1. Mark Linn-Baker
Mark Linn-Baker became a familiar face in the late ’80s as Larry Appleton on Perfect Strangers. His straight-man charm played perfectly against Bronson Pinchot’s eccentric Balki, and the show became a quirky favorite. At the time, many thought Linn-Baker was poised to become one of TV’s next great leading men. He had the wit, the timing, and a likability that made him seem destined for bigger things.
But after Perfect Strangers, his career slowed down. He found work in theater and made small appearances in shows like Ally McBeal and The Leftovers, but he never quite grabbed another starring vehicle. Hollywood has a short memory, and without a hit show, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Still, those who watched him in the ’80s know he had the chops to be legendary.
2. Bronson Pinchot
Bronson Pinchot stole nearly every scene as Balki Bartokomous, the wide-eyed immigrant from Perfect Strangers. His exaggerated accent, goofy dance, and heartwarming innocence made him unforgettable. At the height of his fame, it seemed like he was everywhere, even showing up in Beverly Hills Cop. He had that rare combination of physical comedy and warmth that reminded people of classic stars.
Unfortunately, Pinchot’s career didn’t sustain that momentum. He starred in The Bronson Pinchot Show, which flopped, and while he continued to act, he never had another breakout role. His talent was undeniable, but Hollywood didn’t always know what to do with someone so unique. Had he landed just the right follow-up role, he could have cemented himself as a true comedy legend.
3. Gary Sandy
Gary Sandy became a household name playing program director Andy Travis on WKRP in Cincinnati. With his cool demeanor and stylish wardrobe, he balanced the chaos of the eccentric radio station crew. At the time, Sandy seemed to have everything needed for a long career: charisma, leading-man looks, and a strong fan base. He even became something of a sex symbol.
But when WKRP ended, his star dimmed quickly. Sandy did theater and some TV guest spots, but he didn’t land another show that gave him the same platform. While co-stars like Howard Hesseman found steady work, Sandy faded into the background. It’s one of those “what could have been” stories, because he clearly had the presence to stay big in the ’80s and beyond.
4. Richard Moll
Richard Moll loomed over Night Court as Bull Shannon, the towering but lovable bailiff. His deep voice, bald head, and towering frame made him instantly recognizable, and he became a breakout star. Fans loved how he played Bull as both intimidating and endearing, often stealing the spotlight. For a while, it seemed like Moll was set to become a go-to actor for comedy and character roles.
Instead, Moll spent much of the ’90s doing voice work and appearing in smaller roles. While he built a long career, he never reached the level of fame many thought he would after Night Court. Sometimes typecasting can work against an actor, and in his case, Bull was both a blessing and a limitation. He had the tools to be legendary but never found the right roles to take him there.
5. Harry Anderson
Harry Anderson was a magician-turned-actor who became best known for his role as Judge Harry Stone on Night Court. His offbeat humor, love of magic, and quirky style made him a fan favorite. Anderson was different from the typical sitcom star, which made him stand out even more. For a while, it felt like he was on the verge of becoming one of TV’s most recognizable comic voices.
But after Night Court, his career stalled. He starred in Dave’s World, which ran a few seasons, but it never matched his earlier success. Anderson eventually stepped back from Hollywood altogether, preferring a quieter life. His charm and talent were there, but his career arc stopped short of legendary status. Fans, however, still remember his unique spark.
6. Markie Post
Markie Post lit up the screen as Christine Sullivan on Night Court. With her quick wit, warmth, and approachable charm, she was both funny and relatable. Post had the kind of screen presence that made people think she could easily be a leading lady in other sitcoms or even movies. For a time, she seemed poised to break out of ensemble roles and become a household name on her own.
While she continued to work steadily, Post never had that one defining role beyond Night Court. She appeared in shows like Hearts Afire and guest-starred on dozens of series, but none cemented her as legendary. Hollywood often overlooked women in comedy ensembles when it came time for leading roles, and Post was one of those who deserved more. She had the talent and timing to have been much bigger.
7. Jay Johnson
Jay Johnson brought something totally different to primetime as Chuck, the ventriloquist, and his puppet Bob on Soap. Audiences had never really seen anything like it, and his oddball routine quickly became one of the most memorable parts of the groundbreaking sitcom. Johnson had a unique skill that combined comedy, acting, and ventriloquism in a way that felt fresh. For a while, it seemed like he was going to carve out a space for himself as a truly original sitcom star.
But once Soap ended, Hollywood didn’t seem to know what to do with him. Ventriloquism was a niche talent, and Johnson’s ability to play off Bob was rarely matched in later roles. He went on to do stage shows and even won a Tony Award years later, but his television career never reached legendary status. It’s one of those cases where timing and typecasting worked against him, even though his talent was undeniable.
8. Mary Cadorette
Mary Cadorette landed what seemed like a dream job when she played Vicky Bradford, Jack Tripper’s fiancée, on Three’s a Crowd, the spin-off of Three’s Company. Being paired with John Ritter was no small thing, and the show gave her a high-profile role right away. She was charming, funny, and had a natural chemistry with Ritter. For many fans, she looked like a star in the making.
But when Three’s a Crowd ended after one season, her momentum came to a halt. Cadorette continued acting but mostly in smaller roles and guest appearances. She eventually transitioned out of Hollywood and into other pursuits, never quite reaching the level her start suggested. It’s another case where timing and circumstances kept a talented actor from becoming legendary.
9. Shelly Long
Shelly Long was beloved as Diane Chambers on Cheers, where her character’s witty banter and rocky romance with Sam Malone became central to the show. She won an Emmy and a Golden Globe, and at the height of the show’s success, it seemed like she was destined for superstardom. Her performance was often compared to classic screwball comediennes from the golden age of film.
But when Long left Cheers to pursue a movie career, things didn’t go as planned. While she appeared in films like Troop Beverly Hills and Outrageous Fortune, she never quite became a box office star. She did return to Cheers for guest spots, but by then the momentum had shifted. With her talent, she could have been remembered alongside TV’s true legends, but her career took a different path.
10. Justine Bateman
Justine Bateman became a teen idol as Mallory Keaton on Family Ties. While Michael J. Fox was the breakout star of the show, Bateman’s portrayal of the ditzy but lovable Mallory gave audiences plenty of laughs. She was stylish, funny, and relatable to millions of young viewers who tuned in every week. At the time, it looked like she might follow Fox into major movie roles.
Instead, Bateman’s post-Family Ties career never took off in the same way. She appeared in TV movies and smaller projects, but never landed another role that captured the same attention. Over time, she stepped away from acting and built a career as a writer and director. Still, many fans remember how big she was in the ’80s, and she certainly had the talent and popularity to have been legendary.
11. Daphne Reid
Daphne Reid stepped into some very big shoes when she replaced Janet Hubert as Aunt Vivian on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Taking over an established role is no easy task, but she made it her own. Reid had elegance and humor, and she gave Aunt Viv a lighter, more approachable energy. For a while, it looked like this would open the door to other starring opportunities.
But beyond Fresh Prince, Reid never had that breakout moment. She continued acting, but often in smaller projects, and didn’t achieve the wider recognition many thought she deserved. Sometimes timing and casting luck make all the difference. Reid had the style and warmth to become bigger, but she remained best known for stepping into an already iconic role.
12. Jaleel White
Jaleel White became a cultural phenomenon as Steve Urkel on Family Matters. His catchphrases, clumsy antics, and oversized glasses made him one of the most recognizable characters of the ’90s, though he started in the late ’80s. At the height of his fame, Urkel was everywhere, and White seemed like the kind of actor who could transition into other roles. Kids and adults alike adored him.
But White had trouble escaping the shadow of Urkel. Despite his talent, he became so identified with one character that Hollywood struggled to see him as anything else. He’s continued to act and even do voice work, but he never quite reached legendary status beyond that one role. He could have been one of the biggest stars of his generation if the industry had given him more chances.
