In a world in which you’re instantly labelled as one thing or another, it’s refreshing to see that there are still a few actors and actresses who seem to be able to glide seamlessly between TV and movies. They become regular staples in our favourite boxsets while effortlessly making the jump to the big screen when the right script comes along. It’s time we paused for a moment and took a look at the versatile talent that has been gracing our screens in a variety of ways.
Cillian Murphy
He may have rose to prominence as the iconic Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, but it’s on the big screen in Oppenheimer where Murphy continues to make waves. Playing such a complex and highly nuanced character on the big screen is a challenge for anyone, especially when you’re known around the world for such a markedly different TV role.
His ability to be gritty, physical, thoughtful, and reflective all in one role has made Murphy such a highly sought after acting talent. He also has that certain intangible charm and natural charisma that shines through on both the small and big screens, regardless of who he’s playing at the time. Ideal when you want to recruit a star viewers will watch purely for his own merits, rather than waiting to see what the latest project is all about.
Ricky Gervais
Could this man have packed any more into the last 20 years? He’s written, produced, and directed iconic comedies like The Office and Afterlife while also performing in a wide range of Hollywood blockbusters. Cemetery Junction, Night at the Museum, and Special Correspondents all have a unique charm about them that works in a variety of different ways.
What sets Ricky apart from so many other comedians who take to the screen is that he so often just plays himself. There’re no slapstick, clumsy accents, or extravagant plot lines to be found here folks. He lets his comedic timing and natural charm and charisma do the work for him. Fascinating when you think about just how many different settings he’s made this approach work in.
Tom Hardy
Peaky Blinders, Taboo, and then over to the big screen for Venom — this is just part of Hardy’s journey to date, and it’s been quite the ride. This is a guy who used to get bit-part roles in British films before iconic movies like Bronson really catapulted him into the mainstream. He has that aura about him that makes millions of viewers around the world want to tune in or buy tickets purely to see what kind of performance he’s about to deliver.
He can be edgy, charming, and deep all in the space of a single scene, allowing you to really get to know a complex character in a variety of ways. It’s a rich and rare ability that he possesses, and one that his legions of fans are sure to want to enjoy for many more years to come.
Chris Pratt
He cut his teeth on the likes of Everwood and Parks & Recreation back in the day before moving mainly onto the big screen where you’ll mostly find him today. Space films with big budgets and the Jurassic World trilogy with even bigger carnivorous dinosaurs chasing him have now become Pratt’s staple.
What’s really refreshing is the way he has an easy-going, everyman style of personality that makes you feel like he’d be easy to sit and have a chat with. Viewers of all ages tend to gravitate towards these types of personalities because of the way in which they have the ability to put them at ease. If you’re looking to take viewers on an adventure where they really get to know a character, this is an invaluable quality. It will certainly be interesting to see where his unique skillset takes him next.
Julia Roberts
This Hollywood A-lister has dabbled in the occasional TV show from time to time, and with results that really do speak for themselves. Homecoming and Gaslit are a couple of the standouts as of right now, and for good reason. The tension, suspense, and sense of intrigue she is able to help build really have had millions of viewers clinging to the edge of their seats for a while now.
What’s really interesting is that Roberts started out very much as a movie star and has then moved between the two mediums as her career has progressed. She clearly has the star power and reputation to do whatever she wants in life at this point, so it’s really refreshing to see her choose to challenge herself by playing such a widely diverse range of new roles. Long may it continue!
Christian Slater
You’ll have seen in him in his fair share of throwback action films like Broken Arrow, and more recently he’s been gracing the small screen in the thought-provoking Mr. Robot. The ability to play such a spread of characters across different mediums and genres is one of the reasons why Christian Slater is seen as one of the most adaptable and accomplished actors of his generation.
He has the ability to make you feel connected with his character in a way that transcends simply liking or disliking someone based on whether they’re good or bad. His performances are so much richer and nuanced that they allow you to find something within yourself, as well as his performances, while enjoying stories you’ll want to revisit sooner rather than later.
When most of us want to see if we’re willing to invest time in a new boxset or movie franchise, we watch a couple of trailers. It’s the film and TV equivalent of playing a couple of demo casino games when you want to find a new game. That said, if you spot your favourite actor in the credits, you’re going to dive right in and watch it without hesitation!
