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No particular order:
1.) Tom Hanks
Now here's a real success story, eh? Once upon a time Tom Hanks was a beloved icon of mine from stupid comedies in the '80s like Splash and Volunteers. Now he's an Oscar contender almost every time he signs on the dotted line. Who would have thought that when he was busy stuffing his bra on the set of Bosom Buddies?
2.) Robin Williams
Williams is one of the most successful comedians-turned-dramatic actors on this list. He's also among the most talented. In recent years he has shined in serious fare like Good Will Hunting and One Hour Photo. He just doesn't shine in comedies (anymore).
3.) Bill Murray
Murray is my favorite kind of success story. The guy was murdered in his first stab at drama when he made The Razor's Edge in 1984. Slowly but surely though, the guy has turned himself into a viable dramatic - and Oscar nominated - actor to reckon with. The problem is I think the public still wants to see Bill do more comedies and I think they definitely have had their fill of Wes Anderson collaborations.
4.) Steve Martin
Here's another pretty smooth transition. How does an audience buy serious turns like the ones in Grand Canyon or The Spanish Prisoner when the guy on screen was both The Man With Two Brains and The Jerk? That's no small feat. All he needs is this thermos... and this remote control... and this ashtray... and this lamp... and that's all he needs! Except this magazine... and this chair ...
Great in Parenthood, PT & A, and Roxanne.
5.) Jim Carrey
Poor Jim Carrey. The guy is a pretty darn good dramatic actor but he gets little box office love for it. Audiences just have no desire to see him go legit.
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BONUS!! Chris Rock
Things got a little too positive around these parts so I had to mention at least one total artistic disaster. Chris Rock is one of the top three comedians working today. One problem, though: he can't act. He's smart. He's funny. He can't act. Even in not-so-serious fare like Lethal Weapon or Bad Company he just isn't believable. And it's a bad thing that his best performance in a movie is as Pookie, the crackhead in New Jack City. I love the guy but it must be said.
Jack Black
Dan Aykroyd
Eddie Murphy
A (Dice) Clay
F Wil Smith