One part copy (any genre)
One solid character (whether animation or broadcast type)
A true understanding of the scene you are playing
Then mix these ingredients together until they are smooth and then take it for a twist.
Playing it safe is easy to do and most of us do it. We create a charcter, we do some homework on the copy/audition and then we perform. However 9 out of 10 performers play it safe trying to get it just perfect.