8 Actors Who Love Their Iconic Roles And 8 Who Can't Stand Them

Actors have their favorite characters, just like us.

Damjan

• Published in Film & TV
• February 25, 2023

We all have to play some roles in life that we don't like. Whether it is a job we don't enjoy, a family dynamic that is less than ideal, or a responsibility that is too much for us to bear, we all have to take on roles that test us and push us out of our comfort zone.

Actors are no different. They may be in the spotlight on the big screen, but the truth is that they have to take on roles that they don't always like.

They may have to play the villain, the sidekick, or the comic relief. They have to be able to step out of their comfort zone and portray characters that challenge them in ways that they may not be prepared for.

Some actors have become so strongly associated with their portrayals that they have become inseparable. Unfortunately, while some of these performers embraced their legendary parts despite the reviews, others are highly critical of them despite the fame they have brought them.

In this article, you will learn who cherishes their most renowned characters and who despises them. So, if you are ready, let's take a closer look.

Be warned, though; you might be disappointed.

1. Loved: Emma Watson – Hermione Granger, Harry Potter

There is no denying that Emma Watson was the perfect choice for the role of Hermione Granger. She had always admired the smart and hardworking wizard girl and was very eager to play the character. Her wish came true when the casting crew arrived at her school and, at the young age of nine, Watson was cast.

“I could be one hundred years old and in my rocker, but I’ll still be very proud that I was part of the Harry Potter films,” said Watson.

2. Hated: Robert Pattinson – Edward Cullen, Twilight

When it comes to Robert Pattinson, the first thing that comes to many people's minds is Edward Cullen and Twilight. However, it might come as a surprise that Pattinson is actually the character's most notorious hater.

He didn't try to hide his distaste for the glittering vampire, speaking out against both the books and the films and even ripping into his own character. He once famously remarked, "The more I read the script, the more I hated this guy, so that's how I played him, as a manic-depressive who hates himself."

He even went as far as to joke that if Edward were a real person, he would be an axe murderer.

3. Loved: Nathalie Emmanuel – Game Of Thrones

Missandei, Daenerys Targaryen's devoted right-hand woman, was cherished by many devoted Game of Thrones fans. The actress who portrayed her, Nathalie Emmanuel, was an admirer of the show long before her casting.

Being a part of it was an immense blessing for her, and she was immensely grateful for the opportunities it brought her. Her ardor for the character and the show gave her the strength to get through the audition process, which used to be a challenge for her.

4. Hated: Jason Segel – Marshall, How I Met Your Mother

In 2010, Jason Segel admitted that he was exhausted from playing Marshall in How I Met Your Mother, which had an impressive nine-season run with over 200 episodes. He explained that being typecasted as one character for eight years was contrary to his career goals, considering his idol was Peter Sellers. Segel also confessed that he felt he had given all he could to the role and had nothing more to offer.

5. Loved: Chadwick Boseman – T’Challa, Black Panther

Thanks to Chadwick Boseman's incredible portrayal of T'Challa, Black Panther was an unprecedented success for Hollywood. It was a revolutionary movie that told the story of an African hero, and Marvel fans all around the world fell in love with the King of Wakanda. Boseman himself was deeply moved by what the film represented, feeling proud that African children now have a superhero to idolize.

6. Hated: Zac Efron – Troy Bolton, High School Musical

Despite the fact that High School Musical is beloved by many, Zac Efron wishes he could erase it from his memory. He refers to his part in the film as a "jacka--" and claims he would beat up his teenage self if he had the chance. When asked about his fame from the movie, Efron stated, "I try not to look at all of it. You can't enjoy or celebrate it, it's not a real thing."

7. Loved: Keanu Reeves – John Constantine, Constantine

Keanu Reeves has surprisingly declared that his favorite character to play is not Neo Anderson or John Wick, the iconic characters that have made him famous and brought him wealth. Instead, it is John Constantine from the movie “Constantine” that he adores the most.

Reeves was a great admirer of the comic book, so when he had the opportunity to play this cynical superhero, he instantly grabbed it. Even though the movie was met with criticism, Reeves still enjoyed his part to the maximum.

