Though he might not be the most famous name in the business, a look at Wallace Shawn’s movies and TV shows indicates the long and storied career the actor has had over many decades. Known for his smaller stature and his memorable voice, as showcased in the Toy Story franchise as Rex, Shawn is an instantly recognizable presence in any project. He knows how to steal scenes with small parts, but he has also shown his range in larger roles.
Shawn is, of course, most recognizable for his voice-over work with his iconic vocals being lent to many animated movies and shows over the years, instantly elevating the project. In live-action roles, audiences would have seen him in everything from teen comedies to intimate dramas to iconic fantasy stories. There are no other actors quite like Wallace Shawn and his best movie and TV roles confirm that.
10 Family Guy (2001-2011)
Bertram
Family Guy 8
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Family Guy, created by Seth McFarlane and David Zuckerman, follows Peter Griffin and his family as they find themselves in bizarre situations in the fictional city of Quahog, Road Island. Between the cutaway gags and memorable characters such as Chris, Meg, Lois, Stewie, and Brian, Family Guy has become one of Fox’s most successful animations, even winning several Primetime Emmys.
Cast Seth MacFarlane , Alex Borstein , Seth Green , Lacey Chabert , Mila Kunis , Mike Henry , Patrick Warburton Release Date January 31, 1999 Seasons 21
While most of Wallace Shawn’s most memorable animated work comes from his movie roles, he has established himself as a terrific recurring role on one of the longest-running animated series of all time. Family Guy has remained a favorite on television for over 20 seasons thanks to its boundary-pushing sense of humor and endless pop culture references.
With Stewie as the Griffin family’s diabolic young infant, Shawn stepped in to play the ideal foil to him. Bertram is Stewie’s half-brother who is similarly intelligent and bent on world domination, pitting him and Stewie against each other as well as becoming reluctant allies at times. While Shawn’s appearances are varied, it is always a treat to see Bertram appear in a new episode. It is also hilarious to hear Shawn’s iconic voice coming out of a villainous baby like this.
9 Mozart In The Jungle (2014-2018)
Winslow Elliott
Mozart in the Jungle 0
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Mozart in the Jungle is a television series that explores the behind-the-scenes world of a fictional New York symphony, highlighting the eccentricities of musicians and maestros, particularly focusing on a young oboist and a new conductor grappling for control and artistic integrity within the orchestra. The show stars Gael García Bernal and Lola Kirke and blends drama and comedy in its portrayal of classical music’s contemporary challenges.
Cast Lola Kirke , Gael García Bernal , Saffron Burrows , Bernadette Peters , Malcolm McDowell , Mark Blum , John Miller , Hannah Dunne , Joel Bernstein , Debra Monk , Sandro Isaack , Adam David Thompson , Daniel Breaker , Ken Barnett , Jennifer Kim , Peter Vack , Philip Jackson Smith , Cole Escola , Ruibo Qian , Gretchen Mol , Brennan Brown , Jason Schwartzman , Christian Coulson , Nora Arnezeder Release Date February 6, 2014 Expand
Wallace Shawn seems to be drawn to a lot of roles in projects that explore the artistic world and the big personalities that can exist within them. Mozart in the Jungle is one such series with Gael Garcia Bernal starring as a new conductor of the New York Symphony whose eccentric behavior excites some and worries others. The series deals with the artistic mind and the various insecurities such brilliant people can have.
The show is a wonderful balance of drama and comedy in this chaotic world, with Shawn’s performance highlighting both of those aspects.
Shawn’s character of Winslow Elliott is a perfect example of this as he is an accomplished and completely neurotic concert pianist. The show is a wonderful balance of drama and comedy in this chaotic world, with Shawn’s performance highlighting both of those aspects. He gets big laughs in his various appearances on the show while also creating a character who feels grounded and like he belongs in this world.
