"Regal Reveries: Ranking the 30 Best and Worst Performances in The Crown's Royal Tapestry"
Across five seasons, The Crown has woven a rich tapestry of British history, capturing the twilight days of empire to the revolution of New Labour in sumptuous detail. Royals, politicians, foreign dignitaries, and society celebrities have graced the screen, brought to life by the creative brilliance of Peter Morgan, the show's creator. Yet, the unique challenge faced by Morgan, along with casting wizards Nina Gold and Robert Sterne, lies in portraying the same characters at different milestones—three Elizabeths, three Philips, three Margarets.
As The Crown embarks on its final season, it's time to cast a discerning eye over the performances that have added stardust to the series. Who flawlessly embodied their characters? Who stole scenes with minimal screen time? And who, unfortunately, was as overcooked as a slice of gammon? From the least convincing to the most magnetic, here are the 30 performances that have left an indelible mark on The Crown.
30. John Lithgow as Winston ChurchillIn the inaugural season, John Lithgow donned the mantle of Winston Churchill, a portrayal that lingers in the shadows of predecessors like Timothy Spall and Gary Oldman. Lithgow's rendition is forgettable, partly due to the failure to shed the faint Yank accent for a character whose voice is unmistakably British. The look: 5/10, The voice: 3/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 5/10, Overall score: 19.
29. Jonathan Pryce as Prince PhilipJonathan Pryce steps into the shoes of the late Prince Philip with an interpretation that lacks the physical resemblance seen in predecessors. While bringing a wearied gravitas akin to his role as Pope Francis, the character's once-electric spark seems muted after decades of marriage, rendering him rather ho-hum. The look: 4/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 4/10, Overall score: 19.
28. Marion Bailey as the Queen MotherMarion Bailey assumes the role of the Queen Mother, contributing to The Crown's ensemble. Stay tuned as we delve further into the tapestry of performances that have shaped this regal saga."
"Regal Resonance: Assessing The Crown's Casting Conundrum"
Victoria Hamilton, the trailblazer as the inaugural actress embodying the Queen Mother, has emerged as a more audience-friendly choice compared to her successor, Marion Bailey, who carried the role into the second chapter. A distinctive challenge in The Crown's casting becomes evident: a lack of continuity between actresses portraying the same character. The Queen Mother, often an intrusive presence in scenes involving her more intriguing descendants, perpetually walks the tightrope of becoming an irritant. With Bailey, this predicament was most pronounced. The look: 5/10, The voice: 6/10, Mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 3/10, Overall score: 19.
27. Bertie Carvel as Tony BlairJoining the company in the wake of Michael Sheen's iconic portrayal, Bertie Carvel steps into the shoes of Tony Blair. While the mannerisms align, the voice veers into the screechy, and the overall look tends towards a more goofy impression than the charismatic Blair of the late '90s. The look: 4/10, The voice: 3/10, The mannerisms: 7/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 20.
26. Dominic West as Prince CharlesIn a surprising choice, Old-Etonian Dominic West takes on the role of the final iteration of Prince Charles. Known for his tough cop role in The Wire, West's performance leans too heavily into masculinity, lacking the necessary nuance to capture Charles during tumultuous times. The look: 4/10, The voice: 5/10, The mannerisms: 7/10, Watchability: 5/10, Overall score: 21.
25. Michael C Hall as John F KennedyMichael C Hall graces The Crown with his portrayal of John F Kennedy in a season two cameo. The juxtaposition of American royalty against the House of Windsor is intriguing, but Hall's performance falls short of embodying the charisma of the American president. The look: 6/10, The voice: 6/10, Mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 4/10, Overall score: 21.
24. Johnny Lee Miller as John MajorJohnny Lee Miller steps into the shoes of John Major in The Crown. The performance doesn't quite capture the essence of the former Prime Minister, leaving room for improvement. The look: [Score], The voice: [Score], The mannerisms: [Score], Watchability: [Score], Overall score: [Score].
As we delve deeper into The Crown's intricate casting choices, the quest for authenticity and continuity remains a challenge, shaping the viewer's perception of historical figures immortalized on the screen."
"Artful Critique: Unveiling The Crown's Character Portrayals"
In the cinematic realm of Trainwreck, a memorable joke features John Cena quizzically mistaking himself for Mark Wahlberg, humorously claiming, "I look like Mark Wahlberg ate Mark Wahlberg!" However, Johnny Lee Miller's portrayal of John Major in The Crown doesn't evoke the same comedic resonance. Rather, he seems like John Major consuming another iteration of John Major. The look: 4/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 21.
23. Gillian Anderson as Margaret ThatcherTackling the challenging role of Margaret Thatcher in The Crown, Gillian Anderson faced the daunting task of breathing life into a character saturated in public consciousness. Despite initial concerns about portraying Thatcher as alluring, Anderson's performance falls short, veering into hammy territory. The emotional depth gets lost in the struggle for a convincing impression, resembling more of a caricature than a nuanced portrayal. The look: 6/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 5/10, Overall score: 22.
22. Andrew Buchan as Andrew Parker BowlesAndrew Buchan brings a melancholic presence to his role as Andrew Parker Bowles in The Crown. His portrayal, informed by his previous roles as a bereaved father on Broadchurch and the beleaguered Matt Hancock in This England, carries a weight of sorrow. Buchan's uncanny resemblance to the actor playing the young Prince Andrew adds an intriguing layer to his performance. The look: 5/10, The voice: 5.5/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 22.5.
21. Emerald Fennell as Camilla Parker BowlesLong before she became a Hollywood director, Emerald Fennell embodied the infamous Camilla Parker Bowles in The Crown's third and fourth seasons. Positioned as a necessary antagonist amidst the sympathetic portrayal of Princess Diana, Fennell's portrayal of the chain-smoking future Queen may be subject to debate. The look: 6/10, The voice: 6.5/10, Mannerisms: 5.5/10, Watchability: 5/10, Overall score: 23.
As we delve deeper into The Crown's ensemble of characters, the delicate balance between realism and entertainment comes to the fore, challenging actors to breathe life into historical figures while navigating the nuances of their multifaceted personas."
"Regal Reveries and Ranking Royalty: A Dive into The Crown's Performance Ensemble"
20. Lesley Manville as Princess MargaretAs the baton passed to Lesley Manville, a luminary among British actresses, Princess Margaret transitioned from a central character to a sideshow. Among all the portrayals of Margaret, Manville's is the least louche, sacrificing a bit of fun in the process. Manville, a contender for the final iteration of Queen Elizabeth II, brings a score of elegance to the role. The look: 7/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 5/10, Overall score: 23.
19. Olivia Colman as The QueenIn the continuum of Queen Elizabeth II, Olivia Colman's portrayal strikes a balance as neither a daring imagining of a young princess nor the more familiar image of a grey-haired matriarch. Colman's Queen exudes brittleness and haughtiness, showcasing the actress's undeniable prowess. However, it lacks the poise found in the performances of Claire Foy or Imelda Staunton. The look: 5/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 23.
18. Daniel Ings/Ben Miles/Greg Wise as Mike Parker/Peter Townsend/Lord MountbattenThe Crown has a penchant for showcasing handsome men, and the trio of Daniel Ings, Ben Miles, and Greg Wise fit the bill. While their roles may be more ornamental than deeply engaging, they serve as a visual delight. These clean-cut Englishmen bring charm to their characters in a series that offers a respite from the more central, and sometimes less favorable, male figures. The looks: 10/10, The voice: 5/10, The mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 5/10, Overall score: 25.
17. Jared Harris as George VIJared Harris steps into the role of George VI in The Crown, delivering a performance that adds depth to the character. His portrayal captures the complexities of the monarch's struggles, marking a notable contribution to the series. The looks: [Score], The voice: [Score], The mannerisms: [Score], Watchability: [Score], Overall score: [Score].
As we navigate the regal tapestry of performances in The Crown, the interplay of talent, appearance, and storytelling prowess unfolds, shaping the viewer's experience of this historical saga."
"Regal Ratings: Navigating The Crown's Ensemble with Jared Harris, Tom Brooke, Pip Torrens, and Alex Jennings"
16. Jared Harris as King George VIJared Harris injects King George VI with a brief yet impactful presence, portraying a monarch here for a good time rather than a long time. Despite a nasty cough that worsens, Harris, known for his roles in Mad Men and Chernobyl, proves himself as one of the finest television actors. Yet, filling the shoes of Colin Firth's Oscar-winning portrayal is no small feat, leaving one to ponder if a prequel might serve the character better. The look: 6/10, The voice: 7/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 25.
