Acting : Likeable actors by Marshall Terrill

Marshall Terrill

Likeable actors

Are there any more likeable actors than Liam Neeson and Denzel Washington?

Paul Sumares

Harrison Ford has an excellent reputation, as I understand.

Marshall Terrill

He's likeable, too. I guess what I really meant was screen likeability. Something very warm and comfortable about Neeson and Washington.

Nathan L Henderson

ME! :) Not arrogant just confident in the gift placed inside!

Paul Sumares

Well, then, in addition to Neeson, Washington, Ford, and of course our fellow stage32er, Nathan here ... I would have to add Tom Hanks. He is very good at playing likable characters, IMHO, flaws and all. Whether he is more so than Neeson or the others is totally subjective, of course.

Marshall Terrill

Paul...you're absolutely right...Hanks does belong on that list. Haven't seen him act in a while, that's probably why I forgot to add him to the list.

Emily Care Boss

Stephen Fry seems like someone you just want to hug.

Marshall Terrill

Yes, Morgan Freeman also belongs on this list...just love that guy.

Sandra Campbell

I would add Michael Ealy to the list. He's not only talented but easy on the eyes. Ealy, to me, seems to have the raw, classic quality actors had in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Marshall Terrill

I've seen him but am not that familiar with his work...I'll now be on the lookout for him.

Tanya Dorri

I've always thought James Franco was on the likeable actor list.

Marshall Terrill

He was good in the latest "Planet of the Apes" movie, but he's not as likeable as some of the older gents on this list...I guess likeability comes with experience. I forgot to mention Russell Crowe probably belongs on this list, too, if he can keep his temper in check:-)

Sandra Campbell

I love James Franco, Ryan Gosling too. I saw Drive a few weeks ago..WOW.

Sarah Hoyt

Ciaran Hinds(Munich, Phantom of the Opera and Miss Pettigrew lives for a day)

Marshall Terrill

Ryan Gosling is an amazing actor, and "Drive" was a stunning piece of work.

Dave Merlino

I would add Ryan Reynolds to the list. He seems to be one of the few that has the cross market appeal to star as an action hero (Green Lantern wasn't his fault) as well as the charisma to star in Rom/Coms without alienating either audience. Hugh Jackman also seems to have that appeal.

Marshall Terrill

Colin Firth - definitely; Joaquin Phoenix - not always likeable but certainly always interesting; Bill Pullman - likeable but so 15 years ago:-)

Kamala Lane

Stanley Tucci, Paul Giamatti and Columbus Short get my vote.

Marshall Terrill

Nothing against the Pullman....just haven't seen him onscreen in about a decade:-) Paul Giamatti for sure!

Sam Vanivray

Uhh...so who would be an unlikable famous actor?

Shawn Allen Hornickel

Richard Griffiths and (I'm surprised no one has mentioned him) Woody Allen.

Marshall Terrill

Tom Cruise and Woody Allen are extremely unlikeable.

Sam Vanivray

Maybe I don't get it, but being likeable is inherently part of acting. No major star would be a star if they weren't likeable in most of their portrayals. So all these comments are basically just people's favorite actors. Perhaps pointing out particular movies in which various badnesses (bad acting, bad script, bad directing, bad editing) resulted in an unlikeable character would make sense. Note that bad guys can be likeable.

Marshall Terrill

Sam, you have an excellent point...some people can't stand Kevin Costner while I make it a point of seeing everything he does. But then there are people like Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Niam Leeson, who by all appearances, everybody loves.

Dave Merlino

I will second what Marshall said. Likeability and Bankability are two different things. Sean Penn is a bankable star, but there are many who do not like him as a person. There are many who disagree with many of his personal stances that can still admire his talent and skill as an actor. Tom Cruise is bankable but there is no doubt that Oprah's Couch hurt his likeability. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale are marvelously talented actors, but they will always be disliked by many for their "Bad Boy" actions. When I think of Likeability I think of Michael Caine. Marvelously talented but also stately, gentlemanly and by all accounts a very gracious person. Bill Murray is also very likeable not only due to his talent but by the fact that he is very approachable and generous to his fans.

