The Ultimate List of Legendary TV Actors That Shaped Television History

Numerous talented actors have graced our television screens, but there are a few names that stand out for their significant contributions to the medium. While being a "TV star" may not have held the same level of popularity as being the lead in a blockbuster film, the 21st century has brought a newfound respect and prestige to the work of television actors. In recent times, several television performances have garnered high acclaim from critics, with some even being hailed as the best of the century.

The emergence of streaming services has sparked a golden age of television, where film actors have made the transition to the small screen for series. However, it is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate those who came before, as they established television as a respectable platform for visual storytelling. Series like Twin Peaks, The Sopranos, and M*A*S*H have left a lasting impact on television, inspiring generations of future work. The performances in these shows, among others, have become iconic and have laid the foundation for the modern era of TV.

20 Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson: A Career of Achievements and Iconic Roles

19 Dick Van Dyke

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Renowned as the leading figure in The Dick Van Dyke Show, Dick Van Dyke's memorable portrayal, brimming with humorous antics, established him as a comic inspiration for generations to follow. The hit sitcom aired for five seasons during the 1960s, and was highly regarded for revolutionizing television by introducing clever and intelligent comedy to the small screen. Van Dyke's phenomenal depiction of Rob Petrie showcased his remarkable physical comedy skills and quick wit, ultimately earning him three Emmy Awards throughout the show's successful run.

18 Steve Carell

Steve Carell's career has skyrocketed well beyond the confines of the small screen, as he has graced the silver screen in a multitude of blockbuster films. Notwithstanding, it is his portrayal of Michael Scott in The Office (widely regarded as the most binge-worthy show in existence) that remains his most iconic role. Carell's comedic genius has had a profound impact on the genre, exerting substantial influence over numerous character portrayals. Even though the lighthearted nature of the series may not afford him the same level of dramatic acting gravitas as a character in a serious drama, fans continue to flock back to Carell's ludicrous humor, which never fails to elicit plenty of uproarious laughter.

17 Michael J. Fox

Besides his iconic role in Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox gained recognition for his prominent part in Family Ties, one of the most popular television shows of the 1980s. Additionally, the actor delighted audiences for six seasons in the sitcom Spin City and made recurring appearances in The Good Wife. Having since retired, Michael J. Fox has established a career based on his endearing and lighthearted comedic performances, with his portrayal of Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties arguably standing as his comedic masterpiece. Originally intended to focus on the parents of the fictional Keaton family, the show quickly revolved around Michael J. Fox's character, propelling him to immense stardom.

16 Danny DeVito

15 Robin Williams

Danny DeVito has emerged as a beloved figure among young audiences, particularly those who are fans of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. In this wildly popular show, DeVito showcases his comedic genius and delivers one of his most hilariously absurd performances as Frank Reynolds. With a career spanning over fifty years in both film and television, DeVito's impact cannot be overstated. His portrayal of a taxi dispatcher in the iconic TV series Taxi set a new standard for workplace comedies, leaving a lasting impression for decades to come. Through his outstanding comedic talents, Danny DeVito has firmly established himself as one of the greatest comedic actors of his generation.

Though Robin Williams gained widespread recognition for his outstanding film performances in works such as Good Will Hunting and The Birdcage, his unparalleled talent in television often went unnoticed. It was on the science fiction-inspired sitcom Mork & Mindy where the actor and comedian first rose to prominence. While Robin Williams is universally regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, it was his iconic portrayal in Mork & Mindy that captured his comedic genius and unparalleled improvisational skills.

14 Patrick Stewart

Another renowned actor whose television career propelled him to fame in the film industry is none other than Sir Patrick Stewart. Fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation are well-acquainted with his iconic portrayal of Jean-Luc Picard. During the 1980s, the presence of classically trained actors like Patrick Stewart in television was a rarity. His remarkable skills and esteemed reputation introduced a level of talent and prestige unfamiliar to the medium and the Star Trek franchise. To this day, he continues to embody this beloved character, most recently in the CBS series, Star Trek: Picard.

13 Ed Asner

Renowned for his revered role as Lou Grant in both The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off series, Ed Asner emerged as a pivotal figure in 1970s television. Despite playing a supporting character alongside the esteemed Mary Tyler Moore, Asner's portrayal captivated audiences with his endearing performance. Notably, Asner's portrayal of Carl Fredricksen in Up remains etched in recent memory.

12 Edie Falco

11 Idris Elba

Edie Falco proved her mettle by portraying Carmela Soprano in The Sopranos, despite standing in James Gandolfini's shadow. With her exceptional talent, she transformed Carmela into a formidable character in her own right. As the wife of Mafia boss Tony Soprano, Falco masterfully delivered compelling and intense dramatic scenes that set a benchmark for complex marriages on television. Additionally, her remarkable performance in Nurse Jackie garnered widespread acclaim, resulting in her receiving four Emmy Awards across both shows.

Idris Elba has made a name for himself in recent years, transitioning from television to the big screen and even being considered as a potential James Bond. However, it is his TV roles that truly showcase his talent, particularly his outstanding performance as Stringer Bell in The Wire and his captivating portrayal of the titular character in Luther. Stringer Bell's character in The Wire is widely regarded as one of the series' best, and Elba's portrayal of this intriguing villain is one of the most memorable in the world of television. Additionally, his series Hijack on Apple TV Plus has garnered significant critical acclaim, further highlighting his exceptional abilities.

