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Some actors are super versatile and can play anyone or anything. Others, on the other hand, are often described as “just playing themselves.” Today we have a list of 35 actors and actresses who, at least once, have been accused of such performances. Some of these you might agree with, while some might be controversial. It’s time to put this question to bed once and for all - are they really good, or are they just really good at playing themselves? Cast your votes and see if others agree.

#1

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Actor Dwayne The Rock Johnson in a superhero costume standing confidently against a cloudy sky, embodying the essence of actors who always play themselves.

Warner Bros. Report

Ic_polls

Poll Question

What do you think?

Always plays himself

Has more versatility than just his own persona

Haven’t watched any of his movies

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    #2

    Rebel Wilson

    Actress Rebel Wilson wearing a green tracksuit, speaking on a talk show.

    https://teamcoco.com/ Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Always just her

    Never the same

    Don’t know her

    #3

    Seth Rogen

    Actor with glasses expressing surprise, highlighting actors who always play themselves.

    Columbia Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    All the same, in all the movies

    There’s some versatility

    Dunno

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    Karl der Große
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It seems he always plays similar characters, but I don't think he can be said to be "playing himself." His characters tend to be hapless schlemiels, but he is actually pretty thoughtful and erudite in real life. (TBH - I have only seen a few of his movies.)

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    #4

    Amy Schumer

    Comedian Amy Schumer with blonde hair making a skeptical expression, sitting in a room, associated with actors who always play themselves.

    Comedy Central Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Always herself, mainly not funny

    There’s more to her acting than just being herself

    Don’t know her

    #5

    Jason Statham

    Bald actor Jason Statham in a tense scene with a giant shark in the background, exemplifying actors who always play themselves.

    Warner Bros. Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Absolutely always plays himself

    I’ve seen some flexibility in his acting

    Who? What?

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    Iampenny
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely always plays himself (and I wouldn't want it any other way)

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    #6

    Zooey Deschanel

    Actress Zooey Deschanel with long hair and bangs in a blue blouse, representing actors who always play themselves in movies.

    Touchstone Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    "Adorkable" character, but just plays herself

    More than a one-trick-pony

    Idk

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    #7

    Arnold Schwarzenegger

    Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a warrior costume, wearing a headband and necklace, portraying a classic character.

    Dino De Laurentiis Company Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Physically dominant, stoic, with a touch of self-aware humor - but that’s just who he is

    There’s more to his acting

    Not sure

    #8

    Chris Pratt

    Actor Chris Pratt in a futuristic setting, wearing a leather jacket, exemplifying traits of actors who often play themselves.

    Marvel Entertainment Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    He might be charming and quirky, but that’s just him being himself on the screen

    Dude has some versatility!

    No idea

    #9

    Mark Wahlberg

    Two actors Mark Wahlberg in a tense scene, with one holding a microphone towards the other, surrounded by a vintage-looking room.

    Paramount Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Just himself

    More than a one-trick-pony

    Idk

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    #10

    Jonah Hill

    Actor Jonah Hill in a casual setting with a plaid shirt and neck tattoo, embodying roles often similar to their real personality.

    Columbia Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Always the same role, just himself

    I’ve seen unique performances from him

    Don’t know

    #11

    Owen Wilson

    Actor Owen Wilson in cowboy attire on a cobblestone street, showcasing a typical role often portrayed.

    Twentieth Century Fox Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Always quirky, but just himself

    More than just a one-trick-pony

    Haven’t seen him on the screen

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    MEB
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know it is not his fault, but his nose looks like a penis and I cannot, for the life of me, think about anything else when I see him. So, I don't know, really, what kind of actor he is.

    #12

    Adam Sandler

    Actor Adam Sandler lying on a golf course, intently focused on a golf ball near the hole.

    Universal Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Plays himself all the time

    Might have some versatility

    Don’t know

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    POST
    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He has shown he has versatility. He just doesn't want to use it. Fair play.

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    #13

    Kristen Stewart

    Actress Kristen Stewart gazing thoughtfully, representing actors who always play themselves in movies.

    A24 Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    The same in all interviews and all movies

    There’s much more to her acting than just “playing herself”

    Never seen her

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    Miki
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Normally I would agree but I saw her in "Underwater". Movie was totally meh but she was cool in it.