Sam Vanivray

@Dave Merlino, well that is totally different, if you are going to include non-movie shenanigans like interviews or personal interactions that you have had or heard about.

Marshall Terrill

It is interesting how what they do in their personal lives does impact their professional lives. For example, I will never see a Mel Gibson movie ever again.

Marshall Terrill

@Jacqueline...I was on the fence for many years about Brad Pitt's talent. His performance in "Moneyball" and "Tree of Life" changed my mind about him. He's getting better with age.

Daniel L. Noe

likable as in their star appeal, or as in personality and character? In my list of likable talent, I will provide ones I know from experience that these are genuinely great people; Kevin Costner, Michael Greene, John Travolta, John Goodman, Dennis Quaid, Matt McConaughey, Willie Nelson, Luke Wilson and Kevin Sorbo. All of these actors are fine gentlemen, IMHO. Cheers!

Marshall Terrill

I like to hear that about Costner and Quaid. I enjoy their work a lot.

Sandra Campbell

I have always liked Dustin Hoffman, Chris Cooper, and Tommy Lee Jones. I first got turned on to Randy Quaid in "Foxes." I still love the movie. Female actors: Angela Basset, Gena Rowlands, Dianne Carroll, Lee Remick (she's deceased, but she was an incredible performer), and Sally Field....I have a very long list. Most of the actors I like are older or have passed on. I would say these actors are definitely likable. They may not have star appeal like they used to, but they are legendary in their own right.

Ronald Fox :

Tom Hanks, Sigourney Weaver, and Kevin Kline. I've worked with Tom Hanks and he's everything you'd expect and more. Same can be said of Cary Elwes, Bruce Cambell, and Steve Buschemi.

Norman Welthagen

The only "famous" actor I've met is Michael Bein and he was such a nice guy. Even bought me a beer!

Sandra Campbell

I like Bruce Campbell too. He's just got this cool, wicked sense of humor.

Marshall Terrill

Connery is definitely likeable, even though sometimes his characters are sometimes stuffy. He was great in "The Untouchables"; "The Hunt for Red October" and "The Man Who Would Be King." And, of course, I love Michael Caine, who just gets better with age.

Madeleine Escarne

I'd say Idris Elba and Russell Hornsby...although Denzel and Liam are my faves!!!

Marshall Terrill

"Jaws 3-D" and "The Swarm" almost wrecked Caine's career!

Paul Sumares

A good interview with Michael Caine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPT8zaFtieY

Sandra Campbell

This is turning out to be an epic thread:)

Alastair Dixon

Anthony Hopkins, and Edward Norton

Sandra Campbell

I forgot to mention Chiwetel Ejiofor; he and Don Cheadle gave really powerful performances in Kasi Lemmons' "Talk to Me," which is a very underrated movie. I also love these actors in just about anything: Martin Sheen, Eric Roberts, and Robert Duvall

Marshall Terrill

I love Don Cheadle and Robert Duvall....Eric Roberts is not necessarily likeable, especially his role in Celebrity Rehab:-)

Jesse Tyrell

Johnny Depp

Marshall Terrill

Love Depp in anything!

Sandra Campbell

Oh, wow. I had no idea Eric Roberts was on that show! LOL. I don't know anything about his personal life, but I do enjoy his acting:)

Sandra Campbell

I'm torn on the likeability factor. I mean, there are actors I like who may be a little "ruff around the edges" on a personality level. But, does that really change whether or not you'll pay 10 bucks to see them--especially if you like their style? I still like Lethal Weapon (even though Gibson has definitely gone off the farm...LOL). I think one big reason I still like it is because of Danny Glover.

