Actress Danielle Fishel

Are there any performances that stuck with you, but you have no idea the actual name of the actor or actress who portrayed them? You’re not alone. After polling the internet, “Which actors are widely recognized by their characters and not by their real names?” These are the top-voted responses.

1. Kathy Bates – Misery

Actress Kathy Bates
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“Saw her in Misery, and I thought she was super creepy, took me years to warm to her. I’m saying that though, I wouldn’t heckle them in the street or send them mean messages, it’s bizarre to me that people would do that.”

2. Cassandra Peterson – Elvira: Mistress of the Dark

Actress Cassandra Peterson at a press event
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Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. Cassandra Peterson is a freaking treasure. And she looks completely different when out of costume,” someone confessed. Another replied, “That’s her name !?! I almost went a lifetime without knowing that.”

3. Jim Parsons – The Big Bang Theory

Actor Jim Parsons
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Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory is always Sheldon Cooper,” one stated. Another added, “All of the characters from The Big Bang Theory, honesty, except Penny (Kaley Cuoco).” Finally, a third responded, “Johnny Galecki is Leonard, but he was well-known as David, Darlene’s boyfriend on Roseanne, long before The Big Bang Theory.”

4. Christopher McDonald – Happy Gilmore

Actor Christopher McDonald
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“Shooter McGavin from Happy Gilmore,” someone suggested. Another admitted, “He flew on a flight I worked once, and when I went to tell friends. I was ashamed I only knew him as Shooter McGavin.” Another argued, “You mean Goose McKenzie from Grease 2?”

5. Wayne Knight – Seinfeld

Image of actor Wayne Knight and his wife
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“Newman from Seinfeld. He was even basically Newman in Jurassic Park and Space Jam, too,” someone expressed. However, others impressed upon the Seinfeld fans, “But he was also Don in 3rd Rock from the Sun.”

6. Danielle Fishel – Boy Meets World

Actress Danielle Fishel
Image Credit: Kathy Hutchins via Shutterstock.

Someone suggested Topanga from Boy Meets World and Girls Meets World. 

Another added, “No one replied with her real name, so I guess you are right.” While another user agreed, they did know her real name, adding, “Danielle Fishel! I couldn’t tell you if she’s acted in anything else though.”

7. Marc Evan Jackson – Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Image of actor Marc Evan Jackson
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“Kevin from Brooklyn Nine-Nine. You can put him in The Good Place or any other show you want. He’s always going to be Captain Holt’s husband, Kevin, to me,” one confessed. “It helps that he plays the same character everywhere. Not that he doesn’t do it well,” another added. 

8. Jack Gleeson – Game of Thrones

Image of actor Jack Gleeson
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“King Joffrey Baratheon. Sadly, the pressure of the spotlight and people’s inability to separate the actor from the character contributed to Jack Gleeson giving up acting. I’m told he’s a fantastic down-to-earth human being, and we know his acting talent is extraordinary. However, I’ve seen photos of Caligula’s statue, and his face is a dead ringer for Joffrey,” one person replied.

9. Alfonso Ribeiro – Fresh Prince of Bel Air

Image of actor Alfonso Ribeiro
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“Carlton Banks,” said one. “Ironic,” another shared. “Alfonso Ribeiro was the one who gave Will Smith the advice to have his character be named Will as that’s what everyone would know him as.” Others reminded people he hosted America’s Funniest Home Videos and nailed it.

10. Jaleel White – Family Matters

Image of actor Jaleel White
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Someone nominated, “Steve Urkel.” A second person suggested, “Oooh, good one. Jaleel White. Don’t forget about Stefan Ur Kel.” Finally, a third admitted, “I always think of his part in Big Fat Liar where he’s on the phone yelling at someone, “My name is not Urkle. It is Jaleel White!”

11. Rainn Wilson – The Office

Image of actor Rainn Wilson
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“Dwight Schrute. At least Rainn Wilson looks regular without the haircut and glasses, but Jim Halpert will always be Jim Halpert,” someone claimed. Another added, “I feel like it’s all The Office characters.” Finally, a third argued, “Yeah, John Krasinski deserves to be recognized as more than Jim: A Quiet Place and Jack Ryan.”

12. Josh Radnor – How I Met Your Mother

Actor Josh Radnor
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One stated, “Ted Mosby from How I Met Your Mother. I don’t even know his real name. He’s just Ted Mosby to me,” someone confessed. “Josh Radnor! He’s got a whole music career going now,” a second person added. “He’s great!”

15 Celebrities Who Look Younger Despite Their Age

Actress Michelle Pfeiffer
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In Hollywood, the pressure to look youthful is very present. Many celebrities resort to plastic surgery, injections, and expensive skincare rituals to ensure they are aging gracefully. Sometimes, these solutions can be overdone, causing them to look older than they are. Here is a list of older celebrities that remain youthful-looking, despite being middle-aged.

15 Celebrities Who Look Younger Despite Their Age

10 Movie Soundtracks That Are Amazing From Beginning to End

Image from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You
Image Credit: Touchstone Pictures.

Have you ever watched a movie where the introduction music starts playing, and you catch yourself bobbing your head? One hour in, and your neck starts hurting because you can’t stop? 

Someone asked on a popular online forum, “Which movie soundtrack slaps from beginning to end?” Here are some of the top-voted responses.

10 Movie Soundtracks That Are Amazing From Beginning to End

14 Celebrities People Are Embarrassed To Admit They Find Attractive

Actor Johnny Knoxville
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You are talking with your friends, and the subject of who is the hottest celebrity comes up. Everyone is saying all the typical answers you figured to hear. Then it comes to your turn, and you say your celebrity crush’s name, and everyone looks at you with a puzzled look.

14 Celebrities People Are Embarrassed To Admit They Find Attractive

Early Brad Pitt Movies That Were a Hit and Still Hold up Today

Actor Brad Pitt
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As one of Hollywood’s most famous leading men for decades, there’s no denying Brad Pitt has had a long list of successes in his career. But do any of his early hits still hold up today?

Early Brad Pitt Movies That Were a Hit and Still Hold up Today

13 Celebrity Rumors People Can’t Stop Talking About

Actor George Clooney
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Being in the limelight, celebrities are scrutinized for every move they make. Often, their actions are greatly embellished by the media. Social media, of course, only serve to spread the rumors like wildfire, whether there’s any truth to them or not. Here are 13 celebrity rumors people can’t stop talking about.

13 Celebrity Rumors People Can’t Stop Talking About

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Elizabeth Ervin

Elizabeth Ervin is the owner of Sober Healing, a website that provides information about addiction, recovery, mental wellness, spirituality, and resources to help people succeed in rebuilding their lives. Elizabeth has education and experience with addiction, healing, and spiritual studies. She is passionate about learning, teaching, and loving her neighbor. 

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