Some actors are famous for their faces, some for their voices, while some are recognized for looking unrecognizable. That is the case for actor Doug Jones who has played many characters throughout the years.
Doug Jones is known for his rather tall, slim, and flexible physique. This has allowed him to become one of the most famous creature actors of all time. From aliens to demons, heroes and villains alike, Doug Jones has been hidden in plain sight on-screen. Out of his massive career, some of these monsters have become iconic, earning him much praise as the best actor audiences never see.
The Judas Breed - Mimic
Much like how Johnny Depp and Tim Burton get along, Doug Jones has partnered with Guillermo Del Toro for many projects. That long-lasting partnership began with Guillermo Del Toro's second film: Mimic. In Mimic, genetically designed insects were created to infiltrate and destroy carrier cockroaches.
They were supposed to die off but instead, they evolved to hunt new prey: humans. As a result, the insects known as Judas gained the ability to mimic a human form. When the Judas is in this human disguise, they are played by Doug Jones. It's not a huge role for Doug Jones but he effectively makes the creatures ominous with his already tall figure and body language.
Silver Surfer - Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer
In Doug Jones' first and only role with Marvel, Jones was the physical actor for the Silver Surfer. The character was dubbed over by Laurence Fishburne for a shared performance. The Surfer was easily one of the better aspects of the maligned sequel, especially in comparison to the infamous Galactus.
Doug Jones filmed his scenes in full makeup and costume but was digitally replaced for a motion-capture performance. Despite Doug Jones not providing the voice, his use of expressions still comes through in the final product.
Billy Butcherson - Hocus Pocus
With Doug Jones' record, one could easily see him as a zombie for something akin to the George A. Romero films. However, Jones did play a zombie but most might not even know it was him. The Disney dark fantasy known as Hocus Pocus has become a Halloween classic for its many zany characters.
One of them is a zombie named Billy Butcherson. He begins as a servant for the witches but betrays them. Not only is Doug Jones unrecognizable in the face but he sounds nothing like himself, providing a deep and grave voice.
The Angel Of Death - Hellboy II: The Golden Army
In Guillermo Del Toro's sequel, Liz takes Hellboy to someone who can save his life. The Angel Of Death, an androgynous creature who agrees to save Hellboy but at a price. Mixing award-worthy practical effects with CGI, the Angel Of Death is one where Doug Jones can't even come close to be recognized.
The voice and appearance at times give the illusion that the Angel Of Death is played by a woman. This shows Doug Jones' talent in body performance and range as an actor.
Saru - Star Trek: Discovery
After multiple seasons, Saru has become a fan favorite. Not only is the design of the character a more distinguished one for Star Trek but Doug Jones is as dedicated to him as Brent Spiner was to Data. Saru is a Kelpien with the ability to sense threats, hence why he is always in fright.
Star Trek: Discovery could have easily made Saru into a ripoff of Spock or Worf or the aforementioned Data but instead, the writers and Doug Jones have turned Saru into an iconic part of the lore.
Karl Ruprecht Kroenen - Hellboy
Guillermo Del Toro likes to use Doug Jones for multiple roles in his films. A case of this was when Doug Jones played both a hero and villain in Hellboy. The villain was Kroenen, an undead Nazi scientist kept alive by sand and clockwork. He's sadistic, twisted, and all-around evil hence why he is Rasputin's top assassin.
His undead form allows him to contort and act as one of the most nimble fighters for Hellboy to face. Of course, Doug Jones' face is almost always hidden by a mask.
The Pale Man - Pan's Labyrinth
In another case where Doug Jones plays a villain, Pan's Labyrinth features a monster known as The Pale Man. A monster with eyes in its palms that chases after those that steal its food. The Pale Man has gained the praise of horror fans, calling him one of the most surprisingly scary monsters.
This monster is much like the Angel Of Death: it makes a powerful impact with little screentime. The horrific design combined with Doug Jones' body language makes for a character that can give anyone nightmares.
Faun - Pan's Labyrinth
Also from Pan's Labyrinth is the Faun, a character brought to life via excellent practical and digital effects. The character is neither evil nor good, leading to a more mysterious performance by Doug Jones. One second, the Faun can be enchanting and beautiful; then one wrong move can turn him into a terrifying monster.
Doug Jones also gets extra credit for actually providing the voice for the Faun. Rather than being dubbed, Doug Jones actually learned Spanish in order to play the character.
Abe Sapien - Hellboy
For many who grew up in the early 2000s, Abe Sapien was how viewers were introduced to Doug Jones. Much like with Silver Surfer, Doug Jones was the physical performance for Abraham Sapien in the first Hellboy. He was dubbed over by David Hyde Pierce who did a fine job matching Doug Jones' mannerisms.
In Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Doug Jones was both the body and voice of Abe Sapien. As a result, many fans agree that Abe Sapien was even stronger as a character in the sequel. In both, Doug Jones nails the nimble and light-hearted nature of Abe and emotes rather well under all that detailed makeup.
Amphibian Man - The Shape Of Water
After two Hellboy movies, Doug Jones was no stranger to fish-like humanoids. So it made sense that he was Guillermo Del Toro's first choice to star in his romance inspired by Creature From The Black Lagoon. With an even more impressive makeup covering him, Jones still performance exquisitely.
Doug Jones brought the Amphibian Man to life absolutely flawlessly.