Sometimes actions speak louder than words, and sometimes the best-loved roles don't involve a single sentence of dialogue. Whispers, growls and evil laughs aside, each of these actors depended on something more than a well-crafted sentence to perfect a comedic moment or a creeping feeling of dread.
We're charting icons across horror, comedy and romance who have captured the attention of audiences around the world without having to remember their lines. Instead, some neat choreography or in-character expression builds an unforgettable role that transcends language.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesAlanis Morisette's silent scream helps the gang fight back against Ben Affleck's plan that will destroy the world
God, Dogma (1999)
Isn’t it ironic? Alanis Morissette starred as God in religious comedy Dogma alongside Alan Rickman, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The Grammy-winning singer arrives to stop Ben Affleck’s attempt to sneak back into Heaven after he and fellow disgraced-angel Matt Damon are banished to Earth.
Alanis appears through church doors at the movie’s end, letting out a silent scream as Alan Rickman’s Metatron cautions everyone to cover their ears, and then enjoys a brief, silent walk through the churchyard's flower patches on a rare trip to Earth.
© Getty ImagesIn Austin Powers, Mini-Me is the result of a cloning experiment
Mini-Me, Austin Powers (1999)
Where there is Austin Powers, Dr Evil is sure to follow, and wherever Dr Evil goes, Mini-Me is never far behind. The villainous sidekick of Mike Myers’ twin antagonist attempted to clone himself, instead creating Mini-Me.
The character first appeared in the Austin Powers 1999 sequel and then tested so well with screening audiences, he appeared for a second time in the final film of the franchise, Austin Powers in Goldmember.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyCarel Struycken brought Lurch to life in the 1991 movie adaptation of The Addams Family
Lurch, The Addams Family (1991)
The Addams Family’s butler might have a larger-than-life presence, standing over 7 feet tall, but he operates mostly in silence. However, a few well-placed groans by actor Carel Struycken offer the zombie-like figure a chance to express himself and he’s certainly an irreplaceable part of this creepy and kooky family
In the 1964 adaptation, actor Ted Cassidy ad-libbed Lurch’s comedic catchphrase, “You rang?” and the producers so enjoyed it that it turned into one of the show’s most quotable lines. Fortunately, the 1990s adaptation allows Lurch the gift of music and he seems happy enough striking up the organ to soundtrack a family seance.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesHis mask and weapon might give you pause, but it's Michael Myers deadly silence that had viewers shivering
Michael Myers, Halloween (1978)
The only thing scarier than Michael Myers’ trademark mask is just how silently the Halloween star pursues his victims. Remaining mute ever since killing his sister Judith as a child, it seems the slasher villain is happy to creep up on his next target without a word of warning.
While Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009) give us insight into just how talkative Michael Myers used to be, plus a deleted scene in the 2009 sequel which has the un-masked villain yell “Die!”, it seems the film’s creators settled on deadly silence for their leading man.
© Getty ImagesDoug Jones brought the terrifying Pale Man to life in Pan's Labyrinth
Pale Man, Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
The Pale Man from 2006's Pan's Labyrinth might well be the main reason for a lot of viewers’ sleepless nights. Covered in both saggy and too-tight skin, with black-tipped fingers, bloodied gums and two nostrils carved into his face, actor Doug Jones crafts a memorable feature in the fantasy feature. If his silence doesn’t unnerve you sufficiently, the eyes that spring from his palms are sure to do the trick.
It’s unsurprising that this creature is the brainchild of Guillermo del Toro whose adaptation of Frankenstein captured audiences last year. According to the director, this fiendish, child-eating monster “represents all institutional evil feeding on the helpless”.
© Getty ImagesHarold Sakata's Oddjob is always ready to help Goldfinger in his malevolent schemes
Oddjob, Goldfinger (1964)
Sean Connery’s James Bond would be nothing without a truly evil counterpart which in the 1964 feature came in the form of Auric Goldfinger. Of course, every villain needs a good henchman which is where Harold Sakata’s Oddjob comes in. The silent-but-deadly force is best known for his martial arts skills and trademark steel-brimmed hat.
Harold, born Toshiyuki Sakata, won silver in the weight lifting during the 1948 Olympics and went on to become a professional wrestler “Tosh Togo”. Oddjob’s deadliest accessory, that unassuming bowler hat, was valued at £30,000 on Antiques Roadshow five years ago.
© WireImagePeter Mayhew first played the role of the towering Wookie, Chewbacca, in Star Wars: A New Hope
Chewbacca, Star Wars (1977)
Fan-favourite Chewbacca, or Chewie to co-pilot Han Solo, made his debut in the franchise’s first instalment, 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope. The beloved furry sidekick and smuggler was played by the late Peter Mayhew who stood at 7 foot 3 inches.
The Wookiee was never far from the action, accompanying Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia on their adventures across the galaxy. But while his best friend Han always had a well-timed quip, Chewie was left only able to roar. Luckily, Han learned his friend’s language and it seems the two never lacked in conversation.
© FilmMagicDoug Jones starred in the love story between mute janitor Elisa and a captive unnamed amphibian
Amphibian Man, The Shape of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro seems to have a certain affection for characters on the quieter side. This 1960s-set alternative romance follows the story of janitor Elisa Esposito, played by Sally Hawkins, and her unconventional relationship with an amphibious creature held in captivity at a top-secret research facility.
Doug Jones plays the water-dwelling romantic lead opposite Elisa, who is also mute and communicates through ASL. They might seem an unlikely match to start with, but still waters run deep and their bond grows without a word between them.
