10 Supporting Character Crushes

"Supporting" in terms of minimal screen time, but also the actual definition of the transitive verb: these characters typically offer support to the leads. 

"Funny & Smart" is my predictable prerequisite - in fiction and in life - but I think "Kind" is a reasonable standard. "Mysterious," "Strong," "Quirky," everyone here is all these and a bit more, and they're my ray of sunshine in the movies in which they inhabit. 

- Paul

Carolyn McAdams

Flight of the Navigator

If I found myself in a time & place I was unfamiliar with, I'd certainly hope I'd have someone like SJP to keep me company and educate me in the ways of Twisted Sister and purple hair dye.

Jordan Cochran

Real Genius

I've only ever wanted to be with someone smarter than me. With more energy. And in a better mood. There's some social awkwardness to get past here, but it's a price I've decided I'm willing to pay.

Lydia Sinclair 

The Fisher King

Sometimes someone can overcome their awkwardness if they have someone in their life who loves them more than an illusive biblical relic.

Rita Van Den Haas

Lethal Weapon 2

So what if she works for the bad guys? Point is, only Patsy Kensit can bring you out of your suicidal slump and forget about your dead wife long enough to get your head in the game.

Julie

After Hours

Difficult to choose just one Teri Garr role. But I'd love to get to know more about Miss Beehive 1965 - and she's clearly desperate for company. 

Doreen Piggot

Short Cuts

She has an almost-impossible yet totally believable balance of endless compassion and not taking any shit. We all crave that and none of us deserve it.

Minnie

The Hateful Eight

This one feels almost like a cheat - her entire plot function is to be implausibly sweet and generous to earn that much more sympathy when tragedy strikes. I certainly fell into it. 

Franny Perrins

Three O'Clock High

Most High School/Teen tales feature that character caught in the "Just a Friend" zone. My advice is: find yourself someone who looks at you the way Franny looks at Jerry.

Annie

Collateral

I shan't mention her by name, but it's the first time I realized, "Oh! She's a phenomenal actress!" On the surface, it's a real 'sugar mama' scenario, but she looks beyond class barriers and is not above making a deeper human connection. 

Betty Jo

Wayne's World 2

So do you think I've actually just been attracted to Garth all along? ...Neither did I. I was just asking.