Top 30 TV Stars Who Became TOO BIG for Their Show

Lizzie McGuire (2001-04)


Former teen idol Hilary Duff remains one of the biggest stars ever to grace the airwaves of the Disney Channel. Starring on the channels hit comedy series Lizzie McGuire made Duff a household name and it wasnt long before Hollywood came calling. Not only was Lizzie McGuire huge enough to warrant a silver screen outing, but Duff scored roles in comedies like Cheaper by the Dozen and A Cinderella Story. She also became a successful pop singer with an album that went four times platinum! Sidenote: if youre listening to us, Disney, wed still love to see that scrapped Lizzie McGuire revival. Its what our dreams are made of!

That 70s Show (1998-2006)


Its hard to ever forget Michael Kelso and his trademark Burn! During his stint on That 70s Show, Ashton Kutcher kept himself in clear view with movies like Dude, Wheres My Car?, The Butterfly Effect, and as the host of Punkd. With That 70s Show being an ensemble effort, Kutcher was able to focus on other projects before graduating into the big leagues. Because of this, Kelso bid goodbye early in the final season. The actor saw further roles in movies like The Guardian and What Happens in Vegas before replacing Charlie Sheen in Two and a Half Men. To his credit, he did return for That 70s finale, and he also made a cameo in That 90s Show, though the personal lives of he and his wife Mila Kunis in the 2020s have not been without backlash.

Party of Five (1994-2000)


Jennifer Love Hewitt started as a child star, appearing in advertisements and the Disney Channel show Kids Incorporated before making her teenage breakthrough in Party of Five. She also had a music career from a young age, releasing an album at age 16 titled, um, Lets Go Bang. While Party of Five was still on the air, Hewitts fame reached new heights with starring roles in the I Know What You Did Last Summer horror franchise and the teen comedy Cant Hardly Wait. By the time Hewitt started working with stars as big as Garfield the cat, not the British guy we thought she had left her television days behind. But then, she returned to haunt our airwaves with Ghost Whisperer!

Gossip Girl (2007-12)


Before the Pinterest plantation wedding and the questionable movie PR, Blake Livelys biggest scandal was just that the teenage drama Gossip Girl was a bit too saucy for some parents. But the shows audience loved it, creating a massive hit for The CW and launching Lively into stardom. Despite a burgeoning movie career and aspirations of being a lifestyle influencer, she stuck around as Serena van der Woodsen until the series ended in 2012. Since then, Lively has starred in movies like A Simple Favor and The Age of Adaline.

Living Single (1993-98)

In 1993, Queen Latifah was a bubbling under rapper who managed to sign a television deal with Fox. She soon became a star on the sitcom Living Single, where she stayed on as a cast member until its conclusion in 1998. Around the time Living Single debuted, Latifahs rap career began to take off with the release of Black Reign, which made her the first solo female rapper to receive a gold certification for an album. Later, she would have a successful career in Tinseltown starring in movies like Chicago, which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Home Improvement (1991-99)


Even though Tim Allen was a TV star both in the real world and on the fictional Tool Time, in the early 90s, there was still room for improvement when it came to his career. Luckily, he didnt have to wait too long, as he was soon making that Disney dollar, suiting up as Saint Nicholas himself in The Santa Clause. Alongside the holiday classic, which became a trilogy, Allen also lent his voice to the one-and-only Buzz Lightyear and has starred in films like Wild Hogs and Christmas with the Kranks.

Hannah Montana (2006-11)


In the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus played the role of a teenager juggling her everyday life with a secret pop star identity. Once the series was over, Cyrus was quick to let us know that theres only one Miley and she was here to leave her mark on the music scene. Songs like Wrecking Ball and Flowers didnt just hit the charts, they blew right through them, as both tracks landed at the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. With success like that, were pretty sure she could buy herself a whole rose garden or two.

Wizards of Waverly Place (2007-12)


Selena Gomez made television magic for kids everywhere with Wizards of Waverly Place. But her career in children's television actually began earlier, with a role on Barney & Friends. However, theres no denying that its the Disney machine that made Gomez a superstar, both in acting and music. She later returned to the Mouse House, this time through Hulu and Disney+, for the acclaimed TV series Only Murders in the Building, sharing the screen with comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short. With such powerhouses in the lead, there was no way the show wasnt going to be a hit! In 2024, Gomez stepped back into the shoes of Alex Russo, appearing in the Waverly Place reboot.