8. Hated: Amanda Seyfried – Karen Smith, Mean Girls

The cult classic movie Mean Girls continues to be a favorite among many, and it's clear that the well-written characters are a major factor in its success. However, Amanda Seyfried has revealed she's not a fan of her most iconic role as Karen Smith. In the movie, Karen has an odd ability to predict the weather when she holds her breasts, which was written as a joke.

But Seyfried was far from amused. She was just 18 when boys started to ask her to show them her own weather-predicting skills, which made her feel extremely uncomfortable. She told Marie Claire, “I always felt really grossed out by that. It was just gross.”

9. Loved: Morgan Freeman – Street Smart

Morgan Freeman's acting career began in 1964, but it wasn't until 1987's "Street Smart" that he would get his big break. In the movie, he starred as Fast Black, a pimp. His outstanding performance earned him an Academy Award nomination, and Freeman has cited this as his breakthrough role.

Following this, he started to become more recognized in the industry, taking on leading roles in films such as "Glory" and "Driving Miss Daisy."

10. Hated: Christopher Plummer – The Sound of Music

Many would argue that Christopher Plummer's performance in The Sound of Music was the reason he became famous, and they would be right. The movie did make Plummer's name well known, although he wasn't a fan of it.

In an interview, Plummer described the role as one of his most difficult, saying, "it was so terrible and emotional and saccharine. I had to work really hard to add a little bit of humor to it."

11. Loved: Samuel L. Jackson – The Long Kiss Goodnight

Samuel L. Jackson has revealed that his favorite character of all the 150-plus films he has starred in is Mitch Hennessey from The Long Kiss Goodnight. During an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” he expressed that this role was at the top of his list, even above characters such as Ray Arnold in Jurassic Park, Jules in Pulp Fiction, and Nick Fury in The Avengers.

We think The Long Kiss Goodnight is a great movie, and everyone should watch it at least once!

12. Hated: Kate Winslet – Titanic

Although many people view Titanic as one of the best romantic films ever made and can rewatch it endlessly, Kate Winslet was only able to bear to view the movie once. She harshly scrutinized her performance, remarking, “I have a hard time watching any of my performances, but watching Titanic, I was just like 'Ah, I want to do that bit again. Can’t we go again? Please? One more take?’”

13. Loved: James McAvoy – Mr. Tumnus, The Chronicles Of Narnia

James McAvoy's most beloved role is not Charles Xavier or the protagonist in Split, but instead Mr. Tumnus in the Chronicles of Narnia franchise. The actor was ecstatic to have the opportunity to portray his favorite character from children's literature.

"It's not something you get to do in other roles," McAvoy expressed.

14. Hated: Miley Cyrus – Hannah Montana

Miley Cyrus has been vocal about how her time as the star of Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" has taken a toll on her mental and emotional well-being. The singer has opened up about the anxiety attacks she experienced on the set and the pressure of having to maintain unrealistic beauty standards.

Although her career began with her role as the lead in the show, it didn't bring her the same enjoyment as it did for viewers.

“I was told for so long what a girl is supposed to be from being on that show,” Cyrus shared. “I was made to look like someone that I wasn’t.”

15. Loved: Joseph Quinn – Stranger Things

Joseph Quinn is a huge fan of the Netflix series Stranger Things. His love for his character Eddie Munson is widely known, and Quinn has stated that he was extremely touched by the response Eddie received from fans. He has also expressed his wish to return to the show, just like his fans.

16. Hated: Jamie Dornan – 50 Shades Of Grey

Whenever the topic of "50 Shades of Grey" arises, Jamie Dornan's name is inevitably brought up. However, the actor is not fond of his character and has stated that he does not believe he could be friends with Christian Grey in real life.

"He’s not the sort of bloke I’d get along with,” Dornan said. “All my mates are easygoing and quick to laugh — I wouldn’t imagine myself sitting in a pub with him. I don’t think he would be my type when it comes to choosing mates.”

Just like in life, there are roles that are difficult to take on, and the actor has to be able to adapt to them. They may have to take on a role that is emotionally draining or a role that is morally confronting. They may even have to take on a role that is completely outside of their comfort zone.

No matter how difficult the role, actors have to be able to take it on and make it their own. And that deserves respect.

Damjan