Who could forget the magnetic performances of the 90s that shaped modern cinema! This decade was golden for actors who delivered unforgettable roles in iconic films. Stars like Robert De Niro, Brad Pitt, and Al Pacino captivated audiences with their talent and charisma, impacting Hollywood. From intense dramas to beloved comedies, these actors brought characters to life that we still celebrate today.

Let’s explore more about the most famous actors from the 1990s, their iconic films, and the indelible marks that still overwhelm us in this era.

List of Famous Actors From the 90s

1: Robert De Niro

Date of Birth: August 17, 1943, New York City, U.S.

Best Works:

• Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull
• Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II
• Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver
• Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas

Awards:

• Academy Awards
• Golden Globe Award
• Cecil B. DeMille Award
• Presidential Medal of Freedom

Robert De Niro is renowned for his profound impact on cinema, especially during the 90s. He gained acclaim through his intense performances in the Bang the Drum Slowly and solidified his status in Mean Streets alongside Martin Scorsese.

De Niro’s career is marked by versatile roles across genres, from crime dramas to comedies, and his contributions to film extend beyond acting; he co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival and established TriBeCa Productions.

2: John C. Reilly

Date of Birth: May 24, 1965, Chicago, U.S.

Best Works:

• Amos Hart in Chicago (2002)
• A soldier in The Thin Red Line (1998)
• One of the two stepbrothers in Step Brothers (2008)

Awards:

• Golden Globe nomination for Chicago
• Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor

John C. Reilly is one of the famous actors from the 1990s and beyond, showcasing an impressive range from comedic characters to serious leads. Growing up in Chicago, he began performing at an early age and later honed his craft at the Goodman School of Drama.

Reilly’s breakthrough came with Casualties of War (1989), which led to significant roles in films such as Days of Thunder and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. He frequently collaborated with acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson, further establishing his reputation in the industry. His ability to switch effortlessly between drama and comedy has added to his acting prowess.

3: Bruce Willis

Date of Birth: March 19, 1955, Idar-Oberstein, West Germany

Best Works:

• John McClane in the Die Hard series
• David Addison in Moonlighting
• Mikey in Look Who’s Talking

Awards:

• Golden Globe Award
• Primetime Emmy Awards
• People’s Choice Awards
• A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Bruce Willis is a renowned actor and musician whose career has spanned several decades, with his star power peaking in the 1990s. He first gained fame as private investigator David Addison in Moonlighting, a role that paved the way for his iconic portrayal of John McClane in the Die Hard series.

With an impressive filmography that includes hits like Pulp Fiction, The Sixth Sense, and 12 Monkeys, Willis solidified his reputation as a versatile action star. His unique ability to balance humor with intensity resonated deeply with audiences, making him stand tall amongst the famous actors from the 90s.

4: Brad Pitt

Date of Birth: December 18, 1963, Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA

Best Works:

• Ben Rickert in The Big Short
• Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood
• Jackie Cogan in Killing Them Softly
• Billy Beane in Moneyball

Awards:

• Academy Awards
• BAFTA Awards
• Golden Globe Awards
• Primetime Emmy Award

William Bradley Pitt emerged as a defining figure in 90s cinema, captivating audiences with his versatile performances. Raised in Missouri, he exhibited diverse talents in sports and the arts during his high school years.

Pitt gained fame with roles in films like Thelma & Louise and solidified his status through performances in Seven and Fight Club. He co-founded Plan B Entertainment. Pitt’s varied filmography and influence in Hollywood continue to resonate, marking him as a significant and nostalgic figure from the 90s era.

5: Kevin Spacey

Date of Birth: July 26, 1959, South Orange, New Jersey, U.S.

Best Works:

• Verbal Kint in The Usual Suspects
• Lester Burnham in American Beauty
• Frank Underwood in House of Cards

Awards:

• Academy Awards
• BAFTA Award
• Golden Globe Award
• Tony Award
• Laurence Olivier Awards

Kevin Spacey Fowler, known as Kevin Spacey, is a prominent American actor who emerged as one of the famous actors from the 90s. He gained acclaim for his versatile performances, particularly as Verbal Kint in The Usual Suspects, which earned him his first Academy Award, and as Lester Burnham in American Beauty, which won him a second Oscar. His stage work includes a Tony Award for Lost in Yonkers, further showcasing his theater talent.