Paul Sumares

@Sandra - I think the original question from this thread asks about who you think does the best at playing likable characters, regardless of what they're like in real life. I found it interesting that someone suggested Anthony Hopkins, because he would be on my list of people best at playing unlikable (and unnerving) characters .. but then I agree, he can also be extremely likable as well. I guess he's one of those with a great range. To that list, then, I would also add Alan Rickman. He was extremely likable and funny in "Bottle Shock", but also very unlikable in Die Hard, the Harry Potter series (depending on your take), etc.

Marshall Terrill

I met Anthony Hopkins once...was a true gentleman...Love Alan Rickman in "Die Hard".

Paul Sumares

@Caroline - You should definitely watch "Bottle Shock" if you haven't. A great, non-big-budget-Hollywood film with Alan, about the turn of events that lead to California wineries gaining popularity over the deeply entrenched French. I was vacationing in Napa Valley when I saw it, and visited the old winery that is the focus of the movie the very next day. Great fun!

Marshall Terrill

@Paul....thanks for the tip on "Bottle Shock." That sounds like a good flick.

Philip Sedgwick

Second the kudos for Bottle Shock.

Jennifer Hitt

I want Morgan Freeman to live on my street and narrate my daily life. "And here she goes to procure coffee to start her glorious day...."

Sandra Campbell

I like Hackman and Arkin too. Adam Arkin, his son, was especially good in Chicago Hope and Northern Exposure.

Sandra Campbell

Betty White, absolutely. I think I've seen every episode of the Golden Girls. I wish I knew how to make moonshine...

Shea Christian Reinke

Edward Norton is pretty well liked - even after that Hulk thing.

Sarah Hoyt

Stallone in Get Carte, Chevy Chase in Caddy Shack, Mads Mikellsen in Casino Royale, Alan Rickman in Dogma, Alec Baldwin in It's Complicated, Alfred Molina in Pink Panther 2, Anthony Hopkins in the Wolf Man, Benicio Del Toro in The Hunted, Tommy Lee Jones in Space Cowboys , Christoph Waltz in Inglorious Bastards, Dustin Hoffman in Hook, Bruce Campbell in Burn Notice, Geoffrey Rush in The Kings Speech, Ian Mchshane in DEADWOOD, Jeffrey Dean Morgan in The Losers, John Malkovich in RED, Ralph Fiennes in (anything), Ron Pearlman in Hellboy, Rufus Sewell in the Mask of Zorro, Val Kilmer in the Saint,

Marshall Terrill

Whenever I see Val Kilmer's name, I just shake my head. Very talented actor whose strange behavior seemed to ruin his chances of getting good work in mainstream movies.

Sandra Campbell

I agree, he's very talented. He nailed Jim Morrison in "The Doors." I mean, it still gives me goosebumps. He must have been channeling the dude....lol

Marshall Terrill

He was great as Morrison...and also Doc Holiday in "Tombstone." And "The Saint." Look at him now, though....straight to DVD.

Marshall Terrill

Never heard of it...what's the plot?

Marshall Terrill

Clooney makes smart movies!

Ismael Peter

Yeah, me.......lol

JC Porter

Jude Law. Everyone who works with him says (in interviews) that he is the most open and giving in performance. RDJ says that some actors seem to be in a tennis match trying to "ace" you all the time, but Jude is collaborative and wants you both to succeed. Every actress he works with says he is the nicest, most open man. He works with the UN for Peace One Day, he's gone to Afghanistan for humanitarian mission, he works with so many charity groups, including musical instruments for children and supports theater in the UK in a big way. For my part, I just love the choices he makes when he is acting. I've watched him in Sleuth about 50 times, (with the comment track on) he loves and trusts the creative process.

Jevyn Nelms

Matt Damon is super kind and professional.

JC Porter

Jevyn, wonder what damon says about jude. Word is the boat scene in Ripley got so "real" that someone got a cracked rib and the other a nasty shot to the jaw.

