As a connoisseur of television’s finest moments, I can confidently say that Jaleel White’s portrayal of Steve Urkel in “Family Matters” was nothing short of extraordinary. His performance was not just a testament to his acting skills but also a reflection of his life experience as a young African-American actor navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry.
One captivating aspect of television is that it’s an ever-evolving platform. Creators or series producers have the ability to meticulously plan their work, arranging elements with a particular audience response in mind. However, the unexpected can happen, as what was originally intended might change during execution. For example, a showrunner may aim to spotlight a specific character throughout the series’ progression, but a secondary character with minimal screen time, fewer plot points, and less importance could end up stealing viewers’ affections instead.
In this article, we’ve gathered 12 exceptional instances of secondary actors who delivered outstanding, scene-stealing performances in iconic TV series, often overshadowing the main characters. While some remained supporting cast members throughout their tenure, others found unprecedented success that eventually led them to take over as the primary characters. You might be amazed to learn that some of these stars weren’t initially slated to be the leads.
David Hyde Pierce on Frasier
In the chaotic symphony of ’90s multi-camera sitcoms, NBC’s “Frasier” stood out like a beautifully crafted concerto, and David Hyde Pierce was its lead violinist. While Kelsey Grammer undeniably played a crucial role in creating a compelling protagonist for Frasier Crane, spinning off from “Cheers”, it was Pierce’s exceptional portrayal of Niles, Frasier’s psychiatrist brother, that truly solidified the show’s lasting impact.
Niles Crane was an extraordinary and lively character who stood out in typical sitcoms due to his rich, multi-layered characterization rather than relying on stereotypical traits. Although he shared some similarities with Frasier to convincingly portray them as brothers, he had a unique flair that set him apart, offering distinct reactions and types of humor in the show.
In simpler terms, Frasier was known for his snobbish and grumpy demeanor, but Niles amplified these traits with a touch of aristocratic flair that Frasier tried to soften with some down-to-earth charm. Despite this, or maybe because of it, Niles managed to convey more charisma and sincerity through his stubborn refusal to change. The show “Frasier” was filled with the wittiest cultural references and psychological insights, which were mostly delivered by Niles, as well as the most memorable jokes and quips. However, despite his many quirks, Niles was also the kindest and most compassionate character on the show. And week after week, John Mahoney, who played Martin (Pierce), skillfully held the show together, embodying both its intellectual depth and emotional warmth.
Julia Garner on Ozark
As a gamer, I’d say: “I was hooked on ‘Ozark’, starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney. They played the heads of an ordinary suburban family with a secretive crime-ridden lifestyle. Critics sometimes accused it of being too similar to ‘Breaking Bad’. But there was one performance that truly brought the show to life – Julia Garner as Ruth Langmore, a local crook who became a key ally of the Byrdes. Her portrayal added a unique spark to the sea of antihero dramas on prestige TV.
In a harsh upbringing and surrounded by family strife, Ruth developed a tough exterior and was frequently dismissed by those around her. However, she employed confidence, a strong attitude, and the skillful use of profanity in an intimidating manner to carve out a niche for herself within the criminal world of the Ozarks. Despite the occasional lack of likability among the show’s cast, Ruth’s transformation arc spanning four seasons ultimately endeared her to viewers as one of the most beloved main characters on “Ozark”, thanks in large part to Garner’s masterful portrayal.
Despite Linney and Bateman’s exceptional performances, it was their younger co-star who stole the spotlight with her electrifying portrayal of Ruth’s unique physicality and memorable outbursts. Consequently, “Ozark” transformed into what could be aptly titled “The Ruth Langmore Hour.” Notably, she was the sole “Ozark” cast member to receive Primetime Emmys, triumphing three years consecutively in the category of outstanding supporting actress in a drama series.