Spacey captivated audiences as Frank Underwood in the Netflix series House of Cards, further solidifying his status as a leading actor. Despite facing personal controversies later in his career, his contributions to film and theater remain impactful.

6: Al Pacino

Date of Birth: April 25, 1940, Manhattan, New York City, USA

Best Works:

• Michael Corleone in The Godfather (Part I and Part II)
• Tony Montana in Scarface
• Frank Slade in Scent of a Woman
• Vincent Hanna in Heat
• Jack Kevorkian in You Don’t Know Jack

Awards:

• Academy Award
• Tony Awards
• Primetime Emmy Awards
• Golden Globe Awards

Al Pacino showcased his exceptional talent and range through iconic performances that left a lasting mark on film history. His acting as Michael Corleone in The Godfather series redefined the gangster genre, while his portrayal of Tony Montana in Scarface became synonymous with the American crime narrative.

Beyond film, he contributed significantly to television, winning Emmy Awards for his work in Angels in America and You Don’t Know Jack. His dedication to acting and the craft is evident in his extensive work, including theater and directing, ensuring his legacy as an enduring and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

7: Johnny Depp

Date of Birth: June 9, 1963, Kentucky, U.S.

Best Works:

• Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean
• Edward Scissorhands in Edward Scissorhands
• Donnie Brasco in Donnie Brasco

Awards:

• Golden Globe Award
• Academy Award nominations
• BAFTA nominations

Johnny Depp, an American actor from the 90s and musician, rose to prominence in the 1990s with his unique and captivating approach to character portrayal. He mesmerized audiences as Captain Jack Sparrow, showcasing his talent for blending charm and eccentricity. Furthermore, his role in Edward Scissorhands cemented his status as a leading man, while performances in films like Donnie Brasco and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas highlighted his versatility.

Beyond acting, Depp has collaborated with renowned directors, particularly Tim Burton, establishing a reputation for taking on unconventional roles.

8: Tim Robbins

Date of Birth: October 16, 1958, West Covina, California, U.S.

Best Works:

• Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption
• Jacob Singer in Jacob’s Ladder
• Lt. Samuel “Merlin” Wells in Top Gun
• Nuke LaLoosh in Bull Durham
• Ed Walters in I.Q.
• Senator Robert Hammond in Green Lantern

Awards:

• Academy Award for Mystic River
• Golden Globe Awards for Mystic River and The Player
• Dead Man Walking is a nominee for the Academy Award for Best Director.

Tim Robbins has established himself as a prominent figure in the film industry, particularly during the 1990s, showcasing his versatility as an actor and director. Beyond acting, Robbins directed critically lauded films, such as Dead Man Walking, which earned him an Academy Award nomination.

With a background in theater from UCLA and a commitment to experimental performance, Robbins’s contributions to cinema reflect a blend of artistry and social awareness, solidifying his legacy in Hollywood.

9: Harvey Keitel

Date of Birth: May 13, 1939, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Best Works:

• Mickey Cohen in Bugsy
• Mr. White in Reservoir Dogs
• Winston Wolfe in Pulp Fiction

Awards:

• Academy Award nomination for Bugsy
• AACTA Award for The Piano

Harvey Keitel is an influential American actor renowned for his compelling performances, particularly in morally complex roles. His rise during the New Hollywood movement marked a significant era in cinema.

Keitel worked closely with filmmaker Martin Scorsese on a number of his very talented films, including Mean Streets and Taxi Driver. He is also well-known for his roles in Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, two of Quentin Tarantino’s films that helped spark a comeback for indie cinema.

10: Samuel L. Jackson

Date of Birth: December 21, 1948, Washington D.C., U.S.

Best Works:

• Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction
• Mace Windu in the Star Wars Trilogy
• Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Awards:

• BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor
• Academy Honorary Award

Samuel L. Jackson, one of the famous actors from the 90s, had a career marked by versatility and depth. He gained fame as Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction, showcasing his ability to deliver powerful performances. His collaboration with director Quentin Tarantino propelled him into the limelight, further solidified by memorable roles in Jackie Brown and Django Unchained.

Jackson’s reputation as a cultural icon has been solidified by his roles as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Mace Windu in the Star Wars series, in addition to Tarantino flicks. With more than 100 films to his name, Michael Jackson has had a huge influence on pop culture and film, solidifying his place as a key figure in both his generation and beyond.