Buzz
Characters like Chewbacca, Sloth, and Big Bird are legendary, but would you recognize the actors who brought them to life? Discover the unsung talents hidden behind the masks, makeup, and costumes in some of the most unforgettable roles from film and television.
1. John Matuszak as Sloth
Image Source: Getty Images / Warner Bros.
Many kids from a generation fondly remember Matuszak as Lotney “Sloth” Fratelli in The Goonies, unaware that he had once been a celebrated Oakland Raiders player. Standing at 6’8” and weighing 280 pounds, Matuszak was a dominant defensive end and the first overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft, long before his acting career began.
After retiring from football in 1981 with two Super Bowl rings, Matuszak became famous for his wild antics. Known as “Tooz,” he was notorious for his unconventional habits, such as consuming vodka and Valium for breakfast, clashing with teammates and coaches, and causing chaos both on and off the field. His larger-than-life persona earned him a spot on Sports Illustrated’s list of the NFL’s top five bad boys in 2005.
2. Richard Brake as the Night's King
Image Credit: Getty Images / HBO
The enigmatic Night's King from Game of Thrones has sparked countless theories. While some believe he is connected to a legendary figure from the books, author George R.R. Martin has tried to debunk this idea. Despite this, speculation persists. Richard Brake, who portrays the chilling character, is also known for his role as Joe Chill in Batman Begins.
3. Katsumi Tezuka as Godzilla
Image Sources: Stan Winston School, Pinterest
Tezuka, a renowned suit actor, brought to life numerous monsters in Ishirō Honda's films. Born in 1911, he continues to live on as a legend in the industry.
4 & 5. Kevin Peter Hall as Harry and the Predator
Kevin Peter Hall, standing at 7’2”, showcased incredible versatility in his roles. From playing the lovable Bigfoot in Harry and the Hendersons to embodying the fearsome Predator in the first two films of the franchise, Hall left a lasting impact. Before his acting career, he was a standout basketball player at George Washington University. He also appeared on the NBC sitcom 227, where he met and married Alaina Reed, famous for her role as Olivia on Sesame Street.
6. Warwick Davis as Wicket W. Warrick
Image Credit: Getty Images / 20th Century Fox
While many know Warwick Davis for his starring roles in Willow and the Leprechaun series, his acting journey began as an Ewok in Return of the Jedi. George Lucas sought individuals under four feet tall for the Ewok roles through radio ads. Davis, standing at 2’11” and a devoted Star Wars enthusiast, auditioned after his grandmother encouraged him. When the original actor for Wicket fell ill, Davis stepped into the role, marking the start of his illustrious career.
At just 17, Davis took on the lead role in Willow, a fantasy film that required him to master sword fighting and horseback riding. However, the most challenging aspect was portraying a parent to his infant co-star. Reflecting on the experience, Davis shared in the DVD commentary, “I had to learn parenting skills, like holding, feeding, and even changing a baby’s diaper, which was the toughest part.”
7. Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca
Image Credit: Getty Images / Mooselet
Similar to Warwick Davis, Peter Mayhew’s entry into films was facilitated by George Lucas. Initially, Lucas considered English bodybuilder David Prowse for the role of Chewbacca in Star Wars. However, Prowse preferred to portray Darth Vader instead. This led Lucas to cast Mayhew, a 7’3” hospital worker, as the iconic Wookiee.
A memorable incident during the filming of The Empire Strikes Back highlights the irreplaceable nature of skilled costume actors. When Mayhew fell ill, a stand-in was used to avoid delays. However, the replacement couldn’t replicate Mayhew’s unique portrayal of Chewbacca, which was inspired by his observations of large animals. The footage was unusable, and Lucas ultimately reshot the scenes with Mayhew back in the suit.
8 & 9. Caroll Spinney as Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch
Image Source: Getty Images
Since the debut of Sesame Street in 1969, Spinney has brought to life the show’s most beloved character, Big Bird. Despite the character’s towering 8’2” stature, Spinney stands at a modest 5’10”. Over the years, he has performed as Big Bird for multiple U.S. Presidents, though he once noted that Nancy Reagan was less than courteous. Additionally, Spinney has also portrayed the grumpy Oscar the Grouch, another iconic figure from the show.
