Only True Fans Can Name 100% Of These Famous TV Actors
- by Jamie Gerber
- – on
- in Movies and TV
The time when working in television was indicative of an actor's downward spiral is long past. These days, some of the greatest cinematic achievements are happening on the small screen. Although incredible movies aren't always easy to find, it seems you can't throw a rock without hitting truly revolutionary television. A TV role was once a desperate act as an actor's career took its final shuddering breath before being snuffed out completely. However, at this point it has instead evolved into a way to revive a flailing career or to simply catapult a rising star to new heights.
The late '90s and early 2000s marked the beginning of what is now known as the Golden Age of Television. Considering all of the incredible content being churned out on a daily basis, this trend shows no signs of slowing down. While this tide of amazing shows may may it difficult to decide which ones deserve your valuable time, most people agree that it's a great time to be an avid TV watcher.
Are you a television fanatic? Do you binge as much as you can regardless of network, genre or the particular talent involved? Does it sometimes feel as though all of your favorite people populate worlds that you've only dreamt of inhabiting? Let's see if your television addiction is as serious as you say. Only True Fans Can Name 100% Of These Famous TV Actors!
What is this actress's name?
This actress is best known for portraying the titular heroine of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She has also starred in several films, including The Grudge, Scooby-Doo and Cruel Intentions. These days, she spends less time in the spotlight and more time in the kitchen dreaming up creative new recipes. Last year, she released a cookbook titled, Stirring Up Fun with Food. Although this actress has had several other notable roles, for some of us, she will always be Buffy Summers.
Do you recognize this actor?
This actor had notable roles on shows like Lost and Smallville before someone recognized his incredible leading man potential. He starred in The Vampire Diaries with Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley, among others. The character he portrayed was bad boy vampire Damon Salvatore. Although he wasn’t always the nicest guy, his love for Elena made him into a better man. It was recently announced that this actor will be starring in another upcoming vampire adaptation, V-Wars, set to air on Netflix.
Who is this?
This actress holds the distinction of portraying two unforgettable TV characters: Lorelai Gilmore on Gilmore Girls and Sarah Braverman on Parenthood. Although the former is far more well known, the latter is definitely worth a mention. This star is humble, funny and down to earth. She's written a novel and a memoir, and both books wound up on the New York Times Bestseller List. This performer has been in a relationship with her Parenthood costar - and onscreen brother - Peter Krause, since 2010.
Does this actor look familiar?
It's difficult to believe, but there was a time when this actor was best known for starring in cult classic, The Boondocks Saints. However, these days, he's far better known as Daryl Dixon on The Walking Dead. Although his character doesn't exist in the comic that the series is based on, Daryl has become the show's most beloved character. Seriously, he might be the only one on TWD who is safe from dying a gruesome death. What is this actor's name?
What is this actor's name?
This actor is best known for playing Oliver Queen, aka, Green Arrow, on the CW's Arrow. He is also a huge wrestling fan who has had guest appearances in matches on WWE. Aside from that, he has competed on American Ninja Warrior. Have you seen this guy on the salmon ladder? He's basically a real life superhero. Seriously though, he is one for more than just his physique. Like his television alter ego, this actor is quite the philanthropist as well.
Do you know who this is?
Here is one performer who wears many hats. He is an actor, writer, director, producer, comedian, singer, songwriter, rapper, and DJ! There are plenty of things that this star is known for, one being his rap alter ego, Childish Gambino. Hired to write for 30 Rock at just 23 years old, he went on to star in Community and recently appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming. He also created and stars in FX series, Atlanta. Next month, catch him as Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Are you familiar with this actor?
Although this actor had a career before Mr. Robot, most fans know him best as Elliot Alderson. Elliot was a depressed hacker who found new purpose after meeting an anarchist who went by the name Mr. Robot (Christian Slater). If you haven't watched it, what are you waiting for? This actor has also had supporting roles in films such as Night at the Museum and The Master. He is currently set to star in the upcoming Freddie Mercury biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody.
Who is this?
Like many stars, this performer made her small screen debut on Law and Order. Although she has appeared in film and television roles since, the character she is know for is the one that she has been portraying since 2005, Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy. The actress is one of the OG interns and has shown no signs of leaving the series. Her recent $20 million annual contract has made her the highest paid actor in television. What is her name?
Do you recognize this actor?
This actor can currently be seen starring as Randall Pearson on the much beloved tearjerker, This is Us. It was that performance that won him his second Emmy. The first was for his part in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. He has an extensive resume in film and television. An early role was Gordon Walker, the vampire hunter turned vampire on Supernatural. He also recently appeared in Black Panther. Do you know what his name is?
What is the name of this actress?
Everyone knows this actress as Dana Scully on the X-Files, but do you remember her real name? She has had quite a career since the series ended - although the show was recently revived. Some highlights include her role as DSI Stella Gibson in The Fall, Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier in Hannibal and Media in American Gods. Unfortunately, the latter is looking to cast a new Media in the wake of Anderson's departure. She also chose to leave Scully in her rearview as well.
