The serious side of funny people

Funny resume: His sellout stand-up shows at venues like Madison Square Garden in New York, laugh-out-loud specials on Comedy Central and starring opposite Hollywood’s hottest Jessicas – Simpson, Alba and Biel.

Serious turn: The serial-killer thriller “Mr. Brooks.” Cook plays a nosy neighbor who witnesses a murder and tracks down the shooter with intentions of blackmail.

Did it work?: Yes. Surprisingly, he used a bit of his persona for the part. His fans warmed to the familiarity and he likely gained a few more admirers along the way.  (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)

Funny resume: TV’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “The Office” and the movies “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Get Smart.”

Serious turn: He played the suicidal scholar in “Little Miss Sunshine.”

Did it work?: Carell had already proven he could earn sympathy for “The Office’s” near-unbearable Michael Scott and the grown geek Andy Stitzer in “Virgin.” But his nuanced take on “Sunshine’s” broken Frank made us want more of that and less of intended crowd-pleasers such as “Evan Almighty.”  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Funny resume : “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” the “Sister Act” movies, numerous Comedy Relief specials and her initial one-woman show on Broadway (a mix of comedy and quirky personalities).

Serious turn: “The Color Purple”

Did it work? Goldberg was nominated for an Oscar for “The Color Puple,” and won it in 1990 in a supporting role in “Ghost.” Goldberg has gone on to be one of a very select few performers to win an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, a Tony Award and an Emmy. With varying degrees of commercial success, it has worked out.  (Bryan Bedder / Getty Images)