We’re diving into the impressive world of accomplished actors we all know and recognize, from serial character actors to “that one guy” from your favorite movie. Get ready for plenty of revelations and stunning fun facts (including net worths) about actors and actresses who are famous by sight but don’t have the name recognition achieved by other famous celebs. It’s time to give these actors the recognition they deserve. We guarantee you’ll recognize most of these faces, even if you don’t know their names.
Dermot Mulroney ($9 million Net Worth)
Dermot Mulroney has quite an impressive resume. He’s acted in films alongside Cameron Diaz, Jack Nicholson, and Debra Messing. Despite his roles in blockbusters from the 90s, most of us can’t name him off the top of our heads. Yup, that’s the leading man who played Michael O’Neal opposite Julia Roberts in “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”
We would recognize Dermot’s handsome face anywhere. We can’t help but wonder why he didn’t become a household name despite his many starring roles in all those romantic comedies from the ‘90s. Despite his lack of name recognition, Dermot does not lack for steady work. He still scores big-deal roles to this day, including a starring role in Marvel’s latest series “Secret Invasion” and a part in 2023’s “Scream VI.”
Neal McDonough ($7 million Net Worth)
Neal McDonough is that guy with the white hair who kind of looks like Matt Damon. Google him. You know who we’re talking about, right? Neal McDonough might not be a recognizable name to most, but he’s been in plenty of hit TV shows. He’s probably best known for playing Lieutenant “Buck” Compton in HBO’s “Band of Brothers.”
Neal McDonough is proof that you don’t have to become famous to be a successful actor in Hollywood. He’s made a name for himself doing voice work, as well as character actor roles. Sources estimate that Neal’s net worth is anywhere between $3.5 and 7 million. Strategic, consistent work is better than a short-lived, infamous career. Neal knows what’s up.
Kristen Schaal ($6 million Net Worth)
You might not know Kristen Schaal’s name, but you undoubtedly recognize her face and voice. Her distinctive doe eyes and oddball sense of humor have made Kristen a mainstay in comedy. She’s the one and only voice actress who plays Louise Belcher on “Bob’s Burgers.” Along with her other amazing roles, we all know who she is at this point.
Kristen has also acted in notable shows like “Flight of the Conchords.” We all remember Mel and her stalker-fan tendencies. She’s also lent her unique comedy skills to “The Daily Show,” “Last Week Tonight,” and “Gravity Falls.” While the mainstream Hollywood types may not know her name, she’s definitely the queen of alternative comedy.
Stephen Tobolowsky ($4 million Net Worth)
Stephen Tobolowsky is one of Hollywood’s most famous character actors. We know that you know him, even if you don’t recognize his name. His face is instantly recognizable from his roles in “Glee,” “Groundhog Day,” and “The Mindy Project.” At this point, his face is engrained in America’s collective consciousness. Since the late 1970s, Stephen has racked up over 200 acting credits in various films, stage plays, and TV shows.
So what if Stephen’s name isn’t instantly recognizable like Brad Pitt and George Clooney? He has a large fanbase and is a Hollywood legend. He even has his own podcast, “The Tobolowsky Files,” where he tells stories about his time in Hollywood. This guy has seen it all.
Jessica Hecht ($3 million Net Worth)
Jessica Hecht is probably an actress that you vaguely recognize but can’t place. We’ll help you out. She played Gretchen Schwartz in “Breaking Bad.” She also played Susan Bunch on “Friends” and Karen on Netflix’s “Special.” If you take a look at her list of acting roles, it’s pretty extensive.
Not everyone who tries to “make it” in Hollywood actually succeeds. Jessica Hecht is one of those rare lucky ones who have slowly and steadily built an impressive career on Broadway and the silver screen. She’s even been nominated for Emmy and Tony Awards for her work. Jessica has built the majority of her career on Broadway. Notable plays include “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Harvey,” which also starred Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory” fame.
Tim Meadows ($4 million Net Worth)
Tim Meadows is a name that is probably recognizable to people of a particular generation. To younger folks, he’s just the principal from “Mean Girls.” Sorry, “SNL” fans. For those who don’t immediately recognize the comedian and actor’s name, we’re here to fill you in. Tim Meadows’ rise to fame began in the ‘90s when he joined the famous comedy troupe “The Second City” in Chicago.