Sandra Campbell

He does seem like a nice guy. I watched some footage of him speaking at an event with his mom and they seemed to be very close. He's definitely cool in my book:)

Jt Smash

I have to give my vote for JT Smash, He is Awesome !if I say so myself.

Jt Smash

They say Jt Smash looks a little like Lou Gosset and M. Jordon

Norman Welthagen

No!! You way better looking than Lou!

Laura Tabor-Huerta

Those 2 are very likeable. Di Nero can be really likeable. Owen Wilson, Edward Norton.

Sandra Campbell

Laura, thanks for the link. I just bookmarked it and added it to my list of books to read next. Oh, BTW, I hear I'm a pretty cool and awesome chick to work with too:)

Mark Ratering

I've know Ed for 30 years we used to play softball in a field in Santa Monica. Real normal guy.

Mark Ratering

i worked at the major studios in the 80's. There were many more Stars. The great ones were so nice to everyone. Newman Eastwood. The wanna be;s mean and demanding.

Jennifer Hitt

Yea. I know a ton of wanna-be's. You'd think it would be the opposite. Bizzare

Mark Ratering

Hollywood is the most wonderful great artistic place. Hollyood is a place of users liars plastic greedy soul stealing vampires!! It's two, two mints in one!!!

Laura Tabor-Huerta

Laura, other Laura here, yes I knew i should not go to LA because it would hurt me. so i stayed in texas and i make films on the side. i am master of my own tiny world. i'd rather not be around vampires, sycophants.

Oddi Diaz

Hey! What about actresses? Sarah Jessica Parker, Drew Barrymore, Katherine Zeta-Jones, Julia Roberts.

Laura Tabor-Huerta

when i say move to LA, I meant move to LA to work in film. I guess in my mind I saw them as one and the same. However i did go there in 08' and learned more about LA minus the biz and it was a really fun city. Texas is so big it is like a country and so all the different parts are varied, probably like different parts of LA.

jo-ann peck

I may be dating myself, but what about Roddy McDowall? I adored that man, and miss his presence...

Marshall Terrill

Roddy McDowall is a name I haven't heard in a long time! Simply my opinion, but he was more quirky than likeable. If you ever get a chance, rent a horror movie he starred in called "Arnold" with Stella Stevens. Classic!

jo-ann peck

Quirky he was, but SO much fun! I will grab Arnold this weekend Marshall! Thanks!

Pooja Pillai

Hmmmm...i would agree about Tom Hanks and i would like to add Richard Gere and Joseph Gordon Levitt!!! :D

Mark Ratering

I pulled up to Roddy McDowall in the 90's three times in one day. We both had rag tops. I smiled and said "You following me"? He said, Yes but you won't pull over"!! I said "I'm On my way to Liz Tayor's House" He made his hand like a gun winked at me and drove off in his La Baron. nice guy!

Mark Ratering

When I moved to l.a. I could not believe the brain trust that was there. The pure genius of the artists there, It was 100 more then Detroit and our City, because of the car industry, made more films then Hollywood, But the artists and equiptment was something I never had seen. I worked on Stenen's "1941" and watched the Luma Cam and said... Yep I had died and gone to heaven.

Sandra Campbell

Roddy McDowell is my absolute favorite. I think the last thing I saw him in was "The Legend of Hell House." I love horror films, and lately I've been watching some old ones from the 70s and 80s. It's cool to see some of the old school actors from that time.

Pigfender (Rog)

Well, first off... Anyone who says Tom Cruise isn't likable, clearly hasn't met the guy. I've seen seasoned movie industry professionals moan left right and center about the guy only to simply melt at the knees 1 minute later the second Tom walked into the room. Negative opinions of the guy seem to stem from the indirect media association. He is ridiculously likeable on screen, and so charismatic in real life.

Pigfender (Rog)

Secondly, if we are allowed to include actors no longer with us, I'd say that Paul Newman is one of the most likeable actors to have ever graced the screen.

