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‘Super Underrated’ 90s Actor Looks Unrecognizable 35 Years After Appearing Alongside Julia Roberts
Underrated 90s actor wearing glasses and a gray shirt looks unrecognizable 35 years after appearing alongside Julia Roberts

‘Super Underrated’ 90s Actor Looks Unrecognizable 35 Years After Appearing Alongside Julia Roberts

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Fans of ’90s films were surprised to see how much a beloved actor had changed when he made a rare appearance in Manhattan on Friday (June 20).

In photos from the outing—taken 35 years after he starred in Flatliners alongside Julia Roberts—the actor appeared thin and nearly unrecognizable.

The Working Girl star was seen wearing a gray collared shirt, jean shorts, and tennis shoes during a walk through the West Village.

Highlights
  • The Flatliners and Impostors actor was spotted out and about in Manhattan decades after his rise to fame.
  • The actor studied drama in college but ultimately decided to dedicate his career to film and television.
  • Still, he appeared in two Broadway productions in the 2000s: Shining City and Guys and Dolls.
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    A beloved actor was pictured going on a walk in Manhattan and looking noticeably slimmer

    90s actor with dark curly hair in casual shirt and vest, holding a small object in a dimly lit warm-toned room.

    Image credits: Columbia Pictures

    The actor in question is Oliver Platt.

    Oliver starred in Three to Tango with Matthew Perry, Bicentennial Man with Robin Williams, and Lake Placid alongside Betty White.

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    The 65-year-old is perhaps best known for playing psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Charles in Chicago Med.

    90s actor with curly hair smiling and walking arm-in-arm with a man in a dark suit at an event indoors

    Image credits: S. Granitz/Getty Images

    He portrayed Randy Steckle, a medical student who conducts experiments to learn what happens in the afterlife, in the 1990 sci-fi horror film Flatliners.

    In addition to Oliver and Julia Roberts, the Michael Douglas-produced film starred Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Bacon, William Baldwin, and K.K. Dodds.

    Oliver Platt has starred in Three to Tango, Bicentennial Man, Lake Placid, and  Flatliners, among other ’90s films

    Super underrated 90s actor casually dressed in shorts and gray shirt walking outside a cafe holding a water bottle.

    Image credits: BACKGRID

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    Asked what his favorite film of his was, Oliver told Esquire, “Funny Bones is really dear to me, but such a tense experience. Then there’s The Impostors, which was criminally fun to make.”

    He said he and Stanley Tucci, his Impostors co-star, enjoyed themselves so much on set—despite not being paid for the film. “We kept saying to each other, ‘I can’t believe we’re getting paid for this—oh, yeah, we aren’t.'”

    Underrated 90s actor with gray hair and sunglasses at an outdoor event, looking unrecognizable after 35 years.

    Image credits: oliverplatt

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    Unlike many Hollywood stars, Oliver said he can’t think of any films he regrets starring in.

    “I like them for different reasons—some were fun to do, and for others, the result was satisfying,” he shared.

    Oliver’s resume also includes numerous roles on both television and stage.

    He is best known for portraying psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Charles on the NBC drama Chicago Med since 2015

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    Super underrated 90s actor with glasses and gray hair looks unrecognizable 35 years after Julia Roberts film appearance

    Image credits: Hulu

    The Canadian actor has starred in The Big C, Fargo, and The Good Wife. On Hulu’s The Bear, he plays Jimmy “Cicero” Kalinowski, a.k.a Uncle Jimmy, the restaurant’s key investor.

    In 2007, he earned a SAG Award nomination for his portrayal of New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner in the ESPN miniseries The Bronx Is Burning.

    His role in the series Huff, as the workaholic and womanizer Russell Tupper, received critical acclaim and earned him Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Oliver also received Emmy nominations for standout guest appearances on The West Wing and Nip/Tuck.

    Oliver has been nominated for Emmys, Golden Globes, and Tony Awards for his work on TV and Broadway

    Underrated 90s actor wearing glasses and a blue shirt looks unrecognizable 35 years after starring alongside Julia Roberts.

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    Image credits: Hulu

    On stage, he made his Broadway debut in Conor McPherson’s Shining City in 2006, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor. Three years later, he portrayed Nathan Detroit in the revival of the musical Guys and Dolls.

    Oliver’s last role on the big screen was in the 2024 comedy Babes, which marked Pamela Adlon’s feature film directorial debut.

    On television, he has had a recurring role on The Bear since 2022 and Chicago Med since 2015. He said pulling double duty “spices up” his day, though there was one occasion where he accidentally channeled Uncle Jimmy’s Chicago accent when rehearsing for a Dr. Charles scene.

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    He now plays Uncle Jimmy on the hit comedy-drama The Bear

    Two people smiling closely together in a dimly lit setting, featuring a super underrated 90s actor looking unrecognizable.

    Image credits: oliverplatt

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    “The director was like, ‘Oliver, what’s that? What’s that accent?'” Oliver told the Associated Pressin June 2024.

