I simply adore side characters that steal the show! Growing up, I always found myself drawn to the supporting actors who added depth and intrigue to my favorite TV shows. And let me tell you, the ones listed here are absolute gems!
Absolutely, it often happens that we find ourselves drawn to secondary characters in movies and TV shows, even though they’re technically part of the main cast. Instead, they are usually not the primary figures we’re expected to focus on. Somehow, these supporting roles captivate us more than the principal characters, as if by magic. Here are some timeless examples that I’d like to revisit.
Frozone (The Incredibles)
Among the outstanding Pixar films, “The Incredibles” takes the lead, but there’s a character who surpasses even the title family in popularity – their best friend, Frozone, a superhero with ice abilities. Although he doesn’t appear as frequently as other characters, it’s his comical personality and Samuel L. Jackson’s exceptional voice performance that make him an audience favorite.
NoHo Hank (Barry)
As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve found myself drawn to numerous characters within the “Barry” cast, but it’s NoHo Hank who has truly stolen my heart. In fact, I dedicated an entire article to expressing why NoHo Hank has become one of my all-time favorite TV characters since first watching “Barry.” To this day, his quirky humor still leaves me in stitches.
Megan (Bridesmaids)
The cast of “Bridesmaids” is overflowing with comedic prowess, but if truth be told, when one mentions “Bridesmaids,” it’s Melissa McCarthy who typically comes to mind. And when we think of her, it’s her iconic character Megan that stands out. She’s absolutely hilarious, and thanks to this role, she even garnered an Academy Award nomination.
Mike (Breaking Bad)
In “Breaking Bad,” there’s a multitude of characters who straddle the line between good and evil, but Mike is one you can’t help but adore more than Walter. He remains composed during stressful situations, exudes an air of stoicism, and has made appearances not only in the original series but also in “Better Call Saul.
Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Without a doubt, it’s hard to deny that Zuko is the beloved character from “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” His character development is simply outstanding on television, and I’ve always been captivated by his storyline. In fact, when I decide to rewatch the series, it’s mainly for him rather than Aang these days.
Amy (Pitch Perfect)
Initially feeling like a target in the initial “Pitch Perfect” movie, Amy, or as she’s famously known, Fat Amy, turned out to be one of the standout characters. Rebel Wilson, through her remarkable performance, portrayed a funny singer who proudly embraced her individuality and wasn’t afraid to express herself, which endeared her to us greatly.
Rosa Diaz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
Among numerous supporting characters, some initially appear as typical “jerks” or formidable figures. Indeed, Rosa falls into the latter category, but hidden beneath her tough exterior lies a heart of pure gold. Out of all the characters in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, it’s Rosa that I resonated with the most throughout the series.
Rizzo (Grease)
As a dedicated enthusiast, I still firmly believe that “Grease” is excessively praised, and my stance remains unchanged due to my personal difficulty connecting with Danny or Sandy. However, let me tell you, there’s one character I absolutely adore: Rizzo. She embodies complexity, emotion, and a vocal prowess that truly resonates. Granted, the actress might not seem like she fits the high school mold, but then again, does anyone in this movie really embody the typical teenage look?
Daryl Dixon (The Walking Dead)
It goes without saying that I simply couldn’t leave Daryl Dixon off this list. After Rick departed from the series, it seems like Daryl took over the show entirely. He even has his own spinoff now titled “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.” There was a significant movement advocating for “If Daryl Dies, We Rebel.” Remarkably, this character wasn’t even part of the main cast in Season 1 until Norman Reedus transformed him into the endearing redneck we all recognize today.
Ian Malcolm (Jurassic Park)
In a nutshell, “Jurassic Park” is a classic ’90s movie, however, I must confess that most of its characters seem forgettable to me. The primary reason for watching this film is undeniably the mind-blowing dinosaurs and thrilling action sequences. However, there’s one character who stands out – Ian Malcolm, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum. It’s not entirely fair because Goldblum elevates even the supporting characters to a level that often surpasses the main ones.
