- Actor: Millie Bobby Brown
- TV Series: Stranger Things
- TV Network: Netflix
- Years it was on TV: 2016–Present
When we think of Eleven from Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown's portrayal is so iconic that it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Brown’s ability to capture Eleven's innocence, vulnerability, and latent power created a character who feels both out of place in her world and incredibly central to the show's supernatural narrative. Her performance evolves from a frightened girl with limited social skills to a fierce young woman confronting her own identity.
- Actor: Julie Bowen
- TV Series: Modern Family
- TV Network: ABC
- Years it was on TV: 2009–2020
Julie Bowen’s portrayal of Claire Dunphy in Modern Family made the character one of the funniest, most relatable mothers on television. Claire, as the controlling yet loving mom of three, provided the perfect balance of humor and heart, often at the center of the show’s family dynamics. What truly set Claire apart was her realness—she wasn’t just a caricature of a perfectionist mom but a multifaceted woman juggling her career, family, and personal identity. Claire’s ability to convey both exasperation and unconditional love made her one of TV’s most beloved characters.
- Actor: Steve Carell
- TV Series: The Office
- TV Network: NBC
- Years it was on TV: 2005–2013
Steve Carell’s portrayal of Michael Scott in The Office is so iconic that the character has become a pop culture staple. While Michael often made the most awkward situations unbearable, Carell’s performance also showed glimpses of the character’s desire for friendship, recognition, and success.. Carell was able to make Michael both ridiculous and surprisingly endearing, making us laugh at his failures while still rooting for him. Without Carell's ability to humanize the character, The Office would not have had the same emotional resonance, and the show would lack its most memorable, hilarious character.
- Actor: Jim Parsons
- TV Series: The Big Bang Theory
- TV Network: CBS
- Years on TV: 2007-2019
Jim Parsons delivered such a full-bodied performance as Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory that it's hard to imagine the role being created by anyone else. Jim Parsons IS Sheldon Cooper. Over the show's 12-season run, Parsons' portrayal earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards.
- Actor: Lucille Ball
- TV Series: I Love Lucy
- TV Network: CBS
- Years on TV: 1951-1957
Lucille Ball's portrayal of Lucy Ricardo in I Love Lucy was not only a career-defining role, but it was TV history. Her comedic timing and unique charm made Lucy unforgettable. Beyond her on-screen talent, Lucille Ball also broke barriers as the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions, showcasing her incredible influence both in front of and behind the camera.
- Actor: Debra Jo Rupp
- TV Series: That 70s Show
- TV Network: FOX
- Years it was on TV: 1998–2006
Debra Jo Rupp’s portrayal of Kitty Forman in That 70s Show was integral to the show’s charm. As the warm, but often naive, mother of Eric Forman, Kitty was the perfect foil to her husband, Red’s, no-nonsense approach to parenting. Rupp’s impeccable comedic timing and ability to switch between over-the-top humor and tenderness made Kitty a standout.
- Actor: Emilia Clarke
- TV Series: Game of Thrones
- TV Network: HBO
- Years it was on TV: 2011–2019
Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones made the character an iconic figure in television history. Daenerys’ transformation from a meek exile to the powerful Mother of Dragons was both captivating and heartbreaking. Her character’s desire to reclaim the Iron Throne, her unwavering belief in her destiny, and her complex relationships with allies and enemies alike were elevated by Clarke’s portrayal. The actress navigated Daenerys’ immense power, vulnerability, and eventual descent into madness with such skill that it was impossible to separate the character from her.
- Actor: Alexis Bledel
- TV Series: Gilmore Girls
- TV Network: The WB (later The CW)
- Years it was on TV: 2000–2007, 2016 (Netflix Revival)
Alexis Bledel’s portrayal of Rory Gilmore made the character an instant fan favorite. Rory’s journey from a bookish, idealistic teenager to an ambitious young adult was beautifully captured by Bledel, who brought warmth, intelligence, and charm to the role. Bledel’s performance allowed Rory’s growth to feel natural, drawing audiences into her world of academic pressure, romance, and self-discovery. Her portrayal made Rory a relatable character for many young women navigating similar challenges.
- Actor: Phyllis Smith
- TV Series: The Office
- TV Network: NBC
- Years it was on TV: 2005–2013
Phyllis Smith’s portrayal of Phyllis Vance in The Office is a testament to the power of subtle yet effective comedic timing. Her role was often understated, but her interactions with colleagues, particularly with the more eccentric characters like Michael Scott and Angela Martin, were consistently hilarious. Smith’s portrayal of Phyllis showed a character who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, even if it was through passive-aggressive humor or quiet, pointed remarks. Phyllis was often the voice of reason amid the chaos of the office, but it was Smith’s natural warmth and ability to deliver humor with a straight face that made her character so memorable.
