1. Mark Linn-Baker
Mark Linn-Baker became a familiar face in the ’80s thanks to his role as Larry Appleton on Perfect Strangers. His dynamic with Bronson Pinchot’s Balki created some of the funniest moments of the decade, and the show was even responsible for inspiring Family Matters. While Linn-Baker clearly had the comedic chops and timing to carry projects on his own, he never quite made the jump to superstardom.
He worked steadily in television, stage, and film, but unlike some of his peers, he didn’t get the big lead roles that could have cemented his status. Fans who loved Perfect Strangers often thought he could have become one of those household names if Hollywood had given him the right opportunity. Instead, he quietly built a respected career without ever becoming “legendary” in the mainstream sense.
2. Bronson Pinchot
As Balki Bartokomous, Bronson Pinchot was a true standout. His mix of physical comedy, quirky accent, and sweet charm made him unforgettable. For a while, it seemed like Pinchot was destined to be one of the biggest comedy stars of the ’80s. His popularity even led to memorable film appearances, including Beverly Hills Cop.
But while he had the talent, his career didn’t quite explode in the way many expected. Pinchot stayed active in TV and movies, often playing eccentric characters, but never landed another role as defining as Balki. If just one more big project had hit at the right time, his name might be up there with the greats.
3. Harry Anderson
Harry Anderson won audiences over as Judge Harry Stone on Night Court. His warm personality, love of magic, and offbeat humor gave the courtroom comedy its heart. It seemed like he had all the ingredients to become a long-lasting comedy star who could move between sitcoms, stand-up, and even film.
While Night Court was a hit, Anderson’s career slowed down after the series ended. He popped up occasionally in guest roles and TV movies, but never again had a platform as strong as Judge Stone. Fans of the show still look back and wonder why Anderson wasn’t given another big shot at TV stardom.
4. Richard Moll
Richard Moll’s deep voice and towering height made him unforgettable as Bull Shannon on Night Court. He managed to take what could have been a one-note “big guy” character and turn him into someone lovable and funny. The audience adored him, and he seemed poised for a long run of comedic roles.
Despite his talent, Moll didn’t find many other roles that matched his breakout character. He continued working in voice acting and smaller projects, but Hollywood never gave him the spotlight again. If casting directors had tapped into his versatility, he could have become much more than the gentle giant of Night Court.
5. Markie Post
Markie Post’s role as Christine Sullivan on Night Court made her one of the most recognizable sitcom actresses of the ’80s. She was smart, funny, and charismatic, and audiences loved the chemistry she shared with the rest of the cast. She seemed like the kind of actress who could easily jump from one hit show to another.
Post did work consistently, appearing in other series and TV movies, but she never found another part that captured viewers in the same way. With her natural charm and screen presence, she could have become a sitcom legend alongside names like Betty White or Mary Tyler Moore. Instead, she became one of those stars people fondly remember but wonder, “Why didn’t Hollywood do more with her?”
6. Justine Bateman
Justine Bateman shot to fame as Mallory Keaton on Family Ties. Her comedic timing and ability to play the lovable yet ditzy sister made her a standout in a cast that included Michael J. Fox. During the show’s run, Bateman seemed like she was poised for an impressive career in both comedy and drama.
After Family Ties, however, Bateman’s career didn’t follow the trajectory many imagined. She took roles here and there, but she never became the next big star her early success hinted at. Fans of the show often wonder if different casting choices or opportunities might have put her in legendary company.
7. Howard Hesseman
Howard Hesseman was already an established actor before WKRP in Cincinnati, but his turn as Dr. Johnny Fever in the late ’70s and early ’80s could have pushed him into the stratosphere. The cool, laid-back DJ was one of the most iconic characters of the era, and Hesseman had a sharp, comedic wit that made him magnetic on screen.
Though he appeared in Head of the Class later in the decade, his career never reached the level some thought it might. He became a cult favorite but not quite a household legend. With his skill and unique presence, it feels like Hollywood didn’t give him enough chances to shine at his peak.
8. Shelley Long
As Diane Chambers on Cheers, Shelley Long showed off a mix of intellect, vulnerability, and comedic flair. Her chemistry with Ted Danson’s Sam Malone was a driving force in making the show a success. For a while, Long seemed destined to join the ranks of sitcom icons.
Her decision to leave Cheers early changed the course of her career. While she appeared in movies and reprised Diane in guest spots, she never reached the legendary status many thought she would. In hindsight, if she had stayed longer on Cheers or landed another big sitcom, her career might have gone very differently.
9. Harry Morgan (on AfterMASH)
Harry Morgan was already a legend from M*A*S*H, but when he reprised his role as Colonel Potter on AfterMASH, it seemed like lightning might strike twice. With his experience and natural comedic timing, the spinoff had the potential to keep him at the top of TV comedy.
Unfortunately, AfterMASH didn’t connect with audiences the way the original did. While Morgan’s talent was undeniable, the lack of success for the show kept him from securing another chapter as a sitcom powerhouse in the ’80s. He remained beloved, but the chance to cement himself further in that decade slipped away.
10. Crystal Bernard
Crystal Bernard first gained attention on Happy Days and later became a fan favorite on It’s a Living. By the end of the decade, she was a rising star with a unique mix of charm and comedic energy. Many thought she would transition into even bigger roles, possibly leading a major sitcom on her own.
Her career did continue into the ’90s with Wings, but she never reached that legendary sitcom status of someone like Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Bernard had the talent, but timing and the right role didn’t align perfectly. She remains well-loved by fans who followed her, but she could have been remembered on a much larger scale.
11. Jason Bateman
Before becoming a massive name in the 2000s, Jason Bateman was a teen star in the ’80s. He appeared in Silver Spoons and later starred in Valerie (which became The Hogan Family). With his good looks, charm, and clear acting talent, many expected him to become a major sitcom star of that decade.
Instead, Bateman’s career hit a lull after his teen years, and it took decades for him to reemerge as a powerhouse actor. While he eventually achieved legendary status in a different era, in the ’80s he was seen as someone who could have been much bigger than he was at the time.
12. Alfonso Ribeiro
Alfonso Ribeiro was a child star before he joined Silver Spoons in the ’80s. His dancing skills and comedic energy made him a natural fit for sitcoms, and he seemed like he was on his way to becoming one of the next big stars. The industry clearly saw potential, but he wasn’t handed that one defining role in the ’80s.
It wasn’t until the ’90s with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that Ribeiro truly found his legendary part as Carlton Banks. Looking back, it feels like the ’80s missed an opportunity to elevate his career sooner. If the right project had come along, he might have been remembered as one of the decade’s greatest sitcom stars.