Genie (Aladdin)
Without a doubt, one of Robin Williams’ standout films is the Disney movie “Aladdin.” While it’s an enjoyable princess film overall, whenever I reflect on it, my mind always goes to the Genie character. He’s energetic, incredibly funny, and a fantastic companion for Aladdin, even when Aladdin acts selfishly towards him at times. You can’t help but adore him.
Urkel (Family Matters)
There are some iconic TV shows where a specific character stands out so much that you recognize them even without knowing the show’s name. For instance, when someone mentions “Family Matters,” the first thing that might cross your mind is the memorable catchphrase of the character Urkel: “Did I do that?” This sitcom has been making me laugh for years, but it’s Urkel who leaves a lasting impression.
Emily (The Devil Wears Prada)
The cast of “The Devil Wears Prada” is brimming with celebrities, but it’s Emily Blunt’s character, Emily, who truly outshines them all, showcasing her unbridled passion for fashion and everything Miranda Priestly-related. It’s quite astounding to reflect on this film now, as it was in this role that Emily Blunt truly established herself as a household name, garnering widespread acclaim for her exceptional performance.
Titus (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)
In a more natural and easy-to-read manner, “Titus from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a character I will always adore. There was something about this incredible man that left me craving more of him on the show. I can’t help but feel disappointed with Netflix for canceling it, as I long to see more of Titus Burgess’s outstanding performance.
Brienne Of Tarth (Game Of Thrones)
The cast of “Game of Thrones” is incredibly large, making it challenging to single out secondary characters who stole the spotlight from the main six – Daenerys, Jon, Sansa, Tyrion, Jaime, and Cersei, as they were the ones we primarily followed. However, among the supporting characters that played significant roles in their stories, Brienne of Tarth stood out. She was powerful, dedicated to her cause, and perhaps had one of the most satisfying conclusions compared to other characters on this series.
O’Ren Ishii (Kill Bill)
I have a strong fondness for the film “Kill Bill,” as I genuinely enjoy scenes where women demonstrate their martial arts prowess. To be truthful, I often find myself revisiting the battle between Black Mamba and O’Ren Ishii. She is truly remarkable, and her fighting style always sends shivers down my spine each time I watch it.
Troy And Abed (Community)
The TV show “Community” has a fantastic overall cast, however, it’s important to acknowledge that Jeff, as the main character, can be seen as rather dull. However, it’s the supporting characters that truly bring him to life, and Troy and Abed embody this perfectly. Their friendship is legendary, but its magic seemed to fade a bit when Donald Glover departed from the series.
Dwight Schrute (The Office)
Among numerous secondary characters in “The Office,” I firmly believe Dwight Schrute stands out as the most significant one. This peculiar office employee had an undeniable allure that resonated with everyone, and I strongly attribute this appeal to Rainn Wilson’s exceptional portrayal of the character.
Fonzie (Happy Days)
He started as a secondary character who later became a beloved fan favorite on “Happy Days.” Initially, he was only a supporting role, but fans’ affection for him led to his promotion to a main character. However, the writers took things too far, and it negatively impacted his character. This over-the-top development is what gave rise to the term ‘jumping the shark,’ showcasing an initial success followed by excessive and ultimately detrimental changes.
Lisa (Girl, Interrupted)
Girl, Interrupted” is a hard-hitting film that’s challenging to watch, yet it’s undeniable that the acting is superb. Winona Ryder delivers a remarkable performance in the lead role, but let’s be honest – Angelina Jolie as Lisa outshone everyone else and then some. There’s simply no one who can match her performance.
Sam (The Lord Of The Rings)
In “The Lord of the Rings,” although Frodo is the central figure, it’s Sam who steals the spotlight. He’s not only an excellent friend to Frodo, but also compassionate, steadfast, and genuinely admirable amidst the dark and tumultuous events depicted in the films.