He then landed a coveted spot on “Saturday Night Live,” which is his most well-known claim to fame. He is one of the longest-running cast members on “SNL,” which is why most people who grew up watching the show in the ‘90s will instantly recognize him. He’s endeared himself to a whole new generation through his role as Principal Duvall in “Mean Girls.” Talk about longevity.
Judy Greer ($5 million Net Worth)
Everyone knows Judy Greer, even if they don’t realize it upon first glancing at her name. She’s the blonde actress who has played numerous sidekick roles. Even though she always plays the “best friend” role and never the leading lady, she’s more than successful by Hollywood standards. Her hundreds of acting credits have helped her achieve a net worth of around $5 million.
Now, let’s get to the acting credits that you definitely know. Judy has had sidekick and character roles in “13 Going on 30,” “Elizabethtown,” and “The Descendants.” She’s everyone’s favorite “best friend” character, but she is also an actress with incredible range. She’s acted in dramas, comedies, action movies, and more. Remember her in M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Village?” We sure do.
David Bradley ($5 Million Net Worth)
Who the heck is David Bradley? Well, he’s none other than Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts in the “Harry Potter” movie franchise. You can immediately picture who we’re talking about. We knew that you’d instantly recognize his face. David Bradley is a character actor legend, especially when it comes to fantasy roles.
David began his career in quite an impressive way, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1970s. He also had a recurring role in “Doctor Who” and starred in a ton of other major BBC shows. However, David Bradley is perhaps best known for his role as the despicable Lord Walder Frey from a little show called “Game of Thrones.” No big deal.
Djimon Hounsou ($4 million Net Worth)
Djimon Hounsou is one of those actors who is instantly recognizable. He rose to prominence for his roles in “Gladiator” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Yeah, we know those movies are huge deals. So why don’t we instantly recognize Djimon’s name? He’s an incredibly talented actor who has scored small roles in notable films.
Djimon started to land notable roles in the ‘90s. He garnered acclaim for his acting in Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad,” which even earned him a Golden Globe nomination. His role as Solomon Vandy in “Blood Diamond” was even more notable, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. What’s the deal, Hollywood? Let’s make this incredibly talented actor’s name blow up. He deserves it.
Embeth Davidtz ($5 million Net Worth)
Embeth Davidtz has had quite an impressive acting career. Even if you don’t recognize her name, you undoubtedly have seen her naturally beautiful face grace many a screen. Her breakout role was in 1992’s “Army of Darkness,” a cult classic of the “Evil Dead” franchise.
From there, Embeth went on to snag roles in famous films like “Schindler’s List,” “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” and “Mansfield Park.” Surviving as an actress in Hollywood is no easy feat. Embeth has done the next to impossible, even after taking a break from the industry to battle cancer in 2013. Today, new fans might recognize her as Steve Carrell’s fed-up wife in “The Morning Show,” or as Amanda in “Tales of the Walking Dead.”
Danny Trejo ($8 million Net Worth)
If you’re a fan of “From Dusk Till Dawn” and “Grindhouse,” you undoubtedly know who Danny Trejo is. However, if you’re not into pulp cinema, you might not know Trejo’s name. But one look at the famous actor’s face will make you instantly recognize him. Today, Danny Trejo is known for the above-mentioned movies and his role as Isador “Machete” Cortez in “Spy Kids.”
Although “Spy Kids” made Danny Trejo instantly recognizable, he had been working bit roles throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. Interestingly, Trejo kind of stumbled into acting. He started working as a movie extra as a way to make decent money and to promote the sober living house he worked for in the ‘80s. Now, he’s a leading actor and a successful L.A. restauranteur worth up to $8 million.
Maggie Wheeler ($2 million Net Worth)
Maggie Wheeler is one of the most recognizable faces from ‘90s sitcom television. Her name isn’t instantly recognizable, but everyone has seen her in at least one show. In case her name is hard to place, she rose to instant face recognition when she played the recurring character Janice Goralnik in “Friends.”
Maggie’s role as Chandler Bing’s hot-and-cold girlfriend is probably her most notable role. But that’s not the only thing she’s done. From there, she went on to act in “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Ellen.” Despite fading from the television sitcom limelight, Maggie is still working. She’s done plenty of voice acting and even starred in the ever-popular Lindsay Lohan remake of “The Parent Trap.”
