It is common for British and Irish actors to make the journey across the pond to try and make it big in Hollywood, and many of them had their start in British comedy shows. British sitcoms tend to use a lot of slapstick comedy and dry humor, which is a big difference compared to a typical dramatic Hollywood film performance, but they do allow the actors to show off their range. Hollywood often sees the appeal in casting British actors, and it is not just for comedy roles.
From laugh tracks and studio sets to the glitz and glamour of Tinsel Town, several Hollywood actors who are actually British started their careers on the smaller screen. The British descent of these actors isn’t always identifiable, however, as many actors have been able to nail the American accent on-screen. From the UK to the US, many comedy actors have cemented their rightful place in Hollywood as household names, having appeared in major blockbusters and long-running movie franchises.
10 Olivia Colman
From Peep Show to The Favourite
Oliva Colman’s career originally took off through her work with comedians David Mitchell and Robert Webb, starring in their sketch shows The Mitchell and Webb Situation and That Mitchell and Webb Look. She also had a recurring role in their popular sitcom Peep Show, as Mark’s (Mitchell) on-and-off wife Sophie. The heavy comedic background acting-wise didn’t stop Colman from nailing the dramatic roles she took on, both in the UK and the US.
She became an Academy Award winner thanks to her portrayal of Queen Anne in The Favourite, which is widely considered one of Olivia Colman’s best movies. Colman was already a prominent name in the UK before her appearance in The Favourite, naturally, and since the film’s acclaim, saw two more Oscar nominations. After her first Oscar win, Colman was also nominated for her roles in Florian Zeller’s The Father and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter. Colman has also shined on television recently, having played Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown‘s seasons 3 and 4.
9 Simon Pegg
From Spaced to Mission Impossible & Star Trek
Simon Pegg is now more recognized for his roles of Benji Dunn in the Mission Impossible franchise, as well as Scotty in Star Trek (2009,) Star Trek Into Darkness (2013,) and Star Trek Beyond (2016). Previous to this, Pegg was already a prominent name in the UK film scene, being the co-creator of the Cornetto Trilogy movies (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End) alongside his long-time friend and comedy partner Nick Frost. Despite the success of the films, Pegg didn’t fully transition to Hollywood until his first appearance in Star Trek, three years after Mission: Impossible III.
Pegg’s initial breakthrough on television came from the sitcom Spaced, which he co-wrote alongside his co-star Jessica Hynes. The two wrote a role in mind for Frost, and Spaced was the first occasion that Pegg worked on-screen with him. Before the success of Spaced, Pegg also made a few cameos in other British sitcoms such as I’m Alan Partridge and Black Books.
8 Chris O’Dowd
From The IT Crowd to Bridesmaids
Irish-born actor Chris O’Dowd’s first role came from the Irish medical drama The Clinic, which led to his casting as Roy in the British sitcom The IT Crowd in 2006. His Hollywood breakthrough, however, came from his role in Bridesmaids, and his performance as Officer Rhodes earned him a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Following the success of Bridesmaids, O’Dowd’s career skyrocketed, and has since starred in the likes of This Is 40, Thor: The Dark World, and Mary Poppins Returns.
7 Martin Freeman
From The Office to The Hobbit
Recently, Martin Freeman is commonly associated with characters from American productions, such as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit trilogy, and Everett K. Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Freeman’s career first took off in the UK in 2001, when he starred in The Office UK as Tim Canterbury, the British version of Jim Halpert, played by John Krasinski in the US remake. Following The Office, Freeman also starred in the classic UK Christmas film Love Actually and became known across the world for playing Doctor John Watson in BBC’s Sherlock, leading right into his Hollywood success.
6 James Corden
From Gavin and Stacey to The Late Late Show with James Corden
For many Americans, James Corden is best known for hosting The Late Late Show, as well as starring in many movies and TV shows, mostly comedies. The British-born Corden originally started in theater, notably starring in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys, which saw him perform as the character of Timms worldwide, with the production touring the likes of America, Australia, and Hong Kong. However, Corden’s big break in the UK came from his work with Ruth Jones, when the two co-wrote and starred in the British sitcom Gavin and Stacey, which is considered one of the best British sitcoms of all time.
5 Will Poulter
From School of Comedy to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
When it comes to American productions, Will Poulter had his breakout role as Kenny in We’re The Millers, the only member of the family to be played by a British actor. In more recent years, Poulter can be seen as Gally in the Maze Runner series, as well as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Poulter’s career started in the British sketch show School of Comedy, and at only 16 years old, was credited as a writer as well as a variation of different comedic roles, including a belligerent television host and a secondary school teacher.
4 James McAvoy
From Shameless to X-Men & Split.
Scottish actor James McAvoy made his name in Hollywood for portraying a range of differing characters, including Professor Charles Xavier in FOX’s X-Men prequel movies. McAvoy is also known for his roles in the M. Night Shyamalan movies Split and Glassnot to mention his portrayal of Mr. Tumnus in 2005’s The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. McAvoy’s career took off in 2004, playing the role of Steve McBride in the British comedy Shameless. Since then, he has appeared in dozens of American productions and is widely considered one of the best, most versatile actors of his generation.
3 Julie Walters
From Wood and Walters to Harry Potter
Julie Walters has notably portrayed the roles of Molly Weasley in the Harry Potter movies and Rosie in Mamma Mia and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Before her prominent career delved into films, Walters started in sketch shows opposite British comedy legend Victoria Wood. The two starred together in the likes of Wood and Walters, Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV, and Dinnerladies. Walters also starred in a musical on-stage of Acorn Antiques, one of the recurring sketches from Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV, for which she earned an Olivier Award nomination.
2 Steve Coogan
From Alan Partridge to Philomena
Steve Coogan’s career started in the 1980s, initially lending his voice to the satirical puppet show Spitting Image, before being cast in his breakthrough role of Alan Partridge. He originally developed the character with writer Armando Iannucci and has since been involved in several shows and films, including I’m Alan Partridge, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, and Knowing Me Knowing You with Alan Partridge. Despite the continuing success of his British productions, Coogan would still expand his career into Hollywood. He starred in the Despicable Me movie series and also wrote, produced, and starred in Philomena opposite Judi Dench, which Coogan received two Oscar nominations for.
1 Brett Goldstein
From Derek to Thor: The Dark World & Ted Lasso
Comedian and writer Brett Goldstein is currently most known for playing the role of Roy Kent in Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, having been a part of the writing team that put himself forward for casting. Before this, Goldstein’s most notable on-screen roles were in British comedy shows, including Catherine Tate’s Nan, and as Tom in Ricky Gervais’ Derek. Following the end of Ted Lasso, Goldstein appeared in a post-credits scene of Thor: Love and Thunder as Hercules, with the expectation that he will return as the character in future Marvel Cinematic Universe projects.
