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36 Small TV And Movie Roles That Actually Had A Huge Impact As Shared By People On Twitter
Surely every one of us has a favorite (or at the very least a liked) movie or a TV show where none of the main characters are actually who you’d say is the MVP of the show. Sometimes, a smaller role ends up having a big impact—perhaps even bigger than that of the main role!
Well, Twitter has been sharing times when these same small roles actually had a big impact in various movies and series. Brett (@baeburke) asked the people of Twitter that exact question, sharing his two cents: June George in Mean Girls (2004), and Fred (the My Leg fish) from Spongebob Squarepants.
Image credits: baeburke
Soon after, many other tweeters began sharing their own thoughts on what are some small roles with a big impact, making the thread go viral with over 125,000 likes and 13,000 retweets.
Bored Panda has turned the thread into a list for you to enjoy, so go comment and upvote the ones you enjoyed the most, and why not suggest your own small roles with a great impact from movies and series!
More Info: Twitter
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Edna "E" Mode In The Incredibles Universe
Kookamunga 4 years ago
Her character is inspired by costume designer Edith Head. edith-and-...7783c4.jpg 
Lois Arrowood 4 years ago
Yes I can Definately see that. I was due to meet her just the day after she died.
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Layla Corman 4 years ago
She should have her own fashionably entertaining movie! Pixar- do you see this?!?!
RELATED:
#2
"Old Man" Marley, Potrayed By Roberts Blossom, In Home Alone (1990)
Toast Of Saint Louis 4 years ago
He was also in the movie Christine as the old man who sold Louis Christine.
#3
Yondu, Portrayed By Michael Rooker, In Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)
Vanta Black 4 years ago
Purposely kept small in Vol. 1 so his importance to Quill and the impact of his death would make the audience connect more with his character in Vol. 2.
Sergio Bicerra 4 years ago (edited)
Me too, great soundrack and very moving scene. Btw I always wondered what he could do on Endgame and his arrow, he could have destroyed all Thanos army by himself.
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#4
Crush, Voiced By Andrew Stanton, In Finding Nemo (2003)
Blue of the yams 4 years ago
I grew up in such a hippy surfer town i didn't even realize his character was a joke XD
Raven Sheridan 4 years ago
Reminded me of Keanu Reeves character in the Bill and Ted franchise.
#5
Paulette Bonafonté, Portrayed By Jennifer Coolidge, In The Legally Blonde Movies
Robin Roper 4 years ago
She is so funny but i hated that whole 'dip and snap" thing. Been a woman my whole life and never have I ever seen a woman do that nor do i think any woman would. What the heck is that with the boobs?
LOttawa 4 years ago
Omg, that's my favorite part of the movie. The last time I watched it, I did the bend and snap and the look on my daughter's face.... Priceless 😂
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Moo Moo Futch 4 years ago
She is *literally* the only reason I watch those films. She is so cool. So funny. So genuine. If anyone is interested, an amazing drag queen from Liverpool called Juno Birch does the BEST Jennifer Coolidge impression. So much so that Jennifer couldn't tell the difference between her and Juno!
#6
Roz, Voiced By Bob Peterson, In Disney's Monsters Franchise
#7
Gingy The Gingerbread Man, Voiced By Conrad Vernon, In The Shrek Series
Leslie Burleson 4 years ago
My favorite ! My husband and I love to annoy our kids by doing a Muffin Man impersonation at least once a week . They thought it was funny at first, now they're sick of our shiz , lol
#8
Mr. Chow, Portrayed By Ken Jeong, In The Hangrover Movies
Mando 4 years ago
Ken is my favorite! He’s so funny 😂 Anyone seen the Masked Singer or the Masker Dancer! 😆
Tantalum_Radium 4 years ago
This should be higher just based on the changes that were made to accommodate a great character. Like Sandra in Superstore.
Logic and Reason 4 years ago
Ken Jeong is hilarious. Fun fact: he’s a licensed physician, and practiced medicine for 7 years before becoming an actor.
CatWoman312 4 years ago
He’s super funny but tbh the second hangover movie didn’t compare and I didn’t even bother watching the third
#9
Pigeon Lady, Portrayed By Brenda Fricker, In Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)
Vicky Z 4 years ago
Reminded me also the lady from Mary Poppins in the scene where "feed the birds" was playing!! Walt Disney's favourite song!