Linda Cardellini ($9 million Net Worth)
Linda Cardellini is one of those actresses who has been quietly working hard and building a successful career away from the pesky eyes of tabloids and gossip magazines. She’s a pretty lowkey actress, which is why you probably don’t recognize her name. You’ve definitely seen her before, though.
Linda’s breakout role was Lindsay Weir on “Freaks and Geeks.” Although she hasn’t become a household name like her costars James Franco, Jason Segal, and Seth Rogan, Linda is doing pretty well for herself. After “Freaks and Geeks,” she went on to play Velma in the “Scooby-Doo” reboot movies from the early 2000s. If she’s not ringing a bell but still looks familiar, you’ve probably seen her in “ER,” “Brokeback Mountain,” or “Mad Men,” among other roles.
Breckin Meyer ($4 million Net Worth)
Breckin Meyer has a pretty unique name, but most people don’t know this actor until they see his face. Even then, a lot of people know that he looks vaguely familiar but can’t place him. That’s what we’re here for. You’ve most likely seen this actor in stuff like “Clueless” and the “Garfield” movies.
Do you recognize him now? Breckin has built a varied and interesting career in Hollywood. He’s best friends with Seth Green and has collaborated with him on various projects. For example, he’s a regular voice on “Robot Chicken” and starred alongside Seth and Macaulay Culkin in 2019’s “Changeland.”
Mädchen Amick ($4 million Net Worth)
You most definitely recognize Mädchen Amick when you see her. Her gorgeous face has starred in fan-favorite shows like “Twin Peaks” and “Gilmore Girls.” Mädchen’s name is pretty memorable, but it never became a household name for whatever reason. Despite this, Mädchen has built a pretty notable career for herself.
Her rise to fame started when she was cast as waitress Shelly Johnson in David Lynch’s famous show “Twin Peaks.” After that, she acted in several other TV shows. Most of us know her as Christopher’s partner, Sherry, in “Gilmore Girls,” the girlfriend that Lorelei fans love to hate. Today, Mädchen is a huge advocate for mental health and focuses on using her star power for positive change.
Crispin Glover ($6 million Net Worth)
Crispin Glover comes from a family of actors, so it’s no surprise that he followed in his parent’s footsteps. Crispin isn’t a household name, but that might be intentional. The actor is known for playing eccentric, off-the-wall characters. He spent the first two decades of his acting career portraying small but interesting roles in films like “Wild at Heart” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.”
If Crispin’s distinctive face looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen “Back to the Future” way too many times. Yup, Crispin portrayed George McFly, aka Marty McFly’s dad and awkward ‘50s high school student. His mainstream “big break” was in “Charlie’s Angels,” but he’s still an indie darling. He’s directed several surrealist films and self-published art books. He’s an artist at heart.
Giovanni Ribisi ($20 million Net Worth)
Take a good look at this guy’s face. Do you recognize him? Giovanni Ribisi has been working in Hollywood since he was a kid, so you’ve probably seen him in a thing or two. Giovanni’s parents work in the industry, so he started acting at a young age. As a child actor, Giovanni graced television screens in “The Twilight Zone” and “The Wonder Years.”
Although Giovanni has flown under the radar as far as fame goes, he’s still incredibly successful. Celebrity Net Worth estimates that the actor and producer is worth about $20 million. He’s also dated the famous singer Cat Power and gone on to star in shows like “Sneaky Pete” and “My Name is Earl.”
Clea DuVall ($1.5 million Net Worth)
When people learn Clea DuVall’s name, they often assume she’s related to Robert or Shelley Duvall. Clea isn’t related to either celebrity. In fact, she’s in a league of her own. The actress’s face is instantly recognizable thanks to her gigs in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Better Call Saul,” and “American Horror Story.” But Clea’s career is so much more accomplished than those roles.
Clea DuVall is a queer icon for many people. She starred in the cult classic “But I’m a Cheerleader” and made a name for herself as an edgy actress for her roles in “Girl, Interrupted” and Robert Rodriquez’s “The Faculty.” Recently, Clea has turned to directing. She made waves with her queer holiday rom-com “Happiest Season,” starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis as a same-sex couple.