    “It was very easy for me to drop into being Doctor Charles. I’ve been doing it for eight years, but Uncle Jimmy is relatively new, and I think I was unconsciously preparing for the afternoon.”

    Underrated 90s actor wearing glasses and a blue shirt, looking serious in a dimly lit indoor setting.

    Image credits: oliverplatt

    Oliver, who got his start in theater after studying drama in college, revealed that he chose film over Broadway because it was a better fit for his family life—he shares three children with his wife, Mary Camilla Bonsal Campbell—and because it paid better than working on stage.

    “I’ve got a wife and three kids, so film is just the most viable thing for me right now. I still love the theater, but the commitment in time and energy to do live theater is so great, and, frankly, the financial rewards are just not as attractive,” he said in a 1999 interview.

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    “When you have a family, you have to think about those things.”

    The 65-year-old actor said his favorite films he’s done are Funny Bones and The Impostors

    Underrated 90s actor in a bow tie and velvet jacket holding balloons at an indoor celebration near wrapped gifts.

    Image credits: oliverplatt

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    90s actor with glasses in a dark blue shirt speaking into a Roku Channel microphone during an interview session.

    Image credits: The Rich Eisen Show

    Oliver prioritizes working with people he feels comfortable with and revealed that he has turned down projects because he didn’t like his co-stars.

    “When you’re going to be on location for three months in a remote place, you have to think about who you’re going to be spending your time with. Are you going to enjoy hanging around the trailer talking to these people?

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    “I’ve actually turned down roles—I won’t tell you which ones—because I just didn’t want to spend all that time with certain people.”

    Social media users reacted to Oliver Platt’s eclectic career

    Super underrated 90s actor appearing alongside Julia Roberts, looking unrecognizable 35 years later in a casual setting.

    User comment praising a super underrated 90s actor, highlighting his craft and long career following Julia Roberts film.

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    Screenshot of a social media comment praising a super underrated 90s actor who looks unrecognizable after 35 years.

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    Text post by bored2infinity saying many actors in The Bear to like, especially Oliver Platt who delivers.

    Super underrated 90s actor Oliver Platt looks unrecognizable 35 years after appearing alongside Julia Roberts.

    Comment highlighting a super underrated 90s actor known for appearing alongside Julia Roberts, now looking unrecognizable.

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    Comment about Oliver’s memorable lines and comedic performance in the show, highlighting underrated 90s actor.

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    Comment praising a 'super underrated' 90s actor for 40 years of work in TV and film, highlighting their longevity and talent.

    Super underrated 90s actor with glasses and mustache, looking unrecognizable 35 years after appearing alongside Julia Roberts

    Comment text on forum praising Oliver Platt, a super underrated 90s actor, for his acting talent since the West Wing era.

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    Comment praising Oliver Platt’s acting, mentioning his ability to make characters shine, related to super underrated 90s actor.

    Comment praising Oliver Platt as a legend, especially known for his role as Cicero in The Bear series.

    Comment praising a ‘super underrated’ 90s actor, describing him as loving and supportive like an uncle.

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    Super underrated 90s actor with gray hair and beard, looking unrecognizable 35 years after appearing alongside Julia Roberts.

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    Underrated 90s actor Oliver Platt looking unrecognizable 35 years after starring alongside Julia Roberts.

    Comment mentioning Oliver Platt as a talented 90s actor recognized for his role alongside Julia Roberts.

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    90s actor looks unrecognizable 35 years after appearing alongside Julia Roberts, showcasing a striking transformation.

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    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

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    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

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    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

    What do you think ?
    g90814
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh look, someone aged! The horrors!

    Jessica Rabbit
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have we forgotten about him as Porthos in 3 Musketeers?

    Sophia Pandia de Delphia
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn't know him pre-Musketeers. I was about 13 or 14.yrs old and felt like I should be crushing on Chris O'Donnell or Charlie Sheen. Nah, Porthos for the win! Looking back, I'm sure it was more what he had done with the character and the fact that he had all the best lines. "Come, D'Artagnan, we are the saving the king!"

    Load More Replies...
    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I were an actor, this is the kind of career I'd want to have. Well-regarded, nobody fantasizing about you, no paparazzi - just living your life, doing what you love and collecting your paycheck. Good for him!

    Load More Comments
    g90814
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh look, someone aged! The horrors!

    Jessica Rabbit
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have we forgotten about him as Porthos in 3 Musketeers?

    Sophia Pandia de Delphia
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn't know him pre-Musketeers. I was about 13 or 14.yrs old and felt like I should be crushing on Chris O'Donnell or Charlie Sheen. Nah, Porthos for the win! Looking back, I'm sure it was more what he had done with the character and the fact that he had all the best lines. "Come, D'Artagnan, we are the saving the king!"

    Load More Replies...
    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I were an actor, this is the kind of career I'd want to have. Well-regarded, nobody fantasizing about you, no paparazzi - just living your life, doing what you love and collecting your paycheck. Good for him!

    Load More Comments
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