Shake It Up (2010-13) & K.C. Undercover (2015-18)


Were tempted to joke that the Z in Gen Z should be for Zendaya due to how prominent she is but that would needlessly restrict her stranglehold on pop culture to one generation. The number of memorable roles Zendaya has taken in films like Dune and Challengers and the HBO drama Euphoria make it easy to forget her early days as a Disney Star. But just like many young celebs who have made it big, she got her start on the Disney Channel, first appearing in the series Shake It Up, before landing the lead role in K.C. Undercover.

How I Met Your Mother (2005-14)


Neil Patrick Harris' Barney Stinson might get most of the love, but Marshall knocked it out of the park. How I Met Your Mother managed to last for nine seasons without someone from the main cast dropping out. Three years into the show's run, however, Jason Segel wrote and starred in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, a raunchy comedy that earned 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and established Marshall as a bankable actor. Proving to be a hit on the small and big screen, Jason landed roles in Despicable Me, The Muppets revival, and The Five-Year Engagement.

Greys Anatomy (2005-)


Heigl became a household name for her role as Izzie Stevens in Greys Anatomy. She remains the only regular cast member from the medical drama to win an Emmy for the show. Her star was shining brighter than ever, as Heigl led box office successes like Knocked Up, 27 Dresses, and The Ugly Truth. At the time, she was also the only member of the series to consistently appear on TV and cinema. While her Greys Anatomy tenure is remembered for the controversy it circulated, with Izzie quickly written off the show, Heigl usually remained the lead star in her subsequent films and TV shows, including Netflixs Firefly Lane.

Downton Abbey (2010-15)


From Yorkshire to 18th century France, this English actor's talent is timeless. Downton Abbey captured the hearts of viewers from around the world, partially due to Dan Stevens' captivating performance as Matthew Crawley. Previously known for his stage work, Stevens gave the historical period drama three seasons before leaving to try something new. At first, the gamble did not pay off, with 2014's The Guest being the actor's biggest film; but, Stevens reached superstardom with Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast.

Dawsons Creek (1998-2003)


After multiple Oscar nominations, as well as an Emmy and two Golden Globe wins, its difficult to think of a time when Michelle Williams was part of a teen drama cast. The actress got her break as Jen Lindley in Dawsons Creek and she stayed with the show through its entire run. However, her career has since been defined by dramas like Brokeback Mountain, Manchester by the Sea, and the lead role in My Week with Marilyn. Her time on Dawsons Creek is now seen as the starting point for what is a critically acclaimed career on the big screen.

Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-79)


Thanks to John Travolta, disco and musicals were brought to life with the successes of Saturday Night Fever and Grease. The actor experienced superstardom while continuing to appear in Welcome Back, Kotter. This sitcom features Travolta in the role of a troublemaking high school student. During its run, he first broke through the big screen in the Stephen King adaptation Carrie. But the actor still saw Welcome Back, Kotter through its four seasons. It wouldnt be decades until Travolta returned to the small screen by then, his musical legacy continued to inspire fans to get their groove on. Despite suffering a period of decline, he roared back to the A-list with Pulp Fiction for a career resurgence.

21 Jump Street (1987-91)


Watching Johnny Depp in the 21 Jump Street film was a fun surprise. But decades earlier, it was the TV series that garnered him the status of a teen icon. The actor was the poster boy for the crime drama before leaving by the fourth season. By then, Edward Scissorhands got Depp the big screen recognition he needed. Films like Whats Eating Gilbert Grape and Ed Wood then established him as a leading man. Of course, it was the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise that propelled him to worldwide fame, as Jack Sparrow became a pop culture mainstay. With many other popular characters like Willy Wonka, Sweeney Todd, and Gellert Grindelwald in the bag, Depps Jump Street days are now the beginning of a celebrated filmography.

