Actors often achieve iconic status on television in their roles, but moving from one major role to another is a feat of endurance. And a select few have transcended the odds, demonstrating their versatility and skill by appearing in other characters in hit shows. Below are some actors who made impressive career switches.
Bryan CranstonAs Hal, the goofy but loveable father in the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006), Bryan Cranston became a household name for all things funny. But then he veered sharply into drama, starring as Walter White in Breaking Bad (2008–2013). His metamorphosis from meek high school chemistry teacher to ruthless drug kingpin demonstrated his incredible range. Cranston won several Emmy Awards while working on Breaking Bad cementing his legacy as one of the greatest actor of his era.
Kelsey Grammer’s transition wasn’t between two entirely different characters but rather his evolution of Dr. Frasier Crane across two iconic series. First introduced in *Cheers* (1984–1993) as a secondary character, Frasier Crane became a fan favorite. This success led to *Frasier* (1993–2004), where Grammer reprised the role, delving deeper into the character’s wit and neuroses. Playing the same character for two decades in two different shows while keeping it fresh is a feat few actors can claim.
### 3. **Julianna Margulies: Nurse to Legal Powerhouse**
Julianna Margulies first gained fame as Carol Hathaway, the compassionate and resilient nurse on *ER* (1994–2000). After leaving the show, she returned to television years later in *The Good Wife* (2009–2016) as Alicia Florrick, a lawyer navigating a high-profile political scandal and her return to the legal field. Margulies’s ability to anchor both roles with emotional depth and strength made her a standout in both dramas, earning her Emmy Awards for each series.
### 4. **James Spader: From Legal Eagle to Criminal Mastermind**
James Spader is no stranger to memorable TV roles. He first captivated audiences as the enigmatic Alan Shore in *The Practice* and its spinoff, *Boston Legal* (2003–2008), where his razor-sharp wit and legal prowess were on full display. Spader later reinvented himself as Raymond "Red" Reddington in *The Blacklist* (2013–present), a mysterious and morally ambiguous criminal mastermind. Both roles highlight Spader’s ability to command attention, whether as a hero or an antihero.
### 5. **Sarah Michelle Gellar: Slayer to Suburban Mom**
Sarah Michelle Gellar became a pop culture icon as Buffy Summers in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* (1997–2003), where she balanced action, drama, and humor as the titular slayer of the undead. Years later, she took on a vastly different role in *Ringer* (2011–2012) and *Wolf Pack* (2023), demonstrating her ability to shift between supernatural dramas and complex, layered characters with ease.
### 6. **Ron Howard: From Mayberry to the Director’s Chair**
Ron Howard began his career as Opie Taylor, the charming boy in *The Andy Griffith Show* (1960–1968), and later starred as Richie Cunningham in *Happy Days* (1974–1980). While these TV roles cemented his early acting career, Howard transitioned into one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed directors, helming films like *Apollo 13* (1995) and *A Beautiful Mind* (2001).
### The Key to Successful Transitions
For these actors, success in transitioning between roles lies in their willingness to take risks, embrace challenges, and reinvent themselves. By exploring vastly different characters and genres, they have not only demonstrated their range but also their staying power in an ever-evolving industry.