Some more winning supporting actors

ByNida Faraz

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Dated

September 3, 2022

Nida Faraz describes unexpected successes

The conventional wisdom is that being the protagonist is the ultimate role in a movie but many films have proved that does not necessarily mean that it is the best. The lesson is that sometimes supporting roles are just as—and occasionally even more—iconic as lead roles. In this context it is shown that some supporting characters are so strong that the actors who play them are catapulted to stardom. It is also so proved that some are indeed breakthrough roles that stand out above the rest. Such roles explore new grounds and create pathways for many such roles to follow and provide even more challenging roles.

Mark Wahlberg – ‘The Departed’ (2006)

Mark Wahlberg was surrounded by superstars in this Martin Scorsese movie but Sergeant Dignam earned a special place in the annals of film making and it became legendary. His performance was duly noted and Wahlberg was nominated for an Oscar for his role.

Whoopi Goldberg – ‘Ghost’ (1990)

Caught between Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze’s characters, the actress really stood out with her funny, heartfelt performance. This movie attracted audiences due to Whoopi Goldberg’s role that still fascinate both the film-makers and film-goers. Two years later, Goldberg went on to star as the protagonist in the hugely successful ‘Sister Act.’

Christopher Walken – ‘The Deer Hunter’ (1978)

This Michael Cimino movie is brilliant and so is Walken’s performance, for which he won an Oscar. No one can forget the iconic Russian roulette scene with Christopher Walken’s Nick and Robert De Niro’s Michael.

Tommy Lee Jones – ‘The Fugitive’ (1993)

Harrison Ford is the lead character in this movie but it is Tommy Lee Jones who steals the show as US Marshal Samuel Gerard.

Judi Dench – ‘Shakespeare in Love’ (1998)

Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes were great but it was Judi Dench’s role as Queen Elizabeth that really made this movie.

Gary Oldman – ‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994)

Gary Oldman is a tremendously good actor and he proves it yet again in this movie, where he plays the villain: the crazy and corrupt DEA agent, Norman Stansfield. TW

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