10 Comedy Actors Who Made Great Horror Movie Characters

2. Robin Williams As Seymour Parrish - One Hour Photo

Robin Williams One Hour Photo
Fox Searchlight

The late, great Robin Williams' comic and dramatic talents were beloved by audiences in films such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting and The Fisher King. His ability to switch from wacky antics to emotionally heavy fare at a dime was almost unparalleled, and this range was an excellent clue into what he could do in genres that do not necessarily lend themselves to comedy.

This was seen in 2002 when Williams starred in two psychological thrillers, Insomnia and One Hour Photo, that showcased a then-unrevealed depth and range as an actor.

Insomnia leans more into the realm of tension and intrigue so this entry will focus on One Hour Photo. Although possessing the aforementioned traits, the film is a genuinely chilling look at a man's obsession with a family and the lengths he would go to become closer to them. Here, the horror is derived from Seymour Parrish's withdrawn persona and tragic background.

Williams plays Parrish with the same disarming presence in some of his lighter fare, but adds a layer of social awkwardness to it. Therefore, Parrish never comes across as charming but instead lets his obsession take him to increasingly dark lows.

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