Steve Carell is going to be one of the big winners of 2013. The former star of “The Office” has given us memorable comedic performances in films such as “The 40 Year-Old Virgin” and “Get Smart”, as well as dramatic work in “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World”. But this year Carell has, and will continue to, catapulte his career to a new level.
While “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” bombed at the box office in March, it was off-beat and quite funny. His performance as a down-and-out former big-time magician who attempts a comeback was the centerpiece of the film.
“Despicable Me 2” stormed 4th of July weekend, making nearly $150 million in it’s first 5-days and is about to become Universal’s highest-grossing film of all-time. Carell’s Gru, the supervillain turned superdad, along with the scene-stealing Minions, have made this franchise one of the most popular and profitable in animation history. Two days later, the indie dramedy “The Way, Way Back” showcased Carell in his most impressive dramatic performance to date as the very nasty Trent, who doesn’t see eye-to-eye with his girlfriend’s 14-year old son.
And the best may be yet to come. Mark your calendar for December 20 (aka “Steve Carell Day”). In wide release will be the highly-anticipated, “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues”. Carell is back as weatherman Brick Tamland, alongside Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy and the rest of the Action 4 News team. Millions have been looking forward to this sequel since 2004’s original. Also in limited release that day is the drama, “Foxcatcher”, for which Carell is generating early Oscar buzz. He plays wrestling coach John du Pont, in a film that tells the story of his relationship with Olympic champion brothers Mark and David Schultz, played by Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo. “Foxcatcher” is directed by “Moneyball”‘s Bennett Miller.
Carell also pulled-off something earlier this year that hardly anyone in Hollywood can do anymore: he surprised us! After denying it for months, quite convincingly, he did make a cameo appearance in “The Office” series finale.
At this stage Carell may just be the frontrunner for the annual “LCJ Actor of the Year” Award.