Hollywood Actors Who Are National Treasures

These performers have transcended the role of mere entertainer to become cultural icons and beloved figures in cinema history. Their filmographies span decades and include some of the most memorable characters ever committed to celluloid. Audiences around the world recognize their faces and voices instantly due to their immense contributions to the arts. This list celebrates the men who have shaped Hollywood through their talent and enduring charisma.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is frequently cited as one of the most beloved figures in American entertainment history. He won back-to-back Academy Awards for his dramatic performances in ‘Philadelphia’ and ‘Forrest Gump’. His voice work as Sheriff Woody in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise introduced him to a new generation of fans. Hanks has built a reputation for playing decent and heroic characters that resonate deeply with audiences.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman possesses one of the most distinct and authoritative voices in the film industry. He garnered widespread acclaim for his role as Red in ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and won an Oscar for ‘Million Dollar Baby’. His commanding presence allows him to play figures of great wisdom and power including the President and God. Freeman remains a highly respected elder statesman of Hollywood with a career spanning over half a century.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford defined the archetype of the modern action hero through his portrayals of Han Solo and Indiana Jones. He starred in some of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time including ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’. His performance in ‘Blade Runner’ established him as a versatile actor capable of navigating complex sci-fi noir. Ford continues to be a major box office draw and a symbol of rugged charisma.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation due to his intense and powerful performances. He has won two Academy Awards for his work in the historical drama ‘Glory’ and the crime thriller ‘Training Day’. His ability to portray complex characters with dignity and strength has made him a screen legend. Washington has also found success behind the camera as a director and producer.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro is celebrated for his uncompromising method acting and long collaboration with director Martin Scorsese. He delivered iconic performances in gritty films such as ‘Taxi Driver’ and ‘Raging Bull’. His portrayal of a young Vito Corleone in ‘The Godfather Part II’ set a high standard for dramatic acting. De Niro later displayed his comedic range in popular movies like ‘Meet the Parents’.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino exploded onto the Hollywood scene with his intense portrayal of Michael Corleone in ‘The Godfather’. He became a cultural phenomenon with his explosive performance as Tony Montana in the crime drama ‘Scarface’. Pacino finally won a long-overdue Academy Award for playing a blind lieutenant colonel in ‘Scent of a Woman’. His energetic acting style and distinct delivery remain instantly recognizable to film fans everywhere.

Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson holds the record for being the most nominated male actor in Academy Award history. He is known for playing rebellious and often unhinged characters in films like ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘The Shining’. His charismatic grin and dynamic screen presence made him a superstar for several decades. Nicholson successfully transitioned from counterculture icon to mainstream heavyweight with ease.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood rose to fame as the stoic Man with No Name in classic spaghetti westerns. He solidified his status as a tough guy icon playing Harry Callahan in the ‘Dirty Harry’ series. Eastwood later evolved into a sensitive and acclaimed director with films like ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’. His contribution to American cinema covers acting, directing, and composing over a vast career.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time thanks to his prolific work ethic. He became a pop culture icon following his role as Jules Winnfield in ‘Pulp Fiction’. His portrayal of Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe tied together a massive franchise of superhero films. Jackson is known for his fiery delivery and ability to steal the show in any genre.

Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges comes from a famous acting family and has carved out a unique legacy of his own. He created a cult phenomenon with his relaxed performance as The Dude in ‘The Big Lebowski’. Bridges won an Academy Award for playing a washed-up country singer in ‘Crazy Heart’. His naturalistic acting style allows him to play everything from villains to loveable heroes.

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox captured the hearts of millions as the energetic Marty McFly in the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy. He first gained fame on television as the ambitious Alex P. Keaton on ‘Family Ties’. Despite his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease he continued to work and became a fierce advocate for research. Fox remains a symbol of optimism and resilience within the entertainment industry.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray transitioned from a sketch comedy player on television to one of the most beloved film stars in the world. He starred in comedy classics such as ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Groundhog Day’ that defined a generation of humor. Murray later gained critical acclaim for his dramatic turn in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Lost in Translation’. His eccentric public persona and dry wit have made him a living legend.

Steve Martin

Steve Martin began his career as a wildly successful stand-up comedian before conquering the film world. He wrote and starred in the comedy masterpiece ‘The Jerk’ which showcased his absurdist humor. Martin proved his dramatic capabilities in films like ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ and ‘Parenthood’. He is also an accomplished musician and writer who remains active in the industry.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy saved ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the early eighties before becoming the biggest movie star in the world. His energetic performances in ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and ‘Coming to America’ showcased his incredible range. He later found massive success in family films as the voice of Donkey in the ‘Shrek’ franchise. Murphy is widely considered one of the greatest comedic talents to ever grace the screen.

Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito has enjoyed a diverse career as an actor, director, and producer. He gained prominence as the abrasive dispatcher Louie De Palma on the sitcom ‘Taxi’. DeVito is known for his comedic roles in films like ‘Twins’ and his dark portrayal of the Penguin in ‘Batman Returns’. He continues to entertain audiences with his role on the long-running show ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’.

Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken is famous for his unique speech pattern and intense eccentric charisma. He won an Academy Award for his harrowing performance in the war drama ‘The Deer Hunter’. Walken has appeared in a vast array of films ranging from ‘Pulp Fiction’ to musical videos. His ability to be simultaneously terrifying and hilarious makes him a unique Hollywood asset.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman was a dominant force in American cinema before his retirement from acting. He starred in gritty thrillers like ‘The French Connection’ and ‘The Conversation’. Hackman displayed his comedic timing as Lex Luthor in ‘Superman’ and in ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’. His realistic and powerful acting style anchored every film he appeared in.

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman challenged the traditional look of a leading man with his breakout role in ‘The Graduate’. He demonstrated incredible versatility by playing a con man in ‘Midnight Cowboy’ and a woman in ‘Tootsie’. Hoffman won Oscars for his performances in ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ and ‘Rain Man’. His commitment to his craft helped redefine acting in the New Hollywood era.

Robert Redford

Robert Redford became a premier matinee idol with hits like ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’. He starred in critical darlings such as ‘The Sting’ and ‘All the President’s Men’. Redford also founded the Sundance Film Festival to support independent filmmakers and artists. His contribution to cinema extends far beyond his work in front of the camera.

Dick Van Dyke

Dick Van Dyke is a comedy legend known for his incredible physical humor and likability. He starred in the classic sitcom ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ and the beloved musical ‘Mary Poppins’. His career has spanned seven decades and he continues to perform well into his nineties. Van Dyke represents a golden era of wholesome entertainment and song.

Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks is a comedy giant who wrote and directed some of the funniest films ever made. His parodies like ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’ pushed boundaries and broke box office records. He is one of the few entertainers to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Brooks remains a sharp and hilarious voice in the entertainment world.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves has maintained a rare level of goodwill with audiences for decades. He starred in the ‘Bill & Ted’ franchise before becoming an action superstar in ‘Speed’ and ‘The Matrix’. Reeves experienced a career resurgence with the highly successful ‘John Wick’ series. He is frequently praised for his kindness and humility off the screen.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is one of the last true movie stars with a global box office draw that has lasted forty years. He became a household name with hits like ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Risky Business’. Cruise is famous for performing his own dangerous stunts in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. his dedication to the theatrical experience kept cinemas alive during difficult times.

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill is forever enshrined in pop culture history as Luke Skywalker in the ‘Star Wars’ saga. He successfully pivoted to voice acting and became the definitive voice of the Joker in animation. Hamill engages frequently with fans and embraces his legacy within the sci-fi community. He is viewed as a benevolent guardian of the franchises he helped build.

William Shatner

William Shatner became a sci-fi icon as Captain James T. Kirk in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. His unique delivery and confident swagger defined the role for generations of fans. Shatner later found television success as the lead in ‘T.J. Hooker’ and ‘Boston Legal’. He remains a tireless performer and recently traveled to space in real life.

John Goodman

John Goodman is a character actor with the presence of a leading man. He became a household name as Dan Conner on the sitcom ‘Roseanne’. Goodman has appeared in numerous Coen Brothers films including ‘The Big Lebowski’ and ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’. His warm voice and imposing frame allow him to play both comforting and menacing roles.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe is one of the most distinctive and adventurous actors working today. He has played everything from Jesus in ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ to the Green Goblin in ‘Spider-Man’. Dafoe moves effortlessly between big-budget blockbusters and small experimental art films. His expressive face and intense commitment make every performance memorable.

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner dominated the box office in the late eighties and early nineties. He directed and starred in the Best Picture winner ‘Dances with Wolves’. Costner starred in iconic sports films like ‘Field of Dreams’ and ‘Bull Durham’. He recently found massive success on television as the patriarch in the series ‘Yellowstone’.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone wrote and starred in ‘Rocky’ which became a massive critical and commercial success. He created another iconic character with John Rambo in the ‘First Blood’ series. Stallone proved his longevity by reviving his franchises and launching ‘The Expendables’. He is a symbol of the underdog who fights his way to the top.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger transitioned from a bodybuilding champion to the biggest action star on the planet. He defined the genre with films like ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Predator’. Schwarzenegger displayed surprising comedic chops in movies such as ‘Twins’ and ‘Kindergarten Cop’. His journey from Austrian immigrant to Hollywood royalty is the embodiment of the American Dream.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage is known for his eccentric and often manic performance style. He won an Academy Award for ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ and starred in blockbusters like ‘The Rock’. Cage actually starred in the movie ‘National Treasure’ which solidified his place in adventure cinema. His willingness to take risks has created a cult following around his work.

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton began as a comedic actor in ‘Mr. Mom’ before shocking the world as Batman. He played the lead role in Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice’ with manic energy. Keaton experienced a major career renaissance with his Oscar-nominated role in ‘Birdman’. He remains a versatile actor capable of intense drama and slapstick comedy.

Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas has produced and starred in some of the most successful films of the modern era. He won an Oscar for his portrayal of the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko in ‘Wall Street’. Douglas also produced the Best Picture winner ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’. He continues to act in major projects including the ‘Ant-Man’ superhero films.

Henry Winkler

Henry Winkler became an international superstar playing Arthur Fonzarelli on ‘Happy Days’. The Fonz was the epitome of cool and remains one of television’s most recognizable characters. Winkler later transitioned into a celebrated character actor on shows like ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Barry’. He is widely known as one of the nicest men in Hollywood.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne has brought gravitas to the screen since he was a teenager in ‘Apocalypse Now’. He is best known for his role as Morpheus in ‘The Matrix’ trilogy. Fishburne delivered a powerful performance as Ike Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. His deep voice and commanding presence make him an authority figure in many films.

Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon has worked so prolifically that a trivia game was created based on his connections to other actors. He starred in the dance classic ‘Footloose’ and the thriller ‘Tremors’. Bacon has consistently delivered solid performances in both villainous and heroic roles. He embraces his ubiquity in pop culture with humor and grace.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser was a major box office draw in the nineties with ‘The Mummy’ franchise. He starred in comedies like ‘George of the Jungle’ and dramas like ‘Gods and Monsters’. Fraser recently made a triumphant comeback with his Oscar-winning performance in ‘The Whale’. His genuine appreciation for his fans has made him a beloved figure online.

Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci is a consummate character actor who enhances every film he appears in. He is known for his roles in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘The Hunger Games’ series. Tucci also directed the acclaimed film ‘Big Night’ which celebrated food and culture. His travel show about Italian cuisine further endeared him to audiences worldwide.

James Hong

James Hong has one of the most extensive credit lists in Hollywood history with hundreds of roles. He appeared in classics like ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘Big Trouble in Little China’. Hong voiced the father in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ franchise and starred in ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’. He finally received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in his nineties.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston started as a comedic actor on ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ before redefining his career. His portrayal of Walter White in ‘Breaking Bad’ is considered one of the greatest television performances ever. Cranston won a Tony Award for playing President Lyndon B. Johnson in ‘All the Way’. He is a master of playing characters who undergo dramatic transformations.

Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart brought Shakespearean training to the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. He also portrayed Professor Charles Xavier in the ‘X-Men’ film series. Stewart is known for his immense dignity and powerful vocal delivery. He remains a vital link between the world of classical theater and pop culture blockbusters.

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins terrified audiences with his Oscar-winning performance as Hannibal Lecter in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. He has played a wide range of historical figures including Nixon and Picasso. Hopkins won a second Academy Award recently for his heartbreaking role in ‘The Father’. He is widely considered one of the most skilled living actors.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson established himself as a dramatic heavyweight with his role in ‘Schindler’s List’. He later reinvented himself as an action star with the ‘Taken’ franchise. Neeson also played the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in ‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’. His particular set of skills has kept him a box office attraction for decades.

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman is known as a chameleon who disappears completely into his roles. He played iconic villains in ‘The Professional’ and ‘The Fifth Element’. Oldman won an Oscar for his transformation into Winston Churchill for ‘Darkest Hour’. He also played the heroic Jim Gordon in ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy.

Tommy Lee Jones

Tommy Lee Jones is known for his gruff demeanor and dry wit on screen. He won an Academy Award for his relentless pursuit of the fugitive in ‘The Fugitive’. Jones starred alongside Will Smith in the ‘Men in Black’ sci-fi comedies. His directorial work in ‘The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada’ garnered critical praise.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker is a powerful character actor known for his intense emotional depth. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Idi Amin in ‘The Last King of Scotland’. Whitaker has appeared in major franchises including ‘Star Wars’ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He continues to take on challenging roles in both independent and studio films.

Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal is a comedic force who defined the romantic comedy genre with ‘When Harry Met Sally’. He hosted the Academy Awards nine times and was beloved for his opening montages. Crystal voiced Mike Wazowski in the Pixar hit ‘Monsters, Inc.’. He remains a celebrated figure in American comedy and theater.

Martin Sheen

Martin Sheen has been a politically active and acclaimed actor for over fifty years. He starred in the landmark war film ‘Apocalypse Now’ and the crime drama ‘Badlands’. Sheen is perhaps best known for playing President Jed Bartlet on ‘The West Wing’. His career reflects a deep commitment to social issues and artistic integrity.

Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell transitioned from a Disney child star to a rugged action hero. He collaborated with John Carpenter on cult classics like ‘Escape from New York’ and ‘The Thing’. Russell showed his comedic side in ‘Big Trouble in Little China’ and ‘Overboard’. He remains a cool and reliable presence in modern blockbusters like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt rose from a character actor to one of the biggest stars in the world. He starred in cult hits like ‘Fight Club’ and ‘Se7en’ early in his career. Pitt won an acting Oscar for ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ and a producing Oscar for ’12 Years a Slave’. He consistently uses his star power to get difficult and artistic films made.

Please tell us who your favorite national treasure is in the comments.