Elizabeth Reaser ($2 million Net Worth)
One look at Elizabeth Reaser’s repertoire will have you wondering how you don’t already know her name. This actress has been in everything from “Twilight” to “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Yes, that’s right. The reason you probably recognize this actress is because she played Esme Cullen in all the “Twilight” movies.
She gained even more recognition after her starring role in Mike Flanagan’s “The Haunting of Hill House” in 2018. Despite her many roles, she still is most famous for playing the “Twilight” vampire matriarch. She’s not mad about it, though. She told “Us Weekly” in 2018 that she’s excited the film franchise has experienced a resurgence in popularity. She has nothing but fond memories of shooting on set with her costars.
Kate Siegel ($3 million Net Worth)
If you’re a horror fan, you probably know Kate Siegel as a “Scream Queen,” even if you don’t know her name off the top of your head. Kate is married to the famous horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan and has starred in several of his productions.
From “The Haunting of Hill House” to “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Kate’s face has become a recurring character in many a nightmare. However, Kate Siegel is more than just a pretty face. She’s also co-written the horror film “Hush” with Flanagan, solidifying the two as a horror-genre power couple. Kate’s name will only get more recognizable as her horror-themed star continues to rise.
Keith David ($5 million Net Worth)
If you feel like you’ve seen actor Keith David somewhere but can’t quite place him, you’re not alone. According to his IMDB profile, the prolific actor has over 300 credits to his name. That is beyond impressive. Okay, so where have we seen Keith David before?
Maybe we subconsciously remember him playing Otis Haywood Sr., OJ’s dad in Jordan Peele’s “Nope.” Or maybe it was Elroy in the show “Community.” His voice is ringing a bell, you say? Well, you’ve probably heard him in “The Princess and the Frog” or “Coraline.” Oh, wait. We know where you’ve heard of Keith David. He’s none other than The President in “Rick and Morty.”
Billy Zane ($20 million Net Worth)
Ah, Billy Zane. He has all the makings of a Hollywood heartthrob. Yet, despite his many notable roles, he never achieved the same “hottest man alive” status as some of his contemporaries. That’s no matter. We all seem to recognize his face when we see it. Most of us remember his face in “Titanic,” where he plays the millionaire antagonist Cal Hockley opposite Kate Winslet.
His infamous role in “Titanic” might be the reason Billy never became a leading man. To this day, people still come up to him on the street and call him "that [bad guy] from "Titanic." That one I get a lot, which is really nice. Nice to meet people that way,” he told “HuffPost Live” with more than a little irony in his voice.
Richard Jenkins ($8 million Net Worth)
Richard Jenkins has acting credits in over 100 movies and TV shows. But none of us can remember his name. Despite his obscurity, Richard Jenkins has been working consistently since the 1980s. That’s no easy feat in Hollywood. His kindly, fatherly visage has been in hit movies like “Step Brothers” and “Dear John.”
You probably know Richard Jenkins from a score of other works. “The Shape of Water,” “There’s Something About Mary,” “The Cabin in the Woods,” and the list goes on and on. All in all, Richard Jenkins has made a name for himself in Hollywood as a solid leader in the supporting actor category. He’s got a slew of award nominations and a few million dollars under his belt. Not bad, Richard, not bad.
Barry Shabaka Henley ($6 million Net Worth)
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a character actor. In fact, some people quite prefer it. Barry Shabaka Henley is one of those people. He has an impressive career as a character actor and is known for several of his recurring roles on famous TV shows. So, where have we seen this guy? He looks familiar.
Surprisingly, Barry got his start in Hollywood at 37, which is a lot older than many other actors trying to “make it” in the biz. He’s had bit parts in “Ali,” “Collateral,” and, most notably, “The Terminal.” Snagging any sort of part in a Steven Speilberg movie is a pretty big deal, in our opinion.
Jenna Elfman ($16 million Net Worth)
Remember “Dharma & Greg,” that sitcom from the late ‘90s? If you do, that’s most likely why Jenna Elfman looks so familiar. She’s the actress who played Dharma and received a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1999. Despite these achievements, her name has faded from most of our memories.
