There are various landmarks one can look at when gauging the success of an actor's career, with an Oscar still existing as the 'golden standard' of ultimate validation. At the same time, sometimes the 'best' is measured in how others see you as a human, as an adamant fan base off of good deeds or an endearing real-life persona can also cement an actor in the minds of the masses of having achieved greatness.
This article will take a slightly different approach, melding critical acclaim with endearing personas but stipulating over 100 acting credits across film and TV. While quantity is not a guarantee of quality in any form, there is a lot to be said for an actor reaching that goal of over a hundred roles and still keeping that skill and personality that makes them revered to this day. Here are 20 actors who have reached the landmark, while standing out for their craft and humanity in reaching such numbers.
20 Angela Bassett
106 Acting Credits
Born on August 16, 1958, in New York City, American actress Angela Bassett graduated from Yale University with a bachelor's degree in African-American Studies in 1980 before moving on to get a master's degree in Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama in 1983 as she switched to acting as her focus. Angela Bassett received an honorary Oscar in 2024 and was previously nominated for her supporting role in Black Panther and Best Actress in 1998's What Love Got to Do With It.
Portraying Strong Historical Figures
Bassett is best known for her portrayal of strong and important historical figures, including Tina Turner (What's Love Got to Do With It), Rosa Parks (The Rosa Parks Story), and Betty Shabazz (Panther). In her personal life, Bassett has been revered for her strong family bonds and focus on education, with the actor often stating her mother as her inspiration for emphasizing these values and pushing her to be the best version of herself.
This has also extended to her charity work as an Ambassador of UNICEF and long-time supporter of the Royal Theater Boys & Girls Club in her hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Watch Angela Bassett answer the web's most searched questions about her
19 Keanu Reeves
107 Acting Credits
Born on September 2, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon, Canadian actor Keanu Reeves may not have the same critical acclaim as other actors on this list, with his most award nominations for a single event coming from the Razzie Awards. Still, Reeves has gone on to cult status and is one of those actors generally loved by the public for his charitable work and kind personality. His recent reception of the First-Ever Lance Reddick Legacy Award at the Saturn Awards has proved to be a personal highlight of his efforts as an actor.
One of the Most Beloved Personalities in all of Hollywood
Keanu Reeves is best known for his roles in action films, including Neo in the Matrix and John Wick in the John Wick series. However, Reeves has thrived in indie and mainstream movies, showing a willingness to work on projects that he finds attractive, including his directing the martial arts movie Man of Thai Chi in 2013. Still, above all else, Reeves is loved for the person he is, donating large portions of his earnings to various causes, often anonymously, specifically regarding cancer research and support for families.
Watch Keanu Reeves take questions from fans while playing with puppies
18 Robin Williams
112 Acting Credits
Born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, Robin Williams was a stand-up turned actor who is arguably the greatest and most accomplished comedian ever. Williams was an inspirational talent who could balance comedy while gaining critical acclaim for his serious roles, including winning an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Good Will Hunting. He was also nominated for two BAFTA's for his roles in the well-received Dead Poets Society and Good Morning Vietnam.
From Comedic Standout to Global Icon
Robin Williams found acclaim in almost every genre, whether it be the surreal fantasy about death in What Dreams May Come, the family-friendly scientist in Flubber, the horror of the obsessive photo developer in One Hour Photo, or the over-the-top camp of Mrs. Doubtfire every role he was in proved impactful. Williams was also a beloved figure among comedians, with his loss resulting in much eulogizing and homage paid to the legacy the icon left behind when he passed away on August 11, 2014.
Watch Conan O'Brien's sincere eulogy to his friend/idol, Robin Williams
17 Nicolas Cage
116 Acting Credits
Born on January 7, 1964, in Long Beach, California, as Nicolas Kim Coppola, Nicolas Cage would change his name to escape the namesake of his uncle Francis Ford Coppola and distinguish himself outside the family. Cage would see a unique career trajectory, with the successful beginnings leading up to his only Oscar win for Best Actor in a Leading Role in Leaving Los Vegas (seeing a nomination for 2003's Adaptation). However, he would start to decline in popularity and find himself in a series of low-budget films made to little fanfare or acclaim.