10 Ted Danson

9 Carol Burnett

Ted Danson, widely recognized as a television icon, gained fame through his lead role in the beloved '80s sitcom Cheers. Since the show's successful eleven-year run, Danson has continued to shine in various prominent roles. Notably, he has graced the screens in Becker, The Good Place, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and played supporting characters in Curb Your Enthusiasm and the second season of Fargo. With a consistent presence in iconic shows and miniseries spanning four decades, Ted Danson undeniably stands as one of the most influential actors in the history of television.

Carol Burnett, known for her role as Marion in the latter part of Better Call Saul's final season, is a well-established comedic talent with a long history in the entertainment industry. However, her most iconic work remains her portrayal as the eponymous star on The Carol Burnett Show. This groundbreaking series revolutionized sketch comedy on television by incorporating captivating song and dance performances. Burnett's exceptional talent and dedication earned her a staggering 23 Emmy nominations, of which she won 6. Set in the lively '70s, the show showcased a more exuberant and celebratory side of the entertainment industry, with Burnett's performance leaving a lasting impact and serving as a significant influence during its time.

8 Kyle MacLachlan

7 Lucille Ball

Twin Peaks holds immense influence in the television realm, having served as inspiration for esteemed series such as Lost, The Sopranos, and The Leftovers. Kyle MacLachlan's portrayal of Special Agent Dale Cooper stands as a pivotal figure in the realm of honorable male protagonists, embodying a healthy masculinity that was well ahead of its time. Twin Peaks: The Return allowed MacLachlan to exhibit his exceptional dramatic and comedic prowess, effortlessly delving into diverse characters and personas. While Agent Cooper may not hold the same iconic status as other renowned TV leads, MacLachlan's remarkable versatility, showcased through his multifaceted roles including Sex and the City, firmly establishes him as an outstanding television actor.

Lucille Ball left an indelible mark on television during the 1950s through her iconic portrayal of Lucy Ricardo in the sitcom series, I Love Lucy. She was a true pioneer in the world of comedy and entertainment. Although the entertainment industry and Hollywood's landscape has evolved significantly since then, her influence continues to resonate even today, with comedic luminaries like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Undeniably, Lucille Ball remains an unrivaled television icon, often hailed as the queen of comedy.

6 Julia Louis-Dreyfus

5 Alan Alda

Julia Louis-Dreyfus's outstanding portrayal of Elaine on the legendary TV show Seinfeld, combined with her impressive performances on Saturday Night Live and Veep, solidifies her status as one of the greatest talents in the television industry. With her remarkable versatility and exceptional acting skills, she has paved the way for a new generation of female characters in the 21st century, who are described as amusing and self-centered women.

Alan Alda, with six Emmys and six Golden Globes, stands far above the rest in terms of television accolades. His remarkable achievements were largely fueled by his portrayal of Captain Hawkeye Pierce in the highly acclaimed war sitcom, M*A*S*H, which spanned eleven seasons. To lead such a series and continuously receive the highest industry honors was a groundbreaking accomplishment at that time. M*A*S*H was renowned for its superb acting and brilliant writing, leaving an indelible mark on the '70s cultural landscape.

4 Mary Tyler Moore

Primarily recognized for her portrayal of Mary Richards in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which aired from 1970-1977, Mary Tyler Moore is hailed as a feminist icon. In this groundbreaking series, Moore depicted a professional single woman who embraced her independence and happiness. Her comedic performance profoundly impacted future female characters, while her offscreen efforts in establishing her successful production company solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in the television industry. With her immense influence and extensive repertoire of television roles, Mary Tyler Moore unquestionably ranks among the greatest actors in the history of TV.

3 Betty White

Betty White, one of the all-time greats in the entertainment industry, is widely recognized as a highly accomplished actor. With the astounding achievement of holding the Guinness World Record for "Longest TV Career by an Entertainer (female)", Betty White has left an indelible mark on the audience. She has portrayed numerous iconic roles, notably in the '70s sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the '80s sitcom series The Golden Girls. Not only did her talent shine on-screen, but Betty White also played a pioneering role in Hollywood by being one of the first women to have influence both in front of and behind the camera. Although the television landscape of Betty White's era may not have offered the same depth of character development as present-day shows, her comedic brilliance continues to elevate her status as one of the greatest figures in television.

2 James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini revolutionized the television industry and redefined the standards of acting in the 21st century through his portrayal of Tony Soprano. With the iconic series, The Sopranos, he not only paved the way for a new era of television but also sparked a craving for morally complex and antiheroic characters, which was further explored in subsequent series like Breaking Bad and Mad Men. Breaking barriers, The Sopranos introduced a groundbreaking long-form narrative that delved deeply into the psyche of its protagonist across six seasons. James Gandolfini's mesmerizing portrayal of Tony Soprano remains unparalleled, etching his name in history as one of the most impeccably developed TV characters of all time.

1 Bryan Cranston

Breaking Bad took the foundation laid by The Sopranos and propelled the TV crime genre to unprecedented heights. Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Walter White has not only been hailed as the greatest TV character ever, but has also permeated American pop culture in a way no other TV role has. From spinoffs to meme formats and commercial appearances, the Breaking Bad universe has expanded, solidifying Walter White as a cultural icon. It is worth mentioning that Cranston also showcased his comedic talents in the long-running sitcom Malcolm in the Middle.