12 Underrated Actors & Actresses Who Deserve More Recognition

5. Patricia Clarkson

Although her name is not very well known, Patricia Clarkson just may have the most familiar face of anyone on this list, if only for the sheer volume of work she has put out over the past twenty-odd years. With supporting roles in both comedies (Easy A, Woody Allen's recent films) and high-profile dramas (Good Night and Good Luck, Shutter Island), Clarkson has established herself as one of the hardest working character actresses today. Her first big break was as as Catherine Ness, the thankless wife to Kevin Costner's Elliott, in Brian De Palma's The Untouchables. Throughout the 90's, Clarkson was regulated mostly to made-for-TV movies, save for the occasional supporting turn in films such as Jumanji and The Green Mile. Clarkson's eccentricity, gravely voice and charm make her perfect in memorable supporting character roles. And yet, despite her success in that field, Clarkson is underrated for her true talents lie in her little-seen lead roles in small, wonderful independent films such as The Station Agent and Cairo Time. It is in these roles that Clarkson strips away her character actress charm and fully embodies powerful, leading characters. However, like her contemporary Joan Allen, Clarkson has never managed to attain the heights and success as other similar actresses, despite garnering a well-deserved Oscar nomination for her powerful turn as Katie Holmes' suffering mother in Pieces of April. KEY ROLES: Far From Heaven (2002), Pieces of April/The Station Agent (both 2003), Easy A (2008). NEXT SEEN IN: The East (2013).