Character Actors Who Got Their Own Show

There used to be a hierarchy of actors, at least within the acting community. Theater actors were on top, movie actors were next, and television actors ranked at the bottom. The hierarchy still exists, but the order is getting murkier.

Over the course of the last 20 years, Hollywood has abandoned mid-budget star vehicles in favor of tentpole franchise pictures driven by CGI and comic book characters. When Sony markets their newest "Spider-Man" series, they rely more upon Spider-Man as opposed to Andrew Garfield.

During that same timespan, television has evolved tremendously. The storylines are richer, the characters are more three-dimensional. Elite filmmakers are investing in storytelling on television more so than ever before. Martin Scorsese produced "Boardwalk Empire." David Fincher produces "House of Cards." Barry Jenkins, the director of the most recent Best Picture winner "Moonlight," just announced that he will be making a miniseries. Even more directors are making shows available with Directv packages.

The better storylines and behind-the-camera talent has drawn big name actors to the small screen, steadily and surely. Here are ten character actors who got their time to shine through the magic of television.

Idris Elba, "Luther"

"The Wire" was one of those shows that it’s hard to pinpoint one or two leading characters. It was most certainly a wide-ranging ensemble. That said, fans latched onto and popularized certain characters. Stringer Bell, the quiet gang lord played by Idris Elba, was one of those characters. Indeed, Elba has had the most prominent career of "Wire" alum. He won several awards for his ferocious turn in the film "Beasts of No Nation." The BBC series "Luther" finally granted Elba the chance to play "the good guy" for once, even if his titular character exhibits deep flaws. No wonder this guy is perpetually in the running to be the next Bond.

Jay R. Ferguson, "The Real O’Neals"

Even though Stan didn’t appear until season four, he quickly became a favorite character for "Mad Men" fans, and he remained an integral part of the show right until the very end. As soon as the final office cigarette was extinguished, the veteran character actor got a starring role on the hit ABC sitcom "The Real O’Neals." Ferguson has used the opportunity to display the same charm and affability he made a staple on "Mad Men."

Jennifer Morrison, "Once Upon a Time"

Once upon a time, Morrison had a prominent supporting role on the hit show "House," at least for the first few seasons. Eventually, her role started to diminish as Dr. House took on a new team. Thankfully for Morrison, ABC was ready to give her the chance to star on the ABC blockbuster fantasy show "Once Upon a Time." It’s safe to say that Morrison will be the star of several prominent shows available through Directv packages throughout her career.

Neil Flynn, "The Middle"

Originally, there was no such thing as the character of the janitor on "Scrubs." Flynn was intended to be just a guest actor in one scene for the pilot. The show’s producers quickly realized the unique talent they had when Flynn started improvising, and the janitor became Zach Braff’s nameless nemesis going forward. When "Scrubs" went off the air, Flynn landed the role of Mike on the hit ABC show "The Middle," now in its eighth season. So next time your parents tell you that improv will never pay off, point them towards Neil Flynn.

Johnny Galecki, "The Big Bang Theory"

People forget that "Roseanne" was one of the most popular shows of the 90s. The show helped to launch several careers, although most people probably would immediately think of John Goodman. Johnny Galecki had more of a supporting role on "Roseanne," but he’s one of the most important characters on "The Big Bang Theory," which is currently the number one rated show on television. Supporting no more, it appears.

Connie Britton, "Friday Night Lights"

Britton is an acclaimed veteran of the small screen who has appeared on multiple hit shows. She was on the mostly forgotten but wonderful "Spin City" as a strategist for the Mayor of New York City, but most of the attention she received came for her touching role as Tami Taylor on "Friday Night Lights." The show, which originated on NBC but then became exclusive to Directv packages, garnered her tons of critical acclaim. Now, Britton is one of the most sought after actors of the small screen. Her leading role on the current hit show "Nashville" has only solidified her fanbase. Seriously, how does she not have an Emmy already?

Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"

Has there ever been a scarier character than Heisenberg in television history? Hannibal the cannibal literally eats people, and I would *still* be more frightened to encounter this former high school chemistry teacher. How on earth was this guy the affable dad from "Malcolm in the Middle?"

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Veep"

There was a time when people believed in "The Seinfeld Curse." This hex was believed to affect actors from the classic sitcom "Seinfeld." Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards have not headlined a successful television show since. Somehow, Julia Louis-Dreyfus must have concocted an anecdote, because she’s been fine ever since. She’s been the star of two hit shows part of Directv packages, "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Veep." Between the two shows, she’s won six Emmys.

Jared Padalecki, "Supernatural"

For a while, the WB used "Gilmore Girls" as a farm system. Minor characters were given opportunities and bigger roles on other shows frequently. But like most shows on the WB, a lot of them didn’t stick. Most people didn’t think "Supernatural" would stick either. 12 seasons later, it turns out most people can be wrong.

Jeffrey Tambor, "Transparent"

Like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jeffrey Tambor’s had a pretty good run on the small screen. "The Larry Sanders Show" is considered to be one of the catalysts for the revolution of smarter television. And because of his turn on "Arrested Development," we will always remember that there’s money in the banana stand! It took multiple decades of sterling work, but "Transparent" became Tambor’s chance to finally take the leading role in a TV series or movie. He’s used the chance to take home two Emmys, becoming the first actor to win for an online series. His effect on the show has been transparently amazing.