Unforgettable TV Stars: The Ultimate List of Actors Dominating Multiple Hit Shows

Summary

These 10 actors have conquered the tough TV landscape by starring in multiple hit shows, solidifying their success and leaving a lasting impression.

These actors, from Bryan Cranston to Idris Elba, have proven their versatility by excelling in various roles, earning critical acclaim, and garnering a dedicated fan base.

Success in the acting industry can be elusive, as not everyone manages to achieve significant recognition. That's what makes it even more remarkable that these 10 actors have had multiple hit TV shows. The TV landscape is notoriously treacherous, with streaming platforms like Netflix notorious for their merciless cancellation policies. This makes it even more challenging for TV actors to achieve success on television in today's era.

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Bryan Cranston (Malcolm In The Middle / Breaking Bad)

Nevertheless, a select few exceptionally talented TV actors have defied the odds and achieved recognition by appearing in not just one, but several highly acclaimed TV shows. While most actors would consider it a triumph to have one iconic television role, these exceptional individuals have made a mark by starring in multiple television blockbusters. From veterans like Betty White and Bryan Cranston, to rising stars like Evan Peters, these ten actors have become synonymous with a range of remarkable characters, gracing more than one TV show that enjoyed colossal success during their tenure.

Bryan Cranston, widely recognized as the endearing father figure in Malcolm in The Middle, took on the memorable part of Jerry's dentist in Seinfeld. However, it is astonishing how he successfully transformed himself into the renowned character of Walter White, a former high-school chemistry teacher turned drug dealer, in Breaking Bad.

The roles of Hal and Walt were in stark contrast, however, both shows garnered immense success. Malcolm in The Middle, which aired for a span of six years and consisted of 151 episodes, received high praise for its eccentric humor and unique visual style. Cranston's portrayal earned him numerous nominations for best supporting actor throughout the show's duration. On the other hand, Breaking Bad gained even greater critical acclaim during its five-season and 62-episode run, often being hailed as one of the finest shows of the 21st century thus far.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Seinfeld / Veep)

Elaine Benes in Seinfeld and Selina Meyer in Veep are undoubtedly Julia Louis-Dreyfus' two most iconic television roles. Following her time on Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld catapulted Louis-Dreyfus into stardom, as she played a key character throughout all nine seasons of the show. Seinfeld garnered critical acclaim and attracted a large audience, leaving such a lasting impact that it has even been the subject of academic literature.

Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead / Beef)

Louis-Dreyfus has gained recognition for her portrayal in the renowned political satire Veep, which is based on the critically acclaimed U.K. series The Thick Of It. Similarly to her success with Seinfeld, Veep has garnered numerous prestigious award nominations, including Golden Globes and Primetime Emmys, solidifying Louis-Dreyfus as a versatile actor with multiple successful television shows.

Renowned for his portrayal of Glenn Rhee in The Walking Dead, Steven Yeun rose to fame. Appearing in the first seven seasons of the TV adaptation of the comic book, his character met a shocking demise. Despite mixed critical reception throughout its eleven-season run, The Walking Dead undeniably achieved television success, captivating a loyal fanbase and inspiring numerous spin-offs expanding the show's universe.

Though the sprawling universe of The Walking Dead currently has a much larger scope than the series, Beef, it cannot be denied that this project has brought immense success for Yeun. Collaborating with Ali Wong, Yuen portrays one half of a duo determined to exact revenge on the other, resulting in a series of astonishing events that will leave you in shock. A24 and Netflix were both extremely pleased with the massive triumph of Beef, further solidifying Yeun's status as an actor who has not just one, but multiple hit television shows under their belt.

Ted Danson (Cheers / The Good Place)

Ted Danson underwent a creative revival after his successful stint on the sitcom Cheers (1982-1993) when he took on the role of Michael in The Good Place (2016-2020). Despite both shows being categorized as comedies, they diverge greatly in terms of style and tone. Cheers embodies a conventional, relatable sitcom of its time, while The Good Place presents a bold and imaginative exploration of ethics and the afterlife.

Idris Elba (The Wire / Luther)

However, Danson's success soared with both Cheers and The Good Place. Despite not initially attracting a large audience, both shows garnered critical acclaim. Moreover, these series elegantly highlighted Danson's remarkable comedic skills, solidifying his rightful claim to the 40+ award nominations he has amassed throughout his illustrious career.

One of the most popular television roles Idris Elba has ever taken on is the lead character in BBC's Luther. With five seasons and a film under its belt, the show has propelled Elba to stardom and sparked years of speculation and hopeful anticipation that he could be the next James Bond. According to critics on Rotten Tomatoes, Elba's performance in Luther stands out as the highlight of the series. However, it is often overlooked that Elba had already appeared in another successful TV show prior to Luther.