Jim Parsons on The Big Bang Theory
Approximately seventeen years ago, you might not recall this now, but when “The Big Bang Theory” first aired on CBS in September 2007, the show was primarily centered around Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), with Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) serving as a counterpoint. The original unaired pilot of the show was difficult to watch due to the more generic, unengaging, and unsettling portrayal of Sheldon. Even after “The Big Bang Theory” was revised into the series we eventually grew fond of, the early episodes of Season 1 still tended to focus on Leonard and his evolving relationship with Penny (Kaley Cuoco).
Over time, it became evident that Sheldon’s distinctive, somewhat neurotic, and entirely self-assured portrayal by Jim Parsons proved to be the winning card for “The Big Bang Theory.” The series gradually focused more and more on Sheldon, making him the central figure in most episodes a few seasons into its run. While “The Big Bang Theory” eventually evolved into a multi-character comedy with an impressive lifespan, it was arguably Parsons’ performance as Sheldon that initially propelled the show to great heights on television.
Danai Gurira on The Walking Dead
In its peak, AMC’s “The Walking Dead” stood out by using survival’s urgency to fuel a straightforward, primal narrative. The story was shaped more by atmosphere, visuals, and action dynamics rather than dialogue. To leave a lasting mark in this rugged universe, characters needed to make a powerful impact. Among the 11 seasons and 177 episodes, none made a stronger impact than Danai Gurira portraying Michonne.
Since the beginning of Season 3, Michonne has been an awe-inspiring figure on “The Walking Dead.” Draped in a gray hood and leading two walkers on leashes, she captivated audiences from her very first appearance. A solitary survivor who values independence, she stood out among the cast for her calmness, resilience, and unwavering determination to safeguard herself and her companions. Her mastery of the katana made her the most thrilling character to watch as she swiftly dispatched walkers (and sometimes humans) with ease.
Throughout the series, Gurira’s captivating, articulate, and charismatic portrayal of Michonne ensured that her role as the stoic master warrior in “The Walking Dead” didn’t diminish her complexity or personality at all. It’s no surprise that when rewatching the show, it seems like it doesn’t truly start until Michonne appears on screen, and after she leaves, the series never feels quite the same again.
Laurie Metcalf on Roseanne
The television series “Roseanne,” produced by ABC, is an intriguing example within the hall of fame of popular ’80s and ’90s sitcoms. Despite being primarily focused on and propelled by the larger-than-life character of a famous comedian, like many shows from that time, it was Roseanne Barr’s Roseanne Conner who was supported by two giants of the stage. John Goodman portrayed Dan Conner with an uncommon blend of grace, warmth, and authentic human characteristics that were scarcely found among sitcom family heads. Notably, Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris served as the emotional core and essence of “Roseanne” for most of its duration.
Jackie, as a character, deviated from typical sitcom standards by being messy, angst-ridden, and less successful than expected for her younger sister. Despite her own chaotic life, she remained fiercely loyal and supportive towards her nieces and nephews. Her relationship with Roseanne was complex, often tumultuous yet unbreakable, mirroring a genuine sister dynamic. Jackie’s personality oscillated between expansive and anxiously self-contained, and her presence added warmth and dry humor to every scene, even when she merely reacted to other characters. Metcalf brought a consistent blend of hilarity and heartbreak to the role, demonstrating both comedic and dramatic prowess. Not all “Roseanne” viewers shared Roseanne’s sense of humor, but everyone adored Jackie.
Uzo Aduba on Orange Is the New Black
Taylor Schilling’s character, Piper Chapman, was less captivating compared to others in “Orange Is the New Black,” not due to any shortcomings of her own, but rather a deliberate narrative choice. The show aimed to portray a woman struggling to come to terms with her lack of knowledge and understanding about the world and its diverse inhabitants, including many more experienced and vibrant characters. However, even other inmates at Litchfield often took a backseat when Uzo Aduba’s character, Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren, was present on screen.
