Actors and Their Roles That Still Irk Me

When it comes to actors and their performances, there are a few that I still can't watch without feeling a very particular kind of irritation. Some of these performances are so compelling and well-crafted that they leave a lasting negative impression, making it hard to overlook the nuances of the role.

Steve Carell - The Way Way Back

For me, the name The Way WAY Back is forever linked to the unsavory performance by Steve Carell. Oh God, only one answer to this question exists in my opinion: Steve Carell, who plays the character of Nick, a seemingly charming but deeply unpleasant person. Carell's portrayal is deplorable—creepy, cruel, cowardly, snivelling, vindictive, self-aggrandizing, and a toady. It's a two-faced act—it could be a credit to his acting prowess, but it also presents a double-edged sword for his career.

Shawn Doyle - Frequency

Frequency is a lesser-known gem that I really enjoyed. However, the villain, played by actor Shawn Doyle, managed to bring a level of vindictive creepiness to the role that it's a little unsettling. After watching a few scenes with him, one could almost criminalize the character and wished there was a way to off the actor for real. His performance is a clear testament to the power of acting, but to me, it's a haunting one.

Meryl Streep - Doubt

Meryl Streep's performance in Doubt was a chilling one. The character of the Mother Superior is arguably the villain of the story, and Streep's portrayal is both masterful and disturbing. She manages to make the audience question their own beliefs and biases. However, even with such a powerful role, Streep can still make me feel uncomfortable. Her performance left a lasting impression on me, and even appearances in other films haven't been able to shake off that unease.

Ted Knight - The Mary Tyler Moore Show

One of my favorite shows from the '70s, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, had a character so unpleasant that I couldn't bring myself to watch it. Ted Knight played the character of Ted Baxter, who was a petulant, exasperating, and overall detestable character. Specifically, his constant complaint about the weather and the way he behaved towards his colleagues made it nearly impossible for me to watch the show without cringing.

Natalie Portman - The Professional

Natalie Portman's role in The Professional was a challenging one. As the 13-year-old character, she realistically portrayed an annoying and conniving young woman. Even 30 years later, her performance still annoys me, and it's a testament to her skill as an actress, albeit in a negative light. Her performance was so well-crafted that it's hard to watch her in any other role without feeling that same irritation.

Michael Dudikoff - The Sitting Fury, Nightmare City

Finally, I can't stand the performances of Michael Dudikoff. Whether it's in The Sitting Fury or Notorious , he manages to deliver a level of acting that's so bad, it's hard to take. But in contrast to common perception, it's not just about his bad acting—it's about the fact that he manages to render his characters so unlikable that it's nearly impossible to enjoy his performances.