20 actors that have been in dozens of movies and Television set shows whose name y'all probably still don't know

actors you dont know

They have have recognizable faces, but what are their names?
Stefanie Keenan, Michael Loccisano, Kevin Winter / Getty
  • There are several actors in Hollywood that take been in dozens of movies and TV shows, simply yous probably nevertheless don't know their names.
  • Kathryn Hahn, Randall Park, and Regina Hall have been in countless famous comedies, simply they aren't household names.
  • Likewise, actors Toby Jones and Denis O'Hare have each been nominated for a Primetime Emmy, simply y'all probably but recognize their face.
  • Visit INSIDER'south homepage for more stories.

While Hollywood is filled with recognizable A-listers, there are several actors stuck in supporting roles.

While these actors rarely play leads, they instead polish as eccentric or scene-stealing side characters. Nigh times, these character actors are in a slew of movies and TV shows, and while we recognize them past face, we don't oft know them by name.

Go along reading to learn who the actors are that yous've seen everywhere but probably tin't place.

Melanie Lynskey has played several side characters over the years, including her recurring part in "Two and a One-half Men."

Melanie Lynskey.
Rich Polk/ Getty

Melanie Lynskey has made a career out of playing side characters in a long list of movies and Television set shows.

In the early on 2000s, she appeared in films with big celebrities like "Ever After: A Cinderella Story" reverse Drew Barrymore, "Sugariness Home Alabama" opposite Reese Witherspoon, and "Flags of Our Fathers" opposite Clint Eastwood.

She has likewise taken bit roles in "Abroad We Become" in 2009, "Upward in the Air" in 2009," and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" in 2012.

On TV, Lynskey has acted in "Two and a Half Men" every bit Rose for 63 episodes, and on HBO's "Togetherness."

Near recently, she played Molly Strand in Hulu's Stephen King series, "Castle Stone."

Denis O'Hare is a Primetime Emmy-nominated actor for his work in "American Horror Story," and has almost thirty years of interim nether his belt. Despite this, few know his proper name.

Denis O'Hare
Rob Kim/ Getty

Denis O'Hare's acting career spans nearly three decades, and he's racked up dozens of film and TV credits in this time. Some of his near notable roles include John Briggs in 2008'due south "Milk," Dr. Jonathan Steele in 2008's "Changeling," Duke Monahan in 2009's "Duplicity," and Dr. Sevard in 2013's "Dallas Buyer'southward Club."

All the same, most recognize O'Hare from his work on FX's "American Horror Story," in which he has played multiple parts. He has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award twice for his work on the show.

Almost recently, O'Hare has appeared in HBO's "Big Footling Lies" and NBC's "This Is Us."

Elizabeth Reaser appeared in Tv set shows ranging from "The Haunting of Hill House" to "Gray's Beefcake," but she'south still relatively unknown.

Elizabeth Reaser.
Noam Galai/ Getty

Near people volition recognize Elizabeth Reaser from her office every bit Shirley Crain in the Netflix hit "The Haunting of Colina House" in 2018, just the extra has a long list of credits that date back to the early on 2000s.

Reaser appeared in "Greyness'southward Anatomy" for 18 episodes, "Constabulary & Order: Criminal Intent" for two episodes, and "The Good Wife" for vii episodes.

She also played the mother vampire, Esme Cullen, in the "Twilight" franchise, opposite Kristen Stewart.

Almost recently, Reaser played Andi in the Netflix prove "Easy" and Olivia Winslow in the Hulu evidence "The Handmaid's Tale."

Many retrieve Giovanni Ribisi from "Friends," but he'south done a lot of interim since then — as well as earlier then.

Giovanni Ribisi.
Albert L. Ortega/ Getty

Most will remember Giovanni Ribisi from "Friends," when he played Phoebe'south unproblematic-minded brother. All the same, Ribisi had a boob tube acting career before appearing in the hitting sitcom. He played Jeff Billings on "The Wonder Years," Duffy Guthrie in "The New Exit It to Beaver," and Cory Kupkus in "My 2 Dads."

After "Friends," Ribisi appeared in blockbusters like 2009's "Avatar," 2012's "Ted," and 2014'south "Selma."

More recently, he has been starring in Bryan Cranston's "Sneaky Pete" as Marius. He is also expected to reprise his role as Parker Selfridge in the upcoming "Avatar" movies through 2027.

From "Step Brothers" to "Bad Moms," Kathryn Hahn has been in some of the biggest comedies of the concluding few years, only few know her past name.

Kathryn Hahn.
Dan Steinberg/AP

Although Kathryn Hahn started her acting career on offense drama "Crossing Jordan" in 2001, she has transitioned into a comedic actress. Hahn has acted in some of the about pop comedies of the terminal 2 decades, including 2003's "How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days," 2004'southward "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," 2008's "Stride Brothers," 2013'south "We're the Millers," and 2016's "Bad Moms."

Hahn has also appeared in the Amazon serial "Transparent," for which she earned a Primetime Emmy nomination.

