10 Incredibly Talented Actors Who Should Really Call It A Day
There are two keywords in the title of this article, that of incredibly talented. All of the actors included here were, at one point, making great movies. But, for some reason or another, they have lost their touch. So, you will not see any actors that have had a lifetime of mediocre work (cough cough Adam Sandler).
In some ways, its difficult to tell these guys to stop acting, because we know they still have the potential. They could start making good stuff again, if they only applied themselves differently. And it's not just old age that has done this. Look at Christopher Plummer, who just recently won an Oscar at the age of 82. What distinguishes the people in this list, then, is the choices they have made. They were once good, but lately have been stuck in a rut.
So, this is my plea. Come back to us, guys! If not, it may be time to call it a day.
10. Robert De Niro
Coming in at the top spot is probably the hardest person to include on any negative list. Robert De Niro has been in more great films than probably any actor in history. Back in the 70s, 80s, and even early 90s, he was in some true masterpieces; The Godfather Part II, Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Deer Hunter, Once Upon A Time in America, Awakenings; I could keep going. But, since Awakenings, De Niro has steadily gotten worse. After a couple successful comedies, such as Meet the Parents and the Analyze This series, De Niro has fallen into a dark void. Little Fockers. Need I say more?
Now, you may argue that De Niro still has it in him. He did just get nominated for an Academy Award last year for Silver Linings Playbook. But, think about it, this is his first nomination since George Bush Sr. was president! Which means that, for 22 years, he hasnt even been noticed by the Academy. Look at it this way: this is even more of a reason why he should quit now. End on a bang! If an Academy Award-nominated role is one of your last movies, then people may forgive you the last 20 years of garbage.
So was this role Robert De Niro's silver lining? I dont think so. Just recently, he starred in The Big Wedding, an ensemble comedy movie about, you guessed it, a wedding. I had the unfortunate opportunity of seeing this movie. And, believe me when I tell you: do not make the same mistake.
So, unless De Niro starts doing more Silver Linings Playbooks and less The Big Weddings, he should really cut it out.