Such is the magnitude of that beard, Chris O'Dowd actually looks upside down... He's seriously putting James Franco's face fodder to shame.

So, what's it all for? He's starring alongside Franco and Leighton Meester in Broadway's versions Of Mice And Men (John Steinback, wouldn't you know). He's starring as 'gentle giant' Lennie.

Variety had this say of his stage acting prowess: "O’Dowd has mastered a small but refined repertoire of facial expressions and gestures (one hand movement has the delicacy of an artist) that is quite astonishing... Going beyond that physical expressiveness, the depth and understanding he brings to the role render Lennie, quite simply, heartbreaking."

The Hollywood Reporter adds: "Irish actor O'Dowd is tremendous in a part that could easily stray into mawkish territory. His Lennie is a trusting innocent, clinging to the rituals of his life with George."

G'WAN YA BIG TALENTED HAIRY BASTARD! (that's a compliment by Irish standards)

To read more performance plaudits, make your way to Independent.ie.