It was on the show “Moonlighting” that the great Bruce Willis got a whiff of stardom. Towards the end of 1988, his profile shot up with the help of the iconic action film franchise, “Die Hard.” Willis went on to star in “Pulp Fiction,” “12 Monkeys,” “The Fifth Element,” securing his status as a top-notch action star.
But Willis’s best performance is certainly in Tarrantino’s “Pulp Fiction” as the washed-up boxer, Butch. It’s a real shame that he did not get nominated for that. While his acting is top-notch, perhaps his most memorable film is “Sixth Sense.”
Timothée Chalamet
So early in his career and not even 30 years old Timothée Chalamet keeps knocking it out of the park in film after film. It doesn't hurt that he's this generation's 'it boy' and the desire of every millennial girl (and some boys.) He blew us away in "Lady Bird" quickly landing him even more impressive roles.
But then came along two films that have demonstrated the young star's acting abilities. "Call me by Your Name" alongside Armie Hammer bolstered his status as a dramatic actor and landed him an Oscar nomination. That, and as Theodore Laurie in "Little Women."
Chris Evans
There are many top male actors here, but Chris Evans is probably our most relevant leading man. As today's Captain America, Chris Evans is simply the quintessential Hollywood star.
The Boston native fell in love with theater at a young age and clearly was destined for this life. Aside from his very profitable Marvel career, the actor recently starred in the critically acclaimed "Knives Out" as a spoiled playboy, giving one of the best performances of his career to date.
Harrison Ford
Thank the powers that be that Harrison Ford managed to secure himself a small role in the greatest teen movie in modern history. From that moment the world was sold on Ford.
It then led him to the starring role as Hans Solo in "Star Wars" and ultimately to the greatest performance of his career in "Indiana Jones" (as well as the most financially successful actor of his time.) His many other projects include great films like "The Fugitive," "Clear and Present Danger" and "Air Force One."
James Earl Jones
It was in "The Great White Hope," where we first witnessed the greatness of James Earl Jones, a movie that earned him an Academy Award nomination. But it was with his distinguished voice in "The Lion King" that made him a household name.
Thanks to him, a whole generation will forever remember the booming spirit voice of Mufasa. We'd be remiss if we didn't say the same about Darth Vader. No matter what Jones does is the Hollywood father figure of our time.