Throughout Hollywood history, dozens of performers like Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, and Robin Williams made household names for themselves through their comedy movies. Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton — comedy actors with significant name value have been around for over a century now. But throughout the years, several actors have fallen beneath the public radar with regard to their work in comedy.
While most of the names on the list will appear familiar to one degree or another, they still don’t get the credit they deserve in this regard. And along the way, you may even learn of a new actor whose filmography you should delve into. All that said, these are twenty comedic actors who deserve more recognition, ranked.
15Damon Wayans
Although the role was rather minor,Damon Wayansdebuted inBeverly Hills Cop(1984), one of the funniest movies of its decade. A few years thereafter, he provided a supporting effort inRoxanne(1987), which starred Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah. And in the following decade, this underrated member of the Wayans family appeared in a couple of fan-favorite comedies that deserve more love today.
Near the beginning of the ’90s, he co-starred with Bruce Willis inThe Last Boy Scout(1991) by Tony Scott. About halfway through the decade, he providedthe titular effortinMajor Payne(1995) by Nick Castle. Both films received three-out-of-four stars from Roger Ebert, and justifiably so. When accounting for others likeBamboozled(2000), not to mention his comedic prowess in general, there’s no debating his placement on the list.
14Eddie Kaye Thomas
Although many movies featuringEddie Kaye Thomascan run the gamut of quality, he always performs to the utmost extent. And sure, you may be unfamiliar with his name. But when it comes to his performances in Hollywood comedies, you should without a doubt recognize the two franchises in which he plays a recurring role:American Pie, andHarold & Kumar.
As Paul Finch in the former franchise, Thomas shares a tangible rapport with each of his on-screen co-stars, from Jason Biggs and Sean William Scott to Chris Klein and Jennifer Coolidge. And as Andy Rosenberg in theHarold & Kumarfranchise, Eddie Kaye Thomas should have solidified himself as an all-time great when it comes to the comedic realm of the industry. He puts forth hilarious efforts with every role under his belt, and he thus deserves more credit.
13Bob Balaban
Like many performers on the list,Bob Balabanestablished a long-standing relationship with Christopher Guest after appearing inWaiting for Guffman(1996). The two have since collaborated on five occasions, with Guest’s movies consistently shining light on Balaban’s comedic caliber. But this actor has been active since the end of the 1960s, with many other projects worth writing home about.
Just as he has worked five times with Christopher Guest, he’s appeared in the last five films by American auteur Wes Anderson. FromMoonrise Kingdom(2012) toAsteroid City(2023), he brings a particularly quirky quality to each of his performances, rendering Balaban one ofthe most valuable collaboratorsthat Anderson has to offer. Considering he’s also worked with Woody Allen multiple times, he undoubtedly deserves a spot on the list.
12Judy Greer
Although she plays in various types of films, the most memorable performances fromJudy Greerare of the comedic variety. Perhaps her funniest film role is Maggie Lang inAnt-Man(2015) andAnt-Man and the Wasp(2018), both from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But that’s only scratching the surface, with Greer appearing in a staggering number of films throughout her underrated career.
FromThree Kings(1999) by David O. Russell toThe Descendents(2011) by Alexander Payne, several of the comedies in which she’s appeared were made by acclaimed directors. There’s also13 Going on 30(2004), but no matter the film, Greer leaves a lasting impact with each performance almost sheerly by dint of her talent as a comedian. She without a doubt deserves more credit as one of the funniest actresses of her generation.
11Rose Byrne
An Australian actress,Rose Byrnegot her start by appearing alongside Heath Ledger in an underrated crime film calledTwo Hands(1999). She spent the subsequent decade in big-budget productions likeTroy(2004),Sunshine(2007), andKnowing(2008), then landed a supporting role inGet Him to the Greek(2010). Since, Byrne’s made great waves in this regard, but for some reason, she doesn’t get due recognition.
These days, Byrne is perhaps most fondly remembered by fans for her involvement in two major franchises:Insidious, andX-Men. But considering high-caliber titles likeBridesmaidsandSpy(2015), she’s put in great comedic work throughout the years. She also co-starred inNeighbors(2014), reprised the role inNeighbors 2(2016), and later appeared inInstant Family(2018). That’s quite the array of comedies, and Byrne provides hilarious efforts in each.
10Mason Gooding
For providing nuanced performances in high-quality films, American actorMason Goodingdeserves more recognition in general. Considering every role he puts forth features a farcical element to one degree or another, there’s no denying his spot among the more underrated comedy actors of all time, let alone of his generation.
The son of Cuba Gooding Jr., this performer is perhaps best known for his television roles inBallersandLove, Victor. But since debuting on the silver screen inBooksmart(2019) by Olivia Wilde, he’s also established himself as a comedic force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. In that regard, his most prominent role has been as Chad in bothScream V(2022) andScream VI(2023). He provides excellent comedic relief in one ofthe greatest horror franchisesever, and the role perfectly showcases why audiences should keep their eyes on Mason Gooding.
9Kieran Culkin
Although his roles run the gamut of prominence, there are two nineties franchises worth noting off the bat for featuringKieran Culkin. The first isHome Aloneby Chris Columbus, in which Culkin played Fuller McCallister, cousin of protagonist Kevin McCallister. The latter is played by McCauley Culkin, the older brother of the actor at hand.
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Kieran separated himself from his elder sibling by providing a supporting role in theFather of the Brideseries by Charles Shyer. And at the turn of the century, he starred inIgby Goes Down(2002), one of the decade’s most underrated films. There’s also his supporting efforts in bothPaper Man(2009) andScott Pilgrim vs. The World(2010), along withNo Sudden Move(2021) by Steven Soderbergh. Each of those films is of the utmost quality, and Kieran performs brilliantly every step of the way.
8John Michael Higgins
For a certain corner of comedy fans, the nameJohn Michael Higginsmay ring a bell due to his collaborations with Christopher Guest, likeBest in Show(2000) andA Mighty Wind(2003). Others may recognize him thanks to his role as John Smith ina comedy franchisecalledPitch Perfect. But throughout the years, this actor has shown up in several hilarious titles, and with rather important roles.
From his on-screen partnership with Vince Vaughn —The Break-Up,Fred Claus(2007), andCouples Retreat(2009) — to his collaborations with Jim Carrey —Fun With Dick and Jane(2005) andYes Man(2008) — he’s amassed an impressive filmography when it comes to comedies. And thanks to movies by Christopher Guest along with thePitch Perfectmovies, Higgins should be held in much higher regard.
7Michael Peña
With a certain corner of film fans,Michael Peñagets the respect he deserves. If you recognize his name, it’s likely even due to his being a talented comedian. But really, for his work in twenty-first century cinema, Michael Peña should be a household name. Since showing up in bothCrash(2004) andMillion Dollar Baby(2004), he’s established himself as a comedic genius thanks to various Hollywood titles.
A police procedural calledEnd of Watch(2012) — written and directed by David Ayer — features Michael in a co-starring role alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. It’s among the funniest performances of their respective careers, with the leads sharing a hilarious rapport replete with back-and-forth dialogue and nuanced performances. But as of late, that role of Peña’s has been thrown a bit by the wayside due tothe Marvel Cinematic Universe. And while his efforts as Louis in theAnt-Manfilms put his prowess on display, that’s still just scratching the surface.
6Parker Posey
In her on-screen debut,Parker Poseyprovided a minor effort inConeheads(1993). And in that same year, she appeared in Richard Linklater’s seminal comedyDazed and Confused(1993). Two well-known titles in one year. A couple of years later, she landed a supporting role inKicking and Screaming(1995) by Noah Baumbach, and ever since, Posey has been providing comedic relief in several high-quality titles.
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Parker Posey has been a constant in films for decades. Often underrated, she’s turned in some truly sublime performances over the years.
Most prominently, Parker Posey often works with three of America’s most talented filmmakers. Linklater directed her again insubUrbia(1998), and just before, she collaborated with Christopher Guest inWaiting for Guffman(1996). Since, the latter filmmaker has cast her on four occasions, while Woody Allen worked with Posey in bothIrrational Man(2015) andCafé Society(2016). Those famous directors have recognized Posey’s comedic genius for decades — it’s time audiences followed suit.
