10 dramatic actors who tried their hand at comedy and did not lose (11 photos)
Dramatic actors also sometimes want to take a break from eternal suffering, sobbing and shouting: "I will take revenge!" or "How much pain I feel inside!" - and at the same time prove that they have a sense of humor. 
Brad Pitt 
In the film "Burn After Reading" (2008).
Here the actor transforms into the energetic, but extremely narrow-minded fitness trainer Chad Feldheimer. This role became the complete opposite of his usual type – a charismatic hero-lover or a tough professional (Fight Club, Troy). Pitt demonstrates his talent for self-irony, playing a character that is impossible to take seriously.
Ralph Fiennes 
In the film "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014).
Ralph Fiennes, known for his serious dramatic roles (from Voldemort and Amon Goeth to the romantic hero in The English Patient), surprised audiences by playing the charismatic and slightly ridiculous concierge Gustav. His mannerisms, witticisms and brilliant comedic timing make the character one of the most memorable in director Wes Anderson's entire filmography.
Meryl Streep 
In Death Becomes Her (1992).
Meryl Streep, a master of subtle drama, suddenly transforms into the self-absorbed, slightly madcap star Madeleine Ashton. The comedy chaos into which the plot draws her reveals Streep's unexpected talent for satire, which in turn helps the film rise to new levels of absurdity.
Alan Rickman 
In Galaxy Quest (1999).
Rickman, a serious British dramatic actor, suddenly finds himself as an actor stuck in an offensive role as a sci-fi alien. His sarcastic comments and comic fatigue made his character the soul of the film.
The same year saw the release of Dogma, which is also worth noting. Rickman is just as sarcastic about everything that happens, but the context and the role of Metatron make him funny.
Russell Crowe 
In Goodfellas (2016).
Russell Crowe, associated with powerful heroes like Gladiator, shines as the stern (but very funny) private detective Jackson Healy. His unexpected comic interactions with Ryan Gosling's character add a lively element to the film, proving that Crowe is no stranger to self-irony.
Here we must also mention Gosling himself, who shows how well he plays comedy.
Marlon Brando 
In the film "Tea Ceremony" (1956).
A legend of the drama school, Brando, famous for his strong roles and having just received an Oscar, amazed everyone by playing a stereotypical Japanese man. Although the performance is often criticized, the fact that Brando agreed to this experiment shows his willingness to explore unexpected roles.
Christian Bale 
In The Big Short (2015).
Bale, accustomed to complex dramatic characters, appears here as the eccentric Dr. Michael Burry. His oddities, absolute confidence, and unexpected comic elements in the hero's behavior became one of the key features of the film.
Denzel Washington 
In 2 Guns (2013).
Denzel Washington, always confident in the role of a serious leader or extremely dangerous character, here played an unexpectedly light role of operative Bobby Trench. His witty duet with Mark Wahlberg gave the film charm, showing that Washington can joke as effectively as he can command or dramatically yell.
Yeah, this is not Training Day anymore.
Tom Cruise 
In the film "Tropic Thunder" (2008).
Tom Cruise, at that time already a three-time Oscar nominee, appeared as Les Grossman, an aggressive, rude and funny film producer, and became a real discovery. His episodes in the film tore the audience apart, and the dance under the final credits became iconic.
Robert De Niro 
In the film "Analyze This" (1999).
The king of crime dramas showed off his self-irony in the role of a mafioso who turns to a psychotherapist. This comedy duet with Billy Crystal allowed De Niro to properly laugh at his usual typecasting. After this film, the actor began to frequently get into comedies, starting with Meet the Parents.
