10 Big Time Actors Who Are Way Better On TV

4. Damian Lewis

Breaking Bad Bryan Cranston
Channel 4

Damian Lewis is nothing less than an exquisite actor. With a prestigious theatre training and career in the bag, he began making waves on screen, where his steady gaze and poise have earned him considerable acclaim. 

On The Big Screen:

That being said, Lewis hasn't exactly had a glittering movie career just yet. He was mesmerising in Keane, a deranged father in search of a daughter he lost several months previously, but, of course, his appearance in the embarrassingly awful The Sweeney comes to mind. 

In Your Living Room:

Most of the attention Lewis has received, has been from the TV series he's in. Of course, the mega-popular Homeland springs to mind, as he's gained global recognition for his portrayal of Nicholas Brody. 

Then there is the Forsyte Saga, another impressive notch on his belt, and more recently, Wolf Hall. This formidable BBC production focuses on the impossibly brilliant Mark Rylance, but Lewis is superb as the petulant and powerful King Henry VIII. Finally, there is Band Of Brothers - perhaps the best mini-series ever, in which Lewis is Richard Winters, a natural leader of men, under the extreme duress of World War II hell. If you want to see Lewis at his best, watch it.

Best TV Moment:

In full rage mode, Lewis as Henry VIII gives Rylance's Cromwell a supreme dressing down at court. Henry the purring lion, roars.

Contributor

Filmmaker, Actor and Writer.