Gary Cole has been acting since the early '80s, but is most well-known for his parts in "The Brady Bunch Moving-picture show" and "Dodgeball."

Gary Cole.
Jerod Harris/ Getty

Gary Cole began his career in boob tube, lending his interim chops to projects similar "Fatal Vision" in 1984, "American Playhouse" in 1984, and "First Steps" in 1985. His big break came in 1995, however, when he played Mike Brady in "The Brady Bunch Movie," and continued to play the role in the subsequent films.

In the 2000s, Cole began to shift towards more comedic roles, actualization in 2004'south "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!" and "Dodgeball: a True Underdog Story." In 2006, he acted in "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" and in "Pineapple Limited" in 2008.

Cole also has a lengthy listing of television credits, which include "Arrested Development," "Desperate Housewives," "Entourage," "Archer," "The Proficient Wife," "The Good Fight," "Bob'south Burgers," "Suits," and "Family unit Guy."

Most recently, he wrapped up the concluding season of HBO's Emmy-winning show, "Veep," in which he played deadpan Kent Davison.

Beth Grant may exist all-time known for her role in the "Mindy Project," but she'south appeared in many, many big movies before and then.

Beth Grant.
Tibrina Hobson/ Getty

Beth Grant'southward list of credits is lengthy. She has appeared in such popular films as "Donnie Darko," "Speed," "Rain Main," "Flight Liners," "Footling Miss Sunshine," "No Land for Old Men," "Speed," and "The Artist."

Grant's career also expands to television, as she has appeared in "Jericho," "Pushing Daisies," and "Mockingbird Lane."

Her well-nigh visible role to appointment was the politically wrong and crass Beverly in the "Mindy Project," which ended in 2017.

Most recently, Grant appeared in Netflix'due south "A Series of Unfortunate Events."

Michael Ealy is well-nigh recognizable from "Barbershop," though he'due south been in many other films and shows.

Michael Ealy.
Bob D'Amico/ Getty

Michael Ealy got his big interruption in 2002 when he was bandage as convict Ricky Nash in "Barbershop," a office he reprised in "Barbershop 2." He has since appeared in several movies, including Tyler Perry's "For Colored Girls" in 2010, "Think Similar a Human" in 2012, and "Near Final Night" in 2014.

Ealy has also taken roles in several Boob tube shows, including "Being Mary Jane," "The Following," "Californication," and "The Good Wife."

Almost recently, Ealy has appeared in "The Intruder" reverse Meagan Good.

Meagan Good started as a child actor and went on to become the honey interest in "Stomp the Yard."

Meagan Skillful.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Meagan Good was a child star in the belatedly '90s, appearing in shows like "Touched by an Angel" in 1997, "The Parent 'Hood" in 1998, "Moesha" in 2000, and "The Steve Harvey Prove" in 2000.

Good's career did not stop when she grew upwardly, though. She continued to take on roles on television like "The Game" in 2011, "Californication" in 2012, and "Minority Report" in 2015.

Good also appeared in a number of movies like "Stomp the Yard" in 2007, "I Missed Telephone call" in 2008, "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" in 2013, and "Think Like a Man Too" in 2014.

Most recently, she'south appeared in DC's "Shazam!" as Super Hero Darla and in "The Intruder" as Annie.

Clea DuVall is known for portraying a range of lesbian characters, but many don't know her name.

Clea DuVall.
Jennifer Graylock/ Getty

Clea DuVall'due south big break came in 1998 when she was cast in "The Kinesthesia" opposite Elijah Forest and Josh Hartnett. By 2000, she appeared in ii more cult classics: "Merely I'm a Cheerleader" and "Girl, Interrupted."

Since and so, DuVall appeared in several TV shows, including "Carnivàle," "Heroes," "American Horror Story," and "The Lizzie Borden Chronicles."

Recently, she has appeared in HBO's "Veep" and Hulu's "The Handmaid'south Tale." In both of these shows, she plays a lesbian graphic symbol — something DuVall has become known for.

Stacey Nuance is best known for her role in "Clueless," but not many know her beyond that.

Stacey Dash.
Rob Kim/Getty Images

Stacey Dash's most iconic function came in 1995 when she played Dionne in "Clueless" contrary Alicia Silverstone. Dash went on to reprise the part in the Television set serial of the same name in 1996 for three seasons.

Beyond "Clueless," Dash also appeared in popular Tv shows like "The Game," "Single Ladies," and "American Dad."

Dash fabricated headlines in 2016, yet, for saying channels like BET should exist eliminated. She also announced that she was running for Congress in California as a Republican, according to Borderline.

Her political views helped her go bandage every bit the mayor in 2016's TV motion-picture show "Sharknado four: The 4th Awakens."

Toby Jones is a Primetime Emmy-nominated actor for his portrayal of Alfred Hitchcock, and has been in several blockbusters.

