Holly Hunter
Most actors have a number of minor roles, then get recognized for an outstanding job in a splashy but small role (think Paul Giamatti in Private Parts, or The Negotiator), and then get a starring role that either solidifies their star standing, or knocks them back to Tier 2.
By contrast, Holly Hunter seemed to spring from out of nowhere, fully-formed in Raising Arizona, and then was almost immediately featured in Broadcast News, a role that, outside of that twangy accent, could not have been more different.
She’s further staked a reputation as something of a rebel, repeatedly taking offbeat roles in strange films that most actresses either could not or would not be able to pull off. If you wanted a single word to best characterize her, “feisty” seems to work. With few exceptions (like Little Black Book,) she’s not made many mistakes.
Ten best roles
10) Crash 9) Copycat 8) Thirteen 7) Home For the Holidays 6) Miss Firecracker 5) Once Around 4) Broadcast News 3) Living Out Loud 2) Raising Arizona 1) The Piano
Percentile rating
96.27
