12 Celebrities That Didn’t Fit Into Hollywood Stereotypes, but Are Now Great Actors

When we talk about a celebrity, we often think about someone who’s beautiful and close to perfect. We’re used to seeing perfect people playing in perfect movies. They all have these impressive muscles, Greek god-like bodies, magic hair, and dazzling smiles. But let’s not forget that while some shine in Hollywood because of their physical appearance, they’re still hired to be actors. That’s a job that requires skill and experience too, not just looks. There are many talented actors out there that have managed to overcome the stereotype of the good-looking actor and succeed because of their perseverance and great acting talent.

So Bright Side decided to put together a small compilation of these actors who were not only incredibly talented but also brave enough to fight against stereotypes in the industry. And in the end, they managed to get everything they wanted thanks to their charisma and skill.

1. Amy Schumer

Known for her performances in romantic comedies, this talented actress started out as a stand-up comedian. After playing several minor roles in film and television, the romantic comedy I Feel Pretty (2018) helped showcase how far she had come. Since then, Amy Schumer has faced criticism for her physical appearance multiple times. Despite that, she always responds with humor and grace. That and her courage to face the world has made her an inspirational role model for many young women.

2. Peter Dinklage

Acclaimed for his performance in the HBO series Game of Thrones, this American film, television, and theater actor knows what it feels to be limited in his choice of characters. Due to his height, Dinklage has faced several rejections despite having more than 20 years of experience in acting. Still, today he is one of the most awarded actors and living proof that when it comes to making your dreams come true, size does not matter.

3. Yalitza Aparicio

Mainly recognized for her appearance in Netflix’s Roma (2018), this Mexican actress became famous after she was nominated for an Oscar. She is considered the first indigenous actress to have been nominated for this a prize and an important figure that’s helping break stereotypes in the film industry. Time magazine included her name on the list of the 10 best performances of 2018. She also made it to the BBC’s list of the 100 most influential women in the world in 2019 thanks to her role in promoting gender equality, the rights of indigenous communities, and the constitutional protection of domestic workers.

4. Octavia Spencer

Spencer is a renowned American actress and screenwriter for film and television. She has won a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and 3 SAG awards. She also won an Oscar for her performance in The Help (2011). Despite her long career, she has faced limitations in her choice of roles. She clearly didn’t let that become an obstacle for her to stand out as a skilled actress and achieve her dreams. During an interview, she said: “I wish this for all of my fellow actors, rank-and-file actors who have been kicking it around as long as I have... I hope that I am a beacon of hope for them because really and truly, they know what it’s like to have constant rejection and to have hope, so hopefully, I will represent that for them.”

5. Rebel Wilson

Melanie Elizabeth Bownds, best known as Rebel Wilson, is an Australian actress, comedian, and producer. She was launched to fame thanks to her performance as Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect (2012). This same role granted her the Best Breakthrough Performance award at the MTV Movie Awards. She also shared the Best Musical Moment award with other stars from Pitch Perfect. She continues to face criticism for her physical appearance, but it’s her charisma, good vibes, and a great workout routine that have inspired many young women all around the world.

6. Rossy de Palma

This Spanish actress became famous thanks to her appearance in award-winning director Pedro Almodóvar’s film Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown). Recognized as one of the Almodóvar Girls, she and other actresses, who were chosen by the director, stood out in Spanish cinema. They did not necessarily stand out for being especially pretty, distinguished, or glamorous, but more so for being original and talented. With more than 30 years of an artistic career under her belt, Rossy continues to be one of the most acclaimed celebrities in European cinema.

7. Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few people that has walked down the red carpet to win all 4 of America’s top entertainment industry awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. With nearly 40 years of experience as an actress, she became famous for her appearance in Spielberg’s The Color Purple. She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama for her role in the film. From then on, her career took off with one success after another. However, she has also had to deal with Hollywood stereotypes. At the 2016 Oscar awards gala, she was mistaken for Oprah Winfrey.

8. Jack Black

This American actor, musician, and comedian has conquered the hearts of several generations since he appeared in the now-classic comedy School of Rock. His excellent performance led him to be nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. At first glance, we might think that his physical appearance has caused him problems, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

9. John Bradley-West

The British actor is mostly known for playing Samwell Tarly in HBO’s series Game of Thrones. During an interview at the Conan O’Brien show, he claimed to be really grateful to the producers of the series. That’s because they played an important role in helping him accept his body just the way it is. In fact, HBO producers were looking for someone that looked exactly like him, and that clearly contributed a lot to improve his career.

10. Josh Gad

American actor, comedian, and singer Josh Gad became known worldwide for his role as Olaf in Frozen. Lending his voice to our favorite snowman earned him 2 Annie Awards. But before success knocked at his door, the actor confessed to having received a bunch of rejections letters. He was thinking about quitting acting when a comment from his mother gave him the little push he needed to go on. Gad’s mother said: “I’m disappointed in you. You spent 15 years dreaming of this and only 3 years trying, I think it’s cowardly to give up.” He then decided to keep trying his luck instead of giving up. In the end, rejections helped him to understand himself better and to discover what kind of actor he wanted to become. Today, he feels very happy and proud of what he has accomplished.

11. Ron Perlman

The most remembered character of this amazingly versatile actor is Hellboy, from the film of the same name. Perlman is an actor who has more than 40 years of experience in acting and voicing. His talent has led him to work on countless movies and television shows, and he has even voiced different animated characters for films and video games.

12. Ken Jeong

He is recognized for his performance as Leslie Chow or Mr. Chow in the trilogy The Hangover. Apparently, his wife predicted that the nude scene he did in the film would be a huge success because it would allow the male audience to return home and feel reassured about themselves and their physical appearance. This great comedian just can’t miss an opportunity to make a joke about his alleged physical defects. It’s this sense of madness and spontaneity that’s so characteristic of him, that led him to become one of the most acclaimed comedians in the film industry.

Tell us, what do you think of these actors and their experiences in the world of Hollywood? What other actors do you think are great for their presence on screen and excellent performances?