15. Tom Brooke as Michael FaganIn the midst of well-coiffed toffs, Tom Brooke breaks the mold as Michael Fagan, the man who intruded Buckingham Palace. Known for roles in Sherlock and The Bodyguard, Brooke's portrayal offers a stark contrast between the opulence of palace life and the struggles of an ordinary individual. The sequence involving Fagan and the Queen is fantastical, and Brooke's performance adds a layer of intrigue. The look: 7/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 7/10, Overall score: 25.
14. Pip Torrens as Tommy LascellesPip Torrens, with an aura that inexplicably evokes a hangman, takes on the role of Tommy Lascelles, Elizabeth's loyal Private Secretary. Torrens, a fixture in period dramas, serves as a reminder of prestige television, anchoring the early seasons of The Crown with his constant presence. His portrayal contributes to the series uncovering recent history at its best. The look: 6/10, The voice: 7/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 25.
13. Alex Jennings as Edward VIIIAlex Jennings steps into the role of Edward VIII, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the abdicated king. His performance navigates the complexities of a figure torn between duty and personal desires. Jennings brings depth to the character, contributing to the multifaceted storytelling in The Crown. The look: [Score], The voice: [Score], The mannerisms: [Score], Watchability: [Score], Overall score: [Score].
As we delve into The Crown's ensemble, each actor brings a unique flavor to their portrayal, adding to the richness of this historical saga."
"Royal Resonance: Assessing The Crown's Characters with Alex Jennings, Tobias Menzies, Elizabeth Debicki, and Erin Doherty"
14. Alex Jennings as Edward VIIIWhile Derek Jacobi may seem a more attention-grabbing choice, it's Alex Jennings who leaves a lasting impression as the older version of Edward VIII. Playing a pivotal role in season one, Jennings portrays Edward as slippery and almost childlike, captivated by his American wife Wallis. A frequent face on British TV, Jennings adds the perfect touch to period dramas. The look: 6/10, The voice: 7/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 6.5/10, Overall score: 25.5.
13. Tobias Menzies as Prince PhilipThe Crown provides Tobias Menzies, known for his roles in Rome and Game of Thrones, with a platform to shine as Prince Philip. As the middle-aged Philip, Menzies adeptly navigates the transition from debonair to domestic. His portrayal excels when depicting a vulnerable Philip, but by the end of the fourth season, the prosthetics become a distracting element. The look: 7/10 (at the start), 3/10 (by the end), The voice: 7/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 26.
12. Elizabeth Debicki as Princess DianaElizabeth Debicki, described as "willowy," steps into Princess Diana's shoes in an interesting casting choice. The Australian actress, not a perfect facsimile in silhouette, captures Diana's essence through her expressive eyes. While she may not match Emma Corrin's emotional understanding of the role, Debicki delivers a striking performance, portraying the vulnerability and frustration of Diana's life within and beyond the Royal Family. The look: 6.5/10, The voice: 6.5/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 7/10, Overall score: 26.
11. Erin Doherty as Princess AnneErin Doherty embodies Princess Anne in The Crown, bringing a distinctive flair to the character. Her portrayal captures Anne's no-nonsense attitude and pragmatic approach to royal life. Doherty's performance adds depth to the ensemble cast, contributing to the series' exploration of the complexities within the Royal Family. The look: [Score], The voice: [Score], The mannerisms: [Score], Watchability: [Score], Overall score: [Score].
As The Crown unfolds, each actor adds a layer of authenticity to their characters, contributing to the multifaceted tapestry of this regal drama."
"Royal Revelations: Unpacking The Crown's Ensemble with Erin Doherty, Salim Daw, Eileen Atkins, Matthew Goode, and Helena Bonham Carter"
11. Erin Doherty as Princess AnnePrincess Anne, often touted as the republicans' favorite Windsor due to her apparent disinterest in pageantry and penchant for palominos, becomes a standout character. Erin Doherty's portrayal, marked by clipped tones and a fanatical Ibble-Dibble performance, amplifies her fandom. In both reality and the show, Anne's role is uncertain, but Doherty's deployment of occasional nuclear-strength withering remarks adds a layer of complexity. The look: 7/10, The voice: 7/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 26.
10. Salim Daw as Mohamed al-FayedIn The Crown's fifth season, Mohamed al-Fayed, the Egyptian owner of Harrods and the Ritz, emerges as a character perpetually on the fringes of social acceptance. Salim Daw's performance, not only a passable impression of the impresario but also imbued with genuine pathos, takes center stage. As the narrative weaves the tale leading to Princess Diana's tragic fate, Daw's portrayal adds depth to the series. The look: 7/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 7/10, Overall score: 26.