One of the Most Impressive Career Resurgences of All Time
Nicolas Cage would see one of the most impressive career resurgences, which in many ways came in part his life in online discourse and both 'meming on' and celebrating the actor's more eccentric performances. This has led to him not necessarily returning to the same critical acclaim as seen at the height of his earlier career but getting a much more dedicated fanbase for his work in genre films, with Panos Cosmatos's Mandy offering the arguably definitive performance of his career resurgence.
Watch Nicolas Cage answer the web's most searched questions about him
16 Gary Cooper
118 Acting Credits
Born on May 7, 1901, in Helena, Montana, as Frank James Cooper, Gary Cooper would start his acting career in the 1920s. While having a diverse career, he would become best known for his heroic roles, which saw him winning two Oscars in his lifetime, both for Best Actor in a Leading Role in High Noon (1953) and Sergeant York (1942). Cooper lost a battle with cancer on May 13, 1961, in Los Angeles, California, at age 60.
One of the Early Actors to Define Hollywood Masculinity
Hollywood's expectations complicated Gary Cooper's personal life, and there is now a lot of speculation about the man who defined masculinity in early Hollywood. Still, putting Cooper's tumultuous life aside, his cool veneer, looks, and tendency towards playing heroic lead parts had him become billed as an 'everyman' actor appealing to both women and men. He was essentially a glamorized image of the average individual, and his ability to stick to that persona through both action and comedy made him one of the most beloved actors of the era.
Watch John Wayne accept the Academy Award for Gary Cooper's performance in High Noon
15 Bette Davis
124 Acting Credits
Born on April 5, 1908, in Lowell, Massachusetts, actor Bette Davis came to prominence in the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for her playing unsympathetic and sardonic characters that made her in demand for her strong presence. Davis was nominated for 11 Oscars throughout her career and would win two for Best Actress in a Leading Role, for 1936's Dangerous and 1939's Jezebel.
Bette Davis Eyes
Bette Davis was a larger-than-life character, and much of her life has been explored in sensational detail from both hearsay and first-hand accounts of dealing with the actor. Davis was also confrontational on set, generally deemed as having the persona of a tireless perfectionist and workaholic who demanded the best from herself and others.
While there is a mix of opinions on what it was like to work with Davis, there is no denying that her skill as an actor has made her a timeless icon. Even as her later career roles were less well-received, she was always unapologetically herself, and the audience loved her for it.
You can watch the short '60s documentary about Davis's career in The Unsinkable Bette Davis
14 Robert De Niro
129 Acting Credits
Born on August 17, 1943, American actor and film producer Robert De Niro's intense approach to method acting has garnered critical and fan acclaim. This included several Oscar nominations and two wins; Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Godfather Part II (1975) and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Raging Bull (1981). De Niro is also a recipient of a Cecil B. DeMille Award through the Golden Globes, marking an outstanding achievement in the arts. His friendship with director Martin Scorsese has also helped define some of the actor's most significant roles.
One of the Most Influential Actors of All Time
With the vast filmography of De Niro with so many stand-out roles, it isn't easy to pick a definitive one to encapsulate the actor's skills. While his Oscar-winning performance as Jake La Motta in Raging Bull is among his best, other roles that did not even get the actor a nomination still exist as showcases of De Niro's talent.
This includes roles such as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, embodying the chaos that Robert De Niro was able to manifest, and the calm yet manipulative stand-up comedian Rupert Pupkin in The King of Comedy. This is even before looking at De Niro's later career, which saw him able to shift into more comedic roles alongside the intense persona that first brought him to the attention of the masses.
Watch Robert De Niro reflect on 13 moments of his life for Life Magazine
13 Ian McKellen
133 Acting Credits
Born on May 25, 1939, in Burnley, Lancashire, England, Sir Ian McKellen is one of Britain's most accomplished and revered theater and screen actors. Although he has only been nominated for two Oscars, he has won a Tony Award for his performance in Amadeus and six Olivier Awards, which recognize excellence in theater in London. Ian McKellen is also known for his work in the LGBTQ+ community as an advocate and through charitable work.
British Theater Actor Turned Pop-Culture Staple
Best known for his roles as Gandalf in Lord of the Rings and Magneto in X-Men, Ian McKellen will forever be synonyms with fantasy and comic-book movies. Still, his Thespian roots, including a mastery of Shakespeare, have created a legacy of fine theater and TV adaptations that shine in the actor's early career. Arguably, one of the most iconic elements of McKellen rests his persona, his support of the LGBTQ+ community, and his endearing friendship with Patrick Stewart (who has 158 acting credits under his name).
Watch Sir Ian McKellen do an AMA for Reddit
12 Catherine Deneuve
142 Acting Credits
Born on October 22, 1943, in Paris, France, actor Catherine Deneuve is one of the "grandes dames" of French cinema thanks to her great beauty and versatility that saw her cast in many diverse roles. Her stardom came quickly and at a young age, as she made her debut in 1957 and would go on to international fame in 1964 for her performance in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.
Grandes Dames of French Cinema
Catherine Deneuve would come to be defined by her roles under iconic French directors, including Roman Polanski, Luis Buñuel, and François Truffaut, which would give her career-defining roles in films such as Repulsion, Belle de Jour, and The Last Metro. While all those projects offered serious dramatic works, which Deneuve excelled at, she was also beloved as a vocal talent. In particular, her work with Jacques Demy saw her perform in two critically acclaimed musicals, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and The Young Girls of Rochefort.
Watch Starring Catherine Deneuve teaser put out by The Criterion Channel
11 Ben Kingsley
143 Acting Credits
Born on December 31, 1943, in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, Ben Kingsley is a British actor of English and Indian descent. His father, Rahimtulla Harji Bhanji, was a Kenyan-born medical doctor of Gujarati-Indian descent, and his mother, Anna Lyna Mary Goodman, was an English actress. This would be apt for the actor's first breakthrough performance as Mohandas K. Gandhi in the 1982 film Gandhi, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor.
One of Britain's Most Distinct Acting Talents
However, Ben Kingsley would come to be known more as an antagonist, thanks to his strong aura and pronounced appearance that allowed him a command over intimidating and corrupt characters. This includes such phenomenal performances Don Logan in Jonathan Glazer's Sexy Beast and the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. As outlined by Esquire, Kingsley practically turned playing villains into a cottage industry and is one of the most beloved villains on the silver screen.
Watch Ben Kingsley break down his most iconic characters for CQ
10 Anthony Hopkins
145 Acting Credits
Anthony Hopkins is a revered stage and screen actor, born on December 31, 1937, in Margam, Wales (sharing a birthday with the previously mentioned Kingsley). With his intense and versatile acting style, allowing him to tackle a wide range of complex characters, Hopkins has been nominated for several Academy Awards, winning two decades apart, one for his role as Hannibal Lecter in 1992's The Silence of the Lambs and one for 2021's The Father.
Playing Some of the Most Frightening Characters Ever Committed to the Screen
For many, it is hard to think of Anthony Hopkins without envisioning his role as Hannibal Lecter; it is arguably the most extraordinary portrayal of evil in all cinema, a role that Hopkins has expressed great admiration for. Hopkins also has shown an immense talent for portraying real, larger-than-life figures, with his roles such as Richard M. Nixon and Alfred Hitchcock, earning critical and fan acclaim. Hopkins has also seen lesser success as a director and composer, both of which are not as definitive as his acting roles but a nod to the immense talent of the long-time Hollywood staple. However, perhaps Hopkins' impassioned views on life and the power of art have made him a definitive favorite.
Watch a collection of Anthony Hopkins speaking about his acting philosophy
9 Willem Dafoe
147 Acting Credits
Born on July 22, 1955, in Appleton, Wisconsin, Willem Dafoe made a name for himself for his versatility as a performer and his willingness to work in both the Hollywood and independent scene. Dafoe has been nominated for four Academy Awards, including his portrayal of Vincent Van Goh in At Eternity's Gate, and has, as recently as January 2024, received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (much overdue).
Hollywood Staple, Indie Darling
Willem Dafoe is an exciting case in Hollywood, willing to indulge in the fringes of cinema to deliver memorable performances that overshadow many other actors who have had accolades like multiple Oscars. Regarding pop culture, Dafoe has forever cemented his name in 'meme history' for his role as Green Goblin in 2002's Spider-Man. Still, his success and the surrounding fandom undeniably lie with his more artistically inclined parts, such as Thomas Wake in The Lighthouse, 'He' in Lars Von Trier's Antichrist, and Dr. Godwin Baxter in Poor Things.