Initially portrayed as quirky and mentally unstable, yet gradually unveiled as a brilliant, resilient, and imaginative woman who faced mistreatment due to her neurodivergence, Crazy Eyes emerged as the most poignantly humorous character amidst a cast brimming with humor-tinged tragedy. Despite Aduba’s ability to elicit uproarious laughter whenever Suzanne’s eccentricity manifested, she also expertly conveyed Suzanne’s yearning for love and acceptance with heartrending skill, delivering a remarkably lifelike, convincing, and multidimensional portrayal of a character that could have easily been misrepresented. In the end, Aduba undeniably became the defining image of “Orange Is the New Black” — an impressive feat for a series known for its abundance of remarkable characters.
Henry Winkler on Happy Days
The TV series “Happy Days” was initially about Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard), his life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the 1950s, and his relationships with family, siblings, and friends like Potsie Weber (Anson Williams) and Ralph Malph (Don Most). However, most people, unless they’re fond of the early seasons, recall “Happy Days” as primarily featuring Fonzie.
Initially, Fonzie, portrayed by Henry Winkler, was only meant to appear occasionally and have a limited role in the storylines of “Happy Days”. However, his captivating performance quickly became incredibly popular, causing the show’s creators to adjust its focus around him. By Season 2, he was promoted to series regular, and by Season 3, he was integrated into the Cunningham family life, sharing screen time with Richie. By Season 8, Fonzie had become the main character. Winkler’s portrayal of a suave, confident, slightly rebellious mid-century bad boy resonated strongly with ’70s America. It could be argued that he is one of the most iconic breakout supporting characters in TV history, especially considering that Winkler was grappling with dyslexia while playing Fonzie.
Peter Dinklage on Game of Thrones
In a surprising turn for the first season, “Game of Thrones” on HBO primarily focused on Ned Stark (Sean Bean). However, the second season transformed the series into an intricate ensemble drama where no character was invincible to peril – until later seasons favored a more traditional hero-centric narrative. Despite Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and Jon Snow (Kit Harington) rising as main characters, Peter Dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister consistently stole the show, earning him the title of the standout ensemble member.
The four-time Emmy-winning portrayal by Dinklage as the clever and morally complex younger Lannister sibling was so flawlessly captivating for fans of George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire,” that Tyrion’s role grew substantially from the books as the series progressed (and unlike in the books, his nose wasn’t severed at Blackwater Bay). Dinklage’s character elevated “Game of Thrones” to a level of smart, politically incisive drama, leading to later seasons that sometimes overemphasized Tyrion as an infallible voice of reason. This reached its peak in the controversial series finale where the people of Westeros unexpectedly granted Tyrion the authority to choose a new king and political system. Despite some writing quality concerns, when “Game of Thrones” was at its best, no TV performance was more captivating than Dinklage’s.
Carrie Coon on The Leftovers
Instead of stating that Seasons 2 and 3 of HBO’s “The Leftovers” revitalized by replacing the gloominess of Mapleton, New York, with the open-feeling Jarden, Texas in Season 2 and worldwide travel in Season 3, it might be more natural to say that while the change of setting did contribute significantly to the show’s transformation, an even more vital factor was Carrie Coon’s progression from a breakout supporting actress to the series’ main character. This shift in focus not only added depth to the story but also helped elevate “The Leftovers” to new heights.
In a contention for the most outstanding TV performance of the 21st century, Regina King’s portrayal of Nora Durst, a Mapleton woman who lost her family in an unexplained event known as the Sudden Departure and developed into a bundle of neuroses and unhealthy coping strategies under a veneer of tough cynicism, stood out. This was evident even during her minor appearances in Season 1 when she was merely a supporting character in the show’s intricate world-building. However, by Season 2, King’s performance became so captivating that it became obvious why creators Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta decided to make Nora the main focus of “The Leftovers.
After making the necessary adjustments, “The Leftovers” evolved into a profound exploration focusing on Nora Durst’s fragile mental state and her tense, nerve-wracking dance with Kevin Garvey (Justin Theroux). Coon’s acting performance reached such intense, astonishing peaks that the series could be seen as television’s equivalent to a ’70s Gena Rowlands blockbuster. Although Coon was not Emmy-nominated for her portrayal of Nora, she certainly earned the lasting admiration of everyone who invested time in watching “The Leftovers.