After “Dharma & Greg,” Jenna starred opposite some big names, such as Matthew McConaughey in “EDtv” and Ben Stiller in “Keeping the Faith.” Today, Jenna is taking it easy as far as acting goes. She had a recurring role in “Fear the Walking Dead” that ended in November 2023. Her net worth is around $16 million, so Jenna’s probably not too worried about future projects.
Geoffrey Arend ($2 million Net Worth)
Geoffrey Arend is probably most famous for being Christina Hendricks’ ex-husband, which isn’t a bad thing. People started recognizing his face when he would accompany her to red-carpet events over the course of the marriage between 2009 and 2019. He has a pretty memorable face, so the recognition was inevitable.
Besides his off-screen romance, Geoffrey is known for his small but mighty roles in films like “(500) Days of Summer” and “Bubble Boy.” His major claim to fame, however, was his recurring voice role as “Upchuck” in the animated show “Daria.” No matter what kind of work he does, Geoffrey Arend will always remain instantly recognizable, thanks to his curly hair.
Kathryn Hahn ($2 million Net Worth)
Kathryn Hahn is a borderline household name. It’s safe to say that a majority of us know her the second we lay eyes on her. But ask anyone what her name is, and they’re immediately stumped. We think Kathryn Hahn deserves all the recognition, especially because she has a huge acting range.
From comedies to dramas, Kathryn has done it all. Her breakout role was in the Y2K series “Crossing Jordan.” From there, she’s gone on to act in supporting roles in movies like “Step Brothers,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” and “Anchorman,” just to name a few bangers. In case comedy isn’t your thing, Kathryn has also starred in dramas like “Revolutionary Road” and “WandaVision.” She’s basically been in everything and continues to be cast in blockbusters. Let’s try our best to remember her name. She deserves it!
John Michael Higgins ($2.5 million Net Worth)
There’s something about John Michael Higgins’ face that is comforting. Even if you don’t know his name, you’ve seen his fatherly face in movies like “Pitch Perfect” and “The Break-Up.” We’d have to say that the key to John’s success in Hollywood is his willingness to play character roles.
He’s best known for his partnership with Christopher Guest, the mastermind behind mockumentaries like “Best in Show” and “A Mighty Wind.” Becoming famous for acting in a ton of hilarious mockumentaries isn’t a bad gig. All in all, John Michael Higgins has been able to work with some of the biggest names in Hollywood in some of the largest blockbusters without having to deal with the limelight and paparazzi.
Héctor Elizondo ($5 million Net Worth)
Héctor Elizondo might look intimidating in photographs, but real fans know the truth. Actually, can we call ourselves real fans if we only recognize Héctor by sight and not by name? Whatever. We all know and love him as the sweet security guard Joe in “The Princess Diaries” and its sequel.
Héctor is more than just a guy named Joe, although that is considered his most famous role for anyone under the age of 40. He also made waves for his short part in “Pretty Woman,” which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. In addition to multiple TV shows, Héctor loves representing his Puerto Rican heritage in Hollywood, which is so often dominated by white and stereotyped voices.
Jim Broadbent ($5 million Net Worth)
Jim Broadbent is more well-known in the UK, but US audiences undoubtedly recognize his face. This guy has been in everything from “Harry Potter” to “Moulin Rouge!” Most of us know good old Jim Broadbent as an accomplished character actor. Millennials will immediately recognize him as Professor Slughorn from the “Harry Potter” movies.
It’s safe to say that Jim is a heavyweight in the world of character acting. You’ve also seen his superb acting skills at work as Archmaester Ebrose in “Game of Thrones” and Professor Digory Kirke in “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Oh, we almost forgot to mention that Jim has worked with greats like Martin Scorsese, Harrison Ford, and Meryl Streep. He’s under the radar, but he’s also a big deal.
James Hong ($8 million Net Worth)
James Hong has gained more notoriety and exposure since his role in the Academy Award-winning movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” However, James Hong is an actor who has been in the game for many, many decades. We’ve all recognized his face and voice in several films without knowing his name.
James is famous for voicing animated characters like Chi-Fu in “Mulan,” Mr. Ping in “Kung Fu Panda,” and Mr. Gao in “Turning Red.” As for his IRL acting roles, you’ve probably seen him in a few small-time films like “Chinatown,” “Blade Runner,” and “Airplane!” No big deal. Needless to say, James Hong is a Hollywood legend who is finally getting the mainstream recognition he deserves.
