It takes a lot of effort and preparation from even the best actors to truly embody the characters they portray on screen. This is especially true when a role requires actors to behave totally different than their real off-screen personalities. This means that many of the most iconic tough guy actors really aren’t so tough at all. Sometimes it’s hard to remember, but actors you may know as Hollywood’s most notable superheroes, explorers, villains, gangsters, and undercover cops are really some of the nicest guys you would ever meet. To get an inside look, check out these actors who play tough guys in movies, but are actually sweethearts.
Steven Seagal
Known for his martial arts films like “Hard to Kill” and “Under Siege,” Steven Seagal made a reputation for himself as one of the quintessential American hero actors of the 80’s and 90’s. But Seagal has been reported as a lot nicer than his reputation suggests.
Hugh Jackman
Everyone knows Hugh Jackman as Wolverine from the “X-Men” series, and has carved out his niche as the ultimate tough guy stud. And while Wolverine is tough as nails on screen, the man behind the wolf is actually known for being a super lovable guy.
Jason Statham
Statham has over a decade of tough guy films in his repertoire, portraying characters who take any mess from anyone. As he as continued to establish himself in Hollywood, he’s revealed more of his actual personality and that he is actually a true goofball.
Tom Hardy
“Mad Max: Fury Road” and “The Dark Knight Rises” are just a few of the films in which Tom Hardy has played the role of a tough guy. But Hardy has openly admitted to sources that he is really a nice guy in real life, and only plays tough on screen.
Vin Diesel
The “Fast and Furious” series established Vin Diesel’s character as the ultimate tough guy, cooler than cool, and a leader that is seriously loyal to his crew. In real life, fans have reported that he is one of the most down-to-earth celebs they’ve ever met, willing to talk to anyone who might approach him on the street.
Johnny Depp
Captain Jack Sparrow of “Pirates of the Caribbean” is a wild, charming but unpredictable, sea-faring character that has helped make Johnny Depp iconic for the role. But in real life, the people closest to Johnny Depp say that he is an absolutely great person.
Harrison Ford
From Han Solo to Indiana Jones, Harrison is the ultimate tough guy explorer, whether it’s a journey through space in the final frontier, or on rare archeological digs. But people who have worked with Ford describe him as anything but tough, and say he is one of the nicest actors you’ll ever meet.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt has played some pretty tough roles on screen, but all of his closest confidants say that he is the total opposite. He is described as actually being a really nice guy and has spent a lot of time and resources on philanthropy work rebuilding New Orleans.