Rob Moore

I have to agree with Tim Rogers on Paul Newman, he was one of the most likeable actors & nicest gentlemen I ever had the pleasure...I love what he did with his money to help others and he has inspired me to this day.

LaToya Anitri

Likeable actors... IMO... I would say Idris Elba and Ryan Gosling... 2 of my FAVES of course!

jo-ann peck

LAWD you all are an interesting crew...I think Laura has a movie script going here, at least a good story line...

Marshall Terrill

I completely forgot about about Jeff Bridges!

Jt Smash

Hey Laura Tull. I am a n actor who is looking for the positive.,Why are you attempting to mess with my chi. Is there something I can do to help you get positive. We are in control of our destiny . If there is so much negative in your life you need to step back and take a look at the real picture. There is something that YOU are doing to cause the negative effect.

Jt Smash

It appear that my lat messages were sent to your email. And i see that you have posted here. Well let me post what I emailed you here so there is no confusion or misunderstanding on what I said and let's make this public. In gist your comment on you being a women so you bought into abuse that is BS, Women make Kings And Queens. Without a woman there would be no Man are world . Women let men think they are in charge. Women have the last say so. So don't make me look like the bad guy because I know the truth. I see you use my comment about chi Yes I said do not mess with my Chi.I know you have never used that word in any of your post that I have saw. In response to your statement for me to back Off.YOU BACK OFF You do not scare me!! Do not post in my conversation However if you need some guidance I am here to help. Smash the negative , I am all about the positive . JT Smash. And one more thing you are Victimizing me , I have never said anything negative to you . So again you Back OFF!!!!

Patrick "pH" Hampton

Russel Crow? (insert sarcasm here)

Chad Anderson

Tony Shalhoub gets my vote. He was very nice.

Sandra Campbell

I like Tony too. BTW, the thread has really gotten weird....LOL

Gary Brichetto

I'm very likable.

Mark Ratering

What I saw you beating a poor guy on the street yesterday. All that red red blood!

Paul Sumares

It was a fan, Mark. Gary's very likable. It was self-defense, I'm sure. :-)

Mark Ratering

Yeah that blood didm't real I thought something was fishy

Nick Simons

Ya, Brad Pitt & Colin Farrell are pretty & likable. Nick Simons

John Loretto

and me

Jasmine Moton

Yes there is~!! ME!!! ;o)

Paul Sumares

+1 for Jasmine. :-)

Wayne White

Liam does his job well.

Nick Simons

It depends what characters an actor is playing Brad Pitt & Colin Farrell can be very likable & they are pretty too. Nick Simons

Brett Berg

im likeable - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NbkMlb93fA watch me in this award winning short.

Tom Proctor

Tom Hardy, Great actor and true friend

Aliaa Shimmary

Tom Hiddleston, of course... He's by far the most likable actor in the world and everyone says so. I'm talk about votes and statistics. People love him everywhere from China to L.A. back to the UK. He's kind, gentle, down to earth, compassionate and most of all a GREAT actor. I can't think of any other actor even close to being like him. He's my idle and I'm proud to be his friend. :)