- Actor: Matthew Fox
- TV Series: Lost
- TV Network: ABC
- Years it was on TV: 2004–2010
Matthew Fox’s portrayal of Jack Shephard in Lost is integral to the show’s compelling narrative. As the conflicted, determined doctor who took on a leadership role on the island, Fox made Jack’s emotional journey both compelling and complex. Jack’s internal struggle, torn between his responsibilities as a leader and his need to fix everything, was portrayed with such depth that viewers couldn’t help but become invested in his fate. Fox’s performance elevated Jack from just another survivor to a tragic hero, making his relationships with other survivors—and his journey toward self-discovery—rich and layered.
- Actor: Jon Hamm
- TV Series: Mad Men
- TV Network: AMC
- Years on TV: 2007-2015
Jon Hamm's portrayal of Don Draper in Mad Men is among the best of all time on television. His performance was so compelling that it earned him a Primetime Emmy Award win and six other nominations for role. Don Draper and Jon Hamm as individuals have become so intertwined that Hamm has said he has focused on taking more comedic and quirky roles so as not to be typecast as the serious and dramatic Draper. Interestingly, before becoming an actor, Hamm was a high school drama teacher, which makes his journey to stardom even more remarkable.
- Actor: Catherine O'Hara
- Character: Schitt's Creek
- TV Network: Pop
- TV Years on TV: 2015-2020
Catherine O'Hara's portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek is so specifc to her, how could anyone else interpret her role? Her improvisational skills and frequent ad-libs brought a unique and unforgettable charm to the character. Moira strange and non-specific accent was a long-running and hysterial aspect of the series. The show's success was cemented in 2020 when it became the first series to sweep all four acting categories at the Emmy Awards.
- Actor: Bob Denver
- TV Series: Gilligan's Island
- TV Network: CBS
- Years on TV: 1964-1967
Despite its short run, Gilligan's Island became a cult classic through syndication, and much of its charm can be attributed to Bob Denver's unforgettable portrayal of the bumbling yet lovable Gilligan. Interestingly, before stepping into the world of acting, Denver was a college professor, teaching physical education and history. His transition from academia to television brought a unique depth to his character, making it nearly impossible to imagine anyone else in the iconic role of Gilligan.
- Actor: Gillian Anderson
- TV Series: The X-Files
- TV Network: Fox
- Years on TV: 1993-2002, 2016-2018
Gillian Anderson's performance as Dana Scully, alongside David Duchovny, helped popularize the The X-Files's famous phrase, "The truth is out there." Despite being born in the United States, Anderson grew up and has spent many years living in the United Kingdom. She, therefore, as a bidialect accent. In American interviews you will probably hear her with an American English accent. On the other hand, you'll hear her British accent if she's in and being interviewed by a UK program.
- Actor: Michael Richards
- TV Series: Seinfeld
- TV Network: NBC
- Years on TV: 1989-1998
When it comes to iconic TV roles, it's hard to imagine anyone else but Michael Richards playing the eccentric and unforgettable Cosmo Kramer on Seinfeld. Often described as "a show about nothing," Seinfeld captivated audiences for nine seasons with its unique brand of humor and memorable characters. Richards's portrayal of Kramer, with his quirky mannerisms and unpredictable antics, became a cornerstone of the show's success.
- Actor: Kit Harington
- TV Series: Game of Thrones
- TV Network: HBO
- Years it was on TV: 2011–2019
Kit Harington’s portrayal of Jon Snow in Game of Thrones made the character unforgettable. As the brooding, reluctant hero of Westeros, Harington brought depth to Jon’s internal struggle, his loyalty, and his sense of duty, making Jon Snow a character viewers could both admire and empathize with. The role’s success was undeniably tied to Harington’s strong performance, as Jon Snow’s arc was central to the show’s narrative.
- Actor: James Gandolfini
- TV Series: The Sopranos
- TV Network: HBO
- Years on TV: 1999-2007
James Gandolfini's portrayal of Tony Soprano is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in television history. Before he became an iconic actor, Gandolfini worked as a bouncer and nightclub manager. What he saw on duty may have helped him draw inspiration for his eventual role as the complex mob boss. His ability to bring depth and authenticity to Tony Soprano made it nearly impossible to imagine anyone else in the role, cementing his place as a TV legend.
- Actor: Bryan Cranston
- Character: Breaking Bad
- TV Network: AMC
- Years on TV: 2008-2013
Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad is one of the most famous in television history. His performance earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards, a testament to his incredible talent. Interestingly, before becoming an actor, Cranston worked as a licensed minister for the Universal Life Church. That's a far cry from the meth-cooking chemistry teacher he so convincingly brought to life on screen.
