Movie fans and actors all across the world cried when the beloved actor Philip Seymour Hoffman passed away. The actor starred in some of the most incredible films of all time, and had a knack for movies that explored people’s psyches and motivations. Hoffman began his career in 1992, next to Al Pacino, in the iconic film “Scent of a Woman”. From there on, the actor went on to appear in classic films such as “The Big Lebowski”, “Moneyball”, “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, and “Capote”, which awarded him with an Oscar for Best Actor.
One of his best movies, and arguably his most incredible performance, came in 2012’s “The Master”. A psychological drama film starring him, Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams, in a deep exploration story that closely parallels that of the Church of Scientology. The film received critical claim and got Hoffman three Oscar nominations. Paul Thomas Anderson, the award-winning director of the film, claims this is his favorite film of all time.
Spencer Tracy
Many people who were born in the 21st century don't have any idea who Spencer Tracy is. It's a shame too, because Tracy is widely considered one of Hollywood's greatest actors. He was born in 1900 and was an actor from 1921 until his death in 1967. The actor was well known for his versatile abilities and incredible natural acting style. Tracy received two Academy Awards for Best Actor and was highly praised throughout most of his career.
Some of his most endearing films include the 1950's comedy, "Father of the Bride", the 1960's court drama, "Inherit the Wind", and his most successful film to date is "Adam's Rib", a 1949 romantic comedy. Tracy also won his two Oscars in consecutive years for his performance in "Captains Courageous" (1937) and "Boys Town" (1938).
Orson Welles
Orson Welles was one of the most polarizing entertainment figures of his time. The first film he ever directed, produced and appeared in was "Citizen Kane", which is largely considered the best film of all time. Love him or hate him, it’s undeniable that Orson Welles had more influence on Hollywood in his lifetime than most of today’s actors combined.
If you’re interested in a bit of history about the actor, we highly recommend that you check out the wonderful documentary "They'll Love Me When I'm Dead", a wonderful tribute from the streaming service, Netflix, that was released in 2018. His best films include "Citizen Kane" (1941), "The Magnificent Ambersons" (1942), "The Lady from Shanghai" (1947), "Touch of Evil" (1958), "The Trial" (1962), "Chimes at Midnight" (1966) and "F for Fake" (1973).
Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman is one of Hollywood's biggest underdogs. The actor has been a consistent 'tour de force' throughout the years when it comes to acting, but has yet to receive any serious awards for his magnificent acting. Many blame his lack of accreditation on his good and quiet nature, as well as the way he props up other actors with his supportive acting rather than trying to take over the scene. Oldman finally got his first Oscar after his brilliant performance as Winston Churchill in "The Darkest Hour". His most popular role to date was Sirius Black in the "Harry Potter" series.
If you love Gary Oldman and want to check out some of his best work, we recommend that you watch the actor completely transform his appearance and personality in "The Darkest Hour", play the devil himself in Bram Stoker’s "Dracula", or in his legendary performance as Lee Harvey Oswald, former President JFK’s assassin, in the biopic film about John F. Kennedy, titled "JFK".
Gregory Peck
Gregory Peck was one of the most beloved and famous actors between the '40s and the '60s. In 1969, Peck was honored by President Lyndon Johnson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was selected by the American Film Institute as the 12th greatest male star of the classic Hollywood cinema era. Some of the actor's most enduring roles include "The Keys of the Kingdom" (1944), "The Yearling" (1946), "Gentleman's Agreement" (1947), and "Twelve O'Clock High" (1949).
The actor’s best role to date was Atticus Finch, in the 1962 classic drama film, "To Kill a Mockingbird". Peck is known for giving the best performance of Captain Ahab in his film adaptation of "Moby Dick". He has consistently among the highest acclaimed and best earning actors of all time. He was nominated for five Best Actor Academy awards, and received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, along with a National Medal of Arts and many Golden Globe awards.