Watch Willem Dafoe answer the web's most often-asked questions about him for Wired
8 Morgan Freeman
147 Acting Credits
Born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, actor Morgan Freeman has had a diverse career, with his later work as a voice actor making him one of the most distinct, in-demand, and recognizable voices in all of Hollywood. Nominated for four Oscar awards, including his supporting role in Shawshank Redemption, Freeman would get his first Oscar in 2005 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Million Dollar Baby. However, his voice acting work, which helped define the film March of the Penguins, would receive an Oscar in 2006 for Best Documentary Features.
The Most Recognizable Voice in Hollywood
Morgan Freeman had already established himself in his career with distinguished roles in films like the previously mentioned Shawshank Redemption, along with other acclaimed performances in films like Driving Miss Daisy (though Morgan regrets this role), Se7en, and Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven. However, as a narrator, his work has been nothing short of iconic, with his voice being one of the most, if not the most, recognized out of all Hollywood actors. This has led to plenty of parody, yet it is undeniable that his voice has become definitive for many as the ideal narrator for documentaries.
Watch Morgan Freeman discuss how he developed his voice on Conan
7 Helen Mirren
149 Acting Credits
Born on July 26, 1945, in London, England, Helen Mirren would become one of the most beloved British actors of all time, thanks to her diverse skill set, landing prominent roles in TV and film. Out of all the actors on the list, she also has the highest nomination-to-award ratio, with 135 wins to 149 nominations. This includes winning an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in 2007's The Queen and multiple BAFTA's for her performance in the TV Show Prime Suspect.
Impeccable Talent
After more minor roles that introduced Helen Mirren to the industry, she became one of those actors who felt untouchable in their talent once she established herself. Having many timeless roles and such an impeccable aura about her, Mirren became the kind of actor that others measured themselves against, especially in the British film industry.
The Queen is easily her most beloved role, but Godsford Park and the cult art-house romance movie The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover further cement her legacy as one of the best performers ever. Helen Mirren has also stayed dignified throughout her career and even spoke recently about the importance of aging with grace as a performer and person.
Watch Helen Mirren share "what's insider her beauty bag" with Bazaar UK
6 Sam Neill
151 Acting Credits
Born on September 14, 1947, in Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, but calling New Zealand his home, Actor Sam Neill has a diverse career across genres and mediums, becoming a familiar face in the cinema and TV. Neil would win an honorary award for his contribution to cinema at the prestigious Sitges-Catalonian International Film Festival in 2019.
Nostalgia and Iconic Roles in Horror Cinema
I bet you were not expecting to see Sam Neil here, let alone so high up, with the Irish-born actor having received little critical accolades throughout his career with no Oscars and only two Emmy nominations throughout his expansive career. Yet, Sam Neil has become beloved for his diverse characters thanks to his role in Jurrasic Park and as a favorite among horror fans for his roles in Event Horizon and In The Mouth of Madness. Still, to label Neil a 'cult actor' would be disingenuous, as even without the validation from awards, he has a diverse career across genres and has had notable roles in acclaimed films such as Jane Campion's The Piano and John McTiernan's The Hunt for Red October.
Watch Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum reminisce about Jurassic Park for Vanity Fair
5 Susan Sarandon
164 Acting Credits
Born on October 4, 1946, in New York City, actor Susan Sarandon found early accolades in her career thanks to such beloved classics as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Thelma & Louise. While the latter-mentioned title would earn her an Academy Award nomination in 1992, it would not be until 4 years later that she won her first Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role in Tim Robbins's Dead Man Walking.
One of America's Most Beloved Actors
Susan Sarandon had many career-defining works throughout the 80s and 90s, with performances like Annie Savoy in Bull Durham being quintessential '80s cinema and her most beloved roles. There is also her undeniable cult appeal in the movie that defined the term in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which will forever hold her as an icon in the minds of many devotees to the musical.
While it is difficult to pick the best work from those eras, Sarandon never really slowed down in the industry and has become an American icon in both film and TV. This has extended to voice acting work, with Sarandon making a surprise appearance in the hit show Rick and Morty as Dr Wong.
