Top 10 Netflix Breakout Stars
For this list, we're taking a look at actors and actresses that got their big break or saw their international recognition significantly increase as the result of a role on a Netflix Original series.
#10: Wagner Moura “Narcos” (2015-)
Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar remains one of history’s most fascinating criminals. Only a truly magnetic actor could embody a figure as infamous as Escobar. Fortunately, Wagner Moura was more than up to the task. After making a name for himself in his home country, this Brazilian actor reached another level of fame with his Golden Globe-nominated role in “Narcos.” Moura delivers a multi-layered performance as a man who loves his family, but will kill anybody that blocks his ascension to power. Cunning, confident, and ruthless, Moura portrays Escobar as an untouchable force of nature. Of course there comes a time when even the most illusive individuals can’t run anymore.
#9: Claudia O’Doherty “Love” (2015-)
“Love” takes an unconventional approach to the romantic comedy genre, centering on two characters that are generally self-absorbed and self-destructive. In the midst of all the cynicism, though, actress Claudia O’Doherty provides a beacon of positivity. As Bertie, an optimist that strives to see the good in everybody, this Australian comedian is the definition of lovable. Granted, Bertie may be a little too trusting, allowing some people to take advantage of her kindness. That being said, she’s also become more assertive over time, aspiring to take control of her life and act as a voice of reason for others. O’Doherty brings surprising depth to this character, who anybody would be lucky to call their girlfriend.
#8: Betty Gilpin “GLOW” (2017-)
Top 10 Memorable Ugly Betty Moments
In addition to putting the spotlight on the fiercely underrated Alison Brie, “GLOW” has been a terrific showcase for several up-and-coming actresses, most notably Betty Gilpin. In the early 2010s, Gilpin has landed recurring roles on numerous popular shows like Nurse Jackie, but with this Netflix series she achieved significant recognition as central character Debbie Eagan, a former soap star in the world of women’s wrestling. Outside the ring, Debbie juggles an attempted acting comeback and raising a baby. In the ring, however, she’s the resilient and patriotic Liberty Belle. Gilpin is given a variety of dramatic beats to manage here and she nails all of them in a performance that exemplifies her wide acting range.
#7: Justice Smith “The Get Down” (2016-17)
Top 10 Best Justice League Episodes
Baz Luhrmann’s passion project was short-lived, but it gave Justice Smith a chance to take center stage. Long before landing the part of Bronx teenager Ezekiel “Books” Figuero, it was clear that great things lied on the horizon for this versatile performer. According to IMDB, during his senior year of high school, the National Young Arts Foundation ranked Smith as being among America’s top 1% of young artists. Eventually hitting it big with “The Get Down,” Smith established himself as a natural dancer, a skilled singer, and an immensely charismatic actor. Smith has since received a few high-profile gigs, including a role in a little movie called “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.”
#6: Claire Foy “The Crown” (2016-)
Top 10 Times Claire Was a Badass on Outlander
Many gifted actresses have played Queen Elizabeth II, but Claire Foy’s performance stands out as one of the most distinctive. She’s depicting a younger version of Elizabeth who suddenly becomes the most powerful person in the UK. Foy portrays this iconic monarch with beautiful subtlety, conveying an array of emotions without even speaking. She captures all of the shock, uncertainty, and apprehension of a woman carrying the weight of a nation on her shoulders, especially when Elizabeth tries on the crown. At the same time, Foy breathes life into a strong, smart, and determined leader that’ll do what’s right for her country even at the expense of her own loved ones.
#5: Katherine Langford “13 Reasons Why” (2017-)
Top 10 Badass Katherine Pierce Moments on The Vampire Diaries
“13 Reasons Why” is arguably the most controversial Netflix series to date, revolving around a high school girl that takes her own life. The teenage girl in question is Hannah Baker, played by relative newcomer Katherine Langford. While the character has been met with a polarizing response, most audiences would agree that Langford’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. Hannah is like an onion that Langford must peel back one layer at a time, slowly revealing what drove her to commit suicide. As daunting as that might sound, Langford still manages to bring humor, charm, and sympathy to this troubled character, making it all the more tragic whenever we remember that Hannah’s gone forever.
#4: Laverne Cox “Orange Is the New Black” (2013-)
“Orange Is the New Black” has truly been a game changer in the television industry, increasing the demand for female-driven ensembles pieces. It’s also opened the door for transgender people with Laverne Cox’s Sophia Burset becoming a fan favorite. As a trans woman serving time for credit card fraud, Cox turns in an honest, raw, and identifiable performance. Gender identity is one of the most discussed topics in modern media. Cox’s breakout success played a major part in getting the ball rolling, drawing attention to transgender performers and the transgender community as a whole. In due course, Cox became the first openly transgender person to score a Primetime Emmy acting nomination.
#3: Tituss Burgess “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (2015-)
Every character in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” could be described as a scene-stealer. In the case of Titus Andromedon, though, he’s practically hijacked the entire show. A role that was tailor-made for Broadway actor Tituss Burgess, Kimmy’s roommate wins the audience over from the minute he storms onto the screen. Where this could’ve been a very one-note, stereotypical character, Burgess’ performance and some ingenious writing have molded Mr. Andromedon into a fleshed out person. While he can certainly be overly dramatic, Titus has also emerged as a caring friend with both a vulnerable side and a fearless one. Whether he’s firing off one-liners, singing about “Peeno Noir”, or “lemonading”, Titus never fails to get a laugh.
#2: Mahershala Ali “House of Cards” (2013-)
Mahershala Ali has evolved from a character actor to one of the most sought-after performers in showbiz. Ali’s road to superstardom can be traced back to his Emmy-nominated role in “House of Cards.” In a show that can get pretty over-the-top, Ali brings an understated nature to lobbyist Remy Danton. Initially motivated by the almighty dollar, Remy appears cold on the surface. Through his relationship with Jackie Sharp, though, his humanity begins to surface. As Frank Underwood becomes more corrupt, Remy’s moral compass points him away from the political world. Ali ultimately develops Remy into a complex character that’s much more than he seems. The same can be said about his Oscar-winning performance in “Moonlight.” Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Shoukath Ansari “Master of None” (2015-) Mike Colter “Jessica Jones” (2015-) & “Luke Cage” (2016-) Uzo Aduba “Orange Is the New Black” (2013-)
#1: Millie Bobby Brown “Stranger Things” (2016-)
Top 10 Awesome Millie Bobby Brown Moments
Any of the kids from “Stranger Things” could’ve topped this list, which is precisely why the whole ensemble won a Screen Actors Guild Award. However, there’s no denying that the show’s breakout star is young Millie Bobby Brown for her spellbinding performance as the psychokinetic Eleven. Despite having minimal dialog to work with, Brown has created a mysterious, empathetic, and all-around awesome character we root for every step of the way. She’s a bit like the child equivalent to Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa, from her short haircut to her badass persona. Also calling a young Jodie Foster to mind, we wouldn’t be surprised if even better roles awaited Brown down the line.
