The Best TV Actors And Actresses Of All Time
Let's take a look at the greatest TV actors and actresses of all time. Some stars are just such famous TV actors that you can't help but remember their small screen performances. For example, Lucille Ball, one of the best TV show actresses, is iconic in I Love Lucy.Â
Few will be surprise that Bryan Cranston appears high on the list after his critically acclaimed run as a drug kingpin in Breaking Bad. But Steve Carell is another memorable leading actor in TV, with legions of fans still binging his comedic turn as Michael Scott on NBC's hit, The Office. Michael J. Fox, Andy Griffith, and John Goodman are beloved male sitcom actors as well. Whether they've won Emmys and Golden Globes, or have become cult favorites, stars like Amy Poehler, Betty White, Tony Shalhoub, Carol Burnett, and Gillian Anderson are among the top TV series actors.Â
Who do you think are the best TV actors ever? Vote up the television stars you think are the all-time best. Then check back to see if your favorites topped our list!Â
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Initially known for his role as Hal in the TV series Malcolm in the Middle, Bryan Cranston's career took a dramatic turn when he portrayed the iconic Walter White in Breaking Bad. This role garnered him numerous awards, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile and talented actors. Apart from television, Cranston has also appeared in several movies and Broadway plays.
- Credits (TV): Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle, Your Honor, Sneaky Pete, Seinfeld
- Nationality: United States of America
- Age: 69
- 1Contagion30 Votes
- 2Drive53 Votes
- 3Trumbo7 Votes
- 2
Best remembered for his portrayal of the tough yet vulnerable mob boss Tony Soprano in HBO's hit series The Sopranos, James Gandolfini was an astounding actor with unparalleled depth and authenticity. His work in the series earned him multiple Emmy Awards and forever changed the landscape of television drama. Tragically, Gandolfini passed away in 2013, but his legacy as one of the greatest actors of all time lives on.
- Credits (TV): The Sopranos
- Nationality: United States of America
- Age: Dec. at 51 (1961-2013)
- 1The Sopranos38 Votes
- 2Zero Dark Thirty22 Votes
- 3Enough Said8 Votes
- 3
An unparalleled comedic force, Robin Williams brought laughter and heart to each of his roles. His versatility allowed him to excel in films such as Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, and Mrs. Doubtfire, earning him an Academy Award for his performance in Good Will Hunting. Williams' untimely death in 2014 left a void in the entertainment world that will never be filled.
- Credits (TV): Mork & Mindy, The Crazy Ones, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Mork & Mindy/Laverne & Shirley/Fonz Hour, Sesame Street
- Nationality: United States of America
- Age: Dec. at 63 (1951-2014)
- 1The Fisher King4,849 Votes
- 2Mrs. Doubtfire4,388 Votes
- 3Good Morning, Vietnam3,450 Votes
- 4
With a career spanning over eight decades, Betty White is a true Hollywood icon. Originally gaining fame as Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, her popularity soared to new heights as she portrayed the lovable Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls. An animal lover and advocate, White continues to work in television, most recently starring in the series Hot in Cleveland.
- Credits (TV): The Golden Girls/The Golden Palace, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Hot in Cleveland, The Betty White Show, Mama's Family
- Nationality: United States of America
- Age: Dec. at 99 (1922-2021)
- 5
Dick Van Dyke rose to fame as the charming Bert/Mr. Dawes Senior in the beloved film Mary Poppins. His acting versatility has been demonstrated through various roles, including the comedic lead in The Dick Van Dyke Show and a dramatic part in Night at the Museum. Beyond acting, Van Dyke has also delved into producing and writing, further cementing his legacy in Hollywood.
- Credits (TV): The Dick Van Dyke Show, Diagnosis: Murder, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Murder 101, The Carol Burnett Show
- Nationality: United States of America
- Age: 99
- 6
The beloved comedienne, Lucille Ball, set the stage for many female comedians to follow with her iconic role in I Love Lucy. Her impeccable comedic timing and ability to command the screen paved the way for future sitcoms. As co-founder of Desilu Productions alongside her then-husband Desi Arnaz, Ball was also a groundbreaking businesswoman in the entertainment industry.
- Credits (TV): I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, Here's Lucy, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, The Carol Burnett Show
- Nationality: United States of America
- Age: Dec. at 77 (1911-1989)
1I Love Lucy136 Votes- 2Yours, Mine and Ours126 Votes
- 3The Long, Long Trailer145 Votes