Sandra Oh on Grey’s Anatomy
Over a prolonged period, “Grey’s Anatomy” has accumulated more showrunners than most series typically have regular actors. In terms of regular actors, there have been 39 at the time of this writing. Fans of the series may favor different characters, ranging from one standout favorite to a complete team of top-tier actors and personalities. However, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang stands out in a unique way: Even those who aren’t fans of “Grey’s Anatomy” generally appreciate this character.
As a devoted fan myself, I must say, an illustrious Canadian actress, renowned for an audition that nearly placed her in a different role on “Grey’s Anatomy,” shone brighter than any star in the sky within the series. Cristina’s profound friendship with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) was the heart and soul of the show; her complex, loyal personality was its lifeblood; her biting wit provided its most infectious laughter; her relentless pursuit of professional aspirations fueled its most captivating narrative arc that wasn’t romantically driven. For us die-hard “Grey’s Anatomy” fans, the departure of such a pivotal character as Oh was like hearing the final bell signaling a dramatic change: Without Cristina, the show had irrevocably transformed into something entirely new.
Jane Krakowski on 30 Rock
In a different setting, some individuals prefer to escape their daily lives, jetting off to destinations like Miami Beach or Hollywood. However, Jane Krakowski didn’t need to venture far from 30 Rockefeller Plaza to create history as Jenna Maroney, the most hilarious character on “30 Rock.” Although much of the show’s narrative revolved around the powerhouse quartet of Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan), and Kenneth Parcell (Jack McBrayer), it was arguably Jenna who served as the central figure in the show’s satire of show business. As a character who, in her unapologetic superficiality, moral ambiguity, and relentless pursuit of fame regardless of the cost, she vividly represented the entertainment industry.
Over the span of “30 Rock”, an overwhelming amount of humorous, implausible scenarios were presented to Krakowski. A typical episode might require her to perform physical stunts like mugging or tumbling, sing high notes, deliver dry humor, recite lengthy dialogues in a single take, portray various psychological breakdowns, and all this while maintaining the highest level of comedic timing. To put it mildly, Krakowski didn’t just meet the challenge; she seized it with an enthusiasm rarely witnessed on TV, whether in comedy or drama. Her portrayal of Jenna was nothing short of extraordinary, demonstrating a unique blend of energy, tone, and physicality that perfectly suited every character nuance and comedic gag. Among the exceptional cast of “30 Rock”, Krakowski stood out as a true icon.
Jaleel White on Family Matters
Another intriguing tidbit about TV history that has largely been overshadowed by time: The sitcom “Family Matters” originated as a spin-off from the show “Perfect Strangers.” Initially, the storyline revolved around Harriette Winslow (played by Jo Marie Payton), who worked as an elevator operator in a Chicago building. The series primarily focused on the Winslow family, which included Harriette, her husband Carl (Reginald VelJohnson), their three kids, and Carl’s mother Estelle (Rosetta LeNoire). Interestingly enough, Steve Urkel (portrayed by Jaleel White) was initially conceived as a brief character.
Without a doubt, things didn’t unfold as initially expected. Initially, Urkel was introduced as an oddball nerd who asked Laura Winslow (Kellie Shanygne Williams) out on a date. However, due to the outstanding performance by White, he was brought back for multiple Season 1 appearances. Later in Season 2, White became part of the main cast, causing nothing but trouble and irritation for the Winslows. It didn’t take long before Urkel’s immense popularity among the audience led the writers to give White more roles, eventually making him the central character of “Family Matters.” Given the exceptional talent displayed by White on this show, it’s hardly surprising that his performance is considered iconic in American television history. The entire cast of “Family Matters” was impressive, and the show itself is often overlooked when discussing classic family sitcoms, but few performances have left as lasting an impact as Jaleel White’s.
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2024-11-09 22:31