1. Sarah Jessica Parker (From Square Pegs to Sex and the City)
Sarah Jessica Parker had everyone talking as the quirky, misunderstood teenager in Square Pegs, a sitcom that barely lasted one season. The show captured the awkwardness of high school life in the ’80s, but it was Sarah’s offbeat charm that made her stand out. After the show’s cancellation, many expected her to settle into more sitcom roles, but Sarah had other plans. She transitioned into more serious roles, notably in the drama Sex and the City, where she portrayed the iconic Carrie Bradshaw, a character who would become a cultural touchstone.
The success of Sex and the City proved that Sarah could hold her own in a more mature, dramatic space. She brought a depth to Carrie that resonated with audiences for six seasons and two feature films. This shift into drama wasn’t just a career move; it was a complete reinvention. By embracing complex, layered characters, Sarah proved that a sitcom past didn’t limit her future in Hollywood.
2. Mark Harmon (From St. Elsewhere to NCIS)
Mark Harmon started his career in the ’80s as the charming but light-hearted doctor on St. Elsewhere, a medical drama that was as famous for its drama as it was for its quirky sense of humor. While his role in the sitcom Cheers was more comedic, his breakout moment came when he transitioned to the serious side of TV with St. Elsewhere, which marked a significant shift in his career. The role allowed him to showcase his depth as an actor, portraying a character in crisis who had to navigate life’s heavy realities.
Following the success of St. Elsewhere, Mark’s most iconic role came in the form of Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS. This role cemented his place in the drama world, where he became known for his stoic demeanor and fierce loyalty. Over the years, Mark proved that his ability to portray complex, emotionally nuanced characters made him a permanent fixture in the world of dramatic television.
3. Courteney Cox (From Family Ties to Cougar Town)
Courteney Cox became a household name in the ’80s thanks to her role as the responsible and often exasperated roommate, Lauren, on Family Ties. Although she was surrounded by a hilarious ensemble cast, Courteney’s character was often the straight-laced counterpoint to the other characters’ antics. But even back then, there was something about Courteney’s performances that hinted at more than just sitcom stardom.
As the ’90s rolled in, Courteney broke away from her sitcom roots with a significant leap into drama. She portrayed the complex, somewhat unpredictable Jules Cobb in Cougar Town, a dramedy that allowed her to stretch her acting muscles and tackle deeper themes of aging, relationships, and identity. Courteney’s shift from Family Ties to Cougar Town proved that she could take on dramatic roles with the same ease and authenticity that she brought to her comedic characters.
4. John C. McGinley (From Scrubs to The Rock and A Few Good Men)
John C. McGinley is known for his hilarious portrayal of Dr. Perry Cox in Scrubs, a role that earned him recognition for his deadpan humor and sharp wit. While Scrubs often balanced comedy with touching moments, John’s background in drama was just as important. Before Scrubs, John had made his mark in several dramas, including A Few Good Men, where his intense performances stood out against some of Hollywood’s biggest names.
From his roles in dramatic films like The Rock to his work as a tough but sympathetic figure on Scrubs, John has always proven that he has the chops for both comedy and drama. His ability to balance the two worlds has allowed him to thrive in various roles across television and film, creating a lasting impression on both audiences and critics. John McGinley’s transition from sitcom star to dramatic actor is a testament to his range and talent.
5. Ted Danson (From Cheers to Damages)
Ted Danson’s career in the ’80s was defined by his lovable portrayal of Sam Malone, the smooth-talking bartender with a heart of gold on Cheers. The show, which became a defining sitcom of its era, made Ted a comedy legend. But despite his immense success on the show, Ted was determined not to be typecast. After Cheers ended, Ted made the bold decision to step into darker, more dramatic roles.
His portrayal of a morally complex character in Damages was a revelation for fans, as he showed a side of himself that was far removed from his affable TV persona. The role earned him critical acclaim and showcased his incredible versatility as an actor. Ted’s transition from sitcom star to dramatic heavy-hitter is one of the most successful reinventions in television history.
6. Kelsey Grammer (From Cheers to Frasier)
Kelsey Grammer’s portrayal of the pompous psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane on Cheers was so iconic that it led to one of the most successful spin-offs in television history. While Cheers provided Kelsey with a comedic outlet, it also allowed him to explore deeper emotional undercurrents. By the time Frasier premiered, Kelsey was ready to embrace the role of a man wrestling with his personal and professional life—something much more dramatic than his previous sitcom roots.
Frasier was a huge success, running for 11 seasons and winning numerous awards, including several Emmys for Kelsey’s performance. His character’s complexity and emotional depth proved that Kelsey was far more than just the comic foil on Cheers. His leap from sitcom star to a beloved dramatic figure solidified his place as one of the most talented actors in both comedy and drama.
