As a fan of Monty Python in the 90s, I always enjoyed the chance to read about the influences and heroes that Pythons most idolized, and was always fascinated by the stories of the late Marty Feldman. These days, I’d wager that many viewers only recognize Marty from his role as “Eye-Gor” in the movie ‘Young Frankenstein; but Marty was a gifted writer and performer for years, even co-authoring the iconic Bookshop Sketch. (That’s the one wherein he bothered John Cleese for nonexistent books, including a copy of “Ethel The Aardvark Goes Quantity Surveying.”) While it’s a shame that his work isn’t better known, it has to be said that he seemed perfectly suited for the job of playing Victor’s faithful-but-dim assistant, and the part was clearly written with him in mind (even though the man himself was quite intelligent and had ridiculously sharp comic sensibilities.) Right off the top of my head, I can only think of one actor that I’d be better suited to a part, that being Jason David Frank in his portrayal of the athletic, charismatic yet scatter-brained Tommy Oliver in the American Power Rangers franchise.
The MS-QOTD (pronounced, as always, “misquoted”) doesn’t always mind being type-cast, asking: What actor or actress is the most perfectly visually suited for his or her role?
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Patrick Stewart as Professor X.
Patrick Stewart as Prof. X immediately springs to mind for me as well.
I think Ian McKellen as Gandalf was pretty spot on. Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Elvis. Meryl Streep as Thatcher.
I guess my choices bring up the question that are we counting good actors who fit into a role, or ones whose natural image and persona lends them easily to the role? If we are going with the former, are we including people who don a lot of makeup to look the part, ala Lincoln? The latter, I think Paul Gross’ character Jeffrey Tennant in Slings and Arrows (watch this show!) is perfectly suited for him, and he has said as much in interviews.
Ron Perlman in Hellboy.
This was my first thought as well. I was amazed at how completely he embodied the character, visually, as well as in every other way imaginable.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Zack Morris
Seriously try to think of anyone else as Zack, doesn’t work.
Actually, I could totally see Zack Morris played by Joey Lauren Adams. Similar face, similar smile.
Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes in the Granada adaptations.
I have never seen another actor who perfectly embodied the Great Detective as well as he did. The expression “he was born to play that role” was never more apt.
Actually, I’d say Basil Rathbone in exactly the same role.
Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark.
Andre Royo as Bubbles in “The Wire”
No other face could make you pity, care and sometimes bring up your lunch, as his does.
Robert Patrick as the T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade.
Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes (predating the fantastic Jeremy Britt)
Boris Karloff as the Frankenstein Monster.