8 A Goofy Movie (1995)
Principal Mazur
A Goofy Movie GKids & Family
A Goofy Movie is an animated film from Disney, released in 1995, featuring Goofy and his teenage son Max. The storyline follows their cross-country road trip as Goofy attempts to bond with Max, who is reluctant to join him. The film explores themes of family, paternal love, and the challenges of growing up. Voiced by Bill Farmer and Jason Marsden, it offers a blend of humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments.
Director Kevin Lima Release Date April 7, 1995 Cast Bill Farmer , Jason Marsden , Jim Cummings Runtime 78 Minutes
Goofy is one of the oldest and most iconic Disney characters of all time, but it wasn’t until 1995 that he got the chance to star in his own movie. A Goofy Movie sees the clumsy yet lovable Goofy attempting to connect with his son Max as they both set out on a road trip filled with run-ins with Big Foot, catchy songs, and father-son bonding.
As soon as the character of Principal Mazur is introduced, there is no question about who is voicing him. The stern and boisterous educator is a fun foil for Max early in the movie. While many of Shawn’s animated characters are kind and lovable, it is a lot of fun seeing Shawn embrace a hot-tempered character who is constantly yelling and losing his cool. The movie itself is an underrated Disney feature from the 90s, with its more low-key father-son story different from the kind of epics the studio was telling at the time.
7 Vanya On 42nd Street (1994)
Vanya
Vanya on 42nd Street PGComedyDramaRomance
Vanya on 42nd Street is a film directed by Louis Malle, featuring a diverse ensemble cast led by Wallace Shawn and Julianne Moore. This cinematic adaptation showcases an intimate, behind-the-scenes rehearsal of Anton Chekhov’s play Uncle Vanya, set in an abandoned New York theater. The film provides a raw and immersive look at actors deeply engaged in their craft, blurring the lines between performance and reality.
Director Louise Malle Release Date October 19, 1994 Cast Wallace Shawn , Phoebe Brand , George Gaynes , Jerry Mayer , Lynn Cohen , Julianne Moore , Larry Pine , Brooke Smith Character(s) Vanya , Nanny , Prof. Serabryakov , Waffles , Maman , Yelena , Dr. Astrov , Sonya Runtime 119 Minutes
Wallace Shawn famously collaborated with director Louis Malle and writer Andre Gregory on the acclaimed movie My Dinner with Andre, but their follow-up collaboration should also not be overlooked. Similar to their previous movie together, Vanya on 42nd is a completely unique approach to moviemaking, combining film and theater in a very effective way and with captivating results. The movie is based on the Anton Chekhov play Uncle Vanya as adapted by American writer David Mamet.
The story follows a group of actors in a dilapidated New York theater as they rehearse for their performance of Chekhov’s play. Shawn takes on the titular role, and while he is often excellent in smaller supporting roles, one of this size really allows him to show his range as an actor with humor and drama to work with. The movie itself is an engrossing immersion into the world of these actors, with Malle’s subtle direction working brilliantly for the intimate story.
6 Young Sheldon (2018-2024)
Dr. John Sturgis
Young Sheldon 8
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A spinoff of the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon follows the youth and coming-of-age of Sheldon Cooper during his childhood in Texas as he pursues science and academia. The show also follows his parents, siblings, and Mee-Maw, painting a picture of the world where Sheldon grew up.
Cast Iain Armitage , Zoe Perry , Lance Barber , Montana Jordan , Raegan Revord , Annie Potts , Jim Parsons , Wallace Shawn , Craig T. Nelson , Matt Hobby , Wyatt McClure , Emily Osment , Doc Farrow , Ed Begley Jr. , Melissa Peterman , Ryan Phuong , Rex Linn , Brian Stepanek , Wendie Malick , Nancy Linehan Charles , Danielle Pinnock , Valerie Mahaffey , Sarah Baker , Rachel Bay Jones , Will Sasso , Mckenna Grace , Ava Allan , Isabel May , Grady Lee Richmond , Dan Byrd , Katherine Von Till , Reba McEntire , Andrea Anders , Mary Grill , Jason Alexander , Billy Gardell , Nick Alvarez , London Cheshire , Julia Pace Mitchell , Bill Fagerbakke , Taylor Spreitler , Steve Burns , Pam Cook , Chris Wylde , Richard Kind , Caleigh Kilpatrick , Dave Foley , John Hartman Release Date September 25, 2017 Seasons 7 Expand
Wallace Shawn has had guest-starring roles on countless sitcoms over the years, but Young Sheldon provided him with the longest television role of his career. Young Sheldon is the prequel story of how The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper developed his high intelligence as a young boy while living with his dysfunctional family, none of whom really understood him or his brilliance.
Shawn has a recurring role throughout the series as Dr. Sturgis, one of Sheldon’s teachers who becomes something of a mentor to the young genius. However, Sturgis’ storyline gets a lot more fun when he becomes one of Meemaw’s love interests. Their off-and-on relationship is highlighted by some funny moments as well as some sad ones as it deals with Sturgis’ health issues later in the series. Shawn makes for a great part of the ensemble, with Young Sheldon establishing its own success outside of The Big Bang Theory’s legacy.
5 Clueless (1995)
Mr. Wendell Hall
Clueless PG-13ComedyDocumentaryRomance Where to Watch
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A modern reimagining of Jane Austen’s 1815 novel Emma, the iconic teen comedy Clueless stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz, a rich and popular high schooler who takes a transfer student under her wing. Between making over her friends and trying to play matchmaker for her teachers, Cher finds herself increasingly unlucky in love – only to find it much closer to home than she would have thought. Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, and Donald Faison also star.
Director Amy Heckerling Release Date July 19, 1995 Cast Alicia Silverstone , Stacey Dash , Brittany Murphy , Paul Rudd , Donald Faison , Elisa Donovan Runtime 97 minutes
While Wallace Shawn might not be an actor most people would associate with teen rom-coms of the 1990s, he happened to appear in one of the genre’s best from that era. Clueless is a modern reimaging of Jane Austen’s novelEmma. Alicia Silverstone stars as Cher, a rich and fashionable young teen who discovers a talent for playing matchmaker. However, as she makes her moves to find love for other people, she begins to think about her own love life as well.
Though not a huge role in the movie, Shawn gets his own charming love story.
Shawn plays Mr. Hall in the movie, one of Cher’s teachers and the first person she uses her matchmaking skills on. Though not a huge role in the movie, Shawn gets his own charming love story. Clueless is a perfect time capsule of the 1990s, but its humor and characters help the movie feel timeless. It continues to be enjoyed by audiences decades later.
4 Marriage Story (2019)
Theater Actor
Marriage Story RDramaComedy Where to Watch
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Directed by Noah Baumbach, Marriage Story follows Charlie and Nicole Barber, a theater director and his actress wife, through the dramatic disintegration of their marriage and subsequent divorce. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson star as Charlie and Nicole, with a further cast that includes Laura Dern, Alan Alda, and Ray Liotta.
Director Noah Baumbach Release Date December 6, 2019 Cast Ray Liotta , Merritt Wever , Kyle Bornheimer , Alan Alda , Mickey Sumner , Adam Driver , Mark O’Brien , Julie Hagerty , Scarlett Johansson , Laura Dern Runtime 136 minutes
Even in small roles, Wallace Shawn can stand out and make his presence known. Marriage Story may not be his biggest role, but he fits wonderfully into this world. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson star in the comedy-drama as a couple who are going through a divorce, with the movie splitting its story between the two perspectives to show the complicated process that pits these two people who still love each other against each other.
Shawn appears in the movie as an unnamed theater actor who is part of Driver and Johansson’s company of actors. He is hilarious in his brief appearance, playing this veteran of the stage who is more interested in sharing stories of his glory days than actually acting. It is a small appearance that adds a surprising amount of personality to the movie’s excellent balance of comedy and drama.
