9 Eric Stonestreet performances that prove he’s more than just Cameron Tucker

Eric Stonestreet performances in movies and TV shows | Images via Rotten Tomatoes Coming Soon, Prime Video and Hotstar
Eric Stonestreet performances in movies and TV shows | Images via Rotten Tomatoes Coming Soon, Prime Video and Hotstar

Eric Stonestreet is an American actor. You might know him from his iconic role as Cameron Tucker in the beloved ABC sitcom Modern Family, a performance that has earned him two Emmy awards! The series captured hearts and showcased his incredible talent, making him a standout in the world of television. Most people associated him with only one series, but his career extended much deeper. He appeared in cinema and television, playing a variety of characters and exhibiting his range.

Eric gained fame initially through a recurring appearance on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. We also see him in films such as Bad Teacher (2011), Identity Thief (2013), The Loft (2014), and Confirmation (2016). Aside from Modern Family (2009), he has appeared in several TV shows, including American Auto (2021), and many others.

He demonstrated his versatility by working in voice-overs, large-scale theatrical productions, and small-scale comedy. Examining Eric Stonestreet's work in television and movies outside of Modern Family reveals that he has a far wider range of skills. He was not confined to portraying a single kind of character but played numerous different and distinctive personalities.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.


Here is the list of 9 Eric Stonestreet performances that prove he’s more than just Cameron Tucker

9. Kirk in Bad Teacher (2011)

Eric Stonestreet plays James Tiberius Kirk in Bad Teacher | Image via Getty
Eric Stonestreet plays James Tiberius Kirk in Bad Teacher | Image via Getty

Bad Teacher is a comedy film about a slacker schoolteacher who plans to court a wealthy substitute teacher to pay off her debt after her engagement to a rich man is called off. The plot revolves around her poor decisions and humorous incidents at school. In this film, Eric Stonestreet plays Kirk. He appears in few but striking scenes as the guy that the protagonist relies on to extort people to get what she wants.

His introduction brings a sense of humor that gets your attention in a matter of seconds and is a moment that proves he is more than just Cameron. His presence and timing add to the scene's entertainment value. The moment proves that he can have an impact as a supporting character and make people laugh in ways that are unrelated to his flamboyant and affectionate Cameron Tucker.


8. Big Chuck in Identity Thief (2013)

Eric Stonestreet as Big Chuck | Image via Rotten Tomatoes Coming Soon
Eric Stonestreet as Big Chuck | Image via Rotten Tomatoes Coming Soon

Identity Thief is a comedy film about a man whose identity is stolen by a woman, resulting in considerable debt in his name. He travels across the country to confront her and take back his life. Eric Stonestreet plays Big Chuck in this movie. His personality offers humor in unlikely fashions. There is a scene where he responds with cold humor to the surrounding destruction, and it does not work in the same way as his normal huge reactions as Cameron.

He uses subtle facial expressions and awkward pauses that are humorous despite being quieter. He can change, as seen by this small shift in behavior. It shows that he can adjust to other models of comedy and that he does not solely depend on the loud and affectionate qualities of Cameron Tucker.


7. Marty Landry in The Loft (2014)

Eric Stonestreet as Marty Landry | Image via Prime Video
Eric Stonestreet as Marty Landry | Image via Prime Video

The Loft is a thriller about five married men who use a secret loft to meet with the women they have an extramarital relationship with. Their cave setup falls apart as they discover a corpse. As they become frightened of one another, they become hostile. Eric Stonestreet plays the role of Marty Landry.

He packs away his comic side and gives this character a serious edge. He appears at one point in a state of confusion and terror. He portrays a tense, muted character that chills but doesn't enchant. That proves that he is not merely the fun-loving guy Cameron. In a thriller, he can be serious, even scared, and bring the role to life. It is evidence of his comic breadth.


6. Kenneth Duberstein in Confirmation (2016)

Confirmation | Image via Prime Video
Confirmation | Image via Prime Video

Confirmation is a drama based on a true story. The narrative follows the accusations and power ramifications of a confirmation hearing for a Supreme Court nominee. Eric Stonestreet is a lobbyist, Kenneth Duberstein, who attempts to steer the process by working behind the scenes. As such, he is steady but cool. He uses a low, authoritative voice in one instance when talking about politics and power.

He presents a sophisticated, disciplined act that appears hefty and mature. That makes you forget the emotional and loud Cameron Tucker. It reveals that he can, in a single voice, bear tension and history. Eric Stonestreet is a serious character here and demonstrates that he can do more than comedy.


5. Minimus in Sofia the First (2012)

Eric Stonestreet voiced as Minimus | Image via Disney+
Eric Stonestreet voiced as Minimus | Image via Disney+

Sofia the First is a Disney animated series set in a fairy-tale world where a young girl turns princess and learns to use courage and kindness in a world of magic. She encounters speaking animals, fairies, and a host of magical companions who help her learn lessons of courage and heart. Eric Stonestreet provides the voice for Minimus, a shy but devoted flying horse who must learn to confront his own fears with the help of Sofia.

At one especially touching point, Minimus trembles in fear before a race for flying but then comes back to fly powerfully and proudly. It's a very different scene from the boisterous and vibrant Cameron Tucker. As Minimus, Eric brings a gentle and cozy voice to the scene that is reassuring and sturdy. It shows that he may be successful at voice acting by bringing to life a new, amiable, compassionate, and subtly uplifting personality. This implies that he is capable of much more than just being humorous in his performances.


4. Ian in American Auto (2021)

American Auto | Image via Prime Video
American Auto | Image via Prime Video

American Auto is a comedy show about the employees of a car manufacturing company in Detroit and their survival under the leadership of a new CEO who knows nothing about vehicles. The sitcom centers around workplace politics, mistakes, and amusing power struggles within the firm. Eric Stonestreet plays Ian Osofsky, a crisis manager who assesses the situation in the event of a calamity and tries to control it using critical thinking.

In one scene, Ian engages in an intellectual conversation with other CEOs, displaying his wit in a cool yet caustic manner. It is quite opposite to the bubbly nature of Cameron Tucker, who tends to respond with large feelings and theatrics. Eric Stonestreet, who plays Ian, is dry, restrained, and intelligent and can weave comedy that is more nuanced and professional. It reveals that he is capable of playing a humorous character that dominates the room through the use of words instead of expressing emotions.


3. Mad Santa in The Santa Clauses (2022)

Eric Stonestreet as Mad Santa | Image via Hotstar
Eric Stonestreet as Mad Santa | Image via Hotstar

The Santa Clauses is a holiday series that continues Santa Claus's story as he navigates family life, Christmas magic, and the concept of handing on the Santa job. The series combines humor with warmth and fantasy. Eric Stonestreet portrays Mad Santa, a crazy and over-the-top version of the Christmas icon who brings the house down and a jolt of dynamism to the narrative.

At one point, he bursts into action with a thunderous voice and demented guffaws, bringing to life a character who is eccentric and larger than life. It's a very different turn from Cameron's effusive and tearful warmth. As Mad Santa, Eric Stonestreet reveals the possibility of him playing much bigger, darker, and weirder in a fantasy universe. His brash performance and unhinged energy demonstrate that he can release himself from the charm of Cameron and serve up a different type of humor.


2. Malcolm Boatwright in The Mentalist (2018)

Eric Stonestreet as Malcolm Boatwright | Image via Prime Video
Eric Stonestreet as Malcolm Boatwright | Image via Prime Video

The Mentalist is a crime thriller about a remarkable individual who pretends to be psychic and uncovers hidden information to assist investigators in solving tough crimes. The drama is replete with intense inquiries and stinging character communications. One of these mysteries involves Eric Stonestreet, who plays Malcolm Boatwright, who was the suspect in Season 1, Episode 2. Malcolm Boatwright and his wife, Sandra, abduct red-haired ladies and kill them in hotel rooms. Sandra and Malcolm were on the verge of killing Patrick Jane and an unidentified redhead during the last confrontation when Teresa Lisbon entered the scene, shot and killed Malcolm, but only injured Sandra.

It is quite unlike Cameron Tucker, who tends to show his emotions most dramatically. Eric Stonestreet as Malcolm restrains himself and employs subtle acting to keep the viewers in suspense. It reveals that he can venture into drama and create seriousness and tension, which proves that he can perform strongly not only in comedy.


1. Derek in American Horror Story (2011)

Eric Stonestreet as Derek | Image via Prime Video
Eric Stonestreet as Derek | Image via Prime Video

American Horror Story is a spine-chilling show about a haunted house with unsettled souls and dreadful myths. Every episode explores fear, tragedy, and the worst aspects of human actions. Eric Stonestreet plays Derek, a guy plagued by the horror of the Piggy Guy urban legend.

In one scene, Derek is reciting in front of a mirror, seeking to cope with his dread, when he witnesses a startling and violent death. His portrayal is tense and filled with genuine terror; his frightened facial expressions and panicked movements are eerie. It is the very opposite of the warmth, humor, and dramatic flair of Cameron Tucker. Eric Stonestreet, who portrays Derek, gives the audience the sense of his fear and helplessness. His ability to convey true dread and tension transcends comedy and enters into dramatic performance.


Eric Stonestreet had already demonstrated his ability to do more than act as Cameron Tucker. He easily crossed the lines of comedy and drama in his movies. He was warm and sometimes even soft and gentle, and on other occasions dark and intense in his television work.

His performances gave the audience a glimpse of several aspects of his skills. He could provoke, reason, and even make others laugh. The many performances were novel and distinctive. Looking back on his career, it is clear that he was a very versatile actor.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew