Few genres in Hollywood owe more to their performers than superhero movies and shows. Before billion-dollar DC box office runs or the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe , it was the actors who made the capes, cowls, and powers feel larger than life. From pioneering television icons to transformative Oscar winners, these performers did more than just play superheroes (and villains).

These actors each defined what it meant to bring comic book characters to life. These performances changed the superhero genre forever , with landmark casting, unexpectedly prolific performers, and celebrated entertainment icons. Indeed, the most important superhero actors of all time remain vital to the superhero genre’s legacy.

Clancy Brown

Salvatore Maroni (Clancy Brown) furiously shouting at Oz i

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