VICTORiOUS (2010-13) & Sam & Cat (2013-14)


Rather than her acting career, Ariana Grandes rise to the top came from her musical success. After getting her start in the Nickelodeon series VICTORiOUS as the lovably ditzy Cat Valentine, Grande briefly headlined its spin-off Sam & Cat. However, the simultaneous release of her albums Yours Truly and My Everything exploded in popularity. And just like that, starring in a Nickelodeon sitcom seemed minute in front of an ever-growing singing career. With each album becoming a smash hit, the skys the limit for the former Cat Valentine. Grandes acting may have taken a backseat, but shes still had time for onscreen appearances in shows like Scream Queens, along with the big-screen adaptation of Wicked.

Girls (2012-17)


Among the most versatile actors in recent years, Adam Driver has starred in dark dramas, action thrillers, and big-budget blockbusters. The actor first gained wider attention for playing Kylo Ren in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy. But Drivers streak of critical praise began with HBOs Girls, which he appeared in for its entire tenure. Impressively, Driver was on Girls during the releases of hits like Inside Llewyn Davis, Silence, Logan Lucky, as well as during his Star Wars role. In the face of so much big-screen acclaim, mainstream audiences cant be faulted for being unaware of the HBO series. Since its conclusion, Driver has gone on to carve a bigger legacy with well-received performances in Marriage Story and House of Gucci.

St. Elsewhere (1982-88)


By the time Denzel Washington took home his first Oscar for the 1989 film Glory, it was clear that the versatile actor and bonafide movie star had outgrown his time on television. After getting his on-screen start in the medical drama St. Elsewhere, Washington would become known as one of the greatest actors of his generation. Hes appeared in countless iconic roles throughout his decades-spanning career, including in films like Malcolm X, Training Day and Flight. But Washingtons love for the stage has never faded. His theater roots led him to direct, produce, and star in the film adaptation of Fences, a play he had previously headlined on Broadway.

Saturday Night Live (1975-)


After breaking out as a cast member on Saturday Night Live in the early 80s, Eddie Murphy was ready to start making people laugh on a larger scale. This silver screen dream manifested in comedy classics such as the Beverly Hills Cop series, now a tetralogy thanks to the Netflix reboot, and Coming to America. It also resulted in Norbit and The Adventures of Pluto Nash. But while the last two might not exactly be masterpieces, Murphy will always be in our good books thanks to his positive impact on our childhood as Donkey in Shrek.

Moonlighting (1985-89)


When the average person thinks of Bruce Willis, they usually think of his role in Die Hard. Willis is recognized among the action icons of Hollywood, but the actor initially got his start next to Cybill Shepherd in Moonlighting. The mystery-comedy series sees the pair as detectives who use quirky methods to solve crimes. The chemistry between Willis and Shepherd served as the main hook for the series, but the former struck Die Hard gold around the fourth season. The movie was just a stepping stone for a big career, which also meant that Moonlightings days were numbered. After the shows conclusion, Willis would go on to deliver memorable hits like The Sixth Sense, Pulp Fiction, 12 Monkeys, and more to cement himself as a leading star.

Cheers (1982-93)


The character of Woody Boyd was created after the death of previous Cheers bartender, Coach, played by Nicholas Colasanto. However, Woody Harrelson won audiences over with his boyish charm and would remain with the sitcom for eight further seasons. Near the shows end, Harrelson showed his acting chops in White Men Can't Jump, which kickstarted his film career. 1994s Natural Born Killers reconfirmed his place in cinema, as Harrelson wowed with his against-type performance. The actor has since expanded his horizons, appearing in action comedies like Zombieland and franchise movies like The Hunger Games and Planet of the Apes. Not too bad for someone who got his start tending bar at Cheers.

Parks and Recreation (2009-15; 2020)


Nothing can replace Mouse Rat, but Guardians of the Galaxy is a close second. Chris Pratt started off as a sidekick on the TV drama Everwood, before landing a part on Parks and Recreation. While Andy always brought the laughs, many were taken by surprise when Pratt was cast as Star-Lord in James Gunn's superhero blockbuster. Guardians of the Galaxy and Pratt's performance received near universal praise, instantly turning the TV actor into one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Pratt appears in the Jurassic World trilogy as well as in Marvel's Infinity War; so, Andy and Pratt is here to stay.