- Actor: Michael K Williams
- TV Series: The Wire
- TV Network: HBO
- Years on TV: 2002-2008
Michael K. Williams delivered such a compelling performance in The Wire that it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role. The show itself is praised for its realistic portrayal of urban life and its complex characters, but Williams's portrayal of Omar Little stands out. His large facial scar, a result of a bar fight on his 25th birthday, added an authentic edge to his character, making Omar one of the most memorable figures in television history. Unfortunately, Williams passed away in 2021.
- Actor: Kiefer Sutherland
- TV Series: 24
- TV Network: Fox
- Years on TV: 2001-2010, 2014
Kiefer Sutherland's portrayal of Jack Bauer in the TV show 24 was so iconic that he received seven Primetime Emmy Award nominations for the role. He won the award in 2006. The show's unique real-time format, with each season covering 24 hours in Bauer's life, kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Beyond his acting prowess, Sutherland is also a talented guitarist and has played with several bands, including his own band called Honeydripper.
- Actor: Caroll O'Connor
- TV Series: All In the Family
- TV Network: CBS
- Years on TV: 1971-1979
All in the Family revolutionized TV comedy by boldly addressing controversial social issues. Much of its success can be attributed to Caroll O'Connor's unforgettable portrayal of Archie Bunker. Before becoming an actor, O'Connor was a high school teacher of English and history. His background in education perhaps contributed to the depth and nuance he brought to the role, making it nearly impossible to imagine anyone else embodying the iconic character with such authenticity and impact. Plus, while his character took the conservative side of many arguments, viewers may be surprised that Caroll didn't necessarily agree with Archie's way of thinking.
- Actor: Walter Goggins
- TV Series: Justified
- TV Network: FX
- Years on TV: 2010-2015
Walter Goggins, a former firefighter and member of the U.S. Forest Service's Hotshot crew, has delivered such compelling performances in his TV roles that it's hard to imagine anyone else stepping into those characters. But it's his portrayal of Boyd Crowder that particuluarly stands head-and-shoulders above the rest. Although he never won, he was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series at the Emmy Awards for his Justified role. He also received four consecutive Supporting Actor (Drama) nominations from the Critics' Choice Awards from 2011-2015.
- Actor: Timothy Olyphant
- TV Series: Justified
- TV Network: FX
- Years on TV: 2010-2015
While Justified was never a ratings blockbuster in the way that Breaking Bad was, the series was consistently critically acclaimed and often said to be the best show on TV. Timothy Olyphant, in his portrayal of Raylan Givens, deserves much of the credit for that (as well as the series writers). Olyphant's experience playing a lawman in Deadwood undoubtedly contributed to his compelling performance as the no-nonsense U.S. Marshal. Beyond his acting chops, Olyphant is also a skilled poker player, having participated in several celebrity poker tournaments. His multifaceted talents make him a standout in the industry, but it's his embodiment of Raylan Givens that truly cements his TV acting legacy.
- Actor: Charlie Hunan
- TV Series: Sons of Anarchy
- TV Network: FX
- Years on TV: 2008-2014
Charlie Hunnam's dedication to the portrayal of Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy is evident in the many motorcycle stunts he performed on his own. Interestingly, Hunnam was originally cast as the lead in the movie Thor, but he turned it down due to scheduling conflicts with the FX series, a decision that ultimately solidified his iconic status as Jax Teller. If he hadn't done so, you may have known him from the big screen instead of seeing him every week in your living room.
- Actor: Mariska Hargitay
- TV Series: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
- TV Network: NBC
- Years on TV: 1999-present
Mariska Hargitay's portrayal of Olivia Benson on Law and Order: SVU is so lauded that she was the first regular cast member on any Law & Order show to win an Emmy Award. Over the course of 25+ seasons, Hargitay has won even more awards for her compelling performance. The long-running NBC program surpassed the episode count of its parent series in 2021. It now has the fourth highest number of episodes of any primetime scripted series on U.S. television.
- Actor: David Duchovny
- TV Series: The X-Files
- TV Network: Fox
- Years on TV: 1993-2002, 2016-2018
David Duchovny, who holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from Yale University, delivered such a unique performance as Fox Mulder in The X-Files that it's nearly impossible to imagine the character played by anyone else. His portrayal of the skeptical yet open-minded FBI agent searching for the truth about extraterrestrial life captivated audiences and became a defining element of the show. Duchovny's unique blend of intelligence, wit, and intensity made Mulder a character that will forever be associated with him.
- Actor: Jason Alexander
- TV Series: Seinfeld
- TV Network: NBC
- Years on TV: 1989-1998
Jason Alexander's role in Seinfeld was a hit with critics and audiences alike. Unfortunatley, while he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for nearly every season of Seinfeld (except 2), he never won the award. His impeccable comedic timing and unique mannerisms brought George to life in a way that has left an indelible mark on television history. Alexander's performance was so compelling that he became synonymous with the character, making George Costanza one of the most memorable figures in TV sitcoms. But it also made him somewhat typecast.
