10 Actors Who Will Never Escape Their Most Famous Role

Some actors become so closely associated with a single role that it defines their career. This list features 10 actors who, despite their talents and varied performances, are likely to be remembered primarily for one iconic character. These roles left a lasting impression on audiences and overshadowed their other work.

AUTHOR: Ben Rice

1. Daisy Ridley: Rey Skywalker

It may be too early in young Daisy Ridley's career to start labeling her as Rey Skywalker (or is it Palpatine? I am still unsure!), but we all know what is coming. Like Mark Hamill's Luke, she will forever be Rey, but this doesn't have to be negative — many actors dream of such a legacy.

2. John Malkovich: John Malkovich

"John Malkovich as John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich," inserts the next thread commenter. Perhaps this selection is unfair, considering John Malkovich's illustrious screen career, but it is hard not to think of him playing himself. "I also always think of John Malkovich when I think of John Malkovich," jokes another movie lover.

3. Christopher Reeve: Superman

The actor's connection to Superman is hard to deny, though Reeve has starred in some great films outside his Caped Crusader icon. His small role in the wonderful Remains of The Day is worth a watch. However, he also starred in the uncanny Above Suspicion, giving us a strange, fictionalized foreshadowing of his crippling horse-riding accident.

4. Emma Watson: Hermione Granger

While any member of the Harry Potter cast will be tarred with brushed by the success of J.K. Rowling's movie adaptations, Emma Watson has found it hard to escape her Hermione Granger role. The actress has far more renown these days as a political activist than in any other role since her wizarding days.

5. Robert Downey Jr: Iron Man

Many people equate diverse screen talent Robert Downey Jr. (RDJ) with his alter ego Tony Stark after three Iron Man movies (and a fourth in the pipeline). However, not everyone sees it this way. "He's the opposite, for me," says a fan. "Tony Stark will always be RDJ, but RDJ is a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude."

5. Carrie Fisher: Leia Organa

Some movies are too successful for their own good, though Carrie Fisher wasn't complaining about it. After her death a few years ago, Fisher's light kept shining as it will for eternity. Leia Organa made an AI-driven comeback in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. However, ask anyone about a Carrie Fisher movie outside George Lucas's universe — they will struggle — just like you are right now!

6. Ryan Reynolds: Deadpool

Reynolds will be happy that people associate him with Deadpool considering how hard he fought to make the movie franchise a reality. However, some people like his more serious roles, including The Amityville Horror, Buried, and Safe House. "I honestly wish he did more roles like that because personally, I'm not really a fan of his Deadpool-type roles," argues a Ryan Reynolds fan.

7. Kelsey Grammer: Frasier Crane

This one is an easy match. Even though Kelsey Grammer's career has spanned many decades, he will always be regarded as Frasier Crane. However, the successful '90s hit show Frasier was his character's second outing; he became famous in the iconic Boston sitcom Cheers.

8. Audrey Hepburn: Holly Golightly

Sometimes, an actor falls victim to the zeitgeist, and none sits in this category more than Audrey Hepburn. Her portrayal of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's started a cult following, pushing Hepburn to megastar status as a fashion icon and national acting treasure. Even today, Hepburn's effortless feminism and urbane chic inspire fashionistas worldwide.

9. James Gandolfini: Tony Soprano

I sometimes get emotional talking about James Gandolfini, especially since rewatching The Sopranos recently. His range of facial expressions, mannerisms, and hulking gravitas made Tony Soprano's character his and his alone. "Absolutely no one could have played a better Tony Soprano than James Gandolfini," shares a fan.

Others speak of a newspaper headline on the day he died: "I remember when he died," adds another fan. "The New York Post headline was literally: 'Tony Soprano Dies.'"

10. Michael K. Williams: Omar Little

Omar Little remains one of my favorite TV show characters of all time. The fact he starred in one of the greatest TV shows of all time is irrelevant. "Michael K. Williams as Omar Little," agrees a commenter. "I'm sure he could've played any role had he lived, but he's known as Omar." Omar's debut scene in The Wire still gives me goosebumps. "You come at the King; you best not miss."

Source: Reddit.

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