Movies

20 Unforgettable Sitcom Performances That Changed TV Forever

BBG News

Over the years, comedic sitcom roles, such as Lucille Ball’s Lucy Ricardo and Jason Alexander’s George Costanza, have produced many unforgettable performances. In the world of TV acting, it’s often the dramatic series that receive the most critical acclaim. Actors like James Gandolfini in The Sopranos, Jon Hamm in Mad Men, and Rhea Seehorn in Better Call Saul have all received significant recognition for their performances.

There’s no less artistic finesse required for delivering an outstanding comedic performance compared to delivering a powerful dramatic one. For instance, Bryan Cranston showcased the same level of depth and dedication in his portrayal of the dorky father character on Malcolm in the Middle, as he did playing the meth kingpin on Breaking Bad. This goes to prove that the most remarkable sitcom performances in television history are equally impressive.

20. Danny DeVito As Frank Reynolds

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005–)

Danny DeVito significantly enhanced the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia when he joined in its second season, providing the show with an essential element it previously lacked. Initially portraying a dysfunctional father figure to the gang, Frank has since transformed into the very embodiment of vulgarity. He’s arguably the most reprehensible, revolting character one could imagine, and DeVito plays this role with an unwavering commitment. Whether he’s smearing peach juice across his bare chest or slithering out of a couch in the nude, DeVito has immersed himself in this character without any trace of hesitation.

19. Jaleel White As Steve Urkel

Family Matters (1989–1998)

Jaleel White’s portrayal of Steve Urkel was so memorable that he essentially became the star of the show. He serves as a classic example of a character who broke out from supporting roles. Originally, “Family Matters” was designed as a contrast to the more affluent family depicted in “The Cosby Show.” However, when White appeared on screen with his suspenders, distinctive voice, and zany inventions, it quickly transformed into what seemed like “The Urkel Show.” He embodied the stereotypical nerd image of his era.

18. Rip Torn As Artie

The Larry Sanders Show (1992–1998)

In “The Larry Sanders Show,” the fictional talk show within the series is a carefree, humorous talk show, yet its producer, Artie, managed it as if preparing for a war campaign. Artie served as the fiery intermediary between the anxious Larry and his persistent network superiors. Rip Torn brilliantly embodied this role. With a blistering tirade or a cutting remark, he could quickly put anyone in their place, only to return moments later with delight at Larry’s on-air performance.

17. Betty White As Rose Nylund

The Golden Girls (1985–1992), The Golden Palace (1992–1993)

Betty White’s portrayal of Rose Nylund on “The Golden Girls” earned her a place as a beloved national figure. Rose is endearing, naive, and perhaps not the sharpest tool in the shed, but she’s also the most hilarious character in the series. The recurring joke about Rose sharing peculiar stories from her hometown of St. Olaf might have grown tiresome with another actor, but White breathed new life into it every time by infusing each tale with genuine sincerity.

16. Matt King As Super Hans

Peep Show (2003–2015)

In the hit show “Peep Show,” both David Mitchell and Robert Webb deliver side-splitting performances as the main characters, but it’s Matt King’s unforgettable portrayal of Super Hans that truly steals the limelight whenever he appears. The dialogue coming from Super Hans is consistently shocking yet hilarious. While everyone on “Peep Show” was terrific, no one elicited more frequent or more uproarious laughter than Super Hans.

15. Andre Braugher As Captain Raymond Holt

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021)

Initially, when Captain Raymond Holt assumed command at the 99th Precinct in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the series found humor through his rigid, by-the-book demeanor contrasting with the antics of rookie detective Jake Peralta. Andre Braugher masterfully delivered lines with a dry wit. Over time, however, Braugher subtly added layers to Holt, revealing a character who had battled prejudice for decades and emerged victorious in his career. He ultimately served as a guiding influence for Peralta.

14. Phoebe Waller-Bridge As Fleabag

Fleabag (2016–2019)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge initially brought her character Fleabag to life on stage, later developing it for television screens. By this time, Waller-Bridge had a clear understanding of who Fleabag was and how best to portray her. Fleabag is a gritty, truthful depiction of an unrestrained yet angry young woman. Waller-Bridge delivers dark humor in the role, but it’s only one aspect of this multidimensional character.

13. Carroll O’Connor As Archie Bunker

All In The Family (1971–1979), Archie Bunker’s Place (1979–1983)

During the 1970s, when America’s political disagreements were deeply fragmenting the nation, the sitcom “All in the Family” elicited laughter from its viewers. Archie Bunker, portrayed by Carroll O’Connor, was the character who voiced radical conservative opinions, embodying the quintessential angry white man figure, as he harbored disdain for those who didn’t share his exact views. However, O’Connor’s nuanced performance skillfully depicted Archie not as a proponent of bigotry, but rather as a satirical commentary on it—a surprisingly enlightened approach for that era.

12. J.B. Smoove As Leon Black

Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)

The 12-season journey of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” can be divided into two distinct phases: before Leon and after Leon. Leon Black’s entrance significantly altered the show’s flow, giving it a new, vibrant feel. Leon, with his outspoken, jovial, and streetwise personality, provided an amusing contrast to Larry David’s grumpy, socially awkward character. J.B. Smoove’s improvisational skills are so exceptional that he could veer off on a spontaneous tangent, touch upon unexpected topics, and yet steer the scene back to its original intent with remarkable precision.

11. Rowan Atkinson As Mr. Bean

Mr. Bean (1990–1995)

Rowan Atkinson’s portrayal in the series Mr. Bean demonstrates exceptional skill in physical humor. The show has gained worldwide popularity due to its use of non-verbal humor that surpasses language boundaries. Despite not speaking, Atkinson conveys Mr. Bean’s thoughts and reasons for his eccentric actions so effectively, making every absurd situation relatable through his precise intention and motivation in playing the slapstick.

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2025-06-03 04:28

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