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    #14

    Tom Cruise

    Actor Tom Cruise with a confident smile reclining in a chair, embodying a familiar persona onscreen.

    Paramount Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Most of the time he just plays himself

    Versatile!

    Not sure, really

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    POST
    Penguin Panda Pop
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Comedian Rich Hall mentioned that not only is he the same character, but the plots of his movies are all the same. "He's a fighter pilot, maybe the best damn fighter pilot. Then he has a crisis of confidence, meets a girl, and gets his mojo back. He's a cocktail waiter, maybe the best damn cocktail waiter, until he has a crisis of confidence, but then he meets a girl and gets his mojo back. He's a race car driver, maybe the best damn race car driver..."

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    #15

    Mindy Kaling

    Actress Mindy Kaling on a talk show, smiling, showcasing actors who play themselves theme.

    https://teamcoco.com/ Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Always plays herself

    Has more versatility than just her own persona

    Who?

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    POST
    CK
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She always plays the same character but I hope it's not herself.

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    #16

    Vince Vaughn

    Actor Vince Vaughn in a suit with a serious expression, exemplifying a common on-screen persona.

    RadicalMedia Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Always plays the same role - himself

    I think there are more layers to his acting

    Have not seen a single movie with him

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    POST
    Bozimandeus
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His comedy roles are all identical but when he branches out to dramas he shows his range.

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    #17

    Samuel L. Jackson

    Bald man with a serious expression played by Samuel L. Jackson talking to another person, showcasing actors who play themselves in movies.

    Studio Supreme Films Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Very intense, but very much just himself

    Don’t diminish the talent to “just playing himself”

    No idea

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    POST
    Bozimandeus
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The man is an amazing actor, yes we all know he likes one particular curse word, but all of his roles are different unique characters.

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    #18

    Will Smith

    Actor Will Smith in a dramatic scene, wearing a white shirt, illustrating the concept of actors who always play themselves.

    Columbia Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Just himself

    He won an Oscar for “King Richard,” where he’s not playing himself - there’s your proof

    I don’t know

    #19

    Melissa McCarthy

    Actor Melissa McCarthy at a dining table, holding a wine glass, in a kitchen setting.

    Warner Bros. Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Absolutely always plays herself

    I’ve seen some flexibility in her acting

    Who?

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    ScootyPuffJr
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think fat actresses get screwed over with the roles they're given. They're either the funny fat chick, or the wise bestfriend/momma character.

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    #20

    Robert Downey Jr.

    Robert Downey Jr. with dark hair in a somber setting, capturing a contemplative moment, often portraying himself in roles.

    Warner Bros. Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Witty, self-assured, and fast-talking - the same on the screen and in life

    Have people who say this seen “Oppenheimer”??

    No idea

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    G Bono
    Community Member
    3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He is possibly the most talented actor working today. Had his personal issues not overshadowed his career, he would already be considered on par with Brando, Nicholson, etc and I think he will be eventually, but, if you really want to see him.

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    #21

    Bill Murray

    Actor Bill Murray in a suit outdoors with trees in the background, showcasing a classic performance style consistent with their roles.

    Universal Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    He’s quirky on the screen, but that’s just who he is probably

    Talent and versatility are clear

    Idk

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    Korok
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why isn’t there a “just plays himself” option? Are we giving Bill Murray an out?

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    #22

    Jennifer Aniston

    Actress Jennifer Aniston at a table with papers and a glass, characteristic role style, exemplifying actors who always play themselves.

    Apple TV+ Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Has not produced a unique performance since “Friends”

    She has some flexibility

    No idea

    #23

    Ryan Reynolds

    Actor Ryan Reynolds in a casual suit jacket, standing in a colorful room, depicting a self-assured expression.

    Paramount Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Just plays himself

    Versatile

    Don’t know him or his movies

    #24

    Julia Roberts

    Smiling actor Julia Roberts in a black jacket, sitting indoors with colorful decorations in the background.

    Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Just playing herself

    Multi-talented

    Idk

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    SkippityBoppityBoo
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Steel Magnolias, Erin Brockovich, Sleeping With The Enemy... She's definitely got range.