9. Eileen Atkins as Queen MaryDame Eileen Atkins, a distinguished member of the British acting elite, brings Queen Mary to life with a face that can express a constellation of repressed feelings in a simple glance. Atkins's performance delights in portraying the sourness of Queen Mary's gaze as she witnesses familial transitions. The look: 7/10, The voice: 7/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 26.
8. Matthew Goode as Antony Armstrong-JonesMatthew Goode, known for his portrayal of quietly sexy characters, adds his touch to the character of Antony Armstrong-Jones, the second boyfriend to Princess Margaret. Goode's take injects heat into The Crown, serving as the internal combustion engine in the series. Despite the chaste relationships elsewhere, Tony's storyline becomes a captivating element. The look: 7/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 7/10, Overall score: 26.
7. Helena Bonham Carter as Princess MargaretHelena Bonham Carter takes on the role of Princess Margaret, infusing the character with her signature style. Playing the enigmatic princess, Bonham Carter's portrayal navigates the complexities of Margaret's life with grace. The look: [Score], The voice: [Score], The mannerisms: [Score], Watchability: [Score], Overall score: [Score].
As the royal drama unfolds, each actor adds a layer of nuance to their characters, creating a rich tapestry in The Crown's ensemble cast."
"Crowning Achievements: Unpacking The Crown's Dynamic Characters with Helena Bonham Carter, Imelda Staunton, Matt Smith, and Josh O'Connor"
7. Helena Bonham Carter as Princess MargaretPrincess Margaret's story takes a poignant turn as heartbreak and disappointment replace the early romantic streak in Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal. In the show's second chapter, Bonham Carter captures the essence of the wild-child princess navigating the challenges of an unhappily married life. Despite the uncertainties in Margaret's character development, Bonham Carter injects excitement into even the most banal set-pieces. The look: 6/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 7/10, Watchability: 7/10, Overall score: 26.
6. Imelda Staunton as The QueenImelda Staunton steps into the role of the Queen during what could be dubbed "the Helen Mirren era." With less prominence in the narrative, Staunton portrays the monarch with rueful detachment, her relationship with Philip distant and humdrum. While delivering a necessarily good impression, capturing the Queen from recent decades, Staunton avoids falling into caricature. The look: 7/10, The voice: 7/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 26.
5. Matt Smith as Prince PhilipFormer Doctor Who actor Matt Smith takes on the role of Prince Philip, bringing an incorrigible rascality to the character. In the show's initial release, Smith was a standout name in the cast list. His portrayal of Philip as a worldly and appealing yet somewhat repulsive force complements Claire Foy's guileless princess. Together, they form an unstoppable on-screen duo. The look: 6/10, The voice: 7/10, The mannerisms: 7/10, Watchability: 8/10, Overall score: 28.
4. Josh O'Connor as Prince CharlesCapturing the challenging transition from boyhood to manhood, Josh O'Connor inhabits the pivotal moments in Prince Charles's life. From first love to young fatherhood, O'Connor portrays a petulant, skulking man-child, offering a less flattering but more authentic portrayal. His chemistry with Emma Corrin provides an exciting yet poignant narrative, navigating the show through the muddy, salacious waters of modern Britain. The look: [Score], The voice: [Score], The mannerisms: [Score], Watchability: [Score], Overall score: [Score].
As The Crown unfolds, these actors contribute nuanced performances, making each character's journey a captivating aspect of the royal drama."
3. Emma Corrin as Princess DianaIn the high-stakes role of the people's princess, Emma Corrin delivers a breakout performance in Netflix's regal masterpiece, The Crown. Fresh out of Cambridge, Corrin takes on the emotional heavy-lifting, expertly capturing the challenging blend of angelic aura and prickly personality that defined the tragic Diana. The look: 6/10, The voice: 7/10, The mannerisms: 7/10, Watchability: 8.5/10, Overall score: 28.5.
2. Vanessa Kirby as Princess MargaretVanessa Kirby, initially a relative unknown, ascends to stardom with her portrayal of the foxy and chaotic Princess Margaret in The Crown's opening chapter. Kirby's revelatory performance showcases Margaret as a whirlwind of chaos, providing a delightful contrast to Elizabeth's composed demeanor. Rarely without a cigarette or martini, Kirby brings a fun and indulgent energy to the early seasons. The look: 7/10, The voice: 7/10, The mannerisms: 7/10, Watchability: 8/10, Overall score: 29.
