15+ Worst TV Actors Of All Time

Sometimes, one poor performance can make or break an actor's career. For Elizabeth Berkley, it was her wildly frantic and over-the-top portrayal in Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls that left a lasting impact. While Verhoeven’s films aren't exactly famous for demanding roles or deep emotional plots, Berkley's career didn't skyrocket as many expected after her stint in his controversial film.

It's debatable adding Claire Danes to the list because, while her important work outside of television is commendable, her acting skills fall short. It's fantastic that she sees herself as a social activist, but casting her as the lead in Homeland wasn't the best choice.

With movie titles like Freddy Got Fingered, Total Frat Movie, and Grind, it's tough to anticipate cinematic brilliance from Tom Green—and he lives up to the expectation. Green's performances, even in minor roles, often leave much to be desired. Few films feature him as the lead, and let's be honest, it's easy to see why.

We never imagined an actor could be upstaged by a horde of zombies, but somehow they bring more life and excitement to the screen than even the character of Lincoln in The Walking Dead. These undead creatures add a unique dynamic to the storyline, captivating viewers with their relentless presence and unpredictable behavior, drawing more attention than the living characters themselves.

While he might not clinch the title of the worst actor in Game of Thrones, we reckon he's a strong contender for second place. His fluctuating accent was a constant distraction, and during some of the show's most emotional moments, his lack of expressive depth left much to be desired.

Action movies usually don't require deep emotional performances or top-notch acting, but even action fans have been tough on Steven Seagal's films. Over the years, they've racked up some harsh reviews. Half Past Dead only managed a 37% rating, while On Deadly Ground fared even worse at 34% on Rotten Tomatoes. And trust us, the critics were even less forgiving.

When Krysten Ritter first appeared in Breaking Bad, many thought her talent might be overshadowed by heavyweights like Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston. However, as she took on lead roles in her own shows, it became apparent that her performances lacked depth. Jessica Jones, for instance, could be much more enjoyable if not for her portrayal.

Despite an impressive career spanning over 30 years in showbiz, Rob Schneider often finds himself on critics' lists of the worst actors. Thanks to Adam Sandler's influence, he rose to fame with films that are light-hearted and don't demand dramatic prowess. Yet, Schneider has uniquely turned slapstick comedy into his own form of art.

Chris Pratt was easily the most boