10 Timeless Icons of Rom-Coms: Queens and Kings Who Defined the Genre (3 of 6)

7. Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston’s acting career took flight with her leading role on the hit sitcom Friends, which earned her a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe. But before that, she starred in the horror film Leprechaun, a role that hinted at her comedic potential, but one that she has quite understandably completely disowned. Aniston’s great at comedy, and this has helped her shine in rom-coms with famous actors like Vince Vaughn and Jim Carrey. The 2010s were particularly fruitful for Aniston in the rom-com realm, with films like He’s Just Not That Into You, The Bounty Hunter, We’re the Millers, and Just Go With It. With her undeniable talent and comedic prowess, Aniston’s reign as one of the queens of rom-coms is sure to continue into the future.

6. Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant undeniably reigns as one of the definitive kings in the romantic comedy genre. His breakthrough occurred with the 1994 classic Four Weddings and a Funeral, propelling him to become the fourth-highest-paid actor in the romantic comedy realm, as reported by the film industry data website The Numbers. Grant has shared the screen with other rom-com luminaries on our list, including Drew Barrymore and Julia Roberts.

While he has left an indelible mark with notable roles in the Bridget Jones series, Music and Lyrics, and Love Actually, Grant has also proven his mettle as an actor capable of delving into deeper dramatic waters. In 2019, he showcased his talents in The Gentleman, a crime/action film, and took part in Netflix original Glass Onion. Moreover, Grant is slated to portray an Oompa Loompa in the much-anticipated 2023 holiday release, Wonka.