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

actors you dont know

They have have recognizable faces, but what are their names?
Stefanie Keenan, Michael Loccisano, Kevin Wintertime / Getty
  • At that place are several actors in Hollywood that accept been in dozens of movies and Tv shows, merely you probably however don't know their names.
  • Kathryn Hahn, Randall Park, and Regina Hall take been in countless famous comedies, only they aren't household names.
  • Likewise, actors Toby Jones and Denis O'Hare take each been nominated for a Primetime Emmy, but you probably only recognize their face.
  • Visit INSIDER's 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 smoothen as eccentric or scene-stealing side characters. Most times, these character actors are in a slew of movies and TV shows, and while we recognize them by face up, we don't often know them by name.

Keep reading to larn who the actors are that you've seen everywhere but probably can't identify.

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

Melanie Lynskey.
Rich Polk/ Getty

Melanie Lynskey has fabricated a career out of playing side characters in a long listing of movies and TV shows.

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

She has also taken bit roles in "Away We Go" in 2009, "Up 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" as Rose for 63 episodes, and on HBO's "Togetherness."

Most recently, she played Molly Strand in Hulu's Stephen Male monarch series, "Castle Rock."

Denis O'Hare is a Primetime Emmy-nominated actor for his work in "American Horror Story," and has almost 30 years of acting under his chugalug. Despite this, few know his name.

Denis O'Hare
Rob Kim/ Getty

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

However, most recognize O'Hare from his work on FX'due south "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.

Most recently, O'Hare has appeared in HBO's "Large Piffling Lies" and NBC's "This Is United states of america."

Elizabeth Reaser appeared in Television receiver shows ranging from "The Haunting of Hill House" to "Gray's Beefcake," only she's still relatively unknown.

Elizabeth Reaser.
Noam Galai/ Getty

Most people volition recognize Elizabeth Reaser from her role as Shirley Crain in the Netflix hit "The Haunting of Hill House" in 2018, but the actress has a long list of credits that engagement back to the early on 2000s.

Reaser appeared in "Grey's Beefcake" for 18 episodes, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" for two episodes, and "The Good Married woman" for seven episodes.

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

Most recently, Reaser played Andi in the Netflix show "Piece of cake" and Olivia Winslow in the Hulu bear witness "The Handmaid's Tale."

Many think Giovanni Ribisi from "Friends," merely he's washed a lot of acting since then — besides every bit before then.

Giovanni Ribisi.
Albert Fifty. Ortega/ Getty

Most will recollect Giovanni Ribisi from "Friends," when he played Phoebe's simple-minded brother. However, Ribisi had a television acting career earlier 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 Ii Dads."

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

More recently, he has been starring in Bryan Cranston's "Sneaky Pete" as Marius. He is also expected to reprise his part 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 final few years, but few know her by proper name.

Kathryn Hahn.
Dan Steinberg/AP

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

Hahn has also appeared in the Amazon series "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 Picture show" and "Dodgeball."

Gary Cole.
Jerod Harris/ Getty

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

In the 2000s, Cole began to shift towards more comedic roles, appearing in 2004'due 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 list of tv credits, which include "Arrested Development," "Desperate Housewives," "Entourage," "Archer," "The Good Wife," "The Skilful Fight," "Bob'due south Burgers," "Suits," and "Family Guy."

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

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

Beth Grant.
Tibrina Hobson/ Getty

Beth Grant's list of credits is lengthy. She has appeared in such popular films every bit "Donnie Darko," "Speed," "Rain Chief," "Flight Liners," "Little Miss Sunshine," "No Land for Erstwhile Men," "Speed," and "The Artist."

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

Her near visible role to appointment was the politically incorrect and crass Beverly in the "Mindy Project," which concluded in 2017.

Nigh recently, Grant appeared in Netflix'southward "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 break in 2002 when he was cast as convict Ricky Nash in "Barbershop," a role he reprised in "Barbershop two." He has since appeared in several movies, including Tyler Perry'southward "For Colored Girls" in 2010, "Think Like a Man" in 2012, and "Nearly Final Night" in 2014.

Ealy has as well taken roles in several Tv shows, including "Being Mary Jane," "The Post-obit," "Californication," and "The Expert Married woman."

Most recently, Ealy has appeared in "The Intruder" opposite Meagan Skilful.

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

Meagan Practiced.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Meagan Practiced was a kid star in the late '90s, appearing in shows similar "Touched by an Angel" in 1997, "The Parent 'Hood" in 1998, "Moesha" in 2000, and "The Steve Harvey Evidence" in 2000.

Skilful's career did not terminate when she grew up, though. She connected to take on roles on television similar "The Game" in 2011, "Californication" in 2012, and "Minority Written report" in 2015.

Good also appeared in a number of movies like "Stomp the 1000" in 2007, "One Missed Call" in 2008, "Anchorman ii: The Legend Continues" in 2013, and "Call up Similar a Man Too" in 2014.

