Where Have We Seen That Guy?
Our favorite movie stars weren’t always strutting the red carpet—a lot of them got their start on the small screen, charming audiences as funny aliens or psychologists in a bar. Come with us as we revisit some popular sitcoms that brought your heroes to life.
1. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
It’s hard not to think of the titular character when you envision this show, but The Mary Tyler Moore Show brought a lot of people to the limelight. It starred some pretty incredible actresses, well before they were famous: Betty White, Cloris Leachman, and Georgia Engel!
2. Wings
Tony Shalhoub is perhaps better known for his role in Monk, but throughout the ‘90s, he starred in Wings, a popular sitcom set in an airport. NBC eventually cancelled it late in the decade, but that didn’t stop Shalhoub from finding other avenues to display his acting chops.
Kristin Dos Santos from Los Angeles, California, United States on Wikimedia
3. Cheers
Believe it or not, we’re not talking about Ted Danson. We’re not talking about Kirstle Alley or Woody Harrelson either. No, we’re talking about Kelsey Grammer, who eventually went on to have his own spinoff that was arguably more successful than his stepping stone! For a good ten years after Cheers ended, Dr. Frasier Crane charmed us every week from his Seattle apartment.
4. Bosom Buddies
You probably know Tom Hanks from his countless movies, but he actually starred in a sitcom called Bosom Buddies. It was as silly as its title, primarily focusing on improv and gender stereotypes common in the ‘80s. It was definitely a product of its time, and only lasted two seasons, but a young Tom got his start there.
5. Mork & Mindy
What comes to mind when you think of Robin Williams? Mrs. Doubtfire? Maybe the big blue genie? Heaven forbid it’s Flubber. However, we doubt it’s his actual first role, which was a sitcom from the late ‘70s. He played a bumbling, but well-meaning, alien, and it secured Williams’ place in our hearts!
