Kevin Spacey has long been regarded as a chameleonic actor, effortlessly shifting between stage and screen, hero and villain, with a versatility that few in Hollywood can match. Kevin Spacey first caught the attention of critics and audiences alike through a series of compelling stage performances, both on and off-Broadway. It was his work in productions like “Ghosts,” “Long Day’s Journey into Night,” and “Hurlyburly” that laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career in film. While he had dabbled in television earlier, it was his eccentric and mesmerizing turn as a heroin-addicted millionaire on the cult favorite “Wiseguy” (CBS, 1987–1990) that truly marked Kevin Spacey’s arrival as a distinctive on-camera presence.
From there, Kevin Spacey transitioned into feature films, often taking supporting roles before breaking through with critical acclaim in “Glengarry Glen Ross” (1992). Sharing the screen with powerhouse actors like Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, and his personal idol Jack Lemmon, Kevin Spacey held his own—no small feat—and proved he belonged among the elite. But it was his Academy Award-winning portrayal of the enigmatic Verbal Kint in “The Usual Suspects” (1995) that catapulted him into the spotlight, solidifying his reputation as a master of subtlety and deception.
He followed up with unforgettable roles in back-to-back hits: the morally complex Detective Bud White in “L.A. Confidential” (1997) and the haunting John Doe in “Se7en” (1997). These performances showcased Kevin Spacey’s willingness to dive deep into complex, often dark characters, further establishing him as a hypnotic and fearless performer. Though some later projects like “Pay It Forward” (2000) and “K-PAX” (2001) didn’t quite hit the same heights, Kevin Spacey remained a prominent figure in cinema. He took on major roles such as Lex Luthor in “Superman Returns” (2006), all while expanding his influence beyond acting.
In 2003, Kevin Spacey made a bold move by becoming the artistic director of London’s historic Old Vic theatre—a role he embraced with dedication, championing new works and revitalizing classic plays. His commitment to the craft continued on screen with standout performances in the HBO film “Recount” (2008), the political drama “Casino Jack” (2010), and perhaps most notably, as the cunning and corrupt politician Frank Underwood in Netflix’s “House of Cards” (2013–2018). That role, chillingly charismatic and layered, earned Kevin Spacey widespread praise and multiple awards, reinforcing his status as one of the industry’s most accomplished and diverse talents.
However, in October 2017, everything changed. Actor Anthony Rapp accused Kevin Spacey of making inappropriate sexual advances when Rapp was just 14 years old. The allegation emerged during the height of the #MeToo movement, sparked by the Harvey Weinstein scandal, and triggered a wave of similar accusations against Kevin Spacey. As more stories surfaced, a troubling picture began to form—one that led to swift professional consequences. His publicist and talent agencies cut ties, and Netflix halted production on the final season of “House of Cards.”
Perhaps the most dramatic fallout came when director Ridley Scott made the unprecedented decision to remove Kevin Spacey from the already-completed film “All the Money in the World” (2017). In a stunning turnaround, Scott reshot all of Kevin Spacey’s scenes with Christopher Plummer stepping in—just weeks before the film’s release. It was a rare and powerful rebuke from the industry, marking a turning point in Kevin Spacey’s legacy—one that now stands as a complex blend of extraordinary artistic achievement and deeply troubling controversy.
When it comes to Kevin Spacey’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to L.A. Confidential (1997) as the standout highlight of his career—arguably his highest rated movie to date. It’s a film that not only showcases Kevin Spacey’s incredible range but also solidified his reputation as a powerhouse performer. On the other end of the spectrum, Father of Invention (2010) tends to be viewed as one of his weaker outings, earning notably lower ratings compared to his other works. While Kevin Spacey has delivered many memorable roles over the years, these two films represent the highs and lows in terms of critical reception. So, if you’re exploring Kevin Spacey’s body of work, starting with L.A. Confidential might give you the best sense of his talent, while Father of Invention serves as a reminder that even great actors have their off moments.