Johnny 4 years ago
There's a nice story about her appearance in the film: "At the age of 83, Jane Darwell was suffering from poor health, and living in retirement at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, California. Walt Disney visited her in person, to persuade her to play the role of 'The Bird Woman,' Walt Disney, personally drove to the retirement home to plead with her. Charmed and flattered that she was so wanted, she agreed to take the part. Walt later sent a limousine to bring her to the studio. It was her last screen appearance or acting role
Load More Replies... Moo Moo Futch 4 years ago
People say I am her as when I visit the guildhall square, the pigeons flock to me because I have rescued a few of them (for health reasons) and I feed them some seed and nuts but ONLY because it's better for them than eating bread. They sit on my shoulder or on my knee if I'm reading the paper. It's funny but you do see different personalities in this much maligned animal.
Chewie Baron 4 years ago
For a Brit used to seeing her every week on Casualty (British weekly drama about the A&E department in a Bristol area hospital) and then she wins an Oscar for her role in 'My Left Foot', it was funny to see her week in, week out thinking, "she's got an Oscar!! Why is she still on this crap!"
Jods 4 years ago
I found it creepy and sad at the same time. I used to worry about how they got the pigeons to stay put.
Johnny 4 years ago
If a movie has a "no animals were harmed..." certification from the Humane Society (including this one), you can trust that they really did no harm to any animals, the Human Society has very strict guidelines. They describe the pigeon precautions here: https://humanehollywood.org/production/home-alone-2-lost-in-new-york/
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Honey Best, The Wife Of Lucius Best, A.k.a. Frozone, Voiced By Samuel L. Jackson, In The Incredibles Universe
Theoretical Empiricist 4 years ago
"I am your WIFE! I'm the greatest good you're EVER going to know!
Marky Mark 4 years ago
"-Greater good? I am your wife! I am the greatest good you are ever gonna get!"
Snake of Eden 4 years ago
"Greater good? I am your WIFE. I'm the greatest "good" you are ever gonna get!"
*hippie*witchy*bitch* 4 years ago
thats literally the most quote-able part of the movie because it's so great
#11
Doug Judy, Portrayed By Craig Robinson, In Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013)
Saint Thomas 4 years ago
Funny, I juste re-watched S03:E13 "The Cruise" today :-) The relationship with Jake is just perfect.
#12
Barb, Potrayed By Shannon Purser, In Stranger Things (2016)
Potterhead 0-0 2 years ago
Yesss he is literally my favorite character. They made us like him and then bam he’s dead 😭
Load More Replies... #13
Lilly Onakuramara, Portrayed By Hana Mae Lee, In The Pitch Perfect Movies
AriMalari87 4 years ago
I loved this bish in all the pitch perfect movies, and i can't find any of the movies anywhere, can someone help me pwease 🥺
Caleb Lumpkin 4 years ago
hhahaha she is hilarios. her and fat amy are the only reason i will watch those movies
Easily Excitable Panda 4 years ago
"I did a turn in county." "I set fires to feel joy." I LOVE THIS CHARACTER!!!!!
#14
June George, Portrayed By Amy Poehler, In Mean Girls (2004)
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
Oh god when the dog bites her XD and the camcorder....well everything really they're quite right this character was fantastic!
#15
Boba Fett In Star Wars (1977-2020)
A.M. Pierre 4 years ago
I have to admit I was never on the "Boba Fett's the coolest thing ever" train, and I grew up on the Original Trilogy. The Mandalorian finally gave him the moves and scenes so he could live up to his legend.
Rae Reyn 4 years ago
I have a tattoo of Boba Fett, which I got well before The Mandalorian. I read the expanded universe novels absolutely loved him.
Sergio Bicerra 4 years ago
I always liked bobba fett, but the thing i dislike is the Wilhem Scream they used previous his fall to Sarlacc Pit
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J Sizz 4 years ago
I have a package for Bob A. Feet.... (robot chicken Star Wars if you don't know)
Your_local_introvert 4 years ago
I feel like with Boba Fett, you either loved the character or didn't really care about the character. I've never really seen why anyone loved him before the Mandalorian, but my sister was one of the people who absolutely adored the character, and dressed up as Boba Fett for halloween when she was younger.
#16
Dill And Rosemary Penderghast, Portrayed By Stanley Tucci And Patricia Clarkson, In Easy A (2010)
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
Stan Tucci and Patricia Clarkson are two of my favorite character actors. They're both brilliant in every role, and horribly underrated by Hollywood.
