Here’s why Paul Giamatti is one of the most underrated actors of his generation

Brought to you by Sky Box Sets.

“I mean, I'm not going to play the hero of something.” – Paul Giamatti.

Sometimes the hero of a film is not the most interesting character. It’s the other players - the guys who give the film a bit of depth - that we gravitate towards. These are the parts that are played by great character actors. Think Stanley Tucci, John Turtorro, JK Simmons or the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. For our money, Paul Giamatti is one of the most underrated actors of his generation. Films are just better with Giamatti in them. Like many big screen stars, he’s recently made the move to the small screen and it's been a huge success. The much-anticipated second season of Billions is back exclusively on Sky Atlantic on 21 February but there's still time to catch up on Season 1 on Sky Box Sets. In Billions, Giamatti plays a US Attorney who locks horns with an arrogant billionaire, played by Damien Lewis. So why do we love him so much?

He’s one of our best character actors

He may not be your typical leading man but he’s excelled when he’s been given the lead role. Just look at his breakout performance in Sideways and his critically-acclaimed turn in John Adams. Still, you have to love his work as a supporting man. He’s made a career of stealing scenes from under leading men’s noses. Giamatti makes acting look effortless, whether he’s leading the line or part of an ensemble cast.

His screen presence

He may not have matinee idol looks but he more than makes up for it with his screen presence. He’s one of those guys that always stands out when he’s on camera. Something as simple as a Giamatti scowl is a joy to watch. Those intense eyes and a expressive hangdog face ensure that you can’t take your eyes off him whenever he’s on screen.

He’s a class act

Giamatti has acted alongside the likes of Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon, Kevin Spacey, Bill Murray, Ed Norton and Tom Hanks but he’s never been overshadowed. Other actors must love Giamatti. Even if his name's not on the poster, he makes everyone around him look a little bit better.

His range and versatility

He’s played cranky outcasts (American Splendor), demented villains (Shoot ‘Em Up), historical icons (John Adams), callous slave traders (12 Years a Slave), likeable losers (Sideways), memorable soldiers (Saving Private Ryan), conflicted policemen (The Illusionist) and opportunistic record executives (Straight Outta Compton). Giamatti can do comedy, action and drama films but he’s always utterly believable. He even walked away from The Amazing Spider-Man 2 with some credibility intact, which is really saying something.

He is great in everything he does

Giamatti's transition from Hollywood to TV has been pretty seamless. Instead of diminishing him, he actually seems like an even bigger character on the small screen. In some ways, television actors have the time to really explore a character and he obviously relishes getting underneath the skin of Chuck Rhoades. Fans of Giamatti will enjoy this latest step in his professional evolution. His character's simmering rivalry with Damien Lewis' Bobby Axelrod reached a crescendo in the finale of the last season and it only promises to escalate in Season 2. So get ready to tune into the upcoming season on Sky Atlantic. If you haven't already watched Season 1, what are you waiting for? The first series of Billions is available now on Sky Box Sets, so you can catch up before Season 2 lands exclusively on Sky Atlantic on 21 February. With over 350 box sets to choose from, Sky Box Sets have something for everyone. Brought to you by Sky Box Sets.