SOME WHO MADE IT...

ANTONIO BANDERAS

This talented actor still pays his dues with cheesy Latin lover roles, but also gets the chance to stretch his acting muscles and show his comic strength.

INGRID BERGMAN

Her English was perfect, her acting charming and her face legendary. If she couldn't make it in Tinseltown, nobody could.

ARMIN MUELLER STAHL

Often known as "that German guy", Stahl made a late impression on American audiences in Music Box and Shine. Since then he has played a variety of twinkly-eyed villains and second World War survivors.

AND SOME WHO DIDN'T

GÉRARD DEPARDIEU

A perfect example of America not understanding a foreign actor's appeal. This Gallic god's best English-language role was opposite Andie MacDowell.

VALERIE GOLINA

This gorgeous Italian actress made a splash in Rain Man, then had to make do with the likes of Hot Shots before returning home.

ROBERTO BENIGNI

What do you do with a funny, idiosyncratic Oscar winner who-a-talks-a funny? Nothing, apparently.