WhatEvenIsLife 4 years ago
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES! I loved every single scene they were in. I wish they could be my parents.
Randy Klefbeck 4 years ago
I have had the biggest crush in the world for Patricia Clarkson, ever since "The Untouchables" when she played Elliot Ness' (Kevin Costner) wife.
Celtic Pirate Queen 4 years ago
Love both these actors. I especially liked him as Paul Child in "Julie & Julia".
#17
Cabbage Merchant, Voiced By James Sie, In Avatar (2005)
Chrissie M. 4 years ago
I love it that in Korra, he (or I guess his descendants) own "CabbageCorp"
#18
Bethany Byrd, Joan The Secretary, Jonathan Malen And Others In Mean Girls (2004)
Grant Ramsay 4 years ago
Two time Canadian Screen Award nominee @sharronmatthews is Joan The Secretary!
Bow, I’m a Slytherin 4 years ago
The two girls that were fighting due to... something with a teacher ;-;
#19
Madame Zeroni, Potrayed By Eartha Kitt, In Holes (2003)
Serenity Kinney 4 years ago
The bark on the trees was as soft as the skies,
Load More Replies... Serenity Kinney 4 years ago
*no good dirty rotten pig stealing great great grandfather has enterd the chat*
Randy Klefbeck 4 years ago
She played one episode of the original 60's TV series "Batman" as Cat Woman. Great classic stage actress. Voice actress in the Disney animated film "The Emperor's New Groove" and recording artist as well.
#20
Any Role Played By Rob Schneider In Any Adam Sandler Movie
AriMalari87 4 years ago
what is that supposed to mean, that he was not a good character in each and every Adam Sandler movie that he was in, cause if that is what you are saying, you are correct.
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Laura Mende (Human) 4 years ago
When he played that esoteric dwarf in Grown Ups ... Gorgeous! And his ancient girlfriend! Back then I almost pissed in my pants while laughing! 😂😂😂😂😂
#21
Cynthia Swann, Portrayed By Stockard Channing, In The First Wives Club (1996)
#22
Asian Jim (Steve), Portrayed By Randall Park, In The Office (2005)
Kelli from Fitness Blender 4 years ago
That's what I immediately thought of too!
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#23
Mrs. Muller, Portrayed By Viola Davis, In Doubt (2008)
Paloma Valenzuela 4 years ago
this should be much higher! In a movie full with great performances, Viola Davis shines
Randy Klefbeck 4 years ago
Usually not a fan of stage plays adapted into movies (and vice versa) because they cut the teeth out of the material. This one (as well as the film version of "Fences") I very much approved of.
#24
Bruce Bogtrotter, Potrayed By Jimmy Karz, In Matilda (1996)
Lsai Aeon 4 years ago
He ended up eating so much of that cake, he would put it in his mouth, cut the camera and spit it out. Now he won't touch it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSFG9tTYL5E Matilda reunion
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Jayne Kyra 4 years ago
I recently watched Matilda for the first time and he was one of my favourite characters in the film.
#25
Woman In Red, Portrayed By Fiona Johnson, In The Matrix (1999)
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
They hired lots of twins for this scene to give the feeling it was a quickly done or half assed background by that guy (mouse?) , as he didnt really write that program for the background
bisexual_bebe 4 years ago
tell me why the first thing that came to mind when I read "the woman in the red dress" was girl in red XD
#26
Casey Becker, Portrayed By Drew Barrymore, In Scream (1996)
cassiushumanmother 4 years ago
Oh my god i'm old! Scream was released in 1996? Nooooooooo This fact is less funny than the movie and pretty scary.
earringnut 4 years ago
96 wasn't that long ago. *looks at calandar* Well sh!t...
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BonnieBlueButler 4 years ago
When I was in middle school, we had "fifties day" when everyone wore their mom's old poodle skirts and dad's old letterman sweaters. Now, they have "90's Day".
#27
Hannibal Lector, Portrayed By Anthony Hopkins, In Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
Marcus James Heslop 4 years ago
it's about 15 minutes of screen time so this is a good example actually.
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A.M. Pierre 4 years ago
Random related trivia: Even though he's such a huge part of this movie, he's only on the screen for 16 minutes (some say as low as 12 minutes), which, IIRC, is the shortest amount of time ever to win a Best Actor Oscar.
