How Come Some Actors Are So Active, But Rarely Noticed By People?

[Needanswers7777]

I'm not going to mention the name of anyone in the film industry. But imagine a guy who's been acting for at least 35 years and he has won one national award. He's worked in a many films inside and outside of his country. He's been the protagonist of a few films, the supporting actor of most films and the cameo of other films. One of the films he's been acting as a lead role is a European film most of us have watched or at least heard of and the theme of the whole film is somehow connected to his character. Most people love that film, but have barely noticed this guy in the film or payed much attention to him. How is that possible? And what's the cause of this matter?
He's had a pretty odd life and he's written an autobiography.

[barry1010]

I name that actor in 200.
Give us another clue

[davebro]

Eh?

[barry1010]

Is he Joaquin Phoenix?

[Needanswers7777]

Barry, I just wanted to chat about this cause, not about a specific actor.

[Needanswers7777]

Joaquin Phoenix is really famous, barry :D

[tiggerblue10]

Is this a 'who am I' type quiz?

[aelmpvw]

how can an actor have a lead role in a film and be barely noticed?

[barry1010]

Some actors crave publicity and will attend the opening of an envelope if it gives them exposure.
Other actors prefer a private life and don't seek 'celebrity'.

[Needanswers7777]

barry/ Yeah. That's a convincing answer. Keanu Reeves for example seeks privacy, but that doesn't stop people from paying attention to him in films.

[barry1010]

Name that actor, I need answers :D

[dannyk13]

Some actors have more charisma than others which makes them more noticeable.

[Redhelen72]

Cary Grant?

[gingejbee]

Perhaps really good actors are so convincing in their roles that you don't perceive them as actors, merely the characters they portray.

[Hopkirk]

Pete Postlethwaite

[barry1010]

Gabriel Byrne?

[Mozz71]

Sorry to the OP, but without the name of the actor you described I find it hard to think of someone so versatile as a performer, but so unknown by the public.