From 2002 to 2004, Elba portrayed the role of Russell "Stringer" Bell in the critically acclaimed crime drama series The Wire. Interestingly, Stringer's character as a drug kingpin stands in stark contrast to DCI John Luther. Although Elba's appearance in the show was not continuous, his presence was crucial throughout the initial three seasons. In both endeavors, Elba exudes a commanding presence and charm that has facilitated his transition from a television actor to major big-screen projects, including notable roles in both the MCU and the DCU.

Betty White (The Mary Tyler Moore Show / The Golden Girls / Hot In Cleveland)

Betty White, a television icon, had an illustrious career that spanned from the 1940s until her passing in 2021. She made her mark early on with notable appearances in Hollywood on Television, The Betty White Show, and Life With Elizabeth. However, it was her roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, and Hot In Cleveland that truly solidified her status as a television legend.

Katey Sagal (Married... With Children / Futurama / Sons of Anarchy)

The impact of The Mary Tyler Moore show on television cannot be overstated. It is widely believed to have transformed the television landscape forever. On the other hand, The Golden Girls marked Betty White's longest-running role and provided much-needed representation for older characters on television. Similarly, Hot In Cleveland received rave reviews from critics, with many comparing it to the success of The Golden Girls. Betty White's illustrious career is difficult to summarize, but there is no doubt that she will be remembered as a television legend due to her contributions to these three iconic shows.

Katey Sagal gained fame for her iconic portrayal of Peggy Bundy in the hit sitcom Married... With Children. However, it was her role as Gemma Teller Morrow in the gritty drama Sons of Anarchy that truly showcased her range as an actress. Despite their contrasting styles and tones, both shows achieved significant success and solidified Sagal's status as a versatile performer. While Married... With Children may not have received the same level of critical acclaim or widespread popularity as Sons of Anarchy did, it garnered a devoted and enduring fanbase during its impressive 11-year run.

In addition to the aforementioned shows, Sagal also took on the role of Leela in Matt Groening's Futurama. Despite its turbulent history, this animated sci-fi series has developed a dedicated fan base. Sagal's portrayal of a resilient yet self-conscious one-eyed mutant once again showcases her versatile acting skills, providing a refreshing departure from her previous roles in Married... with Children and Sons of Anarchy.

Pedro Pascal (Game Of Thrones / The Mandalorian / The Last Of Us)

Though Pedro Pascal has been part of the industry for close to thirty years, his immense success has surged over the past decade. While he had smaller parts in movies and TV shows in the 1990s and 2000s, it was his recurring role as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones, starting in 2014, that truly propelled his career. However, since then, Pascal's trajectory has only continued to soar.

Gillian Anderson (X-Files / The Fall / Sex Education / The Crown)

Pascal's portrayal of Din Djardin in The Mandalorian established him as a force in the TV industry, with the show receiving high praise as one of the "most captivating adventures in a distant galaxy" (according to Rotten Tomatoes). This achievement was further solidified by his performance as Joel in HBO's adaptation of The Last Of Us, earning him an Emmy nomination. Pascal is now taking on the lead role in the true-crime series My Dentist's Murder Trial, which is based on an article from The New Yorker. Although not much information has been revealed about the series, Pascal's involvement, along with Stranger Things star David Harbour (as reported by Time Out), suggests that it could be his fourth successful television venture within a decade.

Gillian Anderson's notable career spans both film and television, but it is her work on the small screen that truly stands out. Establishing herself in the 1990s as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in The X-Files, she delivered a performance that will forever define her. Since then, she has graced three immensely successful shows with her presence: The Fall, Sex Education, and The Crown.

Evan Peters (American Horror Story / Dahmer / Mare Of Easttown / WandaVision)

Gillian Anderson's most critically acclaimed TV role is The Crown, as confirmed by IMDb ratings. Nonetheless, her exceptional performance as Scully in The X-Files has garnered her the highest number of accolades, including a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy, along with multiple nominations.

Apart from his notable contributions to Ryan Murphy's series American Horror Story, Evan Peters has also made a name for himself through various successful TV roles. In 2021, Peters achieved significant achievements by appearing in the ninth season of American Horror Story, as well as starring in the highly acclaimed shows WandaVision and Mare of Easttown. WandaVision stands out as one of Disney+'s top MCU series to date, while Mare of Easttown became a hit for HBO, with its finale becoming the most-watched episode on Max. Although Peters was not the lead in either project, his portrayal of Wanda's brother and Detective Colin Zabel received high praise, resulting in him being honored with a Primetime Emmy for the latter performance.

Peters received his breakthrough a year later when he joined forces with Ryan Murphy once more for Netflix's Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. In this project, Peters takes on the lead role of the eponymous real-life serial killer, a portrayal that garnered considerable backlash due to perceived insensitivity towards Dahmer's victims and their families. Nevertheless, the show proved to be a commercial triumph for Netflix, and Peters garnered acclaim for his skill in portraying Dahmer's authentic mannerisms, receiving praise from sources such as Rotten Tomatoes and Time Out.