10 Bobby Cannavale movies and TV shows where he totally stole the spotlight and made us instant fans

Bobby Cannavale movies and TV shows | Images via Apple TV, Hotstar and Disney+
Bobby Cannavale movies and TV shows | Images via Apple TV, Hotstar and Disney+

Bobby Cannavale is a dynamic performer who captivates audiences on television as well as the big screen. He has repeatedly taken the stage in unforgettable performances thanks to his enchanted blend of charisma, energy, and acting. Not limited to a single genre, Cannavale has proved his talent by performing a wide range of characters, from amusing goofballs and profound lovers to ruthless gangsters and colorful villains.

In this list, ten exceptional movies and TV shows of Bobby Cannavale are highlighted in which he not only captivated audiences but also skyrocketed minor roles to become fan favorites. Let's dive right in and explore the Cannavale effect!

Please note: This article is solely the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.


Here is the list of the 10 Bobby Cannavale movies and TV shows where he totally stole the spotlight and made us instant fans:

10. Mr. Robot (2015- 2019)

Bobby Cannavale as Otto Irving in Mr. Robot | Image via Prime Video
Bobby Cannavale as Otto Irving in Mr. Robot | Image via Prime Video

Mr. Robot's Season 3 cast Bobby Cannavale as Otto Irving. Otto Irving is a sleek blackmailer of the Dark Army. Cool as a cucumber, he is organized and cold-blooded, mixing everyday kindness and menace niceties. During the episode titled "shutdown-r," Irving tackled the rebellious hacker with cold professionalism.

His calm voice and stature, accompanied by minute gestures, expressed much more than violence ever could. A type of operant fan cannot help but focus on, a Reddit user pointed out,

“He was the perfect operative… balance between humor … and cold, psychopathic rage,”

and said,

“The way he said ‘Swedish fish’… complemented each swing of the ax.”

After watching Cannavale's performance, the viewers were instantly captivated by him.


9. Homecoming (2018 - 2020)

Cannavale plays Colin Belfast in Homecoming | Image via Prime Video
Cannavale plays Colin Belfast in Homecoming | Image via Prime Video

In Homecoming, Cannavale plays Colin Belfast, a popular yet mysterious supervisor under Heidi, at the government facility owned by the Geist Group. A perfect performance in the psychological thriller; in Season 1, Episodes 5 and 6, Belfast is seen smooth-talking and manipulating Heidi, after she fails to recognise him.

His performance is uncomfortable in every way, and even the smallest hesitation or smile heightens the impact of his authority. He succeeded in turning a character that could have been just a minor addition to the story into a standout scene.


8. Will & Grace (1998-2006)

Bobby Cannavale in Will & Grace | Image via Hotstar
Bobby Cannavale in Will & Grace | Image via Hotstar

Bobby Cannavale received an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor for his performance as Will's cop boyfriend, Vince D'Angelo, from 2004 to 2006, in Will & Grace. Cannavale's chemistry as Vince with Eric McCormack's Will remains iconic for the time, and especially a watershed moment for the LGBTQIA+ representation within television.

In an interview with The Drew Barrymore Show, with host Drew Barrymore, the actor recalled how the screenwriting of the series was commendable, and the atmosphere on the set and his experience being "so, so kind and nice".

He also revealed how a quick, unscripted kiss, the characters shared was lauded by the audience.


7. Vinyl (2016)

Bobby Cannavale played Richie Finestra in Vinyl | Image via Apple TV
Bobby Cannavale played Richie Finestra in Vinyl | Image via Apple TV

In Vinyl, Bobby Cannavale played the character of Richie Finestra, a cocaine addicted record executive. The show is set in 1970s New York and is available on HBO. Although the show was cancelled for renewal, Cannavale's performance unforgettable charm, can grab your attention, and sell "anything, from junkie desperation to the joy of experiencing an electrifying rock show", according to a review by TIME.

Critics have complimented his energy on Vinyl. TIME also wrote,

"In a fiercely committed performance, two-time Emmy winner Cannavale seems ready at any moment to burn down the screen, and the direction—Scorsese helmed the pilot—and writing provide plenty of tinder."

Vinyl set in the backdrop of a changing landscape in Western music, revolved around Richie Finestra, and his drowning record label, American Century Records.


6. Boardwalk Empire (2012-2013)

Bobby Cannavale (Right) as Gyp Rosetti in Boardwalk Empire | Image via Hotstar
Bobby Cannavale (Right) as Gyp Rosetti in Boardwalk Empire | Image via Hotstar

On Boardwalk Empire (Season 3), Cannavale is terrifying and electric as the mobster Gyp Rosetti. The audience is immediately shocked by his opening scene, where he is seen beating a man with a tire iron for a mere offhanded comment. His performance is a testament to the fact that he entered Season 3 as the main antagonist to win his Emmy.

