19 Great actors and the last role they played

Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Santa Barbara International Film Festival's 17th Annual Kirk Douglas Award For Excellence In Film Honoring Will Ferrell - Source: Getty

The world of cinema is filled with talents that often leave indelible marks on the minds of the viewers. The actors, through their dedication, skill, and undeniable prowess are known to capture the people's hearts. In this list, we will look at 19 Great actors, some of whom have passed away and some who are still showcasing their incredible acting skills on-screen along with the role they played in their latest movies and the last role they played. Please note that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

1) Morgan Freeman

LIFE IS A DREAM - Composer Sir Anthony Hopkins - The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – Performance - Source: Getty
LIFE IS A DREAM - Composer Sir Anthony Hopkins - The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – Performance - Source: Getty

Morgan Freeman is one of the greatest actors of all time. He is known for his deep, resonating voice and ability to bring depth and wisdom to his roles. Throughout his career, he has won several accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Role for Million Dollar Baby. His most recent movie is Gunner, in which he plays a detective investigating a series of murders.

2) Jeff Bridges

The 58th Annual CMA Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
The 58th Annual CMA Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Jeff Bridges is known for his versatility as an actor and is one of the greatest actors of today's time. He has portrayed versatile characters in numerous movies from comedies to dramas he has left an indelible mark on the film industry. His latest role was in the show The Old Man where he portrayed the role of Dan Chase. He has won several accolades including an Academy Award for the movie Crazy Heart along with other nominations across categories. His contribution to the film industry is undeniable.

3) Clint Eastwood

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - Preview Day 3 - Source: Getty
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - Preview Day 3 - Source: Getty

Clint Eastwood is known for his portrayal of rugged and stoic characters in movies that have left a mark on movie watchers. Clint Eastwood is not only known as a great actor but also an esteemed director, producer, and composer. His most recent movie was Cry Macho where he acted along with directing and producing for Warner Bros. and Juror #2 was his latest directed movie. He has won four Academy Awards for Million Dollar Baby and Unforgiven. Clint Eastwood's contribution to cinema is immeasurable.

4) Ben Kingsley

Q&A With Sir Ben Kingsley At
Q&A With Sir Ben Kingsley At "Dalíland" Screening - Source: Getty

Ben Kingsley is considered one of the greatest actors of all time by viewers. He is known for his ability to disappear into a role and seamlessly transition into a character. He has played historical figures such as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and a flamboyant villain in Sexy Beast. Kingsley has won an Academy Award for Gandhi, along with numerous other accolades. His most recent movie is the action comedy The Killer's Game, in which he portrayed Agent Zvi Reeves.

5) Philip Seymour Hoffman

Oklahoma City Thunder v New York Knicks - Source: Getty
Oklahoma City Thunder v New York Knicks - Source: Getty

Philip Seymour Hoffman is well known for his portrayal of complex and flawed characters. He was a master of his craft, seamlessly embodying each of the characters he played, and his performance resonated with the audience. He received several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for Best Actor in the movie Capote. His last film, which he completed, was A Most Wanted Man, in which he played Gunther Bachmann before his passing in 2014.

6) Russel Crowe

74th Sanremo Music Festival 2024 - Day 3 - Source: Getty
74th Sanremo Music Festival 2024 - Day 3 - Source: Getty

Russel Crowe is known for his powerful performances in movies across different genres and is known to be a versatile actor. His latest movie to hit the theaters is Kraven The Hunter where he plays the role of Nikolai Kravinoff who is Kraven’s estranged father. He has a knack for captivating the audience with his dedication and talent for bringing any role to life. He has won an Academy Award for the movie Gladiator.

7) Kevin Spacey

"L'Uomo Che Disegnò Dio" Photocall - Source: Getty

Kevin Spacey is a great actor who is known for his versatility and ability to portray morally ambiguous characters. He began his career as a stage actor and gained recognition through Broadway performances. He has won several accolades including two Academy Awards. His performance as Lester Burnham in the movie American Beauty got him his second Academy Award. The latest film to hit the theaters was Peter Five Eight where he portrays the character of Peter.

8) Kirk Douglas

40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival: 17th Annual Kirk Douglas Award For Excellence In Film Honoring Will Ferrell - Source: Getty
40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival: 17th Annual Kirk Douglas Award For Excellence In Film Honoring Will Ferrell - Source: Getty

Kirk Douglas is widely recognized for his charismatic and powerful performances. He has starred in over 90 movies throughout his career. His iconic roles in movies like Lust For Life and Champion have won the hearts of millions of viewers. He has won several accolades along with an Academy Honorary Award for his lifetime achievement in films. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 103. His last movie was It Runs In The Family where he starred along with his son and grandson and portrayed the role of Alex Gromberg.

9) Alec Guinness

On the set of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope - Source: Getty
On the set of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope - Source: Getty

Alec Guinness was a versatile and well-known British actor. He was known for his ability to embody a wide range of characters with remarkable nuance. Alec Guinness had a strong stage presence and his iconic role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars is widely acclaimed. He has won several accolades including an Academy Award for the movie The Bridge On The River Kwai. He was last seen on screen in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace in 1999 where he briefly reprised the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi through archival footage.

10) Tommy Lee Jones

"The Homesman" Press Conference - The 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival - Source: Getty

Tommy Lee Jones has delivered numerous well-known performances in movies such as The Fugitive and No Country For Old Men. He portrays his characters with an ability to effectively convey both humor and menace. His most recent movie was The Burial where he played the role of Jeremiah O' Keefe. He has won several accolades including an Academy Award for Best Actor in a supporting role for the movie The Fugitive.

11) Christopher Walken

"The Deer Hunter" Screening - 2024 De Niro Con - Source: Getty

Christopher Walken started his career as a child actor in theatre and television in smaller roles. He eventually became a renowned actor with his ingenuity and won the hearts of his fans. Christopher Walken is known for his distinctive voice and eccentric mannerisms which gave a unique touch to the movies that he played in. He has won an Academy Award for the movie The Deer Hunter. His most recent movie was Dune: Part Two where he played the role of Shaddam IV.

12) Joe Pesci

"Day Of The Fight" LA Special Screening - Source: Getty

Joe Perci is known for his capability to portray complex characters with explosive energy and versatility and is a great actor. He brings raw energy to the roles that he portrays in the movies and shows. Joe Perci has won two Academy Awards along with several other accolades throughout his acting career. Joe Perci's contribution to cinema is undeniable and has been appraised by his fans. His most recent movie was Day Of The Fight directed by Jack Huston where he portrays the role of Mike's father.

13) Ian McKellen

ìThe Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrimî World Premiere - Arrivals - Source: Getty
ìThe Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrimî World Premiere - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Ian McKellen has been a legendary actor who is known for his acclaimed stage performances of Shakespearean plays which have earned immense acclaim and numerous awards. He portrayed the role of Gandalf in The Lord Of The Rings and Magneto in X-Men among other movies. His most recent movie was The Critic directed by Anand Tucker where he portrayed the role of Jimmy Erskine.

14) Geoffrey Rush

Day 8 - Sitges Film Festival 2024 - Source: Getty
Day 8 - Sitges Film Festival 2024 - Source: Getty

Geoffrey Rush is an Australian actor who has received worldwide acclaim for his acting and performance. He is known for bringing out complex characters through his versatility and techniques. His performance in the movie Shine earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor and he has continued to receive several other awards and accolades throughout his acting career. He played the role of Judge Stefan Mortensen in the movie The Rule Of Jenny Pen directed by James Ashcroft which was his most recent movie.

15) Heath Ledger

The Cinema Society and Cole Haan Present a Screening of Think Film's
The Cinema Society and Cole Haan Present a Screening of Think Film's "Candy" - Source: Getty

Heath Ledger was an Australian actor who is widely acclaimed and remembered for his immense talent in acting. His career, though short, has left an indelible mark on the viewers. He was known for his unconventional and intense approach to acting through which he embodied the characters that he played. He won the Academy Award, presented posthumously, for his role as Joker. He was last seen on screen in The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus where he portrayed the role of Tony, however, the movie was released in 2009 after his death in 2008.

16) Ralph Fiennes

2025 National Board Of Review Gala - Source: Getty
2025 National Board Of Review Gala - Source: Getty

Ralph Fiennes is an English actor, well known for his ability to portray a wide range of challenging characters. He has appeared in numerous movies and has received immense appreciation for his performance. He has won several accolades along with two nominations for the Academy Awards for his performance in Schindler's List and The English Patient. His most recent movie was The Return where he portrayed the role of Odysseus.

17) Christoph Waltz

25th Newport Beach Film Festival – Opening Night Screening of
25th Newport Beach Film Festival – Opening Night Screening of "Old Guy," Q&A And Awards Presentation - Source: Getty

Christoph Waltz has gained worldwide recognition through his complex portrayal of the roles of the characters that he plays. Waltz played the iconic role of Ernst Stravro in the movie Spectre. He has won several awards along with two Academy Awards for supporting roles in Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained. His most recent movie was Old Guy directed by Simon West where he portrayed the role of Danny Dolinski, a contract killer on the verge of retirement.

18) Johnny Depp

“Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness” Screening - Red Sea International Film Festival 2024 - Source: Getty
“Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness” Screening - Red Sea International Film Festival 2024 - Source: Getty

Johnny Depp has been one of the most sought-after actors in recent times. He has portrayed complex characters in movies like Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Finding Neverland through which he gained immense popularity among viewers worldwide. He was nominated for three Academy Awards and has won several other esteemed accolades throughout his acting career. He recently directed and produced the movie Modi, Three Days On The Wing Of Madness. However, his most recent role on-screen was as Louis XV in the movie Jeanne du Barry.

19) Benicio Del Toro

Press Room - Platino Awards 2023 - Source: Getty
Press Room - Platino Awards 2023 - Source: Getty

Benicio Del Toro is a Puerto Rican actor highly acclaimed for his powerful performance. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Javier Rodriguez in the movie Traffic along with several other prestigious awards throughout his acting career. Benicio Del Toro's most recent movie was Reptile directed by Grant Singer where he portrayed the role of Tom Nicholas, a detective pursuing a case where everything is vague which eventually dismantles his own life.

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Edited by Shimona Sharma
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