15 Actors That Can't Escape Their Famous Characters

When most people see these 15 actors, the first thing that comes to their mind isn’t each actor’s name. Instead, people think of the name of the iconic character they played in film or TV. These actors are forever stuck as…

15. Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute in The Office

Rainn Wilson has played a lot of roles since the office, including starring as Dr. Demento in Weird: The Al Jankovic Story. But for most people, when they see Wilson, they are always going to think: ‘There’s Dwight Schrute from The Office.’ It’s probably because Rainn himself has said: “I think Dwight is America.”

14. Kerry Washington as Mia Warren in Little Fires Everywhere

Kerry Washington has had some big roles in some very big movies. But the one role that made her stand out in the minds of a lot of people was playing Mia Warren and Little Fires Everywhere. She breathed such a life into a character you hated and rooted for at the same time. She became the character and it’s hard to see her otherwise.

13. Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man in the Marvel Universe

Robert Downey Jr. possesses incredible acting talent and has convincingly become a lot of the characters he’s portrayed, such as Sherlock Holmes or Charlie Chaplin. He got an Oscar nomination for the latter. However, his portrayal of Iron Man in the Marvel Comics Universe is so iconic he has become inseparable from the character.

12. Rami Malek as Elliot Alderson in Mr. Robot

Sure, Rami Malek won an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in 2019 for his betrayal of legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody. But outside of makeup, he doesn’t resemble Mercury. However, it’s hard not to forever see him as Elliot Alderson in Mr. Robot.

11. Kristen Bell as Veronica Mars in Veronica Mars

Kristen Bell will always be inseparable from her role as teenage private detective Veronica Mars in the titular series that ran from 2004-2007. She also starred in the 2014 film and a 2019 revival. Veronica also occasionally narrated the show through Bell’s voiceovers. It’s not uncommon for people to refer to Bell as Veronica even when she’s in other roles.

10. Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter Films

Jason Isaacs played the role of Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise to the hilt. He excels at playing villains. That’s probably from being an avid comic book fan since he was a child. He’s played Superman’s arch enemy Lex Luthor, Captain Hook, Dracula, Slenderman, and Satan. But he will always be the wicked Lucius Malfoy to most people.

9. Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock

A lot of people have played Sherlock Holmes over the years. Depending on the era you grew up in, you might see Sherlock Holmes as Basil Rathbone. But younger generations can’t separate Sherlock Holmes from actor Benedict Cumberbatch thanks to his role in Sherlock. Even Hollywood has typecasts him in brainiac roles.

8. Uma Thurman as the Bride in the Kill Bill Movies

Uma Thurman owned the role of “The Bride” in both Quentin Tarantino films Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Kill Bill: Vol. 2. Despite standout roles in numerous films, Thurman will always be associated with the samurai sword-wielding character. A car stunt injury on Vol. 2 left her with chronic neck and knee injuries.

7. Keanu Reeves as Ted “Theodore” Logan in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Keanu Reeves as Ted Logan — Orion Pictures

This one may be controversial for some people, depending on the era you grew up in. Some may see Keanu Reeves as Neo from The Matrix, while younger ones see John Wick. However, A LOT of people will always see Reeves as Ted “Theodore” Logan in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. They see him and all they think is: “Whoa!”

6. Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory

Jim Parsons’ role as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory is synonymous with the show. He appeared in 280 episodes between 2006-2019. If that wasn’t enough, then Parsons reprised his role as Sheldon Cooper in another 132 episodes of Young Sheldon between 2017-2024. It’s no wonder people can’t see Parsons as anything other than Cooper.

5. Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation

Nick Offerman has had a lot of acting roles – 151 and counting. But no matter what role he takes, Nick Offerman will forever be seen as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation. He played the iconic character to the hilt in 123 episodes from 2009-2015, delivering some of the show’s most memorable lines.

4. Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation

Patrick Stewart as Jean Luc Picard — CBS

Appearing in 176 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation from 1987-1994, Sir Patrick Stewart will forever be associated with his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard. He also appeared in 30 episodes of the spinoff Star Trek: Picard. He’s played the Picard in four Star Trek films and numerous Star Trek video games.

3. Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Sure, you’ve seen her in the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise, Scooby-Doo, and even Cruel Intentions. But for most people, Sarah Michelle Gellar will forever be Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy was the focal point of the series and the viewpoint from which the audience is in on the action. The two are inseparable.

2. Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad

Bryan Cranston transforms so deeply into the character of Walter White in Breaking Bad that when you see him in other roles it’s hard to believe it’s the same guy. Cranston perfectly makes us feel the character’s desperation, and sympathize with his cancer, despite his degeneration as he justifies the means to meet his and his family’s needs.

1. Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in the Harry Potter Films

Daniel Radcliffe will forever be everyone’s visual representation of Harry Potter. Radcliffe has developed into a fine adult thespian and has shown his impressive acting talent in a variety of roles. It’s still nearly impossible not to see him as, or even call him, Harry Potter. No doubt fans wish Radcliffe was Peter Pan and could remain a boy forever.