Toby Jones.
Karwai Tang/ Getty

Toby Jones jumped into Hollywood in 2006, with his breakthrough portrayal of Truman Capote in "Infamous" opposite Sandra Bullock, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sigourney Weaver. After that, Jones appeared equally a supporting role player in several movies, including 2008's "Frost/Nixon," 2011's "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,"  2012's "The Hunger Games," and 2018's "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom."

Jones also appeared in several Boob tube shows, which include "Agent Carter" and "Doctor Who." In 2012, he was nominated for a Gold Globe and a Primetime Emmy for his portrayal of Alfred Hitchcock in HBO's "The Girl."

Giancarlo Esposito is most recognizable amidst "Breaking Bad" fans, merely he's been in many other projects.

Giancarlo Esposito.
Frazer Harrison/ Getty

For those who do know Giancarlo Esposito, you probably recognize him from "Breaking Bad" and its spin-off show, "Better Call Saul," in which Esposito plays Gus Fring, a eating house owner who secretly sells drugs.

Esposito is no stranger to television, though. He has appeared in "Dearest White People" for 23 episodes, "One time Upon a Time" for 14 episodes, and "The Get Down" for 10 episodes.

Most recently, he plays Charlie Baudelaire on Cinemax'south criminal offense drama "Jett."

Regina Hall is recognizable for her function in the "Scary Film" franchise, but she'south withal relatively unknown, despite having been in tons of big films and TV shows since then.

Regina Hall.
Roy Rochlin/ Getty

In 2000, Regina Hall landed her breakout role as Brenda in "Scary Movie." She went on to reprise that office in the iii sequels. The following yr, Hall started her role equally Coretta Lipp on "Ally McBeal," which lasted 25 episodes.

She has since appeared in several shows, including "Insecure," "Black-ish," and "Police force & Society." Hall also acted in several movies like "Nigh Final Night" in 2014, "Retrieve Like a Human" in 2014, "With This Band" in 2015, and "Barbershop: The Adjacent Cut" in 2016.

Most recently, she starred in popular films "Girls Trip" and "The Detest U Requite."

Randall Park is a comedy actor best known for his role in "The Interview," only not many people know him beyond that.

Randall Park.
Danny Moloshok/AP

Randall Park started as a sketch comedy histrion on TV shows similar "MadTV" and "Nick Cannon Presents: Short Circuitz." In 2014, he got his big break when he played Northward Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the controversial moving picture "The Interview" opposite James Franco and Seth Rogen. The pic was not officially released afterward hackers threatened to attack film theaters that played it.

Since and so, Park appeared in 2015's "The Night Before," 2016'south "Part Christmas Party," 2018'south "Pismire-Human being and the Wasp," and 2018's "Aquaman."

About recently, he co-starred in Netflix's romantic one-act "E'er Exist My Mayhap" opposite Ali Wong.

Heather Matarazzo is nevertheless all-time known for her role in "The Princess Diaries," but she's been in a slew of other things.

Heather Matarazzo.
Jason LaVeris/ Getty

Most people volition recognize Heather Matarazzo every bit the dorky friend opposite Anne Hathaway in the "Princess Diaries" movies from 2001 and 2004. Simply many don't know Matarazzo has appeared in a slew of Tv shows and movies since her breakout role.

She took fleck roles in 2004'southward cult archetype "Saved!" 2007's "Hostel: Part II," 2011'southward "Mangus!" 2015's "Sisters," 2016'southward Girl Flu," and 2016's "Culling Hens."

Despite appearing in several notable films, like "There's Something Well-nigh Mary," Keith David is not instantly recognizable.

Keith David.
Paras Griffin/ Getty

Although Keith David started as a Broadway role player, he rapidly took on moving picture roles that made him a recognizable face in the industry.

His film career began in 1982 with John Carpenter's "The Affair" and Oliver Stone's "Platoon" in 1986 as King. He continued to piece of work with other big names like Clint Eastwood in "Bird" in 1988, in which he played a jazz thespian.

In the '90s, David'south career flourished, appearing in "Clockers" and "Dead Presidents." In 1998,David played Cameron Diaz'southward hilarious stepfather in the cult classic "In that location's Something About Mary."

In 2004, he played Lt. Dixon in the Academy Laurels-winning picture show "Crash." In the new millennium, David began his career in vocalism interim. Near recently, he has lent his vox to "Final Infinite," "Avengers Assemble," and "Star vs. the Forces of Evil."

Julie Gonzalo is nigh recognizable for her role in "Veronica Mars," but that's far from the only affair she's been in.

Julie Gonzalo.
Paul Archuleta/ Getty

Julie Gonzalo started her acting career in the early 2000s, taking fleck roles in Tv set shows and movies. She commencement appeared in 2003'due south "Freaky Friday" opposite Lindsay Lohan and went on to appear in 2004's "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" and 2004'southward "A Cinderella Story."

Her biggest role came in 2004 when she played Parker Lee in "Veronica Mars," a role she has reprised in the show'south reboot.

From 2012 to 2014, she played Pamela in TNT's "Dallas."

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