The Greatest Breakout Characters in TV History

Ranker ^ | no date given | no author given

[sphinx]

Fun list. I actually knew about a dozen of the characters. But I have to question some of the choices. It’s a stretch to say J.E. Ewing and Daenerys Targaryen are “breakout” characters, defined as roles initially slated as bit parts.

[Leaning Right]

> Dr. Smith was a total distraction to me. Totally annoying. Would have loved to have seen him die in the pilot episode somehow. <

Oh, the pain, the pain.

[del griffith]

Warren was annoying, but the show truly died when Barney left. I watch METV, one of the retro channels. They show only the Barney episodes.

[JohnEBoy]

The only reason I ever watched Beverly Hillbillies, when I was 14, was to see Ellie Mae. (Donna Douglas).

[del griffith]

I loved Jim, especially the episode where he was going to become the ultimate cabby and was singing Sinatra and when he went home to meet his father and his dad asked why Jim had never called and Jim said he had and had heard his dad numerous times say “For the last time, who is this”.

[sphinx]

But if I had make a choice, Spock.

[del griffith]

Yes it was pain. :)

[del griffith]

I saw that the other day. Not bad. Had never seen it before.

[BenLurkin]

[SamAdams76]

Speaking of "Breaking Bad", can't believe Saul Goodman (the sleazy but likable lawyer) hasn't been mentioned yet. His character even spun off another show (which is pretty good).

Also, honorable mention to Mike Erhmantrout (who also appears on the new Saul Goodman show).

[outofsalt]

Dwight Schrute is an absolute freak. I can't believe he is on both lists. From The Office, Jenna Fischer was the one big draw for me. A complete angel, imho.

She's too sweet to make it big in Hollywierd.

[Fresh Wind]

Dr. Smith was a total distraction to me. Totally annoying. Would have loved to have seen him die in the pilot episode somehow.

You need to think of Lost in Space as a comedy, not a drama.

[Leaning Right]

> The only reason I ever watched Beverly Hillbillies, when I was 14, was to see Ellie Mae. (Donna Douglas). <

I assume that you occasionally tuned into 'Petticoat Junction'.

[FrogMom]

“In real life, he was accomplished as a singer iirc.”

Beautiful tenor in the Sons of the Pioneers.

[wally_bert]

Hochstedder was the best guest villian on HH.

Snazzy uniform too.

[wally_bert]

Hochstedder was the best guest villian on HH.

Snazzy uniform too.

[Leep]

Stiller is a stand out on Seinfeld and KOQ.

[wally_bert]

I watched pieces of a couple of episodes and liked the comedy.

[wally_bert]

I watched pieces of a couple of episodes and liked the comedy.

[ought-six]

My favorite TV comedy of all time. As a kid I grew up watching “The Honeymooners,” and I still watch some of the episodes on DVD. A true classic in every sense of the word. Art Carney was an amazing performer, and NOBODY will ever be able to play Norton like Art Carney.