Bronn (Game Of Thrones)
Among the myriad of characters in Game of Thrones, there’s one who often goes unnoticed yet consistently steals the spotlight when he appears – none other than Bronn. It’s easy to overlook him, but his presence is undeniably captivating. He’s got a knack for making us laugh, doesn’t mince words, and let’s not forget, he’s an exceptional fighter. You can’t help but admire him and grow fond of this character.
Yelena (Black Widow)
As a devoted fan, I must confess that when Black Widow was released, it seemed as though many of us had already emotionally moved on from Natasha’s demise in Avengers: Endgame. However, the character who truly captivated audiences was Yelena, Natasha’s adoptive sister. This fierce and engaging character has left fans yearning for more MCU adventures. Incredibly, Florence Pugh’s performance as Yelena has been a game-changer in her career.
Schmidt (New Girl)
Among the wonderful characters in the show “New Girl,” it’s true to say that Schmidt stands out as my personal favorite. While Jess is terrific, I must confess that her scenes don’t usually have me rolling with laughter – instead, it’s Schmidt who consistently makes me chuckle. His antics never fail to amuse me and bring a smile to my face.
Dionne (Clueless)
The 1990’s film “Clueless” is widely appreciated, but its lead character, Cher, sparks mixed feelings due to her behavior; nevertheless, there’s a character we can all admire: Dionne, skillfully portrayed by Stacey Dash. She’s a stylish individual who remains loyal to Cher, and it’s hard not to appreciate that devotion.
Grogu (The Mandalorian)
Sure thing!
Darius (Atlanta)
“Throughout its four seasons, the show Atlanta skillfully balanced drama and comedy. Among the standout characters straddling both genres was Darius, portrayed by Lakeith Stanfield. He exhibits a serene demeanor, albeit slightly peculiar, yet executes it flawlessly with an effortless charm.
Steve (Stranger Things)
It would be quite unfortunate, even unfair, not to feature Steve Harrington on this list. He’s more than just a babysitter; he’s the one taking care of all these kids and goes to great lengths to safeguard them. His character development is impressive, and I wholeheartedly support him throughout the series. Joe Keery does an exceptional job portraying him.
Levi Ackerman (Attack On Titan)
In many anime series, secondary characters often steal the limelight from the main character, and for me, Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan stands out as my favorite among them. If you’re familiar with him, it’s common knowledge; but if not, he’s famously known as Humanity’s Strongest Soldier and consistently demonstrates his strength throughout the series. Despite his stern demeanor, there’s a depth to him that makes him both good (though some might argue morally grey) and highly appealing – a quality that resonates strongly with fans, including myself.
Lexa (The 100)
For quite some time, I’ve been an ardent follower of “The 100,” and I can confidently say that no supporting character has had such a transformative effect as Lexa did. She wasn’t just tough and fearless; she also developed a romantic relationship with the main character, igniting a passionate debate among fans known as a “shipping war.” It was an exciting era! Despite being on the show for only a few seasons, her influence was undeniable.
April Ludgate (Parks And Recreation)
The humor of the cast on “Parks and Recreation” is abundant, but it’s essential to highlight April Ludgate, brilliantly portrayed by Aubrey Plaza. Her dry wit and unique reactions to situations made her an outstanding character in this series. I’d gladly tune into a standalone spinoff featuring her antics.
Negan (The Walking Dead)
Negan, without a doubt, transforms into an intricate anti-hero by the conclusion of “The Walking Dead,” and it’s undeniable that audiences adore him. Fans were even hoping for his victory during Seasons 7 and 8, and I believe it’s due to Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivering such an outstanding portrayal. He still excels at this role in “The Walking Dead: Dead City.” Negan is hard to top.
Among the numerous wonderful supporting characters that exist, there may be some I’ve overlooked, but here are my personal favorites. Let’s organize a mini-marathon to revisit them and appreciate their brilliance once more.
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2024-12-13 00:38