I was thinking how many bad actors there are out in the movie world, because it seems now they judge too much on looks, and less on acting abilities. I was thinking of underrated actors who just don't get their due, but always turn in a great performance. Usually they don't get the typical leading roles.

Ed Harris, this guy has never won an Oscar, but has turned in so many great perfomances.

Who else?

Hmm. Joe Pantoliano?

Maybe you're thinking more under-appreciated rather than underrated?

maybe not, but nominated 4 times, that counts for something. i don't think anyone underrates him. he is phenomenal and many know it. just cause he hasn't one doesn't mean he is not highly recognized!

Another vote for Joe Pantoliano

I'll say Craig T. Nelson and William Peterson.

Allison Joy Langer

Steve Buscemi

I misread the thread and thought it said we were supposed to name underrated actors, but I'm way off. In that case I'll change my original response to Tom Hanks.

I think Buscemi and Pantoliano are perfect people to be named in this thread. Between them they have a grand total of one Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination (Buscemi's Golden Globe nom in 2002 for Ghost World). Sure, people who frequent online forums to talk about movies might know and respect these guys, but if you mention these names to Joe-moviegoer they'll cock their head to the side and look at you like you're speaking another language. These are the guys that consistantly turn in great performances but get recognition nowhere outside of forums (and threads) like these.

I could've listed Chris Penn too, and you'd have quoted his name along with the rest of them. When he died I told my roomie that he'd passed away, and he was like, "Chris who?" Just because you and I know of an actor's work doesn't mean that s/he isn't underrated.

-JP

Lili Taylor

I'd say Chris Cooper but it looks like he's landing a ton more work.

I think Casey Affleck is funny but underused.

If you had listed Chris Penn I definitely would've listed his name, but for different reasons. I don't think he was that good of an actor, unlike the others mentioned, God bless his soul.

I respect your opinion, but I just have to disagree. I think most of these actors that people have mentioned in this thread so far have gotten all the credit they deserve, and some have gotten more. And they're very successful. A.J. Langer is not very successful. I've never been to Texas but I'm surprised that no one there has heard of these actors except for the people on the internet. Anyway, let's agree to disagree.

and the fact that he won and Oscar and been in every movie in 05 must have escaped you.

keanu Reeves and freddie prinze, jr. obviously

Paris Hilton

Most critics were afraid to admit that she was actually very good in House of Wax.

+1 paris hilton

Matt Dillon and Kevin Bacon come to mind. Maybe this is changing with Matt now, but I guess we will see.

Probably my favorite actor .. Gary Oldman.

So by "underrated" most you guys basically mean actors who have not won awards, despite being nominated for them? Or actors who have constant praise written about them and have gained cult followings? Because most of the names mentioned in this thread are not underrated at all...not even close. Ed Harris, Steve Buschemi...underrated? Give me a break! Everybody knows who they are, even your average joe. My uncle who still watches VHS goes to movies just to see Buschemi! According to this definition my pick would have be Johnny Deep then...because he never won an oscar.

In my opinion an underrated actor is someone who has not yet received the attention and critical acclaim that they deserve. These people should also be getting better parts then they currently are, and very rarley get the lead in a film. By this definition my pick would have to be Peter Sarsgaard. I don't know why this guy isn't better known. Most of the people in my film classes have no idea who they hell I'm talking about when I mention him.

Lilli Taylor
Dana Delaney
Holly Hunter
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Jobeth Williams
Regina Taylor
Claudia Black

Tom Arnold

Peter Saarsgard was on SNL so i think he's broken thru. (i agree though, Boys Dont Cry was great partially because of him) what about Donald Sutherland 30+ years of great performances, but always on the outer edge of stardom

Stellan Skarsgard
John C. Reilly
Leonardo DiCaprio - he gets bashed a lot but is a solid actor

Peter Greene
James Russo
Robert Forster - Even before QT revitalized his career.

He is one if not THE best character actor in the game today.