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

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

Clea DuVall.
Jennifer Graylock/ Getty

Clea DuVall's big break came in 1998 when she was cast in "The Kinesthesia" opposite Elijah Wood and Josh Hartnett. By 2000, she appeared in two more than cult classics: "But I'm a Cheerleader" and "Daughter, Interrupted."

Since then, 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'south "The Handmaid's Tale." In both of these shows, she plays a lesbian grapheme — something DuVall has go known for.

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

Stacey Dash.
Rob Kim/Getty Images

Stacey Dash'southward nearly iconic function came in 1995 when she played Dionne in "Clueless" reverse Alicia Silverstone. Dash went on to reprise the role in the TV series of the same proper noun in 1996 for 3 seasons.

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

Dash made headlines in 2016, however, for saying channels like BET should be eliminated. She as well announced that she was running for Congress in California as a Republican, according to Deadline.

Her political views helped her get cast as the mayor in 2016's TV movie "Sharknado 4: The quaternary 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" contrary Sandra Bullock, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sigourney Weaver. After that, Jones appeared as a supporting actor in several movies, including 2008'south "Frost/Nixon," 2011's "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,"  2012's "The Hunger Games," and 2018's "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom."

Jones likewise appeared in several Goggle box shows, which include "Agent Carter" and "Medico Who." In 2012, he was nominated for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy for his portrayal of Alfred Hitchcock in HBO's "The Daughter."

Giancarlo Esposito is most recognizable among "Breaking Bad" fans, just he'south been in many other projects.

Giancarlo Esposito.
Frazer Harrison/ Getty

For those who do know Giancarlo Esposito, you lot probably recognize him from "Breaking Bad" and its spin-off bear witness, "Ameliorate Call Saul," in which Esposito plays Gus Fring, a restaurant possessor who secretly sells drugs.

Esposito is no stranger to television, though. He has appeared in "Dear White People" for 23 episodes, "Once Upon a Time" for 14 episodes, and "The Get Downwardly" for 10 episodes.

Most recently, he plays Charlie Baudelaire on Cinemax's criminal offence drama "Jett."

Regina Hall is recognizable for her part in the "Scary Moving-picture show" franchise, but she's still relatively unknown, despite having been in tons of big films and Television set shows since then.

Regina Hall.
Roy Rochlin/ Getty

In 2000, Regina Hall landed her breakout role as Brenda in "Scary Picture." She went on to reprise that role in the three sequels. The post-obit 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 "Law & Order." Hall also acted in several movies like "Most Terminal Night" in 2014, "Think Like a Human being" in 2014, "With This Ring" in 2015, and "Barbershop: The Next Cut" in 2016.

Almost recently, she starred in pop films "Girls Trip" and "The Detest U Give."

Randall Park is a comedy thespian best known for his function in "The Interview," but not many people know him beyond that.

Randall Park.
Danny Moloshok/AP

Randall Park started as a sketch comedy histrion on Tv set shows like "MadTV" and "Nick Cannon Presents: Brusk Circuitz." In 2014, he got his big break when he played North Korean leader Kim Jong-united nations in the controversial picture show "The Interview" opposite James Franco and Seth Rogen. The pic was not officially released later on hackers threatened to attack moving-picture show theaters that played it.

Since then, Park appeared in 2015'due south "The Night Before," 2016'due south "Office Christmas Political party," 2018's "Ant-Man and the Wasp," and 2018's "Aquaman."

Most recently, he co-starred in Netflix'south romantic comedy "Always Be My Maybe" opposite Ali Wong.

Heather Matarazzo is still 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

Almost people will recognize Heather Matarazzo as the dorky friend opposite Anne Hathaway in the "Princess Diaries" movies from 2001 and 2004. But many don't know Matarazzo has appeared in a slew of TV shows and movies since her breakout part.

She took flake roles in 2004'south cult classic "Saved!" 2007's "Hostel: Part Ii," 2011'southward "Mangus!" 2015'southward "Sisters," 2016's Girl Influenza," and 2016's "Culling Hens."

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

Keith David.
Paras Griffin/ Getty

Although Keith David started as a Broadway histrion, he quickly took on film roles that made him a recognizable face in the manufacture.

His film career began in 1982 with John Carpenter's "The Matter" and Oliver Rock's "Platoon" in 1986 as King. He connected to piece of work with other big names similar Clint Eastwood in "Bird" in 1988, in which he played a jazz player.

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

In 2004, he played Lt. Dixon in the Academy Award-winning movie "Crash." In the new millennium, David began his career in voice acting. Most recently, he has lent his voice to "Terminal Space," "Avengers Assemble," and "Star vs. the Forces of Evil."

Julie Gonzalo is most recognizable for her role in "Veronica Mars," but that'southward far from the but affair she'due south been in.

Julie Gonzalo.
Paul Archuleta/ Getty

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

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

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

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