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 4 years ago
I get it, he had a small role. I guess this really is an excellent example. When we think of that movie, we think of him. Without him the movie would have been trash, but he's in it and here we are talking about it 30 years later. Everyone knows this movie. Because of him.
#28
Chessy, Portrayed By Lisa Ann Walter, In The Parent Trap (1998)
John Montgomery 4 years ago
Me too until very recently when my wife and I rewatched the movie.
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Kookamunga 4 years ago
I know this is sacrilege to many of the younger folks, but I think the original 1961 Parent Trap was so so much better! parent-tra...05f951.jpg 
#29
Laura Palmer, Portrayed By Sheryl Lee, In Twin Peaks (1990)
Demongrrrrl 4 years ago
My mom taped all the episodes so I could watch them when I got home from college. I binged on them for like two days straight. Afterward, anything else I watched made no sense, my mind was warped.
#30
Jennifer Barkley, Portrayed By Kathryn Hahn, In Parks And Recreation (2009)
it's Wednesday my dudes. 4 years ago
i was literally about to say the SAMEEE THINGGGG
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Weezie Ray 4 years ago
Kathryn Hahn is a scene-stealer in everything she does - most recently in WandaVision. She deserves way bigger roles.
Jayne Kyra 4 years ago
She was my spirit animal in P&R since they ruined April´s personality towards the end.
#31
Vice Principal Gupta, Portrayed By Sandra Oh, In The Princess Diaries (2001)
Moo Moo Futch 4 years ago
Sandra Oh is not only an incredible actor, she is hilarious and so so hot.
#32
Fred, Voiced By Doug Lawrence, In The Spongebob Squarepants Series
#33
Bem, Portrayed By Ekow Quartey, In Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004)
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
He's the character who pops up and explains crucial plot points, in the third movie I think :)
it's Wednesday my dudes. 4 years ago
yup! he explains how the black dog (forgot what they call it lol. I'm a bad potterhaed) was an omen
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Ella Greenman 4 years ago
I always laugh when he says- "Catch Serius Black? It's like catching smoke... With your bare hands"
#34
Zara Young, Portrayed By Katie Mcgrath, In Jurassic World (2015)
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
I have to admit I normally see a twist coming a mile away but they got me at the end there :)
#36
Laura Hall, Portrayed By Alicia Silverstone, In The Lodge (2019)
Candace Fitzpatrick 4 years ago
Im not easily shook, but this movie shook me in a couple scenes
Raven Sheridan 4 years ago
Really good psychological thriller. I highly recommend it.
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What do you think ?
Lila Launehase 4 years ago
Stanley Tucci in every role when he is supporting a strong woman. Like the devil wears Prada, Julie and Julia. Or anyone else like Shall We Dance? Sorry, I love Stanley....
SandraG_lak 4 years ago
Stanley for me as well. Pretty much since seeing him in Undercover Blues as Muerte.
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The 5-star rated 5-star rating system 4 years ago
What about foaming mouth guy from Avatar: the last airbender?
Paul Budhram 4 years ago
Holes has another one. The person who sells the vegetables, you know him? He added a bit of romance and love in a needed place, and combined with his humble character he really adds a big part to the movie
ns 4 years ago (edited)
Sam the Onion Man, he also highlighted racial inequalities (at least in the book he did)
Load More Replies... Chewie Baron 4 years ago
Any role played by Joan Cusack. That woman can act everyone off the screen.
Lila Launehase 4 years ago
Stanley Tucci in every role when he is supporting a strong woman. Like the devil wears Prada, Julie and Julia. Or anyone else like Shall We Dance? Sorry, I love Stanley....
SandraG_lak 4 years ago
Stanley for me as well. Pretty much since seeing him in Undercover Blues as Muerte.
Load More Replies... The 5-star rated 5-star rating system 4 years ago
What about foaming mouth guy from Avatar: the last airbender?
Paul Budhram 4 years ago
Holes has another one. The person who sells the vegetables, you know him? He added a bit of romance and love in a needed place, and combined with his humble character he really adds a big part to the movie
ns 4 years ago (edited)
Sam the Onion Man, he also highlighted racial inequalities (at least in the book he did)
Load More Replies... Chewie Baron 4 years ago
Any role played by Joan Cusack. That woman can act everyone off the screen.
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