Celebrities

Remember Them? Reddit's List of 10 One Hit Wonder Actors

written by Ethan Briggs

June 17, 2023 6:30 am

Remember Them? Reddit's List of 10 One Hit Wonder Actors — Image credit: Legion-Media

Most people know these talented actors for just one role.

While some stars of famous shows and blockbuster movies manage to break away from their cult roles and gain recognition as versatile actors, others remain forever associated with the roles that made them famous.

Fans on Reddit discussed their favorite one-hit wonder actors, and we share this Top 10 list with you.

10. Jerry Mathers

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The 1950s sitcom Leave It to Beaver was a blessing for many generations of viewers, but it also became a curse for the lead actor, Jerry Mathers. Although he played many roles in his adult years, Mathers will forever be remembered as that funny kid nicknamed Beaver.

9. David Hyde Pierce

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Just like Mathers, David Hyde Pierce has an impressive track record as a TV actor, but he is still strongly associated with his role as Niles in the hit 1990s sitcom Frasier.

8. Michael Richards

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Seinfeld's neurotic cigar aficionado and neighbor of the main character, Cosmo Kramer was Michael Richards' most memorable role. After starring in the cult sitcom, Richards took part in a few other shows and movies, most recently appearing in 2019's rom-com Faith, Hope & Love.

7. Jane Kaczmarek

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In the classic sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, Jane Kaczmarek played the main character's mother, Lois. This role earned the actress a slew of awards and became her calling card, although Kaczmarek later starred in a number of other interesting projects, including the 2017 buddy cop comedy CHIPS.

6. Jeremy Piven

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Piven won a Golden Globe Award and three Emmys for his role as Ari Gold in the sitcom Entourage, but his stellar career pretty much ended due to sexual assault allegations.

5. Michael Moriarty

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Executive Assistant DA Benjamin Stone, played by Michael Moriarty, was one of the central characters in the early seasons of Law & Order. The actor left the show after Season 4 due to censorship concerns and never landed another popular role again.

4. Rainn Wilson

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Wilson is in fact a very versatile actor with a range of comedic and dramatic roles under his belt, but the general public will always remember him as the goofy Dwight Schrute from The Office.

3. Ellen Pompeo

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After 18 years on Grey's Anatomy, Ellen Pompeo is finally planning to star in another series, an Untitled Orphan Project, but the role of Meredith Grey will never cease to haunt her.

2. Jack Gleeson

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Gleeson's portrayal of Joffrey Baratheon made him one of the most loathsome characters in Game of Thrones, and this is the role that the actor will likely be associated with for the rest of his career.

1. Ian McDiarmid

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A colossus of British theater, Ian McDiarmid is best known as the Galactic Emperor, aka Palpatine, aka Darth Sidious, who appears in nearly every episode of Star Wars.

Source: Reddit.