This week’s entry for my “Top 10” list is my favorite Hollywood actors. As someone who enjoys watching movies I had many to choose from. These ten actors (I chose actors still alive) are the best at what they do. I’m sure you won’t agree with all my choices. I welcome your suggestions as to whom I should have included. Be sure to comment with your thoughts.
1. Leonardo DiCaprio
I think DiCaprio is the most versatile actor. I’ve never seen a movie of his where I thought he did a poor job acting the role. From his early role in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) to more popular roles in Titanic, the Departed and Inception ; Leo has managed to immerse himself so effortlessly in each respective role that you almost forget he is acting. That is the sign of a great actor. His best performance is a tie between The Aviator (2004) and Revolutionary Road (2008). If you haven’t already seen these gems I recommend you rent them.
2. Robert DiNero
DiNero won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull (1980). The film propelled him to superstardom. DiNero is a respectful actor who plays the rough-edged and complicated actors to a tee. Some of my favorite performances include Bronx Tale (1993) and Meet the Parents (2000). The later showcasing his comedic chops. My favorite performance was in last year’s critically-acclaimed movie Silver Linings Playbook. DiNero’s performance as an OCD father and Philadelphia Eagles fanatic rightfully earned him an Oscar nomination. In my opinion his performance was better than Christoph Waltz in Django Unchained (2012).
3. Ryan Gosling
Gosling is one of Hollywood’s young stars. While the frenzy over Gosling for some surrounds his looks, I focus on the fact that he is a good actor. I remember watching him as a child in the television series Young Hercules. Gosling gained fame for his role in The Notebook (2004). This year’s The Place Beyond the Pine garnered the actor Oscar-buzz. My favorite performance of his was in Blue Valentine (2010).
4. Denzel Washington
The two-time Oscar winner is most well-known for his role in Training Day (2001). Washington is one of Hollywood’s most suave actors. His best work is in dramatic roles. My favorite performance of his was in Man on Fire (2004). Although he hasn’t had great performances since that role, he nonetheless is a great actor.
5. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Gordon-Levitt is a young actor who I think will be around for a very long time. He is my favorite actor of his generation. From portraying the geeky Tommy Solomon on 3rd Rock from the Son to directing the upcoming Don Jon later this year, Gordon-Levitt has efficiently managed his career. While he is probably most well-known for his role in Inception (2010), my favorite performance was in 50/50 (2011). I think it was a travesty he wasn’t nominated for an Oscar.
6. Tom Hanks
Hanks seemingly is one of the nicest actors in the business. Hanks is famous for roles in Big, Sleepless in Seattle, Saving Private Ryan, Road to Perdition and The Da Vinci Code. His best performance was in Forrest Gump (1994) in which he won an Oscar for Best Actor. Being married to Greek actress Rita Wilson doesn’t hurt as well.
7. Christian Bale
Bale is an accomplished actor of many years. His fame skyrocketed for his role of Batman in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. My favorite performance however is in American Psycho (2000). Although he was great in the Batman movies I feel he was superb in American Psycho. You really did think he was psychotic.
8. Dustin Hoffman
Hoffman is best known for roles in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Tootsie (1982) and All the President’s Men (1976). My favorite performance was in Rain Man (1988). Although the performance was many years ago it remains his best and one of the best of all-time.
9. Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper is another one of those young actors who in the last couple of years has gained fame in recent popular movies. Cooper is famous for The Hangover (2009). One of my favorite performances is in Limitless (2011). If you haven’t seen it I recommend you rent it. My favorite performance of his is in Silver Linings Playbook (2012). His portrayal of a bi-polar man obsessed with reuniting with his ex-wife should have won him the Oscar for Best Actor (sorry Daniel Day Lewis).
10. Sir Anthony Hopkins
My favorite actor is Sir Anthony Hopkins. While he doesn’t act as often as he once did or as much as I’d like, when he does you know he will deliver a great performance. Some of my favorite films of his are Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) and Meet Joe Black (1998). Hopkins best performance is of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs (1991-also one of my all-time favorite movies). His riveting and terrifying performance in the wonderful film is proof of his brilliance. No one will ever be able to portray Dr. Lecter with the same sublime presence.
Who should have made my list?
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