5 Kevin Spacey performances that will stay with you forever
12 Aug 2025

Kevin Spacey, the illustrious actor, has given us several unforgettable performances over the years.

Famous for his versatility and depth, Spacey has played a variety of characters, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.

Here, we look at five iconic roles that define his genius and contribution to cinema.

Each of them is a testament to his talent, making him one of the most revered actors in Hollywood.

'The Usual Suspects' - Verbal Kint
Unforgettable role

In The Usual Suspects, Spacey played the role of Verbal Kint, a seemingly meek con artist with a hidden agenda.

His performance was both subtle and powerful, earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

From the character's complexity to the film's twist ending, this role became unforgettable for audiences worldwide.

'American Beauty' - Lester Burnham
Suburban drama

In American Beauty, Spacey played the character of Lester Burnham, a disillusioned suburban father facing a midlife crisis.

His performance was able to capture the nuances of dissatisfaction and desire for change in modern life.

This performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, making him one of Hollywood's finest talents.

'L.A. Confidential' - Jack Vincennes
Noir detective

Spacey's portrayal of Jack Vincennes in L.A. Confidential proved his knack for getting into the skin of complex characters effortlessly.

As a morally ambiguous detective caught in the web of corruption and intrigue, he added the much-needed depth to the 1950s Los Angeles-set noir genre film.

His performance played a major role in the movie's critical acclaim.

'House of Cards' - Frank Underwood
Political mastermind

In Netflix's series House of Cards, Spacey played Frank Underwood, an ambitious politician with Machiavellian tendencies.

His commanding presence and delivery captivated viewers as he navigated through the schemes with a cunning precision.

The role became synonymous with power plays within Washington, D.C., earning widespread recognition.

'Se7En' - John Doe
Chilling antagonist

In David Fincher's thriller Se7en, Spacey played John Doe—a methodical serial killer who committed sins inspired by the seven deadly sins—without making an appearance until late into its story.

However, he made indelible impressions on viewers. This was thanks to how chillingly effective this antagonist was made by him.

Despite lesser screen time than other main cast, he was involved throughout much earlier parts of the overall story's development process.