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    #25

    Zach Galifianakis

    Actor Zach Galifianakis with puppets at a formal event, showcasing the theme of actors who always play themselves.

    Disney Enterprises, Inc. Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Always the same

    Not always the same

    Idk

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    POST
    ScootyPuffJr
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of my favorite Onion articles was titled something like, "Director of new Zach Galifianakis movie disappointed to find out he's just a potato with a crayon beard." But I think he's pretty great.

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    #26

    Jennifer Lawrence

    Actress Jennifer Lawrence in a cozy kitchen setting with long hair and a turtleneck, embodying their signature persona.

    Twentieth Century Fox Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Same

    She might bring her personality to her acting, but definitely not just playing herself

    Not sure

    #27

    Angelina Jolie

    Actress Angelina Jolie on a train, gazing out the window, reminiscent of roles where they portray themselves.

    Columbia Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Just playing herself, really

    She has talent and versatility!

    Haven’t seen any of her movies

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    POST
    Danni
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What?! I don't think I've seen her play same character in any of her movies. She's all range. I get people don't like the person I suppose, but she's a very good actor.

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    #28

    Steve Carell

    Actor Steve Carell in a suit stands in front of a digital display screen, embodying a role typical of his style.

    Warner Bros. Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Just plays himself

    Excellent and plays more than just himself

    Haven’t seen him in anything apart from “The Office”

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    Sweetie Dahling
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you only know him from The Office, just watch Foxcatcher and you'll see why he doesn't deserve a place on this list at all.

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    #29

    Cameron Diaz

    Actress Cameron Diaz lounging in bed, partially covered with a sheet, holding a wrapped gift, in a relaxed setting.

    Paramount Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Just plays herself

    Versatile

    Don’t know her or her movies

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    #30

    Jack Nicholson

    Actor Jack Nicholson in rugged attire in front of ornate mirror and mounted horns, embodying his usual self in film.

    Paramount Pictures Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Big personality, but plays himself

    Are you kidding?

    Not sure

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    Karl der Große
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His characters are always so intense and a little off-balance that it makes me wonder about his actual personality. (I had a friend who is an actor, and he was so caught up in the character he was playing that it took a long time to see who he really was.)

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    #31

    Nicolas Cage

    Actor Nicholas Cage with a beard leaning against a tree, wearing a jacket, embodying familiar character traits of actors who play themselves.

    Worldview Entertainment Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Over-the-top, but just playing himself

    He’s played many different roles, not just himself

    Not sure

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    G Bono
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really? I don’t even like him, but there’s no denying his talent. The problem is he’s been calling it in for years. He’s just lazy

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    #32

    Reese Witherspoon

    A blonde actress Reese Witherspoon with a serious expression, in a studio setting, representing actors known for consistent roles.

    Apple TV+ Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Most of the time she just plays herself

    Versatile!

    Not sure, really

    #33

    Scarlett Johansson

    Actress Scarlett Johansson with red hair stands in a dimly lit corridor, looking upwards, wearing a black jacket.

    Marvel Entertainment Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Always just playing herself

    So many different movies and roles

    Have not seen her acting

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    Surly Scot
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like we haven't seen her full capability yet. Like if we gave her a really good dramatic role, lots of pain and anguish, and the right director to bring out the best in her, I think we could see an incredibly deep and powerful performance. Think she's not getting utilized well or she's not taking enough challenging roles.

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    #34

    Keanu Reeves

    Actor Keanu Reeves in a casual henley shirt outdoors, exemplifying actors known for consistently playing themselves in films.

    Warner Bros. Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Really cool dude, but just plays himself

    I think he has versatility

    No idea

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    Jaya
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it's funny how Kristen Stewart is hated by so many people for showing no emotions while acting, and Keanu is universally adored despite showing even less emotions while acting.

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    #35

    Morgan Freeman

    Actor Morgan Freeman in a red suit holding a drink at a party, surrounded by people, representing actors who always play themselves.

    CBS Broadcasting Report

    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think?

    Doesn’t he always play God?

    Morgan Freeman has a lot of talent and flexibility - what are people even saying?

    I’m not sure

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    Surly Scot
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Morgan may be the voice of God...but he's also a fantastic villain!

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