Alex Borstein ($14 million Net Worth)
Alex Borstein is one of the unsung heroes of Hollywood. She’s been in the game since the ‘90s, starting as a writer and eventually moving on to small comedic roles. However, she’s best known for her voice. She is the famous and instantly recognizable voice behind Lois Griffin from “Family Guy.”
You’d never know that Lois's nasal voice is performed by the same woman who played Susie, the tough agent with a heart of gold, in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” On top of that, ‘90s kids will probably recognize the comedian for her not-so-PC Ms. Swan character from “MADtv.” Alex is a veteran writer and comedian who deserves way more recognition.
Margo Martindale ($4 million Net Worth)
Most character actors in Hollywood are men. However, Margo Martindale has defied all odds and stereotypes to make a name for herself as a prominent female character actress. She’s been a supporting actress in all kinds of movies, from “Hannah Montana” to “The Hours.” That’s quite a range.
Margo got her start in off-Broadway plays and eventually worked her way up to prominent roles alongside heavyweights like Paul Newman, Nicole Kidman, and Sandra Bullock. Considering that she has worked with several famous actresses on multiple projects, it’s safe to say that Margo is a beloved actress in the industry. Fun fact: she’s also good friends with actress Kathy Bates.
Wallace Shawn ($8 million Net Worth)
One look at Wallace Shawn immediately makes you think of “The Princess Bride,” right? Wallace Shawn is one of those comforting and familiar faces that many of us grew up watching in the ‘90s and early 2000s. He’s been in so many movies that it’s hard to place him in just one.
Wallace is also recognizable as Mr. Hall in 1995’s “Clueless,” but he’s familiar to many of us for a more subtle reason. Nowadays, most of his work is voice acting. Did you know he voiced Rex the Dino in the “Toy Story” franchise and Bertram in “Family Guy?” It’s time to admit that Wallace Shawn has infiltrated our collective subconscious as one of the most prolific actors of our generation.
Krysten Ritter ($8 million Net Worth)
Krysten Ritter has seen a bump in her career in the last few years, but her face still remains more recognizable than her name. Most of us know her for sidekick-slash-bestie roles in rom-coms like “27 Dresses” and “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” However, Krysten is so much more than that. She’s got range, people.
Krysten was pretty recognizable to people before 2015, but Netflix’s “Jessica Jones” really put her on the map. The superhero series definitely made her more of a household name. And we can't forget about her role as Jane in "Breaking Bad." We think she’s one of those recognizable stars who is still growing in their career. Who knows? Maybe Krysten Ritter will become a name that everyone and their grandma knows.
Holly Marie Combs ($8 million Net Worth)
We love a TV series queen. That honor definitely goes to Holly Marie Combs. If you don’t recognize her name, you’re not alone. However, most people instantly recognize the actress as Piper from the hit show “Charmed.” Piper was the middle sister of the show, sandwiched between Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano.
Holly kind of got the sticky end of the lollipop when it comes to “Charmed.” Shannen and Alyssa became a bit more famous than Holly. However, Holly was the only person to appear in every single episode of the show. Now, that’s what we call dedication. After “Charmed,” Holly went on to star as Lucy Hale’s mom in “Pretty Little Liars.”
Dean Winters ($6 million Net Worth)
Is that a picture of…the Allstate spokesman who loves to cause chaos in every commercial? Yes, yes, it is. His name is Dean Winters, and we all know who he is at this point. There’s so much more to Dean Winters’ career than silly Allstate commercials. Dean Winters was part of HBO’s landmark show “Oz,” which aired from 1997 to 2003.
So many other acting credits have made Dean Winters a household face, if not a well-known name. He was Liz Lemon’s loser boyfriend in “30 Rock,” Olivia Benson’s love interest on “SVU,” and Carrie Bradshaw’s hookup buddy in “Sex and the City.” Even though Dean didn’t start acting until he was in his 30s, he has found plenty of success.
Kim Dickens ($2 million Net Worth)
If Kim Dickens may look vaguely familiar, it’s probably because you saw her in “Gone Girl” or “The Blind Side.” Those are two of her most notable films, although she’s acted in dozens of other TV shows and movies. Kim Dickens is one of those actresses who always gives an impressive performance no matter what she’s cast in.
