9 Milestones in the Evolution of Kevin Spacey

Pay It Forward (2000)

In Mimi Leder's tearjerker film (based on the novel of the same name), Spacey left behind his villainous roles to play a socially conscious elementary school teacher who falls for the mother (Helen Hunt) of one of his students (Haley Joel Osment). Although the film received mixed reviews and just so-so box office revenues, Spacey was again praised for his role as a complex (and this time compassionate) lead.

Beyond the Sea (2004)

After trying his hand at directing once before (with 1996's Albino Alligator), Spacey returned to the challenge with his 2004 Bobby Darin biopic, in which he starred -- somewhat controversially -- as the performer in his teens, 20s and 30s. (Spacey was 45 at the time of the film's release.) The actor told interviewers that he took the project on because he had a childhood fascination with the performer and believed that he was "born" to play Darin. Roger Ebert deadpanned in his review of the film that he believed Spacey was born to play more interesting roles. The film was met with mixed reviews and Spacey, who did all of his own singing in the biopic, has not directed a feature since.

Superman Returns (2006)

Spacey reunited with Usual Suspects director Bryan Singer (and his Beyond the Sea co-star Kate Bosworth) for Warner Bros.' superhero blockbuster. Because of his relationship with Singer, Spacey was reportedly the only actor considered to play the role of Superman's sociopath nemesis Lex Luthor. Spacey said that his take on Luthor was inspired by Gene Hackman's rendition, but critics felt mixed about the actor's "sour and sadistic" take on the villain. Regardless, Superman Returns has grossed over $400 million worldwide making it one of the best box office performers on Spacey's resume.

Horrible Bosses (2011)

This weekend, Spacey returns to the box office as another kind of sadistic villain -- the white collar kind -- in Seth Gordon's revenge comedy. At this point in his career, Kevin Spacey could probably play vindictive characters in his sleep but thirty-odd years after making his big screen debut, each performance is still a moviegoer treat.

Sound off on your favorite Kevin Spacey moments below.

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