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Being a good actor is much more than having the face of a Greek god, an athletic body, and an amazing fashion sense (though having these can’t hurt!). What’s also important for an actor is their range, how they’re able to adapt to new roles and embody wildly different characters.

The folks over on Twitter have been busy praising their favorite actors who definitely “understood the assignment” and wowed their fans in a multitude of different roles. From Leonardo DiCaprio (hi, Leo, we love you!) to my personal favorite Mandalorian, Pedro Pascal, these stars are getting the adoration and attention they deserve. Bored Panda has collected some of the most spot-on tweets, so scroll down to see who Twitter loves best, upvote the tweets that you agree with, and let us know which actor has totally “understood the assignment” better than everyone else in your personal opinion.

I had a chat with celebrity and pop-culture expert Mike Sington, who has worked together with countless actors, about what makes people adore a star (hint: it might not be their acting skills!) and the relationship between experience and adaptability on-screen is. Have a peek down below for Bored Panda's interview with Mike.

#3

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman

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James016
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read somewhere years ago that the makers of the Lost In Space film cast him as Dr Smith as he was the only person creepy enough for the role.

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Hollywood's Ultimate Insider, Mike from LA, told Bored Panda that when it comes to being a beloved actor, a real icon of the silver screen, acting skills alone won't cut it. "Likeability is more important than acting skills. You become a beloved actor if you, as an audience member, wants to hang out with you. No matter how good an actor’s skills are, if they seem like a miserable person, they will never be beloved," the expert said. So it's not just their ususal repertoire of acting skills that stars have to hone; it's their talent with people that counts a whole lot (maybe even more), too.

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Having worked with so many actors during the length and breadth of his career, Mike has gotten to know them very well. One thing that he's learned is that the ability to act well, in his opinion, is something you're born with. "I firmly believe acting is an innate talent. Actors can of course increase their range with more experience, but some of the finest actors can be completely new on the scene, and often have never even taken any classes," he said.

As for Mike's favorite actor, he couldn't pick just one. "I have two favorite actors of all time: Meryl Streep and Sidney Poitier. I find both their bodies of work breathtaking."

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While some would argue that Keanu Reeves (my fave actor) plays pretty much just himself in every single movie, I’d say that he’s my top pick for somebody who 100% understood the assignment. I love his acting and I secretly hope that so do you, dear Pandas. What did you think of Keanu’s performance in the latest John Wick installment and the new SpongeBob SquarePants movie?

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During an earlier interview, I spoke with Hollywood’s Ultimate Insider, Mike, about casting and what additional advice he’d give actors. Mike shared his opinion that while raw acting talent is important, so is the “ability to bring the character to life, fulfilling the vision of the director and writer.”

#13

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson

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Hello it Smee
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my favorite actors. He is so badass that when he signed on for Star Wars he asked to pick his own lightsaber color of Purple.

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There’s also the indescribable ‘it factor,’ making the character jump off the screen, that casting directors are always on the lookout for. However, when directors look for whom to cast, they also have to take into account how each new addition will fit in with the entire crew.

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#16

Viola Davis

Viola Davis

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tuzdayschild
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first time I saw her she was a guest on Law and Order. I didn't know who she was but I it was clear that she was a gifted actor.

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Aria Whitaker
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brilliant actress. Amazing that she only started acting in her 40's!!

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PandaMonium
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She was amazing in Doubt - a role with limited screen time and she knocked it out of the park

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Pepper Pots
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow this woman can cry on demand, If Iived in America, I think Id be a great actor

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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow Pepper, what a bizarre comment. Viola Davis is an outstanding and highly underrated actress with a broad range of work and roles.

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Penelope Andrews
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Incredible actress!!! She IS her character, and we all believe her

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Lisa Whipp Myhre
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amanda Waller was just chilling! And now she's filming a tv movie where she's portraying Michelle Obama? Such range. XO

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Cynthia M. Vatani
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YASSS!! MADAM VIOLA DAVIS!🤎💝👏👏💯💯💥💥💫💫👑💅💅🌠🌠 Never let it be said That Ms. Viola hadn't always known The Calling. It was the other folks that were Blind.

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Pamela Scott
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing Lady! You know you are about to watch something great when you realize she is in what you are watching! Have watched films just because she was 8n them and never been disappointed!

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KC Lancaster
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Incredible range! I even watched The Help just for her (not a fan of the film) and adored her in Black Bottom!

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“Also taken into consideration are experience and chemistry with other actors auditioning for the project. An actor needs to have an overall pleasant personality too, and seem like they would be easy to work with on the set,” Mike shared. “No matter how good they are, no one wants to hire a ‘difficult’ actor!"

#21

Matthew Mcconaughey

Matthew Mcconaughey

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When it comes to established names, getting a role in a movie is fairly easy. Experience counts for a lot in Hollywood. However, newbies have it pretty tough and often don’t have the luxury of choice: they stick with what they’re given.

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"Inexperienced actors have very little say or flexibility in negotiating a different role than the one they are being considered for. There are so many actors being considered for any one particular role, if an actor wants to work, it’s best if they are new and don’t have the clout, to just go with what they’re offered gratefully,” Mike said.

The celebrity expert said that if a fresh new actor wants to try a different role than the one they’re offered, they should start off by voicing their concerns to their agent. That way, they’ll be represented while also avoiding any slip-ups when talking directly with the casting director.

"If an inexperienced actor feels strongly they’d be more suitable for another role, that’s a conversation to have with your agent, who can then possibly approach the casting director depending upon their relationship."

#25

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman

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#26

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock

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However, no matter how popular you might be, an actor is never rid of that horrible feeling of being rejected… at least sometimes. “An actor has to constantly face rejection, but to be successful, you just have to realize that’s part of the process," Mike told Bored Panda, suggesting that actors “shrug it off” and then move on to the next audition.

#28

Will Smith

Will Smith

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"I always tell actors, much of the audition process is out of your control, and you may never even know why you didn’t get the part. Maybe the casting director passed because you remind them of their cousin they can’t stand. Or the director stepped in and said ‘no’ because they want to work with someone they’re familiar with. It may have absolutely nothing to do with the actor’s talent at all."

#31

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I must admit that the only movie I have seen her in is Suicide Squad but I loved her in Neighbours and have had a lil girl crush on her since lol. From what I have seen (trailers) though she really immersed herself in her movies and plays her characters so well.

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#32

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy

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JuJu
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was fantastic in "Legend" and totally saved "Venom" with his acting

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#34

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey

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Slinkman
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmm no, was casted because of the assignment. I love Jim Carry, but just like Jack Black = he always plays similar roles. Not that this is a bad thing, but he is being type casted and fulfills this expectation. Although he showed some different acting skills as count Olaf (laughed my ass off). The Mask, Ace and the Grinch are all typical JC characters to me. Not a bad thing, but not reallly meant for this list if you ask me.

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#37

Kathryn Hahn

Kathryn Hahn

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#42

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal

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#43

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito

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Nerdlife
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I loathed his character in The Boys. Just says how awesome he is!

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#46

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmm, not too sure about this one. Whilst I do enjoy a couple of his movies (mainly Shrek), I do find quite a few of his characters quite similar, to the point it is repetitive, boring and annoying (a bit like me hahah)

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#50

Anya Taylor Joy

Anya Taylor Joy

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Aurelia!
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anya Taylor Joy is one of my FAVORITE actresses since even before Queens Gambit!!!

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Note: this post originally had 104 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.