Steve Carell’s Best Roles
Steve Carell has built a remarkable career by bringing to life some of the most memorable characters in both comedy and drama. He first gained widespread recognition for his comedic talents, creating characters that were often awkward, sometimes clueless, but always deeply human and hilarious. His ability to improvise and his unique delivery made him a standout performer on both the small screen and in blockbuster films, cementing his status as a top-tier comedy star who could guarantee laughs.
Beyond the realm of comedy, Carell has also proven himself to be a formidable dramatic actor, taking on complex and challenging roles that have surprised and impressed audiences and critics alike. His transition into more serious fare showcased his incredible range, allowing him to explore darker, more nuanced characters. This versatility has defined his career, demonstrating a depth of talent that goes far beyond his comedic origins and solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected actors of his generation.
‘Get Smart’ (2008)
In this action-comedy, Steve Carell plays Maxwell Smart, a meticulous but clumsy analyst for the secret intelligence agency CONTROL. Despite his eagerness to become a field agent, he is consistently denied the opportunity due to his valuable analytical skills. However, when the identities of all active field agents are compromised, the Chief has no choice but to promote Smart, pairing him with the highly skilled and more experienced Agent 99.
Together, they are tasked with thwarting a sinister plot by the terrorist organization KAOS. Their mission takes them on a wild adventure filled with dangerous situations and comical mishaps. Smart’s by-the-book approach often clashes with Agent 99’s practical and deadly methods, leading to a series of hilarious and action-packed scenarios as they work to save the world.
‘Asteroid City’ (2023)
Steve Carell steps into a quirky and stylized world in this ensemble film. He portrays a motel manager in a desert town during the 1950s, a setting that becomes the backdrop for a Junior Stargazer convention. The story unfolds as a group of students and their parents gather for the event, only to have their scholarly competition spectacularly interrupted by a world-changing celestial occurrence.
The film features a distinct visual style and a narrative that plays out like a television broadcast of a stage play. Carell’s character is one of the many colorful individuals who find themselves quarantined in the small town after the unexpected event. He contributes to the film’s unique tone and deadpan humor as the characters navigate the strange and unpredictable circumstances they are in.
‘Seeking a Friend for the End of the World’ (2012)
This film presents a unique blend of comedy, drama, and romance set against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse. Steve Carell stars as Dodge Petersen, a mild-mannered insurance salesman whose wife leaves him in a panic upon hearing that a massive asteroid will destroy the Earth in three weeks. Left alone, Dodge decides to find his high school sweetheart, believing she was the one that got away.
His journey is unexpectedly joined by his neighbor Penny, a free-spirited young woman who has just broken up with her boyfriend. Together, they embark on a road trip that becomes less about their original goals and more about their connection. They encounter a variety of characters along the way, each dealing with the end of the world in their own way, leading to both humorous and poignant moments.
‘Foxcatcher’ (2014)
In a startling transformation, Steve Carell took on the role of John du Pont, an eccentric and multimillionaire heir who sets out to establish a prestigious wrestling training facility on his family’s estate. The film is based on the true story of du Pont’s relationship with Olympic gold medalist wrestlers Mark and Dave Schultz. Carell’s performance is quiet and unsettling, capturing the strange and often disturbing nature of his character.
The film explores the complex and ultimately tragic dynamic that develops between du Pont and the two brothers. As du Pont’s behavior becomes more erratic and his motivations more suspect, the atmosphere at the Foxcatcher farm grows increasingly tense. The story delves into themes of wealth, power, and obsession, culminating in a shocking act that stunned the sporting world.
‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ (2004)
Steve Carell plays Brick Tamland, the comically dim-witted and socially awkward weatherman for the Channel 4 news team. As a member of Ron Burgundy’s crew, Brick is known for his bizarre non-sequiturs and his love for inanimate objects. His contributions to the news team’s conversations are often nonsensical, yet delivered with a deadpan sincerity that makes them incredibly funny.
The film follows the antics of the top-rated news team in 1970s San Diego whose dominance is challenged by the arrival of an ambitious female journalist. Brick is a key part of the ensemble cast, providing some of the movie’s most quoted and memorable lines. His character’s innocent absurdity offers a perfect contrast to the arrogance and buffoonery of his colleagues.
‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’ (2005)
Steve Carell co-wrote and starred in this hit comedy as Andy Stitzer, a kind-hearted but painfully shy employee at an electronics store who has never had sex. When his co-workers discover his secret, they make it their mission to help him lose his virginity. This leads to a series of disastrous and hilarious attempts at dating and seduction, all based on their questionable advice.
Amidst the raunchy humor and comedic set pieces, the film also has a genuine sweetness. Andy eventually meets Trish, a single mother who runs a nearby store, and they begin a tentative relationship. The story then focuses on their efforts to navigate the complexities of intimacy and build a real connection, all while Andy tries to keep his big secret from her.
‘Vice’ (2018)
In this biographical film, Steve Carell portrays Donald Rumsfeld, the influential and often controversial Secretary of Defense. The movie provides a satirical and unconventional look at the life and career of Dick Cheney, who rose from a humble background to become one of the most powerful Vice Presidents in American history. Carell’s performance captures Rumsfeld’s confident and assertive demeanor.
The film chronicles key moments in modern American history, with Carell’s Rumsfeld playing a significant role in the events surrounding the George W. Bush administration. He is depicted as a key ally and mentor to Cheney, shaping policies and strategies that would have a lasting impact on the world stage. The movie uses a unique and often humorous narrative style to explore the inner workings of political power.
‘Beautiful Boy’ (2018)
Steve Carell delivers a powerful dramatic performance as David Sheff, a writer who is struggling to cope with his son’s methamphetamine addiction. The film is based on the memoirs of both the real-life father and son, offering a raw and emotional look at the impact of addiction on a family. Carell portrays the heart-wrenching journey of a father trying desperately to save his child.
The narrative shifts between past and present, showing the close and loving relationship David had with his son Nic before the addiction took hold. It then contrasts these happy memories with the harsh reality of relapse and recovery. The film provides an unflinching look at the feelings of helplessness, frustration, and enduring love that define a family’s battle with this devastating disease.
‘The Way Way Back’ (2013)
In this coming-of-age story, Steve Carell plays a character that is a departure from his more likable roles. He portrays Trent, the overbearing and condescending boyfriend of the main character’s mother. The film centers on a shy 14-year-old boy named Duncan who is forced to spend his summer vacation at a beach house with his mom, Trent, and Trent’s daughter.
Feeling like an outcast, Duncan finds an unexpected friendship and a sense of belonging at a local water park. He is taken under the wing of the park’s carefree manager, who gives him a job and some much-needed confidence. Carell’s character serves as the primary antagonist, whose belittling behavior toward Duncan pushes the boy to finally find his own voice and stand up for himself.
‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’ (2011)
Steve Carell stars as Cal Weaver, a man whose life is turned upside down when his wife of nearly 25 years asks for a divorce. Suddenly single and navigating the dating world for the first time in decades, Cal is lost and overwhelmed. He begins frequenting a stylish bar where he meets Jacob Palmer, a smooth-talking ladies’ man who decides to take Cal under his wing.
Jacob teaches Cal how to dress, how to talk to women, and how to regain his confidence. As Cal begins his transformation, the film explores the romantic entanglements of a whole web of interconnected characters, including his children and Jacob himself. The story is a heartfelt and humorous look at the different forms of love and the complexities of relationships.
‘Despicable Me’ (2010)
Steve Carell voices the character of Gru, a supervillain who takes pride in his wicked accomplishments. Armed with an arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles, he plots to pull off the biggest heist in history by stealing the moon. However, his plans are complicated when he encounters three young orphan girls who see him as something he never expected, a potential father.
Gru initially adopts the girls as part of his evil scheme, intending to use them to get past his rival, Vector. But as he spends more time with Margo, Edith, and Agnes, he finds his cold heart starting to warm up to them. The film is a charming and funny story about how the love of a family can change someone for the better, turning a master of villainy into an unlikely hero.
‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006)
In this acclaimed indie film, Steve Carell plays Frank Ginsberg, a Proust scholar who has recently survived a suicide attempt. He joins his dysfunctional family on a cross-country road trip in their bright yellow VW bus. The purpose of the trip is to get his young niece, Olive, to the finals of a children’s beauty pageant in California.
The journey is filled with a series of comical and poignant mishaps that test the patience and sanity of the entire Hoover family. Frank, who is still dealing with his own personal and professional turmoil, slowly begins to reconnect with his relatives. The film is a touching and hilarious exploration of family, failure, and the importance of supporting one another through life’s absurd challenges.
‘The Big Short’ (2015)
Steve Carell gives a standout performance as Mark Baum, a cynical and hot-tempered hedge fund manager who discovers the massive fraud and instability within the U.S. housing market. The film follows several key players who predicted the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and decided to bet against the big banks. Carell’s character is driven by a moral outrage at the greed and corruption he uncovers.
The movie breaks down complex financial concepts in an accessible and entertaining way, often breaking the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience. Baum and his team travel across the country to investigate the housing bubble, meeting with mortgage brokers and homeowners who are caught up in the impending collapse. It’s a sharp and engaging story about a group of outsiders who saw the crash coming when no one else would listen.
‘The Morning Show’ (2019–)
In this drama series, Steve Carell plays Mitch Kessler, a popular and charismatic morning news anchor whose career is abruptly ended by allegations of sexual misconduct. The show explores the power dynamics and toxic culture of a network television news program in the wake of his firing. Carell’s character is complex, as the series delves into his perspective and the fallout of his actions.
The story focuses on the aftermath of the scandal, both for the show and for the people who worked with Mitch, including his longtime co-anchor. It examines the personal and professional lives of those in the high-stakes world of morning television as they navigate a new landscape. The series tackles timely themes and provides a nuanced look at the individuals caught in the crossfire of a major media controversy.
‘The Office’ (2005–2013)
Steve Carell’s most iconic role is arguably that of Michael Scott, the well-meaning but often clueless regional manager of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. Michael desperately wants to be the best friend and coolest boss to his employees, but his attempts at humor and connection usually result in awkward and cringe-worthy situations. Despite his many flaws, he has a genuine affection for his staff.
The series is a mockumentary that follows the daily lives of the office employees, capturing their mundane work routines and their hilarious interactions with their unconventional boss. Michael’s antics are the heart of the show’s comedy for seven seasons, from his poorly executed diversity training exercises to his elaborate party planning. Underneath all the comedy, the show also reveals the loneliness and humanity of a man who just wants to be loved.
What is your favorite Steve Carell role that you would add to this list?
