While we love to dote on our favorite actresses and actors for their impressive talents, sometimes they do a little too good a job at convincing us that they’re really the characters they’re portraying—especially the evil ones. In fact, there are a handful of actors who make being bad look so good; we lowkey have to take a beat to remember that it’s just make-believe at the end of the day.
That’s why we thought it’d be fun to round up more than a handful of our most beloved actors who’ve done a notoriously good job at playing someone dirty; it’s truly a shock to our systems! From Denzel Washington in “Training Day” to Michael Ealy in “For Colored Girls,” keep reading to see who made our list!
Sterling K. Brown- “Is God Is”
A more recent example, true enough, but Sterling K. Brown completely flipped the script on his naturally good guy way of living by taking on the role of the abusive husband/father in “Is God Is.” The subtle choices he makes in that film are both frightening and impressive, but we’re SO GLAD he’s the complete opposite of that IRL.
RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Shaquille O’Neal Details How He Won His Secret Battle Against Sleep Apnea
Michael Ealy- “For Colored Girls”
We know he’s probably tired of hearing it at this point, but: MICHAEL EALY, YOU HAD NO BUSINESS THROWING THEM KIDS OUT THE WINDOW. WE WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THAT! OK, that felt good to get out. No, but seriously, the truly appalling way his character in “For Colored Girls” was acting was so evil, it’s still hard for fans to let it go!
Blair Underwood- “Madea’s Family Reunion” and “Dear White People”
We don’t know about you, but we can still hear the sharpness of the slap that Blair Underwood’s character gave his wife in “Madea’s Family Reunion.” That was so stinging and horrifying—as was his role in “Dear White People.” Dangit, Blair, why’d you have to make being evil look so suave and smooth?
Colman Domingo- “The Color Purple” & “Michael”
Listen: we love the fact that Colman Domingo is booked and busy and securing all these projects! He’s fun, charismatic, and an amazing dresser. But after seeing him be truly terrifying in “Michael” as Joe Jackson, Mister in “The Color Purple,” and even X in “Zola”—we’re definitely pushing to see him in something more cuddly and soft soon. This man makes being bad look so good!
Omar Epps- “Fatal Attraction”
While some women may still be swooning over Omar Epps thanks to “Love & Basketball” and “Juice,” he kicked all that desire to the curb when he played an absolute stalker in “Fatal Attraction.” That’s truly the type of stuff nightmares are made of!
Mahershala Ali- “Luke Cage”
While we’re all waiting with bated breath for Mahershala Ali to be a badass in “Blade,” we can’t act like we weren’t shooketh to see him portray Cottonmouth in Luke Cage. Talk about a switch-up from the cool, fun Mahershala we’re used to seeing on carpets! This guy was a MENACE!
Denzel Washington- “Training Day” and “Gladiator II”
Now you already know the culture rides for Denzel Washington hard. But if we’re honest, seeing him switch character and act all malicious, power-hungry, and downright evil at times in “Training Day” and “Gladiator II” definitely had us convinced he might be a little too good at his job.
Samuel L. Jackson- “Glass” and “Django Unchained”
Though we love “Uncle” Samuel L. Jackson in real life, he’s had his fair share of evil roles from “Unbreakable” and “Glass” to his coon-acting character Steven in “Django Unchained.”All three films do well to show that even though he may be funny and cool when the cameras aren’t rolling, he can switch into a completely different bag when they are!
Michael K. Williams- “The Wire”
“Omar coming! Omar coming!” Those who remember “The Wire” are sure to remember Michael K.Williams’ sinister and scary character, Omar Little. But those who worked with him and knew him will also remember just how much of a light he was and how positive he was off-screen! Rest easy, Michael.
Luke James- “THEM: The Scare”
Just one listen to Luke James’ voice or one watch of him grooving and smiling on Instagram will be enough to make you swoon. And that’s exactly why we were clutching our pearls and trying not to get freaked out too much when he played a very convincing, troubled serial killer in “THEM: The Scare.” We’re just gonna act like we didn’t see that so we can keep sweet Luke in our brains instead.
Clifton Powell- “Dead Presidents”
There’s hardly ever anything bad being said about veteran actor Clifton Powell, thanks largely in part to his amazing talent and good standing with others in the industry. But my God, seeing him in “Dead Presidents” definitely made us want to give him the side eye!
Keith David- “The Princess & the Frog”
We can’t lie: while we’re happy that Keith David finally got his star on the Walk of Fame, we’re still a little creeped out by his evil role as Dr. Facilier in “The Princess and the Frog.” Talk about a deliciously creepy and spooky role!
Giancarlo Esposito- “The Boys” and “Breaking Bad”
If there’s any actor who has a unique ability to make us sometimes root for the villain strictly because of how good he’s acting–it’s Giancarlo Esposito. Remember when he was a killer in that one episode of “Living Single?” He was so fine and charming, his own lawyer couldn’t keep her focus! And let’s not forget how ruthless he is on “The Boys” as the Vought CEO or “Breaking Bad” as the no-nonsense drug kingpin!
