The actor John Leguizamo is a chameleon in Hollywood, starring in a myriad of films and genres over the past three decades and creating an impressive resume in the process. Though often known for providing comic relief and humorous asides in his roles, the performer is not afraid to branch out and show off his acting chops. In addition to comedies, he has appeared in a colorful slew of dramas, animated films, and horror flicks over the years. Outside of his film work, Leguizamo has had a successful Broadway career, winning a Special Tony Award in addition to the nominations for his play Latin History for Morons, and has made over 30 television appearances.

Whether he’s portraying a sassy sloth named Sid, a famous Shakespearan antagonist, a grotesque and cackling demon named Clown, or as a soldier fighting the walking dead, John Leguizamo has proven to audiences and critics alike that he can simply do it all. Here are some of the best John Leguizamo performances.

10 Super Mario Bros.

John Leguizamo and Bob Hopkins in Super Mario Bros.
Buena Vista Pictures

Based on the Mario video game series by Nintendo, 1993’s adventure-comedy Super Mario Bros. follows the titular brothers' crusade to rescue Princess Daisy from the merciless President Koopa. The film was jam-packed with a talented cast, including Bob Hoskins as Mario, Samantha Mathis as Princess Daisy and Dennis Hopper in a supremely bizarre performance as President Koopa. Upon initial release, the film was poorly received but the performance of the actors and special effects were heavily praised. It would go on to gain a cult following and has since been considered a weird and unique cult classic. Hoskins and Leguizamo’s portrayal of Mario and Luigi was lauded by critics, who appreciated their chemistry and brotherly dynamic; the two formed a bond during the insane production, frequently getting drunk together before and in-between takes. Despite the muddled reception, the film helped kickstart Leguizamo’s career.

9 Land of the Dead

Asia Argento on the ground in Land of the Dead
Universal Pictures

From the genius mind of the “Father of the Zombie Film” George A. Romero, Land of the Dead is the fourth installment of the Living Dead series. Leguizamo co-stars, alongside Simon Baker and Dennis Hopper, as Cholo DeMora, a spurned second in command who steals an armored personnel vehicle that can travel through the zombie-infested lands. The actor delivered a strong performance as the revenge-hungry DeMora, and he was able to show off his action skills during the countless fight scenes and thrilling zombie driven attacks. Land of the Dead was both a critical and financial success, and Leguizamo was Romero’s first choice for the character. The actor also ad-libbed much of his character’s lines, to the delight of Romero.

8 Chef

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Via Open Road Films

Jon Favreau’s 2014 dramedy Chef features the director as head chef Carl, who begins to operate a food truck with his young son. Leguizamo portrays Martin, Carl’s close friend and a former line cook whose passion for cooking is reignited when he joins his buddy in operating the truck. The quiet film had an impressively stacked cast considering its modest budget, including Dustin Hoffman, Sofía Vergara, Robert Downey Jr., and Scarlett Johansson. In order to prepare for the role, Leguizamo spent time at The Lion restaurant in West Village working as a line cook. The actor is charming and provides comedic relief as Martin, and the dialogue between his and Favreau’s characters in the food truck was improvised in order to capture the authentic banter of a kitchen environment.

7 John Wick & John Wick: Chapter 2

John Wick on a crowded street in the rain.
Lionsgate

The neo-noir action franchise John Wick kicked off its reign with the first installment in 2014, starring Keanu Reeves in the titular role. The premise centers on a man seeking revenge against the people who stole his vintage car and killed his beloved puppy, which was a gift from his deceased wife. John Leguizamo portrays Aurelio, a chop-shop owner and ally to Wick whose character gets more screen time in the sequel. Despite being a smaller role, Leguizamo shines as Wick’s go-to car guy and confidante and hopes to return to the franchise at some point.