Kim has plenty of fans due to her diverse acting skills and hit TV shows. She had steady roles in “House of Cards,” “Sons of Anarchy,” and “Friday Night Lights.” There are also a ton of other shows that you don’t even realize she’s been in because of her smaller, short-lived roles. Remember Sawyer’s ex-lover, Cassidy Phillips, on “Lost?” Yeah, that’s Kim Dickens.
Luis Guzman ($13 million Net Worth)
Luis Guzman is one of those actors that everyone knows, even if they don’t recognize his name. Luis is such a distinctive actor that it’s no wonder we instantly recognize him. His career spans four decades, and he’s still going strong. Most of us know him from shows like “Narcos” and famous movies like “Boogie Nights.”
Luis Guzman is pretty famous, so he walks a fine line between diehard fans and people who know him as “that guy.” He most recently played Gomez Addams in the Netflix show “Wednesday,” making him a household face to a new, younger generation. We’re glad the kids of today are learning how amazing Luis Guzman is. Thanks, Netflix!
John Carroll Lynch ($6 million Net Worth)
We’re going to be honest. The name John Carroll Lynch doesn’t ring any bells. His face may not even ring any bells for some people. However, John Carroll Lynch is a stalwart in the acting community. If you like watching movies (who doesn’t?), then you’ve definitely seen his face before.
Allow us to jog your memory. John Carroll Lynch has an impressive repertoire. He’s been in “Zodiac,” “Ted 2,” “Shutter Island,” and “Fargo.” The list goes on and on. He was also a recurring character on “The Drew Carey Show” back in the day and a creepy clown in “American Horror Story.” Don’t feel bad that John Carroll Lynch isn’t a household name. This guy is worth about $3 to 6 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Dylan Baker ($4 million Net Worth)
Dylan Baker’s blue eyes and perpetual smile are instantly recognizable. However, the average person probably wouldn’t be able to name him on sight. That doesn’t make his acting career any less impressive. Dylan Baker has starred in movies like “Selma” and “Anchorman 2.” Haven’t seen those movies but still recognize him? He was also in “The Good Wife” and “The Americans.”
Dylan Baker has also found success in another form of media that is quite unexpected but very lucrative. He has narrated dozens of audiobooks and is pretty well-known in the field. He’s narrated giant hit books like “The Corrections” by literary darling Jonathan Franzen and Steve Jobs' biography. Thanks to this career pivot, Dylan is worth over $4 million. Who knew audiobooks were a cash cow?
Clancy Brown ($5 million Net Worth)
Clancy Brown is known for many things, including his deep and resounding voice. However, his big break was the role of Captain Hadley in “The Shawshank Redemption.” Some might argue that Clancy is often typecast as a villainous figure. They wouldn’t be wrong.
He played Long Feng, the corrupt city official in “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and Dr. Neo Cortex in “Crash Bandicoot.” Sounds pretty sinister to us. However, most of us are familiar with Clancy Brown in a completely different context. Clancy is none other than the distinctive voice of Mr. Krabs on “Spongebob Squarepants.” He's also appeared in "Gen V," "Ahsoka," and the revival series of "Dexter" in more recent times.
P. J. Byrne ($1.5 million Net Worth)
You may think P.J. Byrne looks familiar because of his “boy next door” demeanor. But we’re here to clue you into why his face is so recognizable. This guy has scored minor roles in huge movies like “Bruce Almighty,” “Fun With Dick and Jane,” and “Because I Said So.” These movies have huge stars, so thousands of people have seen them.
P.J. Byrne’s voice also might seem familiar. He voiced the character of Bolin in Nickelodeon’s “The Legend of Korra,” which was an “Avatar” spin-off. His most notable movie credit is in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Since then, he’s been quietly working unassuming roles and accumulating some impressive paychecks, easily making him a quiet millionaire.
Heather Matarazzo ($450,000 Net Worth)
Millennial women everywhere know Heather Matarazzo’s face. She played Anne Hathaway’s beloved best friend in “The Princess Diaries” and “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.” Lilly Moscovitz is definitely her most memorable role, especially because the “Princess Diaries” movies were such a big hit.
