10 Times Comedic Actors Went Against Type (And Totally Pulled It Off)

One of the most surprising dramatic turns in recent years, Steve Carell's performance in Foxcatcher was nothing short of mesmerising. Sinister, cold, and tragic, everything you ever associated with the accomplished funny man was forgotten and tossed aside.

Starring opposite Mark Ruffalo, Channing Tatum and Sienna Miller, Carrel portrays John du Pont, a man whose love for wrestling began a chain of events which ended in tragedy.

Based on a true story, the film was lauded for its story, direction, and the performance of Ruffalo, but it was Carell's transformative turn as du Pont which stood out amongst the crowd.

Known previously for his roles in Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Get Smart and Date Night, Carell's career defining role came as Michael Scott in the fan favourite sit-com The Office.

Since his role in Foxcatcher, which saw him nominated for an Oscar, Carell has leaned more and more into dramatic roles, and thanks to recent turns in Beautiful Boy, Vice and Battle of the Sexes he's well on his way to be one of Hollywood's most successful dramatic actors.

And who doesn't love to see that?