Reddit enthusiasts wrote,

"You can't take your eyes off him and never know what he's gonna do next. It's like everyone is on edge around him, I find him fascinating as f-ck.”

He was one of the most unforgettable TV villains because of his irrationally violent temper and peculiar psychosexual traits. It's the best cameo action from Bobby Cannavale's movies and TV shows.


5. Blue Jasmine (2013)

Bobby Cannavale as Chili in Blue Jasmine | Image via Apple TV
Bobby Cannavale as Chili in Blue Jasmine | Image via Apple TV

Blue Jasmine is an American comedy-drama film starring Bobby Cannavale. In this film, Woody Allen casts Bobby Cannavale as Chili. Chili is an accessible mechanic who adds a sense of urgency to the family conflict. As Ginger's boyfriend, Chili is often used to contrast with the cold, upper-class setting of Jasmine, albeit volatile. Jasmine, predictably, abhors Chili for his class, as well as his coarse nature.

In a memorable and tender scene, the audience watches Chili and Ginger playfully argue over the last slice of pizza after a previous fight. In total contrast, we also see the often aggressive and coarse nature of Chili, which Jasmine absolutely abhors, proving Cannavale's range as an actor.


4. Chef (2014)

Bobby Cannavale plays Tony in Chef | Image via Netflix
Bobby Cannavale plays Tony in Chef | Image via Netflix

Bobby Cannavale plays Tony (Carl Casper's devoted sous-chef and kitchen assistant) in Jon Favreau's heartwarming film Chef. Favreau's intention was certain for this film, and after directing a list of big-budget movies, he chose to go "back to the basics", favoring artistic integrity over everything else.

Cannavale, in contrast to other roles on this list, acts as a comic relief in Chef. His presence in a scene breaks the tension and peppers it with comedy. He makes the kitchen lively with his jokes and maintains morale in the mess.

Bobby Cannavale's honest energy and contribution to this film transform even the smaller scenes into significant ones.


3. Spy (2015)

Bobby plays Sergio De Luca in Spy | Image via Disney+
Bobby plays Sergio De Luca in Spy | Image via Disney+

Bobby plays Sergio De Luca in Spy, a gaudy, over-the-top arms dealer who steals every scene he's in. In the middle of the movie, he meets Agent Susan (played by Melissa McCarthy) in one of the expensive restaurants, where, as a Bond villain, he swaggers his arms, deals with a slick smirk, and has savoir-faire. Then he wanders away, and Susan is left flabbergasted.

The entire sequence is essentially driven by his groomed charisma and delivery, making it hilarious. It's no wonder that people fall in love with him instantly, and fans of Bobby Cannavale's movies and TV shows commend his comedic flair in this scene. The audience loved how he turned a few dialogues into an unforgettable villain moment.


2. Ant-Man (2015)

Bobby Cannavale in Ant-Man | Image via Hotstar
Bobby Cannavale in Ant-Man | Image via Hotstar

Cannavale's performance as Jim Paxton in Ant-Man gives the Marvel Universe a realistic sense of comedy. Jim, Scott's ex-husband and the fiancée of his new girlfriend, is always friendly and subtly menacing but inhuman.

Jim and Scott's unexpectedly cordial conversation is one scenario in Ant-Man that can be committed to memory. Jim boasts without being aggressive, and he charmingly teases Scott. He even jokes about Scott dating his ex.

Audiences loved how readily Cannavale referenced this potentially unpleasant tripartite relationship while making the competition appear natural, light, and fun. Fans of Bobby Cannavale's movies and TV shows have seen him play a minor but memorable role in a major superhero blockbuster.


1. The Irishman (2019)

Bobby Cannavale in The Irishman | Image via Netflix
Bobby Cannavale in The Irishman | Image via Netflix

Cannavale makes his appearance by the end of The Irishman as Skinny Razor, a mobster from Philly who introduces audiences to the world of labor rackets in the 1950s. In his most notable scene, he meets Frank Sheeran at a truck stop and reaches a quick agreement on a stolen meat delivery. His style is defined by his smooth talk, his cool demeanor, and a swift shift between friendliness and menace.

He appears confident despite limited screen time, making that scene unforgettable. Critics praised how effectively he made an impression in a film widely associated with Scorsese. In this short, intense scene, fans of Bobby Cannavale’s movies and TV shows get a glimpse of his true star power.


As listed in this article, Bobby Cannavale's performance encapsulates his wide range in acting. From characters that are dramatic, comedic, emotional, or spooky, Cannavale has established himself as an actor who never fails to tug at the heartstrings of the viewer and remains memorable.

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Edited by IRMA