Heather has acted in several other productions before and after “Princess Diaries.” She’s also famous for playing Martha Meeks in “Scream 3.” She reprised her role as Martha in the 2022 “Scream” revival, much to the delight of fans. Although Heather Matarazzo might not be a well-known name, her recognizable face is part of many a millennial core memory.
Beth Grant ($600,000 Net Worth)
Many of us know Beth Grant for her recent and notable role as Beverly Janoszewski in “The Mindy Project.” That regular, recurring role put her face on the map for many. However, Beth had accumulated quite a repertoire before Mindy Kaling’s show. Beth Grant is a famous character actress you’ve undoubtedly seen on multiple occasions.
Beth has been acting for years. Her resume includes plenty of critically acclaimed films, including “Rain Man,” “No Country for Old Men,” and “Crazy Heart.” Some people like to dismiss artists who are described as character actors but Beth Grant proves that she can hang with the best of them. She’s an extraordinary actress.
Melanie Lynskey ($5 million Net Worth)
Melanie Lynskey is one of those actresses who has carved a lucrative career out of being the fun side character. It’s one way to make an honest living in Hollywood, that’s for sure. Melanie is most recently on people’s radars for playing Kathleen in “The Last of Us” and Betty Gore in “Candy.”
Despite Melanie’s nondescript appearance, she’s stunning on-screen. She has a major talent for acting, which is why she’s been able to land so many impressive supporting roles. She has worked alongside stars like Reese Witherspoon and Leonardo DiCaprio over the course of her career. That’s pretty impressive in our book.
Gary Cole ($5 million Net Worth)
Gary Cole is “that guy” from a lot of things. One look at his distinctive face will immediately make you recognize him as “that guy” from “Suits,” "The Good Fight," or “Talladega Nights.” Where you recognize him from all depends on the kind of media you’re into. Of course, Gary Cole’s most famous role is that of the dreaded boss Lumbergh from “Office Space.”
Gary Cole is extremely good at making you either love or hate him, depending on the roles you see him play. In addition, Gary Cole is an actor who can do it all. He got his start as a stage actor and has branched out into voice acting over the years. His voice acting gigs are prolific and include credits in “Family Guy,” “Kim Possible,” and “Archer.” Some of our favorite shows and movies wouldn’t be the same without Gary Cole.
Murray Bartlett ($14 million Net Worth)
Murray Bartlett is an Australian actor who has appeared on people’s radars pretty recently. We all recognize his distinctive and handsome face from the first season of “The White Lotus,” where he played hotelier Armond. He also blew up for playing Frank in the most heartbreaking, emotionally distressing episode of “The Last of Us.” You know the one.
While 2023 may have been Murray Bartlett’s year, he’s an actor who has been in the game for decades. He has starred in shows like “Sex and the City” and HBO’s “Looking.” After years in the business, Murray’s face is finally becoming more recognizable. We think his name should be out there, too.
Néstor Carbonell ($3 million Net Worth)
You’ve seen Néstor Carbonell before. He’s the guy who always looks like he’s wearing eyeliner or really amazing mascara. We’re sure he’s aware of his notoriously distracting and sultry eyes. He even referred to them in a scene during “The Morning Show,” where he plays conservative weatherman Yanko Flores.
Even if you’ve never seen “The Morning Show” before, you’ve undoubtedly seen Néstor in some of his previous work. He played the mysterious Richard Alpert in the Y2K hit show “Lost.” Before that, he rose to prominence for playing Luis in “Suddenly Susan.” By the way, his thick eyelashes are totally natural. He doesn’t wear a stitch of eye makeup in any of his scenes.
Michael Peña ($12 million Net Worth)
Michael Peña has become more well-known in recent years thanks to his role in “Ant-Man.” However, if someone says, “Oh, I love the actor Michael Peña!” most people won’t know who they’re talking about. That is until they Google him and see his face. Michael Peña is definitely an “oh, that guy” actor.
That’s not a bad thing, though. Michael has a pretty impressive career under his belt. He has acting credits in “Crash,” “Narcos,” and “Cesar Chavez.” Michael started acting in the ‘90s but didn’t get cast in a breakout role until the early 2000s. “Crash” and “Million Dollar Baby” were two films that caused a lot of buzz around Michael. For whatever reason, his impressive acting skills haven’t pushed his reputation into household name territory.