10. Bolaji Badejo as the Alien
Bolaji Badejo, a Nigerian design student, became the face of terror in Ridley Scott’s Alien. Scott aimed for the alien to appear inhuman, so he cast Badejo, who stood at 7’2” with an exceptionally slender frame. Badejo’s unique physique made the creature unforgettable, though he never acted in another film. [Image courtesy FilmGeek.fr; hat tip to reader Kim W.]
11. Dick Durock as Swamp Thing
The iconic portrayal of Swamp Thing might not have happened without an NFL trade. Dick Durock, a former Marine, was living in Pittsburgh with his sister and her husband, Frank Varrichione, a Pittsburgh Steelers tackle. When Varrichione was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1961, it set the stage for Durock’s eventual casting as the swamp creature.
While the trade benefited the Rams, with Varrichione earning another Pro Bowl selection, it proved even more advantageous for Durock. Relocating to Los Angeles with his family, he began training at a gym popular among stuntmen. This led to his own career as a stuntman, culminating in his portrayal of Swamp Thing in two films and 71 episodes of the subsequent TV series, starting in 1982.
12. Felix Silla as Cousin Itt
Image Credit: Getty Images / ABC
Silla, a former circus performer, brought a wealth of skills to Hollywood. In 1965, he joined The Addams Family as the enigmatic Cousin Itt, a character created by producer David Levy. Despite his iconic status, Cousin Itt appeared in only 17 episodes during the show’s original run.
13. Brian Steele as T-600
Brian Steele, often dubbed "CreatureBoy," has built a career around portraying a wide array of creatures and monsters in films and commercials. Fans might recall his role as Bigfoot in the Messin' with Sasquatch ads for Jack Links Jerky. In the image above, he is seen preparing to play a T-600 in Terminator Salvation.
14. Ray Park as Darth Maul
Image Credit: Getty Images
Ray Park has specialized in non-speaking roles that involve extensive makeup or masks. As Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, his limited dialogue was voiced by actor Peter Serafinowicz.
15. John Leguizamo as the Violator
Image Credit: Getty Images / New Line Cinema
Leguizamo is widely recognized for voicing Sid in the Ice Age series. However, in the 1997 film Spawn, he took on a darker role as a deranged evil clown, the human guise of a demon. Reports suggest he earned two million dollars for his performance in the poorly received superhero movie, likely due to the grueling hours spent in makeup.
16. John Alexander as a Gorilla
Image Source: Stan Winston School, Pinterest
Gorillas in the Mist
The film utilized a mix of real gorillas and actors in suits for its primate scenes. Alexander portrayed one of the suit-wearing gorillas, essential for scenes requiring dialogue and nuanced acting. His expertise in playing gorillas extended to roles in Fierce Creatures, Baby's Day Out, and an episode of Jeeves and Wonder.
17. Nick Castle as Michael Myers
Image Credit: Kim Gottlieb-Walker
In the 1978 horror classic Halloween, two actors shared the role of the infamous villain. Nick Castle portrayed Michael Myers while masked, while Tony Moran took over for unmasked scenes. Castle, a friend of director John Carpenter, initially visited the set casually but was persuaded to don the mask for the film. Reports indicate he was paid just $25 per day for his iconic performance.
18. Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger
Image Credit: Getty Images
Englund, now a horror movie legend, wasn’t always associated with the genre. He once auditioned for Han Solo in Star Wars but was considered too young. Returning home, he found a teenager, Mark Hamill, sleeping on his couch. Englund informed Hamill about Lucas’ search for a young lead, prompting Hamill to audition for Luke Skywalker. While Englund missed out on Star Wars, he became iconic as Freddy Krueger in eight films.
19. Jeremy Bulloch as Boba Fett
Image Source: let-the-wookie-win.com
English actor Jeremy Bulloch had the privilege of wearing the iconic bounty hunter’s helmet. For a glimpse of the costume’s complexity, an Imgur user shared a series of test photos showcasing its intricate design.
20. Doug Jones as the Faun
Image Source: thedougjonesexperience.com
While many are familiar with Jones’ work, it would be remiss not to highlight his contributions. The former contortionist has carved a niche in fantasy and sci-fi films, portraying eerie and otherworldly characters. From Pan's Labyrinth to Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer, Hellboy, and Falling Skies, his face remains hidden under layers of makeup and prosthetics. Notably, he played dual roles as the Faun and the Pale Man in Pan's Labyrinth, with his flexibility making the Faun’s unusual legs more manageable.
