9 Legendary Actors with Over 100 Movie Roles

1. Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan, also known as Kong-sang Chan, is widely regarded as the greatest living martial arts film star in the world. His filmography spans 142 movie roles, showcasing his ability to seamlessly integrate humor into intense action sequences, as seen in the Rush Hour series and classics like Drunken Master. Chan's dedication to entertaining his audience, often at personal risk, has garnered immense respect and admiration from his peers and viewers alike. His impact on the action and comedy genres transcends language and cultural barriers, solidifying his status as a global icon.

Jackie Chan chan firmly elbows a man in the face while also assuming the drunken boxing stance in Drunken Master II

2. Samuel L. Jackson

With a prolific career spanning 204 movie roles, Samuel L. Jackson has left an indelible mark on cinema. Known for his commanding presence, distinctive voice, and versatility, Jackson's acting style blends charisma with intensity unlike any other performer. From intense dramas like Coach Carter to action-packed blockbusters like The Avengers, Jackson's ability to embody a wide range of characters contributes to his widespread appeal. His collaboration with director Quentin Tarantino in multiple films, including Pulp Fiction and The Hateful Eight, solidifies his status as a cinematic force, inspiring newer generations of film enthusiasts.

Jules (Samuel L Jackson) points a gun in Pulp Fiction

3. Bette Davis

Armed with an indomitable screen presence and an emotionally-charged performance style, Bette Davis became a trailblazing actress during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her willingness to take on unconventional roles and challenge early 20th century filmmaking norms contributed to her status as a pioneer for women in the industry. Davis' impact goes beyond individual performances, as her resilience and refusal to conform to traditional expectations paved the way for greater representation and complexity in female characters onscreen. With 100 movie roles to her credit, she remains an iconic figure in the history of cinema.

Julie (Bette Davis) looking coy in Jezebel

4. Robert De Niro

A frequent collaborator of esteemed directors, Robert De Niro defines what it means to be a film icon. With 135 movie roles to his name, De Niro has been Hollywood's go-to tough guy for decades. From intense dramas like Heat to lighthearted films like Analyze This and Meet the Parents, De Niro's versatility and ability to immerse himself deeply in the psyche of his characters have endeared him to various generations. His uncanny penchant for immersing himself into the roles he portrays is what sets him apart in the history of filmmaking, making him a legend in his own right.

Robert DeNiro as Jack Byrnes in Meet the Parents

5. Michael Caine

As seen in all Christopher Nolan-directed Michael Caine movies, his acting style combines naturalism with a magnetic onscreen presence. With a filmography of 160 movie roles, Caine's enduring popularity is unique in that he is known both as a character actor as well as a serious performer who's at par with other dramatic movie legends. Though much of Caine's career has been defined by action-driven films, viewers from different generations are also familiar with the actor both for his signature Cockney accent and his nuanced performances.

Alfred (Michael Caine) looking worried in The Dark Knight

6. Keith David

Thanks to his distinctive and booming voice, Keith David has amassed not only a large filmography, but has also garnered fame and renown as a voice actor for video games and different animation projects. From his roles in John Carpenter movies like The Thing to providing the voice for famous characters like Spawn and The Princess & The Frog's Dr. Facilier, David brings a notable level of gravitas and authenticity to all of his characters. With 127 movie roles, his dynamic presence and strong emotional range have made him a sought-after talent for diverse roles in the entertainment industry.

Keith David as Childs tied down during the blood test in John Carpenter's The Thing

7. Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo's popularity is closely tied to his memorable performances in iconic films, particularly his collaborations with director Robert Rodriguez, such as Machete and Desperado. These roles showcase his ability to excel as tough, antihero characters, solidifying his status as a cult figure in action cinema. With 133 movie roles to his credit, the longevity of Trejo's career can be attributed to his unique journey - especially his struggles prior to achieving massive success as a film star. Combined with his remarkable personal story, his effortlessly menacing presence makes Trejo one of the most memorable performers of all time.

Machete (Danny Trejo) sitting in a car with an intense look on his face in Machete

8. Whoopi Goldberg

Famous for her comedic prowess and dramatic range, Whoopi Goldberg's filmography spans 107 movie roles, showcasing her ability to tackle both lighthearted and serious subjects with equal finesse. Apart from film, Goldberg's success is attributed to her multi-faceted career, including hosting, producing, and her role as a co-host on The View. Coupled with her commitment to social issues, Goldberg's sheer charisma has endeared her to audiences and established her as an influential and beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Celie Harris-Johnson (Whoopi Goldberg) looking solemn in The Color Purple

9. Christopher Lee

The uncannily commanding Sir Christopher Lee is widely known for his portrayal of iconic villains, including Count Dracula and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. With a staggering 288 movie roles, Lee's impact transcends genres, and he is primarily regarded as a legend of fantasy and horror. Beyond his acting prowess, Lee's fascination with diverse roles led him to explore music, releasing several heavy metal albums. Lee's ability to embody complex roles and exude sophistication and eerie intensity has left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.

Saruman (Christopher Lee) communes with Sauron using the Palantir in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring