Adrien Brody: The leading man doesn't have to be typically handsome
Movie star Adrien Brody has suggested that he defies convention within Hollywood.
Adrien Brody thinks he's not "typically handsome".
The Oscar-winning star has enjoyed a hugely successful career in Hollywood, but Adrien has had to overcome some obstacles en route to establishing himself as a leading man in the movie business.
He told Variety: "I’ve had to prove that the leading man can be unusual and unique and not typically handsome.
"But oftentimes, somewhat nondescript-looking choices are easier. Safer."
Adrien also prefers to be known for his acting talent, rather than his looks.
The 51-year-old star reflected: "I’d much rather be known as a great actor than a great-looking actor."
Despite this, Scarlett Johansson - Adrien's showbiz pal - believes the actor has a "face that’s made for a close up".
The 40-year-old actress - who featured alongside Adrien in the 2023 comedy-drama film 'Asteroid City' - explained: "Adrien has a face that is from another era.
"He has such pathos in his face. It’s a face that’s made for a close up. Such expressive eyes - and some of his features are so exaggerated and yet delicate."
Adrien recently insisted that his success has "never been easy".
The veteran actor believes he's ultimately benefited and learned from a series of setbacks earlier in his career.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Adrien explained: "You do not listen until you fail or until it really hurts.
"For a shift to occur, there has to be enlightenment. Enlightenment comes oftentimes through suffering or hardships. I’ve had a very blessed life and career, but it’s never been easy. The thing to know is there are many chapters."
Adrien won his Academy Award more than two decades ago, and the movie star rubbished the suggestion that he was an "overnight success".
He explained: "I’d been acting professionally for 17 years before that [Oscar]. To a lot of people, I was an overnight success, but I’d been kicking around, paying dues. And it was a remarkable thing, but it was kind of jarring."