Watch Susan Sarandon break down her most iconic roles for Vanity Fair
4 Rutger Hauer
174 Acting Credits
Born in Breukelen, Netherlands, in 1944, Rutger Hauer gained international recognition for his diverse talent in American and international cinema, with roles ranging from romantic leads to action heroes to sinister villains. While he would not see an Oscar nomination or much in the way of critical acclaim via awards, he became an icon on the screen for his wide variety of intense characters. Rutger Hauer passed away on July 19, 2019, at the age of 75
Distinguished International Star
Hauer is best known in the West for his performance as Batty in Blade Runner, giving one of the most memorable villain monologs of all time with his 'tears in the rain' speech. At the same time, Hauer would see fanfare among horror and cult film fans for such roles as the titular Hobo with a Shotgun, John Ryder in The Hiker, and Cardinal Roark in Sin City.
Hauer also became the face of the video game Observer, a well-received techno-noir horror/thriller. Still, Hauer's filmography has plenty of hidden gems, like 1981's Nighthawks or the '88 Italian standout about addiction, The Legend of the Holy Drinker.
Watch Rutger Hauer's infamous 'Tears in the Rain' monologue in Blade Runner
3 Max von Sydow
174 Acting Credits
Born on April 10, 1929, in Lund, Sweden, Max von Sydow would become one of the most recognizable Swedish actors, having a successful career in his native country before becoming an internationally acclaimed actor. Sydow would only see two Academy Award nominations throughout his career, including Best Actor in a Leading Role for 1989's Pelle the Conqueror. However, Sydow was honored at two of the most prestigious festivals, Cannes and Stiges, for his contribution to the arts. Max von Sydow died on March 8, 2020, in Provence, France, at 90.
Swedish Standout Turned Globally Recognized Actor
The early defining role of Max von Sydow's career, Antonius Block in Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal, would be reason enough to highlight the actor as standing out while also hitting over 100 roles before his passing. However, his master over dour and brooding characters had made him a staple of cinema, often playing the antagonist or a wisened confidant.
As far as supporting roles go, there are too many to pick from to pick a definitive one, and while Sydow may not be a household name like others on this list, he is instantly recognizable once he takes the screen.
You can watch an extended conversation with Max von Sydow for Retrospective
2 Michael Caine
175 Acting Credits
Born on March 14, 1933, in London, Sir Michael Caine is a British actor, producer, and author who first rose to prominence in the 60s and 70s. Caine is the recipient of two Oscars both for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1987's Hannah and Her Sisters and 2000s The Cider House Rules. He also shares 'Academy Fellowship' with the BAFTA's, along with another British standout on this list, Helen Mirren.
British Calm, Cool, and Occasional Bad-A**ery
Michael Caine is one of Britain's most beloved actors, often parodied with admiration for his calm delivery and assured personality (Peter Serafinowicz's impression, in particular, is spot on). Of course, there is no shortage of iconic roles; from the 60s cool of spy Charlie Croker in the comedy The Italian Job up to his standout supporting role as Alfred in The Dark Night, there are decades of classics and gems to check out.
Michael Caine is also loved for his way with words, with his books including autobiographical and reflective works like Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life and The Elephant to Hollywood.
You can watch the documentary Michael Caine: Breaking The Mold on YouTube
1 Samuel L. Jackson
206 Acting Credits
Born on December 21, 1948, in Washington, D.C., Samuel L. Jackson would come to define cool on the screen, amassing one of the more impressive bodies of work chalked with instantly recognizable characters. Despite the massive amount of acting credits, Jackson was only ever nominated for one Academy Award for his supporting role in Pulp Fiction; he would later receive an honorary award from the Academy in 2022.
Defining Cool
Where to start with Samuel L. Jackson? His role as Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction is arguably the best performance in all of Tarantino's oeuvre, his highly quotable lines from the campy Snakes on a Plane, to the nerd cred of appearing both in Star Wars as Mace Windu and Nicholas Fury in the MCU. All these roles have earned him a dedicated fanbase. While in his mid-'70s, Jackson still has many years left to perform even more memorable roles to speak to his legacy as one of the industry's busiest and most talented actors.
Watch Samuel L. Jackson answer the web's most commonly asked questions about him
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