Friends (1994-2004)


As the faces of one of the most successful shows of all time, the sitcom's entire cast was pretty much set for life. While all six Friends landed roles outside of television, Jennifer Aniston is the only one to completely outshine the series that made her famous. Due to a string of lucrative romantic comedies, including Office Space and The Break-Up, Aniston established herself as a reliable comedic actress capable of holding her own alongside any other celebrity. Putting aside Aniston's film career, the media has always kept tabs on her private life, ensuring the actress is known for more than just Rachel.

Community (2009-15)


Writer, actor, and rapper Childish Gambino is the full package. Prior to landing the role of Troy Barnes on Community, Donald Glover paid his dues as a writer on 30 Rock. While no stranger to the camera, Troy was Glover's first big acting role, which lasted for the next five years. In the meantime, the actor released two albums under the pseudonym of Childish Gambino. Preferring to focus on his own work, Glover created and starred in Atlanta, a highly acclaimed comedy-drama that won multiple Emmys. As Childish Gambino, he also took home a Grammy for Redbone, dialing up his fame factor another notch.

ER (1994-2009)


A bankable movie star and proven producer today, George Clooney got his big break when he was cast as ER's Dr. Doug Ross. The role led to a couple of Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, and for five years, Clooney juggled a busy television and film schedule, including the films Out of Sight and From Dusk till Dawn. In 1999, Clooney made his final appearance as a full-time cast member and set his sights on Hollywood. Within a couple of years, the charismatic actor was sharing the silver screen with Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts in Ocean's Eleven.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-96)


Music, TV, and film there is nothing Big Willie cannot do. By the time The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air hit the scene, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince had already released three full-length albums. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Smith's larger-than-life personality and charisma survived the transition to the small screen, transforming the rapper into a household name. After conquering music and TV, the film industry was the next logical step, with Independence Day and Men in Black cementing Will Smith as an A-list celebrity - though his later career hasnt been without controversy.

Family Ties (1982-89)


Who else can say they became a werewolf and a time-traveler in the same year? Michael J. Fox is synonymous with the '80s, and worked on multiple TV series before landing the role of Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties. Soon thereafter, Steven Spielberg and Back to the Future came knocking, propelling Fox into the big leagues. The sci-fi classic proved an instant hit and spawned two sequels, although Michael J. continued to appear on Family Ties. Once Alex P. Keaton's days were done, for a while, Fox focused on film before returning with acclaim to the small screen in Spin City.

Mike & Molly (2010-16)


The energetic actress had been in the business for over a decade when Mike & Molly started its run. Within three years, Melissa McCarthy went from a relatively unknown actress to one of TV and film's leading comedic talents. After her star-making performance in Bridesmaids, McCarthy would go on to work repeatedly with director Paul Feig, with leading roles in The Heat, Spy, and the 2016 Ghostbusters remake. Despite being one of the most in-demand talents in Hollywood, McCarthy remained committed to Mike & Molly, lasting a full six-seasons before the sitcom called it a day.

The Office (2005-13)


The Dana Carvey Show lasted for seven short episodes but managed to gift the world two future stars. Alongside Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell went on to perform on The Daily Show before securing the beloved role of Michael Scott on the US version of The Office. While the mockumentary struggled through its first season, Carell's performance in The 40-Year-Old Virgin drew more attention to the series. For around seven years, Carell balanced a film and TV career, before finally retiring the character of Michael Scott. Since then, the comedian has branched out into different genres, including an Academy nominated turn in Foxcatcher.

Mork & Mindy (1978-82)


The incomparable Robin Williams delighted fans for decades with his high-energy brand of comedy. Williams is also known for delivering heartfelt dramatic performances in films like Dead Poets Society, Awakenings, and Good Will Hunting. What some might overlook is that Williams got his start playing an alien from Mars in Mork & Mindy. Part of the Happy Days franchise, Mork went on hilarious adventures in the late 70s and early 80s. In addition to his rising stand-up career, Williams was seen in popular films like Popeye and The World According to Garp while Mork & Mindy was still on-air. After the series cancellation, Williams never looked back, entertaining viewers with classic characters like Peter Pan, Ramon and Lovelace, Theodore Roosevelt, and everyones favorite Genie.



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