The 6 Most Underrated Actors and Actresses In Hollywood Today

Everyone has heard about the big stars in Hollywood - especially this summer, with the comical amount of sequels coming out. Which got me thinking - who are some of the most underrated actors/actresses in Hollywood. You know the ones - not the headline stars, but the ones that you know will turn in a solid performance no matter what movie or role theyre in.

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Generally considered to be one of the most underrated actresses working in Hollywood, Jennifer Jason Leigh rather surprisingly is most well known for her work in the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. What is most surprising is that she (along with Sean Penn) made the transition to serious, well respected actor. Leigh also narrowly missed roles in The Terminator (the role went to Linda Hamilton), as well as the role of Clarice in Hannibal (Julianne Moore got the part).

Alan Rickman

Unfortunately (for him), he is probably best know for his role as Snape in the Harry Potter series. His resume is actually very impressive - both in range and box office success. He started off as the villain in Die Hard, and then went on to film Robin Hood, Sense and Sensibility, Dogma, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Possessing a range of ability that fits in with drama, comedy, and even a bit of action, any movie featuring Rickman cannot be all bad.

Nathan Fillion

Probably best known as the captain on the unfortunately short lived Firefly series (and follow up movie Serenity), Fillion is actually commonly mistaken for another somewhat underrated actor, Jason Bateman. While Bateman is more of an underrated comedic actor, Fillion ranges more towards the drama/action TV/Movie role. While the 2006 horror film Slither did poorly at the box office, Fillion won an award for his role as Bill Pardy, and can currently be seen in the highly rated romantic comedy Waitress.

Albert Finney

Starting his career in 1957, Albert Finney may be best known for his role in 2003's Big Fish. While he is a 5 time Academy Award nominee (which makes it questionable as to if he actually is underrated), Finney's breakout role came in the 1960 film Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. He received Academy Award nominations for roles in Tom Jones, Murder on the Orient Express, The Dresser, Under the Volcano (all for best actor), and Erin Brockovich (supporting actor).

Laura Linney

Laura Linney might not be a name that's instantly recognizable, but she is an actress who has delivered in all of her roles. She's been academy award nominated and Emmy award winning. She also received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in The Squid and the Whale. Other notable roles include parts in Robin William's Man of the Year and the 2007 thriller Breach. In addition to her film credits, she has also done extensive stage work, including broadway.

William H. Macy

William H. Macy is one of those actors that always seems to pop up in a supporting role, but always delivers a great performance. Some of his more notable roles include Fargo and Jurassic Park III. He is also well known for popping up in minor parts in all kinds of movies and shows. A self described, "Middle American, WASPy, Lutheran kind of guy... Everyman", Macy personifies what it is to be an underrated actor.