The serious side of funny people
By Denise Martin, Brill Bundy, Emily Christianson, Rick Porter, Jevon Phillips and Robert Vivoda
“Funny People,” starring Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, takes a decidedly less funny path to storytelling at times when talking about the mortality of its main character. We know that comedy can always lead to drama and vice versa, so we explore some of the funny people who’ve traversed the invisible thread between the two genres, and comment on their journey. (Tracy Bennett / Associated Press)
Funny resume: His sellout stand-up shows at venues like
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: TVs The Daily Show with
Serious turn: He played the suicidal scholar in Little Miss Sunshine.
Did it work?: Carell had already proven he could earn sympathy for The Offices near-unbearable Michael Scott and the grown geek Andy Stitzer in Virgin. But his nuanced take on Sunshines 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
