Best Supporting Performances In a Television Sitcom
You know the characters that make up the show, but aren't recognised as the stars. Supporting characters usually deserve more credit, often they're even better than the main star.
Even though the Friends cast are supposed to be an ensemble, Phoebe and Joey were often treated as second fiddle. Lisa Kudrow's performance of the quirky character is unforgettable. From playing dodgy guitar to talking about her past street life, the sweet, caring Phoebe is probably the best of the Friends cast!
Kudrow is a comical genius and in this particular show, showed her co-stars a masterclass of underplayed comedy.
Mayim Chaya Bialik is an American actress, neuroscientist, author and film director. From 1991 to 1995, she played the title character of the NBC sitcom Blossom. From 2010 to 2019, she played neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. The former Blossom star joined the Big Bang Theory cast in its fourth season, after guest starring briefly in the Season 3 finale. Amy Farrah Fowler, her character, is a neurobiologist, who is like a female version of Sheldon, the show's lead star. She devotes her life to science. However, under the influence of Penny, Amy learns about the fun side of life. She throws away her organized schedule and trades it for an awkward pair of high heels.
Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor, writer, producer, comedian, magician, and singer. He is known primarily for his comedy roles on television and his dramatic and musical stage roles. Acts natural. The straightest gay guy I've ever seen. Can't believe they actually put up Mayim Bialik and KH above Neil Patrick Harris.
Ethel Mertz, Viv, was an excellent co-star to comedy genius Lucille Ball and was as genius as Lucy. The chemistry between the two female characters was amazing, and they came up with some of the most iconic TV moments in history. In 1954, she won the first ever Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy. Vivian went on to co-star in Lucille Ball's follow-up series, The Lucy Show, where she and Lucy also created some excellent moments.
Valerie must have been good. She left The Mary Tyler Moore Show after four seasons to star in her own spinoff, "Rhoda," which lasted five seasons, two of which made the top ten shows of the year. Rhoda was sarcastic, strange, and interesting.
I Dream of Jeannie is often forgotten when people talk about sitcoms, and it shouldn't be. Hayden Rorke played Dr. Bellows, a psychiatrist who frequently experienced strange happenings concerning Jeannie and Major Nelson. His famous line, He's done it to me again, is accompanied by some of the best facial expressions ever!
Jon Cryer is a great character, much better than Charlie Sheen. He won an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor, before being given the lead role in Season 9, winning the Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Emmy in 2012.
Betty White Ludden (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021), known professionally as Betty White, was an American actress, animal rights activist, author, comedian, radio host, singer, and television personality. Still going strong in her 90s, Betty White was only meant to guest star in the pilot, but she was so good that they made her a main cast member. The best thing Betty has ever done, including The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Matthew Steven LeBlanc (born July 25, 1967) is an American actor, television host, and producer. He attracted international recognition and acclaim for his portrayal of Joey Tribbiani on the popular NBC sitcom Friends, which ran from 1994 to 2004; He currently stars as Adam Burns on the TV show Man... read more Much like Phoebe, Joey's character often became second fiddle. Matt LeBlanc's performance of the brain-dead ladies' man Joey Tribbiani was terrific. He went on to star in 'Joey,' his own spin-off.
Her, Frank, and Robert made the show.
Michael Anthony Richards (born July 24, 1949) is an American actor, writer, television producer and comedian best known for his work on the television sitcom Seinfeld. He began his career as a stand-up comedian, first entering the national spotlight when he was featured on Billy Crystal's first cable... read more
Catherine Anne O'Hara is a Canadian-American actress, writer, and comedian. She first drew notice as an actress in 1974 as a member of The Second City improvisational comedy troupe in Toronto. She plays Moira Rose like a combination of Ms. Darbus from High School Musical, Tyrannia Vamperl from Wunschpunsch, and Delia Deetz from Beetlejuice.
The incompetent Colonel Von Strohm, always coming up with a scheme behind General Von Klinkerhoffen's back.