Related: John Wick: Chapter 4 Teaser Reveals New 2023 Release Date

6 Encanto

encanto-topperThe animated cast of Encanto
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Disney’s animated fantasy film Encanto follows a young Colombian girl who must cope with being the only member of her family without magical powers. John Leguizamo lends his voice as Mirabel’s uncle Bruno, who is shunned from the family but possesses the ability to see the future. With a talented cast including Stephanie Beatriz (Mirabel), María Cecilia Botero and Mauro Castillo, the film was a critical and box office hit. Leguizamo was applauded for his vocal performance, with Scott Mendelson of Forbes magazine praising his portrayal for being “equal parts comedy and misery.”

5 The Infiltrator

The Infiltrator Review: A Brilliant Bryan Cranston Goes Deep Undercover
Broad Green Pictures

Based on the eponymous autobiography by Robert Mazur, 2016’s crime thriller The Infiltrator follows a U.S. Customs special agent who helped bust Pablo Escobar’s money-laundering organization in the 1980s in this compelling, fact-based story. Leguizamo stars as Emir Abreu, Mazur’s streetwise partner who offers comic relief and was a critical member of the team that took Escobar down. The actor thrives with wit and humor, a talent The Infiltrator director Brad Furman takes full advantage of. The film’s talented cast (Leguizamo and also, in particular, Bryan Cranston as Mazur) were praised and truly propelled the story forward.

4 Carlito’s Way

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Universal Pictures

1993’s American crime-drama Carlito’s Way stars Al Pacino as Carlito Brigante, a Puerto Rican criminal who pledges to go straight but is deterred when his criminal past refuses to let him. Co-starring Sean Penn, Penelope Ann Miller and John Leguizamo, the film received praise from critics and later fandom despite an initially lackluster box office performance. Leguizamo portrayed Benny Blanco in a supporting role that would help shape his acting style and approach for future projects, and was praised for his strong and brilliant performance. Blanco is a hothead who crosses paths with Carlito and the two ultimately bring out the worst in one another. The film helped boost Leguizamo’s career toward more serious roles.

3 Romeo + Juliet

Romeo and Juliet cast kiss
Bazmark Productions

Baz Luhrmann’s groundbreaking romantic tragedy Romeo + Juliet is a modern day retelling of the Shakespeare classic, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the lead roles. John Leguizamo portrays Tybalt, Juliet’s hot-blooded cousin who causes havoc and heartbreak with both Romeo and Mercutio. The character carries the weight of much of the film’s violence, and his talent for simultaneously demonstrating both humor and menace is impressive. Leguizamo’s aggressive delivery of Shakespeare’s words paired with his powerful emotional vulnerability here shows his depth as an actor. The actor’s memorable role would lead him to once again team up with Luhrmann for 2001’s jukebox musical Moulin Rouge!

Related: The Best Modern-Day Shakespeare Adaptations

2 Moulin Rouge!

Nicole Kidman in a black nightgown in Moulin Rouge!
20th Century Fox

Leguizamo was able to show off his vocal skills with his role as renowned French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in Moulin Rouge!, with musical numbers like “Nature Boy” and “The Sound of Music.” The actor co-starred in the jukebox romance musical with leads Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, which told the story of an English poet who falls in love with a cabaret star and courtesan in the Moulin Rouge. Leguizamo portrays the nearly mad leader of the performers in the famed cabaret in an entertaining and vivacious performance, one which helps make Moulin RougeI one of the defining musicals of the 21st century so far. His range and go-big-or-go-home take on the character makes Lautrec a standout in the film, and further highlight’s Leguizamo’s acting gifts.

1 Ice Age Franchise

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20th Century Fox

Arguably his most beloved and endearing character to date, John Leguizamo’s portrayal of the loudmouthed sloth Sid in Ice Age has been praised and heralded by critics. The film centers around three main characters: Manny, a woolly mammoth (Ray Romano), Sid the sloth, and Diego, a saber-tooth tiger (Denis Leary) as they work together to return a human baby to its tribe. The first in the franchise, Ice Age was a commercial and critical hit which kicked off a franchise that would generate $6 billion in revenue. Leguizamo experimented with over 40 voices before deciding on Sid’s trademark lateral lisp. His performance is both charming and amusing, bringing a tremendous amount of heart and comic relief to the film. The San Francisco Chronicle praised the leads’ voice work, having said they “deliver performances of delicacy and nuance.”