Having an over the top or even just a quirky personality can add something special to an actor's on-screen portrayals. No two people will ever present a character, in the same way, all due to the fact that everyone has something they bring to the table.
Nerdy actors whether it’s in real life or on-screen, bring comedy gold to their films. Let’s face it, if there was an award for this character type, Michael Cera would take the grand prize every year. Movies like “Juno” serve as a perfect fit for actors like Michael Cera, where a naturally shy and awkward person could really shine.Here are the actors that have added a quirky realness to a character on the screen and a nerdy complex to their life.
Matthew Lewis
Hands down his most famous role, Matthew Lewis portrayed Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter movie series franchise. Potterheads watched Lewis grow up on the screen from 2001 to 2011. During those years he went from a shy actor to the heartthrob hero.
After the eighth and final Harry Potter movie premiere in 2011, Lewis went on to various other projects on tv, film, and even in the theatre.In 2016 he portrayed Patrick in the romance film “Me Before You” alongside Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin. In 2018, he held the role of Lenny in the thriller film “Terminal” starring Margot Robbie.
Alison Brie
From Disney Channel star to public performance artist, Shia LaBeouf has built possibly one of the weirdest names for himself in the entertainment industry. At a young age, he had teens hooked on the Disney Channel show “Even Stevens” which aired from 2000 to 2003. Since then, he has starred in classics such as “Holes,” “Disturbia,” and the leading role in three “Transformers” movies.
He has also starred in films such as “Fury,” “American Honey,” and most recently, “The Peanut Butter Falcon.” Throughout his career, he has been nominated for numerous awards and has won one BAFTA, one Emmy, one Florida Film Critics Circle Award, and two Teen Choice Awards.
Jeff Goldblum
Jeff Goldblum is a star among many whose personality shines through on any given day. He has played various roles and has brought his onscreen characters to life in a way that only he can. He has starred in films such as “Jurrasic Park,” “Independence Day,” and various Marvel films like “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” and “Thor: Ragnarok.”An actor like Jeff Goldblum is a perfect choice for roles meant to be comical and over the top hilarious.
Seth Rogan
Seth Rogan built an entire career on characters that are comical, quirky, and raunchy. Rogan has starred in films such as “The Pineapple Express,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Neighbors,” and most recently “Long Shot.” Apart from acting, Rogan has also produced many of the films he has starred in, such as the much talked about “Sausage Party.”Rogan has won many awards, among these, three Canadian Comedy Awards, one MTV Movie Award, and two American Comedy Awards.
Joe Keery
New to the entertainment scene, Joe Keery received his big break in 2016 with the release of Netflix's supernatural series “Stranger Things”, where he portrays highschooler, Steve Harrington. At first, Steve comes off like kind of a jerk but throughout the first season, viewers come to love Steve and his quirky character who acts as a role model to the younger characters.
Keery has already won a Screen Actors Guild Award for “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series” along the rest of the “Stranger Things” cast. Along with his recurring role in “Stranger Things”, Keery is set to appear alongside Ryan Reynolds in a 2020 film titled “Free Guy.”
Zooey Deschanel
Best known for her portrayal of Jessica Day in the sitcom “New Girl,” Zooey Deschanel is an actress who is arguably the same both on and off the screen. She has appeared in films such as “500 Days of Summer” and “Bridge To Terabithia.” She has won the award for Best Actress from the Mar del Plata International Film Festival and Best Actress in a Comedy Series from the Critics' Choice Television Awards.
Emma Stone
Perhaps one of my favorites, Emma Stone is one of those nerdy actors whose personality combined with acting skills make a character shine. If you have not watched “Crazy, Stupid, Love” before I highly suggest adding it to your binge watch list! Just know this, Stone portrays an average girl who’s personality conquers the heart of heartthrob and known playboy Jacob Palmer, portrayed by none other than Ryan Gosling.
Stone has also acted in films such as “Easy A” and “Zombieland.” Despite her quirky personality, Stone knows when to reel it in and has taken more serious roles in movies like “The Help” and “La La Land.” Stone has proven to be a successful actress and among 63 award nominations to date, she has won 31, among those an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and three Critics Choice Awards.
Aubrey Plaza
Coming from an improv and comedy background, Aubrey Plaza’s roles allow her to show off her comedic personality. She is perhaps best known for her role as April Ludgate in the American sitcom, “Parks and Recreation.” She has also starred in films such as “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Dirty Grandpa,” and “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.”
Michael Cera
Michael Cera is the quintessential nerdy actor. He’s played the most awkward roles in cult-classic tv shows and movies such as “Arrested Development” “Superbad” “This is the End” “Juno” and more. Cera effortlessly nails the flustered-meek character archetype that every comedic film needs. His characters are often the voice of reason - his self-titled role in “This is the End” being the only exception. And, he’s often the butt of cringe-worthy shenanigans which “takes it on the chin” like a trooper.
Kristen Bell
If you don’t know, one of the most important facts about Kristen Bell is that from 2007 to 2012, she was the narrating voice in the hit teen drama series “Gossip Girl.” Her quirky personality has shined through in her roles in comedy films: “Couples Retreat,” “When in Rome,” “You Again,” and “Bad Moms.”Apart from her work in film, Bell has worked tirelessly on television, the most recent project being “The Good Place”, which has aired on NBC since 2016.