Why These Actors Are the Most Overrated or Underrated in Hollywood

By Charlie K, published Feb 15, 2007
Published Content: 1,148  Total Views: 647,744  Favorited By: 226 CPs
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As promised, this is my second article in response to the question: Why (insert name) is the Most Beautiful/Sexiest/Overrated/Underrated Person in the World. In my first article, I covered the "most beautiful" and "sexiest" categories, focusing on Hollywood actresses as a sub-category. It seems only fair that I now offer equal time to those talented Hollywood actors.

Once again, I broke the question down into parts:
  1. Who is the most overrated actor; and
  2. Who is the most underrated actor?
A lot of moviegoers that I spoke with lamented the absence of great film actors today. I questioned them further in an attempt to get at the qualities these individuals felt were missing from today's actors that those in the golden age of Hollywood possessed. It was interesting to note that there really was no firm agreement in this area. Some cited the ever-elusive "screen presence." Others talked about the "suave charm" of actors like Cary Grant and Clark Gable. Still others tried to put voice to another quality; "a kind of steadfast quiet confidence," for lack of a better term. I tried to keep these qualities in mind while doing my research.In completing the research for this article, I once again talked with people from both sexes, from various age groups, and from differing types of backgrounds. Here are the results. See what you think and, keep in mind, I'm open to your ideas and suggestions as well.

Most Overrated Actors in Hollywood:

From those over the age of 50 who primarily watch older movies, the field was wide open, as were the responses. I have to admit that I was somewhat shocked and even a little dismayed at a few of the answers received.

Both men and women in this category named a variety of actors from John Wayne to Clark Gable and from Charlie Chaplin to Bob Hope. In truth, I received very few responses that were repetitive, making it difficult to focus on one or even two particular actors for this undesired honor. Therefore, I'll instead try to relay the "why" behind some of the names that I did receive.

Most people believe that Edward Norton is a highly underrated actor

Credit: Unknown

Copyright: Unknown

Takeaways
  • These two categories opened a stream of disagreements between men and women and between age groups.
  • Men don't seem to care for the "pretty boy" actors.
  • When seem to prefer actors with versatility.
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 10 of 10
 
 
Wow! This one's so good I had to print it out to share with my husband. Good stuff!

Posted on 03/25/2008 at 11:03:01 AM

 
I agree with this mostly aside from the fact that i think both brad pitt and matt damon are great actors and are actually my two favorite actors. I personally think edward norton may be the most underrated actor in the sense that not many people even know who he is.

Posted on 02/28/2008 at 1:02:37 PM

 
Very good read!

Posted on 09/01/2007 at 9:09:00 AM

 
All i have to say is Gerard Butler is going to destroy all, cause he is amazing actor!

Posted on 08/08/2007 at 5:08:00 PM

 
I agree with most of the choices for overrated actors-I'm a comedy fan, so I'm a fan of actors like Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Jack Black, and Vince Vaughn! My favorite actor is Will Arnett; most people don't know who he is, but he was the best part of Arrested Development (the best show ever) and he has many movies coming out in the next few months, so people will know his name very soon!

Posted on 03/21/2007 at 9:03:00 PM

 
I find it amazing that many women would dislike Johnny Depp for his "grungy" appearance. Of course, I've loved him since Crybaby, but considering that Johnny Depp was named "Sexiest Man" a few years back, that is surprising. I think the reason *I* personally find Depp appealing is because - not only is he physically appealing - he's a great actor. That being said, Ving Rhames is an absolute favorite of mine and I'm shocked to hear that anyone thinks that Joaquin and Norton can't act. That's almost like saying that trees don't have roots! I do believe that Phoenix and Norton will eventually win Oscars. As I do believe Depp will as well (Depp's been nominated twice, Phoenix once and I believe Norton once as well, though maybe twice). That being said, I'm shocked at the idea of Travolta as underrated. He hasn't, IMO, done a good film in quite awhile. :S

Posted on 03/02/2007 at 3:03:00 AM

 
Keanu Reeves and Jude Law are overrated, and neither of them are very good actors. On the other hand I simply love Richard Gere as he has played just about every part imagineable, and pulled it off quite nicely. This is a great article that I cannot believe that I missed. Thanks for sharing your awesome perspective!

Posted on 02/19/2007 at 7:02:00 PM

 
Wow, Charlotte, an excellent article. You put an enormous amount into these articles and it shows. Well done!

Posted on 02/17/2007 at 5:02:00 PM

 
Why do I do this? I do apologise; I meant "Mr Jones", starring Richard Gere and Lena Olin. Carl, think before you publish!

Posted on 02/17/2007 at 1:02:00 PM

 
A very interesting article. Thank you. I agree with you about Richard Gere. He is distinctive and has certain mannerisms which can blind people to the quality of acting of which he is capable. For me his role in "Mr Smith" was especially praiseworthy. In it, he conveyed a heartbreaking depth of anguish. Reservations notwithstanding (of course, I don't like all his films), I cannot help but admire his ever-interesting choice of roles, when he could have been hampered by his early career as a heart throb.

Posted on 02/17/2007 at 1:02:00 PM

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