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When you see Evan Peters in the casting list, you know it's going to be good.
by Juliette PerksBuzzFeed Contributor
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Along with the rest of the world, I've been taken aback by Evan Peters' chilling performance as real-life serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in Netflix's Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and it's reminded me how great an actor Peters really is (not that I really needed reminding, but you know).
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20th Television / Via giphy.com
I mean, I personally think he has been quite underrated over the years, even as he has been killing it (pardon the pun) in most seasons of American Horror Story.
So, I thought now would be the perfect time to look back and reflect on Peters' acting career, as I bring to you 19 roles that prove he is one of Hollywood's best.
1. Kai Anderson in American Horror Story: Cult
20th Television / Via youtube.com
Kai has to be one of Peters' most spectacular performances to date, and some say Kai is the scariest character the actor has played. Kai is the main antagonist of Cult who embodies a terrifying mix of toxic masculinity with manipulative charisma. He is rather mentally unstable and obsessed with the idea of power, so much so that he uses fear to manipulate people with the aim of releasing chaos to "achieve change."
Peters had it particularly tough in that season of AHS as Kai's character developed, from having to dish out brutal punishments to sexual manipulation and his public displays of pleasure, but the actor absolutely nailed embodying the terrifying cult leader.
2. Detective Colin Zabel in Mare of Easttown
Mayhem Pictures / Via youtube.com
Starring opposite Kate Winslet in Mare of Easttown, Peters stars as Colin Zabel, who is called in as the county detective to assist with Mare's (Winslet) investigation. Swapping creepy for down to earth, Peters' character is an earnest young man struggling from imposter syndrome after taking credit for a case he didn't actually solve.
Peters wormed his character's way into audiences' hearts before an abrupt and shocking twist, proving that an adorable nice guy part is just as much for him as his many villainous counterparts.
3. Jimmy Darling in American Horror Story: Freak Show
20th Television / Via youtube.com
Jimmy Darling, aka lobster boy, is another strong AHS entry for Peters. Born with a condition his parents capitalized on, Jimmy had a traumatic upbringing and dreamt of leaving the freak show to live a normal life.
A charming and brave character, Jimmy would fight for the "freaks'" acceptance as regular people, and Peters does a wonderful job of playing one of his least evil AHS characters yet.
4. Alex in Adult World
Anonymous Content / Via youtube.com
A much less intense role than usual, Peters stars alongside Emma Roberts for the first time in Adult World, a film about a naive college graduate, Amy, who believes she's destined to be a great poet, accepts a job in a porn shop whilst pursuing a mentorship with a reclusive writer.
Alex is one of Amy's co-workers who later becomes a love interest, and it's refreshing to see Peters play a totally normal person, reminding us that he's not just a cult leader and is actually pretty good at playing the soft and gentle type!
5. Warren Lipka in American Animals
Film4 Productions / Via youtube.com
Based on a true story, American Animals sees Peters play Warren Lipka, a man who commits an art heist alongside three others. Lipka is the ring leader of the robbery, charismatic but a bit toxic, and definitely looking for a thrill.
Peters gives a charismatic performance once again, and his character's confidence oozes through (even at the bleakest moments when dealing with the fallout of the heist) in this fun and entertaining flick centered around one bizarre story.
6. Mr. Gallant in American Horror Story: Apocalypse
20th Television / Via youtube.com
Finally, AHS creator Ryan Murphy gave Peters a break! In this season of AHS, Peters plays Mr. Gallant, a hairstylist and fashion-first man who loves a silk neck scarf, and one who is struggling with post-apocalyptic life.
The frivolous character definitely added a touch of lighthearted comedy to another bleak series, and Peters brought a lot of fun to the role. I mean, what other actor could play a guy getting tortured whilst screaming the name of '70s and '80s gay icons?! Classic.
7. Quicksilver in WandaVision
Marvel Studios / Via youtube.com
I absolutely loved the appearance of Peters' fake Quicksilver in WandaVision, and his on-screen entry definitely stole the show and had people talking!
Even though Pietro/Quicksilver wasn't the real deal as we soon found out, Peters' character brought a fantastic, quirky, and uplifting energy in his scenes with Wanda's kids, and further emphasized the nostalgic sitcom vibe the show was going for.
Give me a Ralph Bohner/Pietro/Quicksilver spinoff any day.
8. Jeffrey Dahmer in Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
Netflix / Via youtube.com
You didn't think I'd forget about Dahmer, did you? It goes without saying that Peters' portrayal of the real-life serial killer is as chilling as it gets.
It's beyond me how Peters was able to get through the filming of this series whilst upholding the complex dynamic of the killer. It's incredibly creepy, twisted, and downright evil, and Peters is insanely convincing.
9. Kit Walker in American Horror Story: Asylum
20th Television / Via youtube.com
In AHS Asylum, Peters finally got to play more of a victim than a villain. His character arc? Kit Walker (a gas station attendant) has his life turned upside down when aliens abduct him and his wife, but in the wake of the abduction, Walker is falsely blamed for killing his wife and two other women, and is sent off to Briarcliff Manor Sanatorium where he's accused of being the "Bloody Face" serial killer.
I really enjoyed Peters performance as Kit. He made an Asylum character really likable and evoked a lot of sympathy for him, too. Whilst the show initially leaves you guessing about Kit's circumstances, you always ended up rooting for him, and ultimately, it added another layer of depth to the show knowing that poor Walker was going through the horrors of the asylum and putting himself in danger (whilst even protecting another inmate, Grace), all because he wanted to live a quiet life with his wife.
10. John ‘Jack’ Daniels in One Tree Hill
Warner Bros. Television / Via youtube.com
Did you know Evan Peters was in One Tree Hill? Well, he played a troubled student of Tree Hill High School and the romantic interest of Sam Walker after they formed a close friendship. He was in the series for a total of six episodes and served as sarcastic and comedic relief throughout the season, with the most relatable facial expressions to our teen selves. Oh, it's also pretty cute seeing him have a little romantic arc as opposed to a little psychopathic one, yay!
11. Charles Manson in American Horror Story: Cult
20th Television / Via youtube.com
Evan Peters played a total of five cult leaders in Cult, all of which were crazy and terrifying! Of course, Kai is up there with the best, but so is his portrayal of Charles Manson.
Apart from the eerie physicalities of playing the cult criminal, Peters embodies the murderer by taking on a slight southern accent and serving up some seriously crazy eyes, but what works is also the dark humor behind Charles Manson as he pops up and says something oddly funny like "can't trust the bitches." Another cracking performance from Peters.
12. Todd in Kick-Ass
Plan B Entertainment / Via youtube.com
Remember Peters' supporting role in the first Kick-Ass? He played Todd Haynes, the bestie of main character Dave Lizewski played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Whilst a slightly smaller role, filming clashes meant he couldn't expand on the character's superhero quest in the film's sequel, but his scenes sure showed the potential he had to ass-kick (get it?!).
13. James Patrick March in American Horror Story: Hotel and Apocalypse
20th Television / Via youtube.com
James Patrick March was one hell of a character, and Peters once again nailed it. Featuring primarily in Hotel and later Apocalypse, Mr. March is one of the biggest villains played by Peters.
March designed the Hotel Cortez as a murderer's paradise complete with hidden rooms, chambers, and much more grisly stuff! After taking his own life, his ghost remains in the hotel, and he continues to torture and stalk victims from the afterlife.
Peters is exceptional at playing the overly polite murderer, all the while rocking a stache, combover, and one smooth upper class Brahmin accent. After all, who else could you see playing someone who can be seen smiling, laughing, and being jovial in the run-up to a brutal murder?
14. Stan Bowes in Pose
20th Television / Via youtube.com
Peters plays Stan Bowes in the first season of Pose. Bowes is a family man that works for the Trump Organization to provide for his family, but whilst adjusting to his new occupation, he meets Angel (Indya Moore), a trans sex worker and tries to maintain a secret love affair with her.
The role feels like one of the most different paths for Peters, and it was great to see him tread new waters with this character, a nervous and ambitious but layered character facing his own identity issues.
15. Luke in The Office
Universal Media Studios / Via youtube.com
Okay, did it pass your attention that Evan Peters starred in an episode of The Office in Season 7?! Peters comes into the show as the nephew of Michael Scott (Steve Carell).
When trying to bring his family closer together, Scott invites his nephew, Luke, to work as an assistant, imagining that he'll do amazingly. Well, in typical Michael Scott fashion, his plan backfires, and it turns out Luke is lazy and out to upset the apple cart.
If you have never seen this episode, then please enjoy this hilarious clip of Peters absolutely nailing his comedic appearance. Peters is laugh out loud funny as Luke, nailing the deflated, lazy, and can't-be-bothered nephew vibe, topped with perfect, sarcastic delivery!
16. Dwight Chapin in Elvis & Nixon
Benaroya Pictures / Via youtube.com
Elvis & Nixon is a comedy about the untold true story behind the meeting between Elvis Presley and President Richard Nixon. Peters plays Dwight Chapin, the associate to White House staffer, Bud Krogh, played by Colin Hanks.
The result? Whilst not the largest role he's taken on, Peters sure convinces us that he could be a real White House worker.
17. Tate Langdon in American Horror Story: Murder House and Apocalypse
20th Television / Via youtube.com
In my personal opinion, Tate Langdon is one of AHS and Peters' more complex and evil roles. A solemn and weary character, plagued by dark secrets and a dual aspect of his personality, he's a pretty scary guy!
For context, Tate is one of the many ghosts stuck in the Murder House. When he was alive, he committed a mass shooting at his high school, and when he's dead, he sexually assaults Vivien Harmon, all the while trying to seduce her troubled daughter, Violet. Oh, and then his attack on Vivien results in the birth of the Antichrist, so you know, he's really not your go-to friendly ghost.
Whilst it is later revealed Satan was influencing Tate and using him as a pawn, you can't help but be terrified thanks to Peters' excellent portrayal of this messed up fellow.
18. Clay in The Lazarus Effect
Blumhouse Productions / Via youtube.com
In this 2015 horror, The Lazarus Effect, a group of medical researchers discover a way to bring dead patients back to life. Just what you want, right?!
Virtually playing the lab's token slacker and stoner in a seemingly B-movie horror, Peters does bloody well to actually convince us that he's met his death by that of an e-cigarette. Credit where credit is due.
19. Kyle Spencer in American Horror Story: Coven
20th Television / Via youtube.com
Poor Peters is always having it rough. In Coven, his character, Kyle Spencer, is killed by witch Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts) when she flips a bus he is on.
A smart, caring, and nice-enough character, Kyle was against the typical frat boy stereotypes, but sadly, ends up becoming a bit like Frankenstein's monster once he's resurrected by the witches. Ouch!
After being brought back from the dead, Peters gives an engrossing performance as Kyle acts with little understanding of the world around him, lacking any physical coordination, being unable to speak, and absolutely freaking out as his memories come back. If anyone can make a dead-to-resurrected character arc look good, it's Peters.
What is your all-time favorite performance by Evan Peters? Tell us in the comments!
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