With decades of acting experience under her belt, Carla Gugino has proven to be one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood. After starting out in modeling at the tender age of 15, she transitioned into film and television at the suggestion of her aunt. Starring in some pretty incredible titles, such as Spy Kids and The Haunting of Hill House, her filmography has grown to be quite impressive.
Currently working on the TV mini-series known as The Fall of the House of Usher, Gugino is continually expanding her portfolio. Her style is emboldened and graceful no matter what character she is playing, and some of her best performances to date are listed below.
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10 Madeleine - Gunpowder Milkshake
The Picture Company, Babelsberg Studio, StudioCanal Film GmbH, Canal+, and Ciné+
As an action-based thriller following the life of a hitwoman named Scarlet, Gunpowder Milkshake is all about women empowerment. Gugino plays Madeleine, a member of the Sisterhood of Assassins who moonlights as a librarian. Not only does she back Scarlet up to the fullest extent, but she also dies in the line of fire protecting a child. Her role in this cherry-bomb film is reminiscent of her appearances in Watchmen and Sin City, and a sequel is already in development.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
9 Kate Hewson - Wayward Pines
Olive Entertainment, Blinding Edge Pictures, De Line Pictures, Storyland, FX Productions, and 20th Century Fox Television
Produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Wayward Pines was a TV show based on the novel series by Blake Crouch. Mysterious and eerie, this show is about a Secret Service agent named Ethan who is investigating strange disappearances in the small town. Gugino portrays his former girlfriend, Kate, and she doesn’t seem to see an issue with the town’s quiet life and strict rules. With two seasons released, there are 20 episodes that fans can watch.
8 Amanda - Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Davis Entertainment Company and Dune Entertainment
The 2011 comedy film Mr. Popper’s Penguins is very much self-explanatory. Following the quest of Thomas Popper, Jr. to get his father’s penguins back from a zoo, he enlists the help of his children and ex-wife, Amanda (Gugino). Overall, it’s a kid-friendly, feel-good film about never giving up on one’s dreams even when all hope seems lost.
7 Ingrid Cortez - Spy Kids
Troublemaker Studios
Sparking three sequels and an animated reboot, Spy Kids is one of the most successful children’s films of the early 2000s. Gugino stars as Ingrid Cortez, who has quite a resume. She is not only the wife of Gregorio and mother to Carmen and Juni, but she is also a world-class spy. Their missions as a family are outrageous but fun for kids. If anything, it showcases her range and vast acting skills.
RELATED: Spy Kids Reboot Is Happening with Creator Robert Rodriguez
6 Rebecca - Night at the Museum
20th Century Fox, 1492 Pictures, and 21 Laps Entertainment
Starring alongside Ben Stiller in Night at the Museum, Gugino portrays Rebecca, a museum docent. Currently working on her thesis about Sacagawea, Rebecca is not aware that the exhibits inside the museum come to life at night. However, Larry (Stiller) finally convinces her when he introduces her to Sacagawea one active evening. As a family-friendly film, it generated two successful sequels after its initial success and an animated reboot is currently underway.
5 Emma Gaines - San Andreas
New Line Cinema, Village Roadshow Pictures, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, and Flynn Picture Company
Starring alongside Dwayne Johnson, Gugino plays Emma Gaines who takes on a slew of natural disasters in San Andreas. As the soon-to-be-ex-wife of Raymond “Ray” Gaines (Johnson), the two reconnect on a desperate plight to rescue Blake, their teenage daughter. Although many obstacles are thrown in their way, the duo overcomes each and every one of those setbacks together until they are finally reunited safely as a family. Rumors of a sequel are currently circulating.
4 Sally Jupiter - Watchmen
Warner Bros. Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Legendary Pictures
Based on the DC Comics limited series, Watchmen is one of Gugino’s top films. Playing Sally Jupiter, one of the Minutemen and the first Silk Spectre, the retired superhero character ages from 25 to 67 throughout the film. Since Gugino was only 37 during the shooting, she wore prosthetics and a silver wig to reflect the age difference. She did a fantastic job, too!
3 Dr. Vera Gorski - Sucker Punch
Legendary Pictures and Cruel and Unusual Films
Portraying a psychiatrist in the Lennox House for the Mentally Insane, Gugino plays her most controversial role in Sucker Punch. As Dr. Vera Gorski, she is in charge of assessing each patient - all of whom happen to be young girls. The film is done in a video game/fantasy style with elaborate costumes, dance numbers, and music. It is also one of the few roles with Gugino as an antagonist.
2 Jessie - Gerald’s Game
Carla Gugino also starred at Gerald's Game, also directed by Mike Flanagan. Source: Intrepid Pictures / Netflix
Playing into Gugino’s acting range, her role as Jessie in Gerald’s Game is stunning. After retreating to a remote cabin in the wood with her husband, she is left handcuffed to the bed after he suddenly dies of a heart attack. This psychological thriller allows Gugino to showcase a wide range of emotions as she struggles to free herself while battling her internal demon and childhood trauma.
1 Olivia Crain - The Haunting of Hill House
FlanaganFilm, Amblin Television, and Paramount Television
In her most eloquent performance yet, Gugino plays wife and mother of five, Olivia Crain, in Netflix’s hit series The Haunting of Hill House. This woven storyline braids three separate timelines for each of the five children together seamlessly. Centered around their mother’s apparent suicide, the film circles around events being paranormal or psychological. Gugino’s portrayal of Olivia is hauntingly beautiful and leaves fans wanting more. Even film critic Roger Ebert called it “essential” to watch.
