Actors Who’ve Played the Same Character Over 20+ Years

Some screen icons don’t just play a role-they carry it across decades, sequels, spin-offs, and revivals. The actors below have returned to the same character again and again, sometimes in new eras or mediums, building long, continuous legacies. From action heroes and space captains to animated and voice-only legends, each entry highlights where the role began, how it evolved, and where audiences saw the character most recently. Here are standout examples of men who kept a single character alive for well over two decades.

Kelsey Grammer – Dr. Frasier Crane

Kelsey Grammer first appeared as Frasier Crane on ‘Cheers’ and then led the spin-off ‘Frasier’. He revisited the role in the recent ‘Frasier’ revival, extending one of TV’s longest character runs. Along the way, the character crossed networks and show formats, from ensemble comedy to a solo vehicle. The run includes guest appearances that bridge the original ensemble and the character’s later, independent life.

Harrison Ford – Indiana Jones

Harrison Ford introduced Indiana Jones in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and continued the archaeologist’s adventures through multiple sequels. He returned to the fedora and whip in ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’. The character’s timeline stretches across different stages of Ford’s career, with practical stunt work remaining a hallmark. Indy’s cinematic saga links classic pulp inspirations with contemporary filmmaking.

Hugh Jackman – Wolverine

Hugh Jackman debuted as Wolverine in ‘X-Men’ and carried the character across the main series and solo films. He explored different shades of Logan, from team player to a stripped-down portrait in ‘Logan’. Jackman later crossed into a new corner of the franchise with ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Across appearances, iconic elements like the claws, healing factor, and gruff demeanor stayed consistent.

Sylvester Stallone – Rocky Balboa

Sylvester Stallone originated Rocky in ‘Rocky’ and continued the boxer’s story through sequels and a late-career coda. He extended Rocky’s legacy by mentoring Adonis Creed in ‘Creed’ and ‘Creed II’. The character evolved from underdog fighter to retired trainer, reflecting changes in the sport and in Rocky’s personal life. Stallone’s portrayal spans theatrical releases and a connected spin-off lineage.

Sylvester Stallone – John Rambo

Stallone also sustained John Rambo from ‘First Blood’ through later entries culminating with ‘Rambo: Last Blood’. The portrayal shifted from a character study to large-scale action and back to a personal, home-front narrative. Key motifs-survival skills, trauma, and lone-wolf tactics-remained central. The franchise tracks changing action styles while keeping Rambo’s core conflicts intact.

Arnold Schwarzenegger – The Terminator

Arnold Schwarzenegger introduced the T-800 in ‘The Terminator’ and kept returning in sequels like ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ and ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’. He has played variations on the model, including protector and antagonist. The role blends practical presence with cutting-edge effects across installments. Schwarzenegger’s physicality and laconic delivery anchor the franchise’s shifting timelines.

Tom Cruise – Ethan Hunt

Tom Cruise launched Ethan Hunt in ‘Mission: Impossible’ and sustained the role through an ongoing series of high-octane entries. The character’s defining element is practical stunt spectacle, from the Langley heist to the halo jump and beyond. Ensemble collaborators-like Luther Stickell and Benji Dunn-give the spy team continuity. The series grew from a TV adaptation into a signature modern action brand.

Patrick Stewart – Jean-Luc Picard

Patrick Stewart began as Captain Picard in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and later revisited the character in ‘Star Trek: Picard’. The role spans films and streaming, exploring Picard’s command, retirement, and legacy. Stewart’s run incorporates crossovers with characters from ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ and ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’. Themes of diplomacy, ethics, and identity thread through his long tenure.

Mark Hamill – Luke Skywalker

Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker began in ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ and continued through the sequel trilogy. He later appeared via de-aging and special effects in ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Book of Boba Fett’. The character’s arc moves from farmboy to Jedi Master, then to mentor and legend. Hamill’s voice and physical performance remain central to the saga’s continuity.

