2. James Cromwell
In what is almost unheard of amongst those labelled as 'that guy from that movie', James Cromwell is an Academy Award nominated actor, although it almost sums up his career as a prominent supporting player that it came for his role as a farmer in the critical and commercial smash hit Babe. Despite being a familiar presence on television as well as on the big screen, the 6' 6" actor rarely gets the recognition he deserves and is arguably one of the most underrated character actors in history. As well as appearing in the Best Picture winning The Artist, the actor has provided support in four other movies that were nominated; Babe, LA Confidential, The Green Mile and The Queen. Equally comfortable appearing in big-budget blockbusters and award-friendly prestige pictures, Cromwell's resume makes for impressive reading. A career that has seen him play real-life figures, former Presidents, fictional Presidents and the Queen's husband also includes a Spider-Man movie, a Star Trek movie, an Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle and an Adam Sandler comedy. James Cromwell has lent his gravitas to features that have grossed countless billions in box office revenue and been nominated for dozens of awards. Not only one of the most distinguished unsung heroes of character acting, but also one of the most reliable.