ComingSoon.net has ranked Kathryn Hahn’s best roles prior to (finally) getting the widespread recognition she deserved all along in WandaVision. Check out our selections below!
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As amazing as Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany have been in WandaVision, the series’ true standout is Kathryn Hahn. Her performance as the titular pair’s “nosy neighbor,” Agnes has turned into much more than just another supporting role; nailing every sitcom iteration and ultimately (spoiler alert) becoming the show’s big bad (or is she?)—she steals almost every scene she is in. The practice of scene-stealing is an art Hahn has perfected over the years (in many many projects); starring in several films and television shows.
From a history of playing the funny supporting characters in films like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Step Brothers to starring in dramas like Private Life, Hahn is arguably one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood, For whatever reason, we recognize her but don’t exactly know why. Thankfully, this will no longer be the case moving forward. As we salute Marvel Studios for finally making Hahn mainstream, let’s take a look back at some of Hahn’s best roles.
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Have you always been a fan? What projects have you loved her in? Let us know in the comments below!
12. Michelle Rueben – How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Hahn’s role in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days launched the typecasting of her as romantic comedies’ (A Lot like Love, Win a Date with Tod Hamilton!, The Holiday, etc.) got-to “funny best friend.” In it, she fills these shoes for Kate Hudson’s Andie as she attempts to bamboozle Matthew McConaughey’s Ben.
11. Carla – Bad Moms (2017)
Like her roles in Anchorman, Step Brothers, and We’re the Millers, Hahn fully embraces slapstick comedy in the Bad Moms franchise. She plays Carla, a chaotic single mom and Brazilian-wax specialist who steals the show. In fact, if she wasn’t forced into a supporting role behind Mila Kunis, this film would probably be a lot better.
10. Lee Payne – HAPPYish (2015)
In this dark comedy, Hahn plays Lee Payne, the wife of Thom Payne (Steve Coogan) struggling to balance her artistic passion and motherhood. While not the most acclaimed show, HAPPYish succeeds thanks to both Hahn and Coogan’s relatably satirical performances.
9. Dessa Constantine – I Know This Much Is True (2020)
In the Mark Ruffalo vehicle/mini-series, I Know This Much is True, Hahn plays Dominick’s ex-wife, Dessa. Having ended their marriage following the loss of their child, Hahn’s portrayal of Dessa’s heartbreak and trauma while still being a beacon of support for the two main characters is incredible.
8. Rachel – Afternoon Delight (2013)
Afternoon Delight follows Hahn as Rachel, a sexually-frustrated wife who goes to a strip club with her husband to spice things up. This leads to Rachel deciding to hire a stripper (Juno Temple) as the couple’s live-in nanny. Hahn basically makes this film (not basically, she does).
7. Alice – Step Brothers (2008)
Hahn’s breakout role in Adam McKay’s Step Brothers aided her career a lot of momentum. Holding your own beside comedic legends is no small feat and she does just that as Alice, the unhinged wife of Brennan’s (Will Ferrell brother, Derek (Adam Scott), who has a weird obsession with Dale (John C. Reilly). With a propensity for renditions of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and awkward make-out sessions, Hahn’s comedic performance is nothing short of scene-stealing.
6. Olivia “Liv” Octavius – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Hahn brings an inimitable amount of goof and menace to the role of Into the Spider-Verse’s gender-swapped Doctor Octopus. The film’s cast of voice actors is absolutely stacked and somehow (like her other Marvel outing in WandaVision) stands out as one of its best. Her performance is all over the place (in the best way) and is a fantastic argument for more voice-over work moving forward.
5. Chris Kraus – I Love Dick (2016)
In I Love Dick, Hahn plays a fictional version of Chris Kraus, who wrote the novel on which the series is based. The story follows the artist as she develops a psychosexual fascination with a local Texas professor, Dick, played by Kevin Bacon (despite being married to Griffin Dunne’s character). The series marks Hahn’s first leading/complicated role which she totally nails…even though the show was canceled after its first season.
4. Rachel Biegler – Private Life (2018)
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Private Life sees Hahn play Rachel who, along with her husband, Richard (Paul Giamatti), desperately attempt to get pregnant. Things are complicated when their niece, Sadie (Kayli Carter), decides to come live with them in New York. Both poignant and hilarious, Hahn captures the devastatingly complex emotions of a woman struggling to have a child.
3. Jennifer Barkley – Parks & Recreation (2009 – 2020)
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Hahn plays Parks & Recreation’s Jennifer Barkley, the political mastermind who initially comes to Pawnee to run Bobby Newport’s campaign against Leslie Knope. Her independent and confident attitude makes her a character fans love to hate, so much so that she ends up helping Ben Wyatt run for Congress, solidifying her as perhaps the show’s more impactful (memorable) and iconic recurring guest star – a perfect showcase for Hahn’s unique talents.
2. Raquel Fein – Transparent (2014 – 2019)
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Hahn’s only Emmy nomination was a result of her role in Transparent. The series follows the Pfefferman family as they come to terms with the fact that their father is a transgender woman named Maura. Hahn plays Rabbi Raquel Fein, who dates Maura’s son, Josh. While a supporting character, Hahn stands out as one of the show’s funniest and most unique.
1. Eve Fletcher – Mrs. Fletcher (2019)
In one of her few (unfortunately) leading roles, Hahn plays Eve Fletcher, a divorced mom who decides to reinvent herself following her son’s college departure. Her performance explores sexual awakening, ageism, and gender in a show they may not entirely know what it is trying to say. Regardless, as a suburban mom who finally decides to live, Hahn shines, playing against type without ever betraying her signature charisma. A career-best.