Anthony Daniels – C-3PO

Anthony Daniels has portrayed C-3PO across the Skywalker saga, animated projects, and live-action television appearances. He maintained the droid’s fussy personality through films like ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘The Rise of Skywalker’. Daniels also turned up in ‘Ahsoka’, keeping the character active in new stories. His performance links generations of ‘Star Wars’ audiences and formats.

Keanu Reeves – Neo

Keanu Reeves first played Neo in ‘The Matrix’ and later returned in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. The character’s journey explores simulation, identity, and agency, framed by ground-breaking action design. Reeves’ return updated the franchise’s visual language and thematic focus. Across appearances, Neo remains tied to the relationship with Trinity and the idea of choice.

Ewan McGregor – Obi-Wan Kenobi

Ewan McGregor took on Obi-Wan Kenobi in ‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’ and reprised the role in ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’. His portrayal bridges the fall of the Jedi and the rise of the Empire. The streaming series explores exile, trauma, and reconnection with allies and adversaries. Lightsaber choreography and character introspection both evolved with his return.

Michael Keaton – Batman / Bruce Wayne

Michael Keaton introduced his take on Batman in ‘Batman’ and reappeared decades later in ‘The Flash’. The comeback revisited the gothic-tinged interpretation first established with director Tim Burton. Keaton’s return placed his Batman alongside multiversal counterparts and new heroes. The appearances span standalone films and crossover storytelling.

Ralph Macchio – Daniel LaRusso

Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso began in ‘The Karate Kid’ and continued into ‘Cobra Kai’. The character evolved from bullied student to mentor and business owner. Rivalries with Johnny Lawrence and ties to Miyagi-Do remain central. The streaming series deepens relationships while introducing a new generation of students.

Vin Diesel – Dominic Toretto

Vin Diesel launched Dominic Toretto in ‘The Fast and the Furious’ and kept the role across the franchise’s expansion. The character’s throughline emphasizes family, loyalty, and street-racing roots scaled up to global heists. Crossovers with ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ characters broaden the universe. Toretto’s arc connects early street scenes to ensemble mega-missions.

Peter Cullen – Optimus Prime (voice)

Peter Cullen originated Optimus Prime in ‘The Transformers’ animated series and later voiced the character in live-action films like ‘Transformers’ and ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. His resonant delivery defines the Autobot leader’s gravitas. Cullen’s performance spans television, film, and games, preserving a consistent persona. The role anchors the franchise’s moral center across formats.

William Shatner – James T. Kirk

William Shatner portrayed Captain Kirk on ‘Star Trek’ and carried the character into a long run of feature films. The portrayal helped codify Federation exploration, command decisiveness, and ensemble dynamics. Kirk’s cinematic chapters intersect with legacy characters and new officers. Shatner’s work set a template for later captains across the franchise.

Bruce Willis – John McClane

Bruce Willis introduced John McClane in ‘Die Hard’ and returned across multiple sequels. The character mixes everyman vulnerability with escalating action stakes. Settings shift from a single high-rise to international arenas while keeping McClane’s sardonic attitude. The role influenced modern action protagonists and franchise design.

Tom Hanks – Woody (voice)

Tom Hanks first voiced Woody in ‘Toy Story’ and continued through subsequent films and specials. Woody’s arc explores friendship, purpose, and leadership within the ensemble of toys. Hanks’ performance balances comedy and heartfelt storytelling. The character remains a cornerstone of Pixar’s identity.

Rowan Atkinson – Mr. Bean

Rowan Atkinson created Mr. Bean for ‘Mr. Bean’ and expanded the character through ‘Bean’, ‘Mr. Bean’s Holiday’, and specials. The role spans live-action TV, feature films, and the ‘Mr. Bean: The Animated Series’ where Atkinson has contributed voice work. Physical comedy and near-silent storytelling define the character’s global appeal. Appearances across formats keep the persona active for new audiences.

Share your picks-who else has kept a single character going for two decades or more?