- Actor: Dennis Franz
- TV Series: NYPD Blue
- TV Network: ABC
- Years on TV: 1993-2005
Dennis Franz's portrayal of Detective Andy Sipowicz on NYPD Blue was so compelling that he won multiple acting awards for the performance. These include four Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and three Sreen Actors Guild awards. Known for its gritty depiction of police work, the show didn't shy away from using nudity and strong language to paint a realistic picture. This was particularly controversial as NYPD Blue aired on ABC. The Big Three broadcast networks are known for being more conservative in what they allow to air (especially compared to cable networks). Franz, who served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division, brought a unique depth and authenticity to his character, making Sipowicz one of the most memorable figures in television history.
- Actor: Peter Falk
- TV Series: Columbo
- TV Network: NBC/ABC
- Years on TV: 1968-1978, 1989-2003
Peter Falk's portrayal of TV detective Columbo is one of television's longest running and seminal roles. Falk brought a unique charm and authenticity to the character, often ad-libbing parts of his dialogue, which added to Columbo's quirky and endearing nature. Despite having a glass eye due to a childhood tumor, Falk's performance was so compelling that it became an integral part of the character's mystique. His ability to blend vulnerability with sharp wit made Columbo a timeless figure in television history.
- Actor: Kurtwood Smith
- TV Series: That 70s Show
- TV Network: FOX
- Years it was on TV: 1998–2006
Kurtwood Smith’s portrayal of Red Forman in That 70s Show made him one of TV’s most memorable fathers. Smith brought a perfect balance of gruffness and warmth to the character, making Red both intimidating and endearing. His relationship with his son, Eric, was a key part of the show, with Red often delivering hilarious, yet heartfelt, lessons to his teenage son. Smith’s portrayal of Red was more than just comic relief—it was central to the show’s emotional depth, especially as Red navigated the challenges of fatherhood, marriage, and growing older.
- Actor: Tom Selleck
- TV Series: Magnum, P.I.
- TV Network: CBS
- Years on TV: 1980-1988
Tom Selleck's portrayal of Thomas Magnum in Magnum, P.I. has gone down in TV history as one of the best. However, it almost didn't happen. Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark. That role eventually went to Harrison Ford, though. Selleck had to turn down the role of Indiana Jones due to the filming schedule commitment of Magnum, P.I. His signature mustache and Hawaiian shirts became synonymous with the character, making him a television legend.
- Actor: Leonard Nimoy
- TV Series: Star Trek
- TV Network: NBC
- Years on TV: 1966-1969
Leonard Nimoy's portrayal of Spock in the original Star Trek series has become a seminal TV character. Despite the show being canceled after just three seasons, it gained a massive following through syndication, becoming a cult classic. Nimoy's talents extended beyond acting. He was also a licensed pilot and owned several aircraft, including a Cessna Citation private jet.
- Actor: Sarah Michelle Gellar
- TV Series: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- TV Network: The WB/UPN
- Years on TV: 1997-2003
Sarah Michelle Gellar's portrayal of Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer is so memorable that it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Her dedication to the character went beyond just acting. She did most of her own stunts, showcasing her physical prowess and commitment. Interestingly, Gellar's athletic background as a competitive figure skater, where she was ranked third in the New York State regional championships, undoubtedly contributed to her ability to perform those demanding action scenes with such finesse.
- Actor: Micheal C Hall
- TV Series: Dexter
- TV Network: Showtime
- Years on TV: 2006-2013
Michael C. Hall brought to life the unique role of Dexter Morgan in this series about a "serial killer who kills serial killers." His portrayal was so exceptional that he won a Golden Globe for it. Remarkably, Hall achieved this while battling Hodgkin's lymphoma, having been diagnosed at the age of 38. His resilience and talent truly brought Dexter to life in a memorable way.
- Actor: Henry Winkler
- TV Series: Happy Days
- TV Network: ABC
- Years on TV: 1974-1984
When it comes to iconic TV roles, Henry Winkler's portrayal of "The Fonz" on Happy Days is a standout example. His performance was so memorable and impactful that it's hard to imagine anyone else stepping into those leather boots. Beyond his acting career, Winkler has also made a name for himself as a children's book author, having written over 30 books in the "Hank Zipzer" series. Interestingly, Happy Days also gave us the term "jumping the shark," a phrase that has since become part of the pop culture lexicon.
- Actor: Kelsey Grammer
- TV Series: Frasier
- TV Network: NBC
- Years on TV: 1993-2004
Kelsey Grammer's portrayal of Frasier Crane lasted over 20 years, including his time on Cheers. Many people may not know that the show Frasier is actually a spinoff. Grammer brought the character to life with such depth and charm that he became synonymous with the sophisticated, yet often bumbling, psychiatrist.
