eleventh Doctor had his flaws, he ultimately remained moral and peaceful. With Season 3 of House of the Dragon coming soon, it’s a great time to start watching the series if you haven’t yet.

5
Olivia Colman

Sophie Chapman in ‘Peep Show’ and Queen Anne in ‘The Favourite’


Scarlet Films

Olivia Colman was already well-liked, but she’s really gained recognition since winning an Oscar for her role as Queen Anne in The Favourite. Many viewers outside the UK don’t realize she began her career as a comedic actress, appearing in early sketch shows with David Mitchell and Robert Webb, and on their show Peep Show. Though she’s played many roles, her work in both comedy and drama, starting with those early appearances, showcases her impressive range.

Both characters display a childish side, though in contrasting ways. Queen Anne is spoiled and acts cruelly, without holding back because of her power, and her past is actually quite tragic. Sophie Chapman begins as sweet and naive, but quickly becomes tearful, and eventually transforms into an assertive, even aggressive, woman – a significant change from her initial demeanor.

4
David Tennant

The 10th Doctor in ‘Doctor Who’ and Killgrave in ‘Jessica Jones’


Netflix

As a critic, I’ve seen a lot of actors redefine themselves after big roles, and David Tennant’s turn as Kilgrave in Jessica Jones is a prime example. It’s genuinely shocking how different he is from his beloved Tenth Doctor. Where the Doctor was charming and generally held back, Kilgrave is purely manipulative and frightening – almost unrecognizably so. Honestly, even when the Tenth Doctor had his darker moments, like becoming the Time Lord Victorious, Kilgrave remains Tennant’s most convincingly evil performance, hands down.

Kilgrave readily resorts to violence, and his actions are far more than just brutal, yet he doesn’t consider himself evil, even though he’s fully aware of the harm he inflicts. His troubled mind stems from childhood abuse, and David Tennant portrays this inner conflict with a disturbingly calm demeanor.

3
Bryan Cranston

Hal in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ and Walter White in ‘Breaking Bad’


AMC

Many actors successfully switch between different types of roles, but Bryan Cranston is a prime example of doing so. He first became well-known for playing Hal on Malcolm in the Middle, showcasing some of his best comedic timing. Hal is a kind and lovable character, and his over-the-top reactions when his sons misbehave are always funny – something fans are eager to see again in the new Malcolm in the Middle revival.

Walter White from Breaking Bad is very different from Hal. Even at the beginning of the series, before Walt fully descends into the drug world, he isn’t as likable or easy to connect with as Hal. Walt quickly embraces a dark path, abandons his principles, and transforms into someone almost unrecognizable from the man he was at the start.

2
Nicola Coughlan

Clare Devlin in ‘Derry Girls’ and Penelope Featherington in ‘Bridgerton’


Netflix

Nicola Coughlan has quickly become a popular actress, especially considering her hit show, Derry Girls, just finished in 2022. She first gained attention for her funny, heartfelt, and outstanding performance as Claire Devlin in Derry Girls. More recently, she’s become well-known for playing Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton. These two characters, Claire and Penelope, are very different from each other. Claire is easily upset and reactive, but also courageous, and a memorable moment for her in Derry Girls is when she comes out to her friends.

Penelope is a bit shy and often stays in the background, even with her secret life as Lady Whistledown. She struggles to share her feelings, both with Colin and her mother. Now that everyone knows she’s Lady Whistledown, it will be exciting to see a bolder, more confident Penelope emerge in Season 4 of Bridgerton.

1
Rachel McAdams

Regina George in ‘Mean Girls’ and Allie Calhoun in ‘The Notebook’


New Line Cinema

As a movie fan, I think Rachel McAdams is amazing – she can really transform for any role. But two of her most famous characters, Regina George from Mean Girls and Allie from The Notebook, couldn’t be more different! Even if you haven’t seen Mean Girls, you probably have a sense of who Regina is – she’s the queen bee, running the social scene at her school. Allie, on the other hand, is much sweeter and a bit shy, and she’s really driven by her feelings for the one she loves.

Two of Rachel McAdams’ most popular films are Mean Girls and The Notebook. What’s truly remarkable is that both movies were released in the same year. Given the time it takes to film a movie, she probably shot them back-to-back, and it’s amazing how well she played such different characters in both.

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2025-12-13 20:04