1. Mark Linn-Baker
Most fans remember Mark Linn-Baker as Larry Appleton on Perfect Strangers, the nervous Chicago transplant who tried to keep up with his wide-eyed cousin Balki. He had sharp comedic timing and could deliver exasperation with just a look, which made him a perfect straight man in the duo. The show ran for eight seasons, but outside of that, Linn-Baker’s career never really skyrocketed. He made appearances on other shows and Broadway, but he never quite broke into leading man territory.
He’s one of those actors you instantly recognize when you see him, but you might struggle to place the name. He had the charm and skills to be a household favorite well into the ’90s and beyond, but Hollywood didn’t quite give him that chance. If things had gone a little differently, Linn-Baker could have been remembered alongside the biggest names of sitcom history. Instead, he’s cherished mostly by Perfect Strangers fans.
2. Bronson Pinchot
As Balki Bartokomous on Perfect Strangers, Bronson Pinchot stole every scene he was in. His character’s quirky sayings and wide-eyed innocence made the show memorable. For a time, he seemed poised to become one of the great comic actors of his generation. He even got his own spinoff attempt, The Bronson Pinchot Show, though it fizzled out quickly.
Pinchot had talent, no doubt about it, and he popped up in movies like Beverly Hills Cop and True Romance. But his career never quite hit the heights that his early fame promised. He could have been the next big thing in comedy, but instead, he’s remembered for a single role that, while beloved, didn’t launch him into legendary status.
3. Justine Bateman
On Family Ties, Justine Bateman played Mallory Keaton, the fashion-obsessed and slightly ditzy sister in the Keaton clan. Her role balanced out Michael J. Fox’s Alex P. Keaton, and she had great comedic instincts. Audiences loved her, and she was even nominated for Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
Despite her success on the show, Bateman didn’t transition into a huge career after Family Ties ended. She acted in a few projects, dabbled in writing and directing, and eventually shifted away from Hollywood. She had the star power to become one of the standout actresses of the ’80s, but her career choices took her down a quieter path.
4. Mindy Cohn
Mindy Cohn charmed audiences as Natalie Green on The Facts of Life. Her character was funny, relatable, and one of the most grounded members of the cast. Cohn had a natural warmth that made viewers connect with her, and she became a fan favorite throughout the show’s long run.
After the series ended, though, her career never reached the level it could have. She found steady work, including voicing Velma in Scooby-Doo projects, but she didn’t become the star she easily could have been. With her wit and heart, Cohn had the ingredients to be legendary, but the spotlight moved elsewhere.
5. Harry Anderson
As Judge Harry Stone on Night Court, Harry Anderson had a mix of boyish charm and quirky humor that made him a standout. He was also a skilled magician, which added to his unique persona. For a while, he looked like he might become one of the defining comedic actors of the era.
Although he continued acting in projects like Dave’s World, he never quite found a role as iconic as Harry Stone. Anderson could have been a major figure in comedy, but instead he remained beloved for one show. His talent was undeniable, and it feels like Hollywood never gave him all the chances he deserved.
6. Shelley Hack
When Shelley Hack joined Charlie’s Angels in 1979 as Tiffany Welles, hopes were high that she would carry the franchise into the ’80s. She had the looks, the talent, and the exposure to become a big star. Unfortunately, her time on the show was short-lived, and she was replaced after one season.
Hack worked steadily afterward, appearing in films and on TV, but she never reached the iconic status of her Angels predecessors like Farrah Fawcett or Jaclyn Smith. She had the makings of a leading lady for the decade, but her career took a quieter turn. She’s remembered, but not in the legendary way she could have been.
7. Gary Sandy
As program director Andy Travis on WKRP in Cincinnati, Gary Sandy was the straight man who tried to keep his eccentric staff in line. He had the charm and good looks that could have made him a leading star in other shows or movies. Fans of WKRP adored him, and he was a central part of the ensemble’s success.
Despite that, Sandy never really broke out beyond the sitcom. He appeared in other TV projects and stage roles, but his career never matched the potential he showed on WKRP. He had all the ingredients of a star but didn’t quite get the push that could have made him unforgettable.
8. Jan Smithers
Jan Smithers played Bailey Quarters on WKRP in Cincinnati, the shy but smart radio staffer who slowly grew in confidence as the series went on. She was beloved by fans, and her character often represented the heart of the show. Offscreen, Smithers had the charisma and appeal to become a major star.
However, she stepped away from Hollywood in the late ’80s to focus on her personal life. While many of her castmates stayed in the spotlight, Smithers chose a quieter path. She could have had a long, successful career, but instead, she’s remembered as a fond part of a single series.
9. Linda Lavin
Linda Lavin made her mark as the title character in Alice, playing a single mom trying to build a new life while working at Mel’s Diner. She had strong comedic chops and the presence to carry a series for years. With multiple Golden Globe wins, she was clearly a star of the time.
Yet despite her success in Alice, Lavin didn’t maintain that same level of fame afterward. She went back to stage work and had guest spots on shows, but she never again reached the same cultural impact. Lavin could have been legendary, but she remains tied mostly to one role.
10. Howard Hesseman
Howard Hesseman made a splash as Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati and later as Charlie Moore on Head of the Class. His cool, offbeat persona made him a fan favorite. He seemed destined to become one of the defining comedic actors of the decade.
But despite his talent and unique style, Hesseman never quite crossed into mainstream superstardom. He remained a beloved character actor, but his legacy feels quieter than it could have been. With a little more momentum, he might have been remembered as a true comedy legend.
11. Marla Gibbs
Marla Gibbs stole scenes as Florence Johnston, the sassy maid on The Jeffersons. Her sharp wit and timing turned her into one of the standout sitcom characters of the era. She even got her own spinoff, 227, which enjoyed some success.
Still, Gibbs never became the megastar she deserved to be. While she worked consistently, she didn’t quite reach the iconic status of some of her peers. She could have been a household name across generations, but instead she’s remembered as a reliable and talented actress whose career didn’t get the full spotlight.
12. Tempestt Bledsoe
Tempestt Bledsoe grew up on screen as Vanessa Huxtable on The Cosby Show. She was smart, funny, and relatable, and fans felt like they watched her grow up before their eyes. With such a prominent role on one of the biggest sitcoms of the ’80s, she seemed destined for a long and successful career.
After the show ended, though, she struggled to find another breakout role. She stayed active in TV and even hosted a talk show, but she never reached legendary status. Bledsoe had all the potential, but the timing and opportunities weren’t there.
13. Tracey Gold
Tracey Gold became a familiar face as Carol Seaver on Growing Pains. Her character was the smart, sometimes sarcastic sister who often clashed with her cool brother Mike, played by Kirk Cameron. Gold’s performance made Carol more than just the “brainy sibling,” and she brought real depth to the role. Fans loved her balance of humor and heart, and she had the potential to carry her own projects beyond the show.
Unfortunately, her career didn’t soar after Growing Pains ended. She worked steadily in TV movies and guest roles, but she never reached the superstardom her talent hinted at. She could have become one of the defining actresses of her generation, but her fame remains tied mostly to that single iconic role. Gold had everything it took to be legendary, but the industry didn’t quite make it happen.
14. Danica McKellar
Though she’s more associated with the late ’80s and early ’90s, Danica McKellar became a household name as Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years. Her role was iconic, and she captured the innocence and complexity of first love perfectly. For many, she was one of the most memorable faces of the era.
But after The Wonder Years ended, McKellar didn’t become the superstar many expected. She found success in writing and math education, which gave her a different kind of legacy. Still, she could have had a legendary Hollywood career had she stayed in the spotlight.
15. Peter Scolari
Peter Scolari worked alongside Tom Hanks in Bosom Buddies, playing Henry Desmond. He had incredible comic chemistry and held his own against Hanks, who would go on to become one of the most famous actors in the world. Scolari was charming and funny, with the ability to take on a wide range of roles.
Despite his talent, his career never reached the same level of fame. He found steady work in TV and even won an Emmy later in life, but he didn’t achieve the legendary status he might have. Scolari had the potential to be remembered alongside the biggest names, but his career never quite hit that peak.
