With a countless number of phenomenal movies and TV shows have come a plethora of iconic characters, which have had an impact on viewers in different ways. The artistic platforms have the ability to connect with people and evoke emotions, with storylines and character portrayals that are incredible.
In a competitive industry, constantly striving to make better work, it can be tough to create characters that are looked upon as icons. However, through the different genres, many actors have made their roles so iconic, that they've also become untouchable in ever having a reboot.
Robin Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Mrs. Doubtfire became the housekeeper that everyone wished they had and it's due to the warmth, hilarity, and humanity that Robin Williams brought to the role.
Williams' masterstroke was in his ability to portray two characters in one film, all whilst delivering the unmatchably quick comedy that he is so widely known for. As a role that proves Robin Williams' versatility as an actor, it encompassed all his skills which separate him from other actors. His genius is a goal to strive towards for many a performer, but for now, there's no other that could reprise the iconic role.
Ray Liotta as Henry Hill
Goodfellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas not only incorporated one of the best songs in a gang-themed movie, but it also gave a thrilling plotline, portrayed by some of the best actors to ever grace a screen. As Henry Hill, Ray Liotta was the focus of the biographical film and it's hard to imagine the character being played by anyone else.
The movie, based on the book Wiseguy, shows Henry's progress in the mob and how it changes his life. His transition from suave, laidback gangster, to developing an intense drug habit that causes paranoia, required a highly skilled artist to portray both sides and Liotta brought believability throughout.
Morgan Freeman As Red
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Just knowing that Morgan Freeman is in a film is enough of a reason for many fans to see it. His talent is acknowledged worldwide, along with being known as an actor with one of the most recognizable voices.
1994's The Shawshank Redemption saw Freeman display his fine skill in a movie that fans still think of upon hearing his name. His portrayal reached a level of emotion that still draws people in through their television screens to this day. It's truly a performance that could never be replaced.
Melissa McCarthy As Megan
Bridesmaids (2011)
Although Melissa McCarthy is able to turn her hand to many a genre, her ability in comedy is what many fans follow her art for and Bridesmaids epitomized the quality of acting she can bring to a comedic role.
Interestingly, Megan is a smaller role but the hilarity with which McCarthy portrays her had a huge positive impact on the movie and proved that her character could never be rebooted with a new actor. Not only was Megan based in humor, but McCarthy brought a warmth to her, making her even more loveable.
Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley
Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
The already legendary Downton Abbey quickly became a hit with audiences, following six series and a film with a sequel due out in the near future. The tale of the aristocrats and their servants captured the attention of many, but it's Violet Crawley's wit and charm that captured their hearts (and laughter).
As a wise Dowager Countess, Violet wasn't without a plethora of shady burns in Downton Abbey, but Maggie Smith delivered her role's sharper side encompassed in humor. Managing to find a perfect balance of all the traits that Violet had, there couldn't possibly be a reboot of her.
Taraji P. Henson As Katherine Johnson
Hidden Figures (2016)
Playing a role that depicts a person who really did exist and was an extremely important figure can give added pressure on the work of an actor. Whether that was the case, it certainly wasn't conveyed as Taraji P. Henson effortlessly portrayed Katherine Johnson.
The immeasurably strong and clever woman stood up against racism to deliver her elite intelligence during her time working at NASA. Not only is the real life character iconic in her mathematic and scientific contributions to spaceflight, but Henson's work remains iconic for effectively delivering the storyline filled with passion, pain, and supreme credibility. It's omething that doesn't need a remake.
Bryan Cranston As Walter White
Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
AMC's Breaking Bad combined two different worlds to produce its main character Walter White, a teacher turned meth manufacturer. The show follows his journey from being a regular guy to living outside the law whilst trying to hoodwink his loved ones into believing nothing was going on.
Bryan Cranston made the role his own, leaving no room for any other actor to ever be able to make improvements. Spread over 62 episodes of the series, Cranston never dropped the ball in creating an iconic character that audiences wanted to continually tune in to watch.
Cillian Murphy As Tommy Shelby
Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
The final installment to the series Peaky Blinders is well underway, with audiences watching how the Shelby family have continued to develop and expand their empire.
The whole series is a striking masterpiece and Cillian Murphy upheld the show's high standard of work. As the Birmingham based gangster (Tommy Shelby), Murphy has made the part iconic by not allowing the role to become over-the-top or a rip off of any other previous gangster characters, but putting his own mark on the genre, which could never be portrayed by another actor.
Millicent Simmonds As Regan
A Quiet Place (2018) & A Quiet Place Part II (2021)
2018's A Quiet Place explored the ability to communicate with sound and what happens when that freedom is taken away. Millicent Simmonds (who is deaf in real life) showed how words aren't always a necessity in being expressive.
Simmonds portrayed Regan, a teenager who constantly used her initiative in a challenging world to look out for her family. As a young woman embarking on a career in the acting industry, Simmonds gave a phenomenal performance that couldn't be taken on by another artist. Full of clear emotion, Millicent Simmond's work was nothing short of iconic.
Samuel L Jackson As Jules
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Quentin Tarantino's body of work is famous for always being unique and being created with his signature direction displayed throughout. The other thing that makes his work some of the best is the superb casting.
As Jules in Pulp Fiction, Samuel L Jackson once again gave an impressive performance that stands out as one of the most memorable in the film. Without screaming and shouting, he played the role as threatening and unnervingly calm, which set viewers on edge in a way that only great performances can. Whilst the film is iconic itself and therefore would never need a reboot, no one could ever take Jackson's place in the movie.