Andie McDowell. I hate Andie McDowell’s acting. While I am sure there are worse answers, there are not too many who have earned at least some general respect in the world of Hollywood who are as bad as she is.
Sofía Vergara. If I was a Latin-American individual watching Modern Family I’d be choking on my own spit. Her portrayal of Latin-Americans is so stereo-type it’s almost borderline racist. Meanwhile Mindy Kaling and Aziz Ansari are busy playing characters named Tom and Kelly.
Oh give me a break. One can’t help but think of two names that would fit this category in a heartbeat, if either them had such a thing which, alas, they don’t any longer, for those names would be Miss Bette Davis and Miss Joan Crawford. And while some might suggest Miss Marjorie Mains also belongs in this category, I would hesitate to include her right away.
I’m going to put in a vote for Lindsay Crouse, best known for starring in Mamet’s House of Games. She seems very highly regarded, but I’ve always found her to be stilted.
But come to think of it, Rebecca Pidgeon has also starred in Mamet films, also seems well-regarded, and seems even less of a human being.
Interestingly, you listed both Mamet’s wives. One would hope their acting in his films was how he wanted it. You say stilted, I offer “stylized” which Mamet’s work is. That said I happen to adore House of Games. That said I also happen to not be offering an answer of my own to the thread’s question, bowing out for professional reasons.
See, here’s the thing. I love Mamet. I love the Mamet style. It was seeing those people in other stuff that lead me to believe it was their acting that was the problem.