Eric Ross Gilliatt

Well, Marshall, you have a lot of responses here about the good guys in show biz. I've been very privileged over the years of my career to know a lot of actors and actresses who were both good and, well, not so pleasant. On the not-so-pleasant side was my friend, Academy Award winner, (Walter) Jack Palance. I got along very well with Jack because he started on stage, as I did, and he respected my success there. But in public life, Jack was a real cantankerous, if not nasty, pain in the ass, refused to give autographs and threw "f-bombs" like hand grenades when he didn't like a situation...which was most of the time. On the other hand, I always enjoyed being around and having dinner with John James, famous leading support actor from the TV serial "Dynasty," Eddie Faulkner, co-star with John Wayne and Elvis Presley in many of their movies was an absolute delight to be around. I knew equally famous actor, Tom Skerritt for years as he lived not too far from me and we hung out at the same "watering hole." I also had a "chance encounter" with Bill Murray while on vacation one summer in Santa Maria, Californian and spent three of the most hilarious hours of my life having breakfast with him, his wife, and brother and sister-in-law at the famous old Santa Maria Inn. Since I was once a Special Shows Producer for Lawrence Welk, I also had long time friendships and working relationships with many of the Lawrence Welk Show stars like Emmy Award winning actress and singer Roberta Lynn, dancer Bobby Burgess, and singer Kenny Delo. They are just fantastic people who would do anything to help you as a friend. Generally though, show biz people are family, albeit a closed family at times, but family nonetheless. Most all of them are great people and a pleasure to know and socialize with. Unfortunately, fame and fortune don't always fall well on some and they can become more than moderately unpleasant...thankfully, I've known very few of those, and lots and lots of the "good guys."

Mark Ratering

Eric may I ask your email address I have a question mrateringg@hotmail.com thanks

Eric Ross Gilliatt

Mark, you can send messages to me through messages on S32 and it goes directly to my email..thanks. ERG

Mark Ratering

Eric... am from your era doing a low budget feature looking for a 70 year old.... some name value. RESUME OF MARK RATERING Address: 3930 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Studio City CA. 91604 Phone: 0119082575073 Philippines Skype mark.ratering1 mrateringg@hotmail.com Education (American Film Institute) Beverly Hills CA. Hope College Holland, Mich. 49423 B.A. Andover Experience 2013 -2014 Director Of Development Siba Art Oman Philippines 2013 Adapted the Novel “Coma Sins” to a screenplay 2012-2013 Writer for the Film “Poker Face” Ace Productions 2011-2012 Producer/Writer for the Film “Aliens On a Plane” Solar Productions 2010-2011 Producer/Writer for the Film “Something’s Queer” Sungold Productions 2010-2011 Consultant on Film “Black Shama” Brown and Tan Prod. 2009-2010 Producer/Writer for the Film “Razor” Reel Productions 2008-2009 Pre-Production for the Film Writer “Dianna”. Siba Art 2008 Wrote “Handbook of Film and Video Production” Siba Art 2007-2008 Wrote and Directed the Film “Pirate’s Blood”. Siba Art Big Hit in India and the Middle East. First English Speaking Film Shot in Oman. 2007 Wrote and Directed series of Video’s on Cultural Diversity. University of Tenn. 2006-2007 Pre-Production wrote screenplay “Angels Without A Heaven”. 1995-2000 C.E.O. Mark One Productions. Advertising for the Jewelry Industry. 1990-1995 Producer and Cameraman Las Vegas Nv. Don King Productions, ESPN, caesar’s Palace Boxing, Football, Basketball, and Hockey. 1990-1995 Producer Stage Employees Union Las Vegas Produced shows for IBM Microsoft, all 4 major Auto Companies, UAW, over 100 different Clients. 1988 Ron Harris Productions-Still Photography- Production Manager Aerobicise 1987 Amway Production filming the Hospital School built Ugandan Borders and Red Sea. 1986 Production “Wild Company” Priscilla Barnes shot in the Bahamas. 1985-1987 Produced the Film “Flowers In The Attic”. 168 million in B.O. receipts 1984-1985 Director of Advertising Worlds Of Curls. 1985 Production Manager-"Evils Of the Night" Marty Rustum 1983-Production Manager-“Operation Overkill” Ted Mikel’s. 1983- CEO Reel Productions Commercial Production- Advertising. 1983 Film Fare Commercial Productions-Production Manager/Writer. 1983 Silver Cloud Productions Special Effects-“Tron”,” HBO Logo”,” Empire Strikes Back”. 1982 Chasing Dreams Kevin Cosner Production 1981 Warner Bros. Camera Internship Program-“Superman”-“Altered States” 25 films

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