10 Hugely Talented Actors That Should Be Bigger Stars

2. Sam Rockwell

It seems as though Sam Rockwell has been on the cusp of the Hollywood A-list forever now. One of the most consistent actors around, Rockwell is equally comfortable in both taking leading roles in independent pictures and providing support in studio fare. After 25 years in the business he shows no signs of slowing down, appearing in five movies in 2013 alone. After supporting roles around the turn of the century in Galaxy Quest, The Green Mile and Charlie's Angels, Rockwell's mesmeric performance in George Clooney's Confessions of a Dangerous Mind seemed poised to launch him to super-stardom, but it wasn't to be. Memorable roles in Matchstick Men, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Frost/Nixon followed in the interim before a jaw-dropping (and career-best) performance in Moon garnered rave reviews, yet was bafflingly overlooked for an Academy Award nomination. Since then, Rockwell has comfortably juggled excellent dramatic performances (Conviction, Seven Psychopaths, The Way Way Back) with blockbuster ensemble work (Iron Man 2, Cowboys and Aliens, the upcoming Poltergeist remake) without truly becoming a household name. Which is a real shame, as the 45 year-old remains one of the most interesting and versatile talents working today.
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