3 Dinner With Andre (1981)
Wallace Shawn
My Dinner with Andre
My Dinner with Andre is a dialogue-driven film directed by Louis Malle, featuring Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory. The story unfolds around an extended dinner conversation between the two men, exploring various philosophical and existential reflections on life, art, and human connection. As they dine in an upscale New York City restaurant, their disparate perspectives lead to a thought-provoking and nuanced discussion.
Wallace Shawn got a rare chance to take on a lead role in a movie. Ironically, he is playing himself in the movie – at least, a version of himself. My Dinner with Andre finds Shawn and Andre Gregory apparently playing themselves in a small yet bold movie in which two friends go to dinner and simply share a discussion. While Andre talks at length about his experiences in life, Wallace begins to realize that these two have very different views of the world.
The idea of focusing an entire movie on the conversation between two people is a risky one, but audiences would be surprised by just how engrossing the experience is. While the discussions are grounded and even relatable, the situation offers some profound commentary on relationships and how they can change over time. It is a testament to how a seemingly simple idea for a movie can yield a truly great final product.
2 The Princess Bride (1987)
Vizzini
The Princess Bride 3
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Based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a comical fantasy adventure film that tells a swashbuckling tale of a hero and a princess, read to a young, sick boy in bed by his grandfather. The story itself follows farmhand Westley, who embarks on an epic journey to save his beloved princess from an evil prince as he meets strange but reliable companions along the way.
Director Rob Reiner Release Date October 9, 1987 Cast Mandy Patinkin , Chris Sarandon , Robin Wright , Cary Elwes , Christopher Guest Runtime 98 minutes
If The Princess Bride is not Wallace Shawn’s most famous role, it is likely the most quotable. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by legendary screenwriter William Goldman (based on his own book), The Princess Bride begins with a grandfather reading a fairy tale to his young grandson. The audience is then transported into the magical and hilarious fantasy world filled with colorful characters, all surrounding one great love story between Wesley and Buttercup.
Of course, Shawn’s performance is likely best known for his delivery of Vizzini’s catchphrase, “
Inconceivable
!”
Shawn stands out in the wonderful cast as Vizzini, a Sicilian criminal who is hired to capture Buttercup. Though Vizzini likes to present himself as a brilliant thinker who is perhaps the smartest man alive, his attempts to outsmart Wesley lead to one of the funniest scenes in the iconic comedy. Of course, Shawn’s performance is likely best known for his delivery of Vizzini’s catchphrase, “Inconceivable!”
1 Toy Story (1995)
Rex
Toy Story 2
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Pixar’s first feature film release sees Woody (Tom Hanks), a cowboy doll, confronted by the nightmare of being replaced as his owner Andy’s favorite toy jeopardized when his parents buy him a Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) action figure. Stricken by anxiety, Woody hatches a plan to remain the favorite, kicking off a race against time for the toys to be reunited with their owner before his house move makes them permanently Lost Toys.
Director John Lasseter Release Date November 22, 1995 Cast Tom Hanks , Don Rickles , Annie Potts , Tim Allen , Jim Varney Runtime 81 minutes
Out of all of Wallace Shawn’s animated projects, the Toy Story movies are the most beloved. The first film helped to kick off the animated studio by serving as the first feature-length movie from Pixar, introducing the magic storytelling of the studio to the world. The movies explore the toys in Andy’s room when they are left on their own and come to life.
Shawn’s distinct vocals are put to perfect use in these movies as Rex, a toy dinosaur who is far from ferocious and is instead riddled with anxiety. The nervous energy Shawn brings to the role makes him an instant classic Pixar character. It’s the exact opposite personality you’d expect from a T-Rex, helping him stand out. Rex appeared in all four Toy Story movies, with the first being a perfect nostalgic treat with humor, heart, and inventive storytelling.