- Javier Bardem, No Country For Old Men, 2006. No thanks said Bardem.So the Coen brothers (wisely) called up “the greatest living actor in England,” according to Ian McKellen. (“I’d be amazed,” laughed Strong, “if that’s what he actually said”). Before Strong could pick up hit man Anton Chigurgh’s cow-killing captive bolt pistol, Bardem changed his mind. And became the first Spanish actor to winan Oscar. The folllowing year, Mrs Bardem – Penélope Cruze – won Supporting Oscar for Vicky Christine Barcelona.
- Michael Stuhlbarg, Hitchcock, 2012. Hitchcock’s back in business! With two films headlined by UK actors (Anthony Hopkins, Toby Jones) in bad impressions and fat suits. This is the second one: Hopkins directing Psycho. And telling Janet Leigh: “You can call me Hitch. Hold the cock.” Lew Wasserman, his agent and later, “last of the legendary movie moguls… arguably the most powerful and influential Hollywood titan in the four decades after World War II,” was also aimed at Brad Garrett, Tony Goldwyn (Sam’s grandson), Steve Guttenberg, stand-up comic Rob Riggle, Tony Shaloub, and the great Brit, Mark Strong.
Birth year: Death year: Other name: Casting Calls: 2