Does this actress look familiar?
When watching Orphan Black it is easy to forget that the majority of the main characters are all portrayed by the same actress. The face they have in common doesn't change the fact that she makes each of them completely distinct from one another. There are many reasons to watch this excellent show, but one of the main draws is her incredible performance. She won multiple awards for her work on the series. Do you happen to know what her name is?
What is the name of this actor?
This English actor began his career as a model for Reebok while still at university. He is probably best known as Lincoln on The 100, but his journey on that show ended several seasons back - in a rather heartbreaking fashion. These days, he can be seen as Shadow Moon in the Starz adaptation of Neil Gaiman's American Gods. This excellent series was renewed for a second season before the first had even finished airing. Do you remember this actor's name?
Who is this?
Although he got his start in the '80s on shows like Little House on the Prairie and Silver Spoons, this actor experienced quite a career resurgence in the early 2000s. That's when he scored the role of Michael Bluth on the much beloved - and canceled too soon - comedy, Arrested Development. He has an extensive resume from films like Juno, Horrible Bosses and Zootopia, to his recent foray into Netflix original programming with Ozark. Can you recall what his name is?
Can you recall this actor's name?
Although this actor has a long resume in both television and film, at this point he is best known as Walter White from Breaking Bad. Regardless of how many other projects he works on, he will likely always be remembered for his work on the incredible character study of the chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin. Although, his recent turn in Wes Anderson's stop motion masterpiece, Isle of Dogs, was also quite memorable - if you've not seen it, do so immediately.
Do you recognize this actress?
This incredible actress was the first black woman to be nominated for three Academy Awards, one of which she won. She is also the only black person to date to win an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony, in an acting category. Although she has been in plenty of movies, including The Help, Fences and Suicide Squad, one her her most iconic roles to date is the TV character of Annalise Keating on How to Get Away with Murder. What is her name?
Are you familiar with this actress?
This actress starred as the titular heroine in the excellent, but canceled too soon Veronica Mars. She has a fairly extensive resume in film as well, having appeared in movies such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Bad Moms and The Lifeguard. The actress also starred in Showtime’s House of Lies and voiced Anna in Frozen. She can now be seen in one of the best shows currently airing on TV, The Good Place - if you’re not watching, you really should be.
What is this actress's name?
The much beloved, but canceled too soon drama, My So-Called Life launched this star’s career when she was just fifteen years old. Although she has since been in plenty of films, including Romeo + Juliet, Stage Beauty and The Hours, she is probably best known for another of her television roles: Carrie Mathison. This actress has portrayed the troubled CIA agent since 2011, but its upcoming season will likely be Homeland’s last. Do you happen to recall what her name is?
Who is this?
This actor was actually discovered while out walking his dog. His breakthrough role was playing the impossibly dreamy Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. After exiting at the end of the show’s 3rd season, the vampire with a soul was given his own spinoff which lasted for five seasons. Following that, the actor found further success portraying Agent Seeley Booth on Bones opposite Emily Deschanel for twelve years. He recently starred in Seal Team. Can you remember what his name is?
Can you remember this actress's name?
Although she got her start on Glee, this actress has since moved on to far more heroic ventures. She currently portrays Supergirl in the Arrowverse, starring in the series of the same name, as well as appearing in crossover events between the CW shows. While she has appeared in other projects, such as Whiplash and Waco, these days the character of Kara Zor-El takes up most of her time. Are you familiar with this actress? Do you know her name?
Do you recognize this actor?
Fans of the canceled too soon Freaks and Geeks know this actor as Nick Andopolis. For many, he will always be Marshall Eriksen from How I Met Your Mother. He is also known for his work on films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Muppets and I Love You, Man. He was inspired to write FSM after his breakup with former costar Linda Cardellini. She wasn’t the one who dumped with the actor while he was wearing his birthday suit, although that moment in the movie did come from his real life experience.
Can you recall the name of this actress?
If you’re a fan of The O.C., then you’ll likely know this actress as Summer Roberts. She could’ve been a very one dimensional character, but this actress gave her some real depth. After that show concluded its four year run, she starred in her own series, Hart of Dixie. That show lasted for four seasons and she portrayed Dr. Zoe Hart, a city doctor moving into the country. More recently, the actress was also a guest star on Nashville and Drunk History.
Are you familiar with this actor?
Before this actor became best known for playing the villainous Negan on The Walking Dead, he was the lovable guy that was killed off of nearly every show he was on. Seriously, Supernatural, Grey’s Anatomy and Weeds all saw him shuffle off this mortal coil - not to mention his turn as the Comedian in Watchman. The latter may not have been as nice as the other characters that this actor played, but he suffered the same fate. Do you know the name of this star?
Who is this?
This actress appeared on series such as Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars before breaking big as Jane Margolis on Breaking Bad. From there, she went on to star as Chloe in Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23. She recently found a worthy vehicle for her talents when she was cast as the titular character in Jessica Jones, a superhero who is anything but stereotypical. Seasons 1 and 2 are currently streaming on Netflix. Can you recall what her name is?
Does this face ring any bells?
Although she is more of a film star these days, this actress got her start on That ‘70s Show. She scored the role at just fifteen years old, but lied about her age in order to do so. That series is also where she met her future husband, Ashton Kutcher - although the two initially did not get along at all. The actress has starred in films such as Black Swan, Jupiter Ascending and Bad Moms. Can you remember what her name is?
Can you remember this actor's name?
This actor is best known for his work as Jon Snow on HBO’s adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. What he will be up to when that series wraps after its upcoming final season is anyone’s guess. Up until this point, that has been the actor’s main gig. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until next year for a GoT update. Until then, like Jon Snow, we know nothing. Do you happen to remember what this actor’s name is?
Do you recognize this actor?
You may recognize this actor as Dean Forester from Gilmore Girls. If not, there’s a pretty good chance that you know him better as Sam Winchester on Supernatural. Sam and his brother Dean have been tearing it up as hunters for an incredible 13 seasons now and show absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The Winchesters have hung out with god, fought the devil and killed death. They even recently met Scooby-Doo himself! What is this actor’s name?
What is the name of this actress?
When New Girl began it was a bit too precious for its own good. However, it soon found its footing and revealed itself to be a pretty great comedy series. Much of New Girl’s success can be attributed to its fantastic cast. It stars Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Hannah Simone, Lamore Morris and this actress. She plays main character Jess, the titular new girl - although she’s not so new anymore. Do you happen to remember what this hilarious actress’s name is?
Who is this?
Speaking of hilarious ladies, this one began her comedic journey on The Office as Kelly Kapoor. From there, she began starring in her own sitcom, but to reveal its name would be tantamount to just giving you the answer to this question. Her series was in peril, but luckily was picked up by Hulu and allowed to wrap up its run there. This actress also voiced characters in Wreck-It Ralph and Inside Out. Do you happen to recall her name?
Does this actor seem familiar to you?
This star is beloved by just about everyone. He began as a child actor on Doogie Howser MD, but experienced quite the career resurgence in the early 2000s. It began with his role as lovable Lothario, Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother. Since then, the actor has appeared in many amazing projects, from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog to Gone Girl to Netflix’s adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. He even starred in a Broadway revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Can you recall this actress's name?
This actress is pretty much known for one role, but it would seem that her star is one the rise. The performance she turned in as Eleven on Stranger Things was absolutely perfect and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for her in the show’s 3rd season. This star is more than just an actress though. She is also spends quite a bit of her time doing charity work. Does this actress look familiar? Can you recall her name?
Do you recognize this actor?
This actor made a splash recently for the horror film that he directed and starred in - along with real life wife Emily Blunt - A Quiet Place. This was the third feature film that he has helmed and definitely the most well received. Prior to becoming an auteur, this actor was best known for playing mild mannered prankster and fan favorite Jim Halpert on The Office. This remains his most recognizable role. Can you remember what his name happens to be?
What is this actress's name?
You will probably recognize this actress from her hilarious performance as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation. She was the department's most apathetic intern, but it was her deadpan delivery that made audiences love her the most. She has been in several films, but most recently appeared alongside Dan Stevens in Legion. She played David Haller's close - and dead - confidant Lenny Busker. The character was originally meant to be male and although this actress was cast, she asked that the dialogue remain the same.
Who is this?
Although this actor got his big break playing Chuck Bartowski on NBC's Chuck, he has since dipped more than one toe into the superhero pool. First, he replaced Joshua Dallas as Fandral in the Thor franchise. However, if the character ever makes another appearance, he will likely need to be recast again, because this actor has exited the MCU in favor of the DCEU. He is set to star as Shazam in the upcoming film. What is this actor's name?
Is this face ringing any bells?
This actress has a fairly extensive resume in film, having appeared in such movies as The Last King of Scotland, Fantastic Four and Django Unchained. She was also nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal of Anita Hill in the HBO film, Confirmation. However, she is most well known for another Emmy-nominated performance: Olivia Pope on Scandal. The series recently wrapped and Olivia went on quite a journey from white hat to villain to white hat once more. What is this actress's name?
Can you remember the name of this actor?
This actor has had the honor of portraying not one, but two unforgettable characters: Malcolm Reynolds on Firefly and Richard Castle on Castle. Let's also not forget about his delightful turn as Captain Hammer in Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. He was the "hero" to Dr. Horrible's "villain", but of course, it's impossible not to root for NPH. This affable actor has also voiced Hal Jordan, aka, Green Lantern in several DC animated features. Do you happen to remember what his name is?