20 Most Influential Actors Of All Time

Jessica Lange's influence has hit a whole new wave of fans thanks to her recent scene (and show) stealing roles on American Horror Story. But most will remember her as one of the key acting figures of the '70s and '80s, a box office superstar and a seemingly unstoppable film presence.

Starring in everything from hilarious comedies to intense dramas, Lange's best roles came in the '70s and '80s with King Kong, Tootsie, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Frances and All That Jazz. Her roles in each of these films was one of the best parts of them. Look up any classic from these decades, chances are Lange was considered for a role.

It is her roles in Blue Sky and Tootsie, for which she won her two Oscars, that show the best of her best dramatic and comedic chops, and she became known for the way she felt for her characters and embodied the full range of their emotions. On the set of Frances, for example, she had a gruelling experience, finding her character a very relatable figure.

Her talent extends off the screen, as she is also an author, photographer and stage actress, whose work has received a great level of praise. Of late, she has found a new audience with some silver screen roles on shows like American Horror Story, The Politician and Feud, and because of them she has seen a boom in popularity and a second wave in her already illustrious career.