Acting, like any other line of work, often comes with its trials and tribulations.  While landing roles in films and television is the ultimate goal, sometimes that is simply not enough to help establish a legacy. Many stars work tirelessly for years, and unfortunately are left to face the harsh reality that their talent may never be completely recognized.  However, these actors and actresses continue to build their skills in hopes that one day they will fans and critics will see their true worth.  While that day may never come for some,  dedicated fans continue to support the potential in their favorite celebrities.  Here are 10 actors who have way more talent than they’re given credit for.

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10. Djimon Hounsou

Despite two Academy Award nominations and a resume that includes several impressive films, actor Djimon Hounsou has never quite been a household name. Aside from appearing in many film and television productions, the 50-year-old Benin native has also appeared in several music videos at the start of his career.

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9. Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana has appeared in several popular films.  However, despite these appearances, many see Saldana as nothing more than a pretty face who is able to land roles based on her looks.  Although Saldana has yet to win any big name awards, much of her work proves that there is also a great deal of talent to go along with her beauty.

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8. Stephen Lang

Despite his tremendous talent, Tony Award nominated actor Stephen Lang, remains one of the most underrated stars in Hollywood. Although his face may be recognizable to some fans, Lang has become one of those actors that no one can quite put their finger on.  However, even though he may not always get the credit he deserves, Lang has proved that he is a tremendous talent both on-screen and on-stage.

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7.  Nick Cannon

Although Nick Cannon has found success in many of his business ventures, his early acting gigs have often left him branded as a jokester with no real acting ability.  However, throughout his career, Cannon has taken on several roles which have proven that there is more to the baby-faced actor than just a few quick jokes.

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6. Elisha Cuthbert

Elisha Cuthbert has been acting for nearly 20 years.  However, over the course of her career, she has repeatedly not been given the credit she deserves.  It appears that while Cuthbert’s acting credits include some relatively well-known films, it also includes some duds (House of Wax) that have distracted viewers from the real caliber of her talent.

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5. Michael Madsen

Michael Madsen is best-known for his role in films such as Free Willy and Reservoir Dogs. However, aside from acting, Madsen is also a talented photographer and poet. Over the course of his career, Madsen has released six books of poetry and a book of his work as a photographer.  Although Madsen may not have snagged any big name awards for his acting, his other work has certainly helped him gain recognition among a wider audience.

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4. Cole Hauser

Cole Hauser is one of those actors who many fans would love to see more of.  Although he has appeared in a good number of films and TV shows, Hauser has yet to have a standout role that has allowed him to solidify his place in the acting world.  However, his role in the 2008 film, The Family That Preys, proves that Hauser has the ability to give life to a complex character.

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3. Ben Foster

In 1995, Ben Foster landed a starring role on the Disney Channel series, Flash Forward.  Although the show aired for just two years, it helped catapult Foster’s career.  Over the years, Foster has appeared in many well-known films, all while showing fans that he is capable of accurately portraying any role he is given.  For his work, Foster has won several awards, including a Daytime Emmy  for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Special. However, even with his impressive resume and award-winning acting skills, Foster is often overlooked during discussions concerning Hollywood’s most talented stars.

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2. Robert Pattinson

After his starring role in the Twilight film series, Robert Pattinson has often been overlooked by those who believe that the role simply did not require much talent.  Unfortunately for Pattinson, almost all of the films he has appeared in since the release of the first Twilight film have gone relatively unnoticed.  However, if Pattinson is able to make better choices about the roles he takes on, he will be able to show the world that there is much more to him than just Edward Cullen.

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1. Mark-Paul Gosselaar

Mark-Paul Gosselaar is best-known for his role as Zack Morris on the popular 80s and 90s sitcom, Saved by the Bell. Although the show was widely successful, it unfortunately left Gosselaar unable to land other, more serious roles.  In more recent years, Gosselaar has landed other starring roles; however, nothing has gained as much popularity as his role as Morris.  However, despite the fact that Gosselaar will forever be known from his days on Saved by the Bell, he is constantly working to prove that he is far more talented than many believe.

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