Stanley Tucci has played an impressive range of characters over his four-decade career — from ruthless gangsters to legendary directors — but one role remains the most personal to him: Nigel Kipling in The Devil Wears Prada.
In a recent interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Tucci was asked which of his characters he relates to the most. Without hesitation, he answered, "Nigel in The Devil Wears Prada," explaining, "He’s very stylish, and he can be a bit caustic. But he’s got a good heart." With a knowing smirk, he added, "I mean, I think I have a good heart."
Tucci’s portrayal of the witty and impeccably dressed art director in the 2006 fashion dramedy earned him a devoted fanbase. Starring alongside Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, he played one of the film’s most beloved characters — offering the perfect mix of biting humor and genuine warmth. However, despite the success of the film, Tucci found himself struggling to land roles afterward.
A Career Shift After The Devil Wears Prada
Success in Hollywood can be a double-edged sword, and Tucci’s experience was no exception. Like Daniel Radcliffe after Harry Potter or Macaulay Culkin after Home Alone, he found himself typecast after playing such an iconic role. Despite his extensive range, industry insiders seemed to only see him as the stylish, sharp-witted Nigel, limiting the variety of opportunities available to him.
Reflecting on his career last October, Tucci revealed that, paradoxically, his breakout role led to fewer opportunities. "I couldn’t get a job," he admitted, though he never fully understood why. Hollywood, known for typecasting actors after a major success, seemingly boxed him into a certain niche, limiting the variety of roles available to him.
Still, Tucci adapted, proving that great actors can break free from typecasting with perseverance and versatility. "I went and did stuff that I didn’t necessarily want to do, but I did it," he said. He went on to portray a chilling serial killer in The Lovely Bones, which earned him an Academy Award nomination, and later took on the role of studio mogul Jack Warner in Feud: Bette and Joan, which brought him an Emmy nod. Over the years, he continued to showcase his range, proving that his talent extends far beyond one signature role.
With six Emmys, two Golden Globes, and two SAG Awards, his talent has been widely recognized. Whether delivering chilling performances in thrillers, bringing charisma to comedies, or hosting his acclaimed food and travel series Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, he remains a force in Hollywood.