1. Claire Foy as The QueenUndoubtedly benefiting from playing one of the most iconic personalities during a period within living memory, Claire Foy's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth from 1947 to 1964 is nothing short of magnetic. Foy's performance captures the Queen's journey from brittle uncertainty to inner steel and quiet confidence. Her coquettish dynamic with Matt Smith's Philip adds charm, and her romp through Commonwealth history represents The Crown at its most enjoyable. Foy's magnetic turn in the lead role laid the foundation for The Crown's success, making it difficult to imagine the show enduring into the new millennium without her stellar performance. The look: 7/10, The voice: 8/10, The mannerisms: 7/10, Watchability: 9/10, Overall score: 31.
As The Crown continues its reign, these performances stand as the pillars of its success, each actor contributing a unique and compelling portrayal of their royal characters."
Evaluating The Crown: A Critical Ranking of PerformancesAs The Crown continues its royal journey through history, the ensemble cast has navigated the intricacies of portraying iconic figures with varying degrees of success. Here's a critical ranking of the performances that have defined The Crown:
Lithgow's portrayal of Winston Churchill in the show's opening season falls short, with a forgettable performance that struggles to capture the quintessentially British voice of the iconic leader. The look: 5/10, The voice: 3/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 5/10, Overall score: 19.
While Pryce brings hangdog gravitas to the role of Prince Philip, his physical dissimilarity to the late Prince makes this portrayal less convincing. The look: 4/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 4/10, Overall score: 19.
Bailey's portrayal of the Queen Mother lacks continuity and fails to make a lasting impact, earning a middling score across the board. The look: 5/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 3/10, Overall score: 19.
Carvel's attempt at embodying Tony Blair falls short, with a screechy voice and a look that misses the mark, making it one of the weaker political portrayals. The look: 4/10, The voice: 3/10, The mannerisms: 7/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 20.
West's portrayal of Prince Charles is criticized for being too masculine, lacking the necessary nuance to capture the complexities of Charles' personal life. The look: 4/10, The voice: 5/10, The mannerisms: 7/10, Watchability: 5/10, Overall score: 21.
Hall's depiction of John F. Kennedy is overshadowed by more attention given to Jackie Kennedy, leaving the portrayal feeling somewhat overshadowed. The look: 6/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 4/10, Overall score: 21.
Miller's portrayal of John Major is likened to a comedic mix-up, with his appearance being more memorable than the depth of the performance. The look: 4/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 21.
Anderson's take on Margaret Thatcher, while attempting to avoid making her too glamorous, falls into the trap of being hammy and lacking emotional depth. The look: 6/10, The voice: 6/10, The mannerisms: 5/10, Watchability: 5/10, Overall score: 22.
Buchan's portrayal is noted for his sad eyes, capturing the emotional toll of being romantically entangled with Camilla while bearing a physical resemblance to Prince Andrew. The look: 5/10, The voice: 5.5/10, The mannerisms: 6/10, Watchability: 6/10, Overall score: 22.5.
Fennell's depiction of Camilla as a marriage-wrecker in the midst of Princess Diana's sympathetic portrayal creates a grating character. The look: 6/10, The voice: 6.5/10, The mannerisms: 5.5/10, Watchability: 5/10, Overall score: 23.
As The Crown unfolds through five seasons, each marked by meticulous attention to historical detail, the performances have run the gamut from stellar to forgettable. From Winston Churchill's lackluster depiction to the intricate portrayal of political figures like Tony Blair, the actors have faced the challenging task of embodying real-life figures. Notably, certain portrayals, such as Princess Margaret by Lesley Manville, fall into a realm of understated elegance, while others, like Vanessa Kirby's magnetic Princess Margaret, capture the chaotic whirlwind of the character.
The critical assessment sheds light on the delicate balance between capturing the essence of historical figures and delivering a watchable performance. Each actor grapples with the challenge of continuity and nuance, with varying degrees of success. The Queen Mother's role, portrayed by Marion Bailey, exemplifies the potential pitfalls of a lack of continuity between actresses.
Ultimately, as The Crown ventures into its final season, the spotlight turns to the various performances that have left an indelible mark on the show. Whether it's the magnetic presence of Claire Foy as the young Queen or the nuanced portrayal of Princess Diana by Emma Corrin, these performances have shaped The Crown's trajectory, making it a journey worth watching. As the next chapter unfolds in season six, viewers can anticipate more captivating portrayals and a continued exploration of the intersection between history and theatrical interpretation.