Many actors dream of landing a starring role in a movie as a leading man or leading lady, while others are content to be working in a dimmer version of the limelight as character actors. Many of these actors consider themselves to have the best of both worlds. They are able to make a living doing something that they love, but since they are not known for a particular “starring” role they maintain a higher level of privacy than their A-list peers.
Occassionally actors who are first known as character actors start to get more recognition for their name as well as their face. William H. Macy is one example, but for the most part fans may see them and simply do a double take, remembering that they saw them somewhere, but can’t quite remember exactly where.
John C. Reilly is one of those actors, who incidently worked with Macy in the movie Magnolia. He played the cop that fell in love with the drug addict. He also played second fiddle to Will Ferrell in Stepbrothers, and was Roxy Hart’s whipped husband (aka Mr. Cellophane)in the movie Chicago.
Catherine O’Hara’s face is another you might recognize, even if you don’t know the name. She is the quintescential mom, playing the supportive maternal role in the Home Alone movies, and also playing Claire Daines’ aunt in the made for TV movie Temple Grandin, as well as numerous other roles.
Luckily for the movie going public these actors continue to put their all into their performances with or without the promise of fame and fortune and help keep us all entertained in the process.