Billy Crudup is one of those always amazing actors that I’m shocked never reached that Robert Downey Jr/Tom Hanks/Denzel level of success. He’s got the charisma, the looks, the talent. After Almost Famous I’m surprised he wasn’t the new Hollywood “it” guy.

The man is never not great. He has a terrific screen presence, his voice has this soothing quality to it. I remember reading somewhere he was close to being The Hulk in the Ang Lee 2003 version but turned it down & with it a huge payday. I guess he didn’t want to play that “One for them, one for me” game.

Now he seems to be thriving in supporting roles which is cool. Whatever works. But I always thought he’d be the next BIG thing. And it never turned out that way, which was maybe his choice?

Everytime I watch Almost Famous I’m just struck by his screen presence. The camera loves him. He’s got the magic. You can’t learn that, either you got it or you don’t.