Then or Now?
June 8th 2009 08:11
Who passed their screen-life and curdled early, and who only got better as they ripened on the reel? It’s as easy to romanticise the past as it is to focus only on what is familiar to us in the present day. I think the well-known actors listed below are a mix of those who have taken a more relaxed, less ambitious view of their career after roles for which they will be forever remembered, those who are as steady as ever, and those who are still climbing, and for whom the best may be yet to come.
Sean Connery: James Bond to King Arthur
Meryl Streep: Manhattan to Mamma Mia
John Travolta: Fever to Fireman
Helen Mirren: Hermia to Her Majesty
Robert de Niro : Godfather to Father-in-Law
Julie Andrews: Poppins to Princess
Frances McDormand: Mississippi to Miss Pettigrew
Emma Thompson: Howard’s End to Harry Potter
Jack Nicholson: McMurphy to Mob Boss
Anthony Hopkins: Elephant Man to Wolf Man
Michaelie Clark
Sean Connery: James Bond to King Arthur
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Meryl Streep: Manhattan to Mamma Mia
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John Travolta: Fever to Fireman
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Helen Mirren: Hermia to Her Majesty
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Robert de Niro : Godfather to Father-in-Law
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Julie Andrews: Poppins to Princess
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Image courtesy of bbc.co.uk
Frances McDormand: Mississippi to Miss Pettigrew
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Emma Thompson: Howard’s End to Harry Potter
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Image courtesy of cinemablend.com
Jack Nicholson: McMurphy to Mob Boss
Image courtesy of ica.org.uk
Image courtesy of latimes.com
Anthony Hopkins: Elephant Man to Wolf Man
Image courtesy of filmdope.com
Image courtesy of about.com
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
Though not quite a veteran yet but on the way (I think) is Leonardo DiCaprio. Although I'm not a fan I think he has become a good actor, and will continue to be a great one... -- from 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' to 'Revolutionary Road'.
p/s...good to see ya
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
He's probably well on the way, he started young after all!
Good to see you too - I'll be over to catch up with things soonest
Michaelie
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
Some actors just keep lighting up the screen over and over.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks Janet!
Michaelie
Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Have you seen those pics of Helen in her bathers? She is one hot 63 year old. I will find the photo.
Ok here it is:
AND she's a damn fine actor.
Thanks for the comment, Morgan!
Mich
Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
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Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
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Daryl Hannah
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
As always your post has been thinking. Those are all fine examples, but I think my fave is Helen Mirren. How does she do it? I used to watch her years ago in Prime Suspect and thought she was brilliant then. What a woman.
Byee
Comment by Anonymous
Where on earth have you been? I mean what hole have your crawled out of - joke of course - but I've missed ya.
Robert De Niro is magnificent - he can go from the greatest mafia dramas of all time to strapping on a tittie for a youngin' in an hilarious family comedy. Beautiful.
Johnny Depp is well on his way to being a master of his craft as well - and is so damned good looking! Captain Jack can whack his pack on my rack any old time...........the thought of it is making me quiver in the belly...........must away to set things right!
Pamela
Comment by The Rusty Can
Everything
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks! I'm glad (and I think lucky) to be back!
I agree, the woman is just wonderful, a true star I think, very talented and extraordinarily capable of adapting with the business.
Here's a bit of trivia about her: she has played royalty in six different films - no wonder she seems so regal!
Thanks again Trace!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Why, thank you - I think.
Yep, no doubt about it, de Niro has played some pretty diverse roles. I think one of my favourites is Taxi Driver, though he was, ah, titillating, in Meet the Fockers.
Johnny Depp is indeed a worthwhile inclusion - he's made his mark over the last couple of decades, not to mention a serious impression on you!
Cheers for the comment!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Doesn't she just? And I love old pics of Connery, 'specially as Bond. Uber cool. Emma Thompson I think also has a lot of respect, like Helen Mirren. Maybe it does the English gals well to have less proximity to Hollywood and its accoutrements.
Thanks Rusty!
Michaelie