You know those actors and actresses that show up in all kinds of different movies? Yea, they’re pretty awesome. There aren’t too many of them out there, and you may not know all them by name but I’m sure you’ve watched something where they star. Mostly the reason you don’t is because they either haven’t had a huge breakout role yet, or they usually play big roles in big movies that feature more recognisable actors or actresses.
I’ve narrowed down a list of 5 (as is my thing, ya know…) who have made a huge contribution to the world of film. Maybe this will help you recognize them (as I’m sure you will). Maybe you’ll know who all of them are (good job by the way). Maybe you will discover them for the first time.
In any case, here they are:
5. ADAM SCOTT
Adam Scott is the quintessential “what have I seen that guy in” guy. He’s popped up in a ton of movies over the last decade, and only now is his career really starting to take off.
If you know Adam, I’ll assume it’s from one of his TV roles. You may know him from the hit NBC comedy PARKS AND RECREATION where he now plays a prominent role. It is more likely though, that you know Adam from the now cancelled Starz series PARTY DOWN, which has posthumously gained a massive cult following (which also spawned the development of a feature film).
Where Adam really shines is comedy, as he displayed in STEP BROTHERS and ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL. He is a master of dry delivery and assumes the role of sarcastic jerk with effortless perfection. What you may not realize is that he is also very capable in dramatic fare.
Scott had a small role in Martin Scorsese’s THE AVIATOR opposite Jude Law and Leonardo DiCaprio, and just this year he got to blend both talents for writer/director Jennifer Westfeldt’s ensemble dramedy FRIENDS WITH KIDS. Personally, I think you’d be more impressed with a lesser known Adam Scott drama called THE VICIOUS KIND opposite Brittany Snow and J.K. Simmons. Practically unrecognizable, Scott delivers an intense and visceral performance as a self-loathing man who struggles to reconcile his own failures with his disdain for his father. It’s remarkable, and if you haven’t seen it, you should really give it a try.
4. EMILY MORTIMER 
I know you’re more than likely aware of Ms. Mortimer, and so am I. But if anything, I kind of want to celebrate her a little bit here.
Emily has been at it since the mid-90’s, and she has one of the most eclectic filmographies I’ve ever seen. At this point, it’s fair to say she’s covered it all. She’s done horror (SHUTTER ISLAND), comedy (OUR IDIOT BROTHER), thriller (MATCH POINT), and has carved quite a career out of tackling some seriously engaging dramas. LARS AND THE REAL GIRL is my favorite of her films. I thought her character was lovely.
If I had to choose what I believe is Emily’s best work, I would have to say it’s her role on HBO’s Aaron Sorkin-scripted drama THE NEWSROOM. Her character Mackenzie MacHale is one of the coolest (and maybe a little manic) characters on television. She contributes a vitality to the hectic nature of the show that helps bring the viewer back down to Earth and reminds you that regardless of the commitment to the job, she is ultimately as fragile and vulnerable as everybody else. Her chemistry with Jeff Daniels is palpable. You must watch it if you don’t already… but something tells me you do.
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