Although he may not be the most famous name in the business, a look at Wallace Shawns movies and TV shows indicates the long and storied career the actor has had over many decades. Known for his smaller stature and his memorable voice, as shown in the Toy Story Franchise like Rex, Shawn is an instantly recognizable presence in any project. He knows how to steal scenes with small parts, but he’s also shown his range in bigger roles.
Shawn is, of course, most recognizable for his voice-over work with his iconic vocals that have been lent to many animated movies and shows over the years, instantly elevating the project. In live-action roles, audiences would have seen him in everything from teen comedies to intimate dramas to iconic fantasy stories. There are no other actors like Wallace Shawn and his best movie and TV roles prove it.
10
Family Guy (2001-2011)
Bertram
Although most of Wallace Shawn’s most memorable animated work comes from his movie roles, he established himself as a terrific recurring character in one of the longest-running animated series of all time. Family guy has remained a TV favorite for over 20 seasons thanks to its boundary-pushing sense of humor and endless pop culture references.
With Stewie as the Griffin family’s diabolical young child, Sean steps in to play the ideal foil for him. Bertram is Stewie’s half-brother who is similarly intelligent and bent on world dominationPitting him and Stevie against each other and becoming reluctant allies in time. Although Sean’s appearances vary, it’s always a treat to see Bertram appear in a new episode. It’s also hilarious to hear Shawn’s iconic voice coming out of a villain baby like this.
9
Mozart in the Jungle (2014-2018)
Winslow Elliott
Wallace Shawn seems to be drawn to a lot of roles in projects that explore the artistic world and the great personalities that can exist in them. Mozart in the Jungle is such a series starring Gael Garcia Bernal as a new conductor of the New York Symphony whose eccentric behavior excites some and worries others. The series deals with the artificial brain and the various insecurities that such brilliant people can have.
The show is a wonderful balance of drama and comedy in this chaotic world, with Sean’s performance highlighting both aspects.
Sean’s character of Winslow Elliott is a perfect example of this as he is an accomplished and extremely neurotic concert pianist.. The show is a wonderful balance of drama and comedy in this chaotic world, with Sean’s performance highlighting both aspects. He gets big laughs in his various appearances on the show and also creates a character that feels grounded and like he belongs in this world.
8
A Goofy Movie (1995)
Chief Mazur
A Goofy Movie (English: A Goofy Movie) is an animated film by Disney, released in 1995, with Goofy and his teenage son Max. The storyline follows their cross-country road trip as Goofy attempts to bond with Max, who is reluctant to join him. The film explores themes of family, fatherly love, and the challenges of growing up. Voiced by Bill Farmer and Jason Marsden, it offers a blend of humor, adventure and heartwarming moments.
- Director
-
Kevin Lima
- Release date
-
April 7, 1995
- Figure
-
Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings
- runtime
-
78 minutes
Goofy is one of the oldest and most iconic Disney characters of all time, but it wasn’t until 1995 that he got the chance to star in his own movie. A goofy movie Watch the clumsy but lovable Goofy attempt to bond with his son Max as they both embark on a road trip filled with run-ins with Bigfoot, catchy songs and father-son bonding.
As soon as the character of the main Mazur is introduced, there is no question as to who is talking to him. The strict and boisterous educator is a fun foil to Max early in the movie. Although many of​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ big clipart. themselves. The movie itself is an underrated Disney feature from the ’90s, with its more low-key father-son story different from the kind of epics the studio was telling at the time.
7
Vanya on 42nd Street (1994)
Vanya
Vanya on 42nd Street is a film directed by Louis Malle, with a diverse ensemble cast led by Wallace Shawn and Julianne Moore. This cinematic work shows an intimate, behind-the-scenes rehearsal of Anton Chekhov’s play Uncle Vanya, which was performed in a run-down New York theater. The film provides a raw and immersive look at actors who are deeply engaged in their craft, blurring the lines between performance and reality.
- Director
-
Louise Mal
- Release date
-
October 19, 1994
- Figure
-
Wallace Shawn, Phoebe Brand, George Gaines, Jerry Mayer, Lynn Cohen, Julianne Moore, Larry Payne, Brooke Smith
- character(s)
-
Vanie, Nanni, Professor Serabryakov, Waffles, Maman, Yelena, Dr. Astrov, Sonia.
- runtime
-
119 minutes
Wallace Shawn famously collaborated with director Louis Malle and writer Andre Gregory on this acclaimed movie My dinner with AndreBut their follow-up collaboration should not be overlooked either. Similar to their previous movie together, Vanya on 42 is a completely unique approach to filmmaking, combining film and theater in a very effective way and with captivating results. The movie is based on the Anton Chekhov play Uncle Vanya as adapted by the American writer David Mamet.
The story follows a group of actors in a dilapidated New York theater as they rehearse their performance of Chekhov’s play. Sean takes on the title roleAnd while he’s often excellent in smaller supporting roles, one of this size really allows him to show his range as an actor with humor and drama to work with. The film itself is an engrossing immersion in the world of the actors, with Malle’s subtle direction working brilliantly for the intimate story.
6
Young Sheldon (2018-2024)
Dr. John Sturgis
Wallace Shawn has had guest-starring roles in countless sitcoms over the years, however Young Sheldon provided the longest television role of his career. Young Sheldon is the prequel story of How The Big Bang TheorySheldon Cooper developed his high intelligence as a young boy while living with his dysfunctional family, none of whom really understood him or his brilliance.
Shawn has a recurring role throughout the series as Dr. Sturgis, one of Sheldon’s teachers who becomes something of a mentor to the young genius. However, Sturgis’ storyline becomes much more fun when he becomes one of Meemaw’s love interests. -and-on relationship is highlighted by some funny moments and some sad ones as it deals with Sturgis’ health issues later in the series. Sean makes for a big part of the ensemble, with Young Sheldon Establish its own success outside of The Big Bang Theorys legacy.
5
Clueless (1995)
Mr. Wendell Hall
Although Wallace Shawn may not be an actor most people would associate with teen rom-coms of the 1990s, he happened to be featured in one of the genre’s best of the era. Clueless is a modern reimagining of Jane Austen’s novel Emma. Alicia Silverstone stars as Cher, a rich and fashionable young teen who discovers a talent for playing matchmaker. However, when she makes her moves to find love for other people, she begins to think about her own love life.
Although not a huge role in the movie, Sean gets his own charming love story.
Sean plays Mr. Hall in the movie, one of Cher’s teachers and the first person she uses her matchmaking skills on.. Although not a huge role in the movie, Sean gets his own charming love story. Clueless is a perfect time capsule of the 1990s, but its humor and characters help the movie feel timeless. It continues to be enjoyed by audiences decades later.
4
Wedding Story (2019)
Theater actor
Directed by Noah Baumbach, Wedding Story follows Charlie and Nicole Barber, a theater director and his actress wife, through the dramatic disintegration of their marriage and subsequent divorce. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson star as Charlie and Nicole, with a supporting cast that includes Laura Dern, Alan Alda and Ray Liotta.
- Director
-
Noah Baumbach
- Release date
-
December 6, 2019
- runtime
-
136 minutes
Even in small roles, Wallace Shawn can stand out and make his presence known. Wedding Story May not be his biggest role, but he fits wonderfully into this world. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson star in the comedy-drama as a couple going through a divorce, with the movie splitting its story between the two perspectives to show the complicated process that pits the two people who still love each other against each other.
Sean appears in the film as an unnamed theater actor who is part of Driver and Johansson’s company of actors. He is hilarious in his brief appearance, playing the veteran of the stage who is more interested in sharing stories from his glory days than actually acting. It’s a small appearance that adds a surprising amount of personality to the movie’s excellent balance of comedy and drama.
3
Dinner with Andre (1981)
Wallace Shawn
My Dinner with Andre is a dialogue-driven film directed by Louis Malle, starring Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory. The story unfolds around an extended dinner conversation between the two men, exploring various philosophical and existential reflections on life, art and human connection. As they dine at an upscale New York City restaurant, their differing perspectives lead to a thought-provoking and nuanced discussion.
Wallace Shawn got a rare opportunity to take a lead role in a movie. Ironically, he’s playing himself in the movie—at least, a version of himself. My dinner with Andre Find Sean and Andre Gregory apparently playing each other in a small but bold movie in which two friends go to dinner and simply share a discussion. While Andre talks at length about his experiences in life, Wallace begins to realize that the two have very different views of the world.
The idea of ​​focusing an entire movie on the conversation between two people is a risky one, but audiences would be surprised by just how engrossing the experience is. Although the discussions are grounded and even relatable, the situation offers some deep commentary on relationships and how they can change over time. It’s a testament to how a seemingly simple idea for a movie can yield a truly great final product.
2
The Princess Bride (1987)
Vizini
Based on William Goldman’s 1973 novel, The Princess Bride is a comic fantasy adventure film that tells a swashbuckling tale of a hero and a princess, read to a young, sick boy in bed by his grandfather. The story itself follows Farman Westley, who embarks on an epic journey to save his beloved princess from an evil prince as he meets strange but reliable companions along the way.
- Director
-
Rob Reiner
- Release date
-
October 9, 1987
- Figure
-
Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Christopher Guest
- runtime
-
98 minutes
If The Princess Bride While not Wallace Shawn’s most famous role, it is probably his most quotable. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by legendary screenwriter William Goldman (based on his own book), The Princess Bride It begins with the grandfather reading a fairy tale to his young grandson. The audience is then transported into the magical and hilarious fantasy world filled with colorful characters, all centered around one great love story between Wesley and Buttercup.
Of course, Sean’s performance is probably best known for his delivery of Vizzini’s catchphrase, “Unknown!”
Sean stars in a wonderful performance as Vizzini, a Sicilian criminal hired to capture Buttercup.. Although Vizzini likes to present himself as a brilliant thinker who is perhaps the smartest man alive, his attempts to outsmart Wesley lead to one of the funniest scenes in the iconic comedy. Of course, Sean’s performance is probably best known for his delivery of Vizzini’s catchphrase, “Unknown!”
1
Toy Story (1995)
Rex
Pixar’s first feature film release sees Woody (Tom Hanks), a cowboy puppet, confronted by the nightmare of being replaced as his owner Andy’s favorite toy threat when his parents buy him a Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) action figure. Stricken by anxiety, Woody hatches a plan to remain the favorite, kicking off a race against time for the toys to be reunited with their owner before his house move makes them permanently lose toys.
- Director
-
John Lasseter
- Release date
-
November 22, 1995
- runtime
-
81 minutes
Of all Wallace Shawn’s animated projects, the Toy Story Movies are the most favorite. The first film helped launch the animated studio by serving as Pixar’s first feature-length film, introducing the studio’s magical storytelling to the world. The movies explore the toys in Andy’s room when they are left on their own and come to life.
Sean’s outstanding vocals fit the movies Like Rex, a toy dinosaur that is far from ferocious and is instead riddled with anxiety. The nervous energy Sean brings to the role makes him an instant classic Pixar character. It’s the exact opposite personality you’d expect from a T-Rex, helping it stand out. Rex appeared in all four Toy Story Movies, and the first one is a perfect nostalgic treat with humor, heart and inventive storytelling.