The Most Famous Jean Valjean, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Jean Valjean you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 07:08

In the bustling world of musical theater and film, the character Jean Valjean stands as a beacon of resilience and redemption. Over the years, numerous talented actors have taken on this challenging role, each bringing their own unique interpretation and flare. This ever-shifting landscape of performances makes it intriguing to see who stands out in the hearts of fans and critics alike. By casting your vote, you contribute to a collective appreciation of these remarkable portrayals, effectively shaping a live ranking that reflects the public's admiration and preferences. It’s a dynamic way to engage with the community and see how your favorite interpretation of Jean Valjean measures up against others. Your participation brings this beloved character to life in a new, interactive way.

Who Is the Most Famous Jean Valjean?

1

56
votes
Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY 2.0

Hugh Jackman

He played Jean Valjean in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables, which was a critical and commercial success. He received an Academy Award nomination and won a Golden Globe for his performance.
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- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Broadway actor
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2

71
votes
Adam Schwabe · CC BY-SA 2.0

Colm Wilkinson

He originated the role of Jean Valjean in the original London and Broadway productions of Les Misérables. He is considered by many to be the definitive Valjean.
Colm Wilkinson in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Phantom of the Opera
3

32
votes

Raph_PH · CC BY 2.0

Alfie Boe

He played Jean Valjean in the 2010 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables at the O2 Arena in London. He received critical acclaim for his performance and went on to play the role in the West End production.
4

17
votes
Philip Romano · CC BY-SA 4.0

Brian Stokes Mitchell

He played Jean Valjean in the 2000 Broadway revival of Les Misérables. He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance.
Brian Stokes Mitchell in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Broadway actor
5

25
votes

Nick Cartell

He played Jean Valjean in the 2017 North American tour of Les Misérables. He received critical acclaim for his performance.
6

17
votes
Philip Romano · CC BY-SA 4.0

Ramin Karimloo

He played Jean Valjean in the 2011 West End production of Les Misérables. He received critical acclaim for his performance and went on to play the role in the 2014 Broadway revival.
Ramin Karimloo in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Phantom of the Opera
7

12
votes

Terrence Mann

He played Jean Valjean in the 1995 Broadway revival of Les Misérables. He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance.
8

8
votes

Peter Lockyer

He played Jean Valjean in the 2014 Broadway revival of Les Misérables. He received critical acclaim for his performance.
9

2
votes

Ivan Rutherford

He played Jean Valjean in the original U.S. touring production of Les Misérables. He played the role for over 1,700 performances.
10

8
votes

May Zircus · CC BY-SA 4.0

Geronimo Rauch

He played Jean Valjean in the 2011 West End production of Les Misérables. He received critical acclaim for his performance.

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Ranking factors for famous Jean Valjean

Performance

How well did the actor portray the character of Jean Valjean on stage or screen?
Popularity

How well-known is the actor and the production in which they appeared?
Cultural significance

Did the actor's portrayal of Jean Valjean have a lasting impact on popular culture?
Critical acclaim

Was the actor's performance praised by critics and awarded by prestigious bodies such as the Tony Awards or the Oscars?
Legacy

Has the actor's portrayal of Jean Valjean influenced subsequent interpretations of the character?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Jean Valjean. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Jean Valjean is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

5542 views
236 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Jean Valjean once every 24 hours. The rank of each Jean Valjean is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous jean valjean

Jean Valjean is a name that has been immortalized in the world of literature, thanks to Victor Hugo's masterpiece, Les Misérables. The character of Jean Valjean is iconic, representing the struggle between good and evil, and the power of redemption. The story of Les Misérables follows Jean Valjean's journey from a prisoner to a respected member of society, as he tries to outrun his past and find a new life. Over the years, Jean Valjean has been portrayed in various adaptations of the novel, including films, stage productions, and television shows. Each portrayal brings a unique interpretation to the character, and fans have their favorites. With so many adaptations and interpretations, it's natural to wonder who is the most famous Jean Valjean. Is it the original stage actor, Colm Wilkinson, who originated the role in the West End and Broadway productions? Or is it Hugh Jackman, who brought the character to life in the 2012 film adaptation? Perhaps it's Alfie Boe, who played Jean Valjean in the 2010 25th-anniversary concert of Les Misérables. Ultimately, the answer to this question may vary depending on personal preference and exposure to different adaptations. Regardless, Jean Valjean remains an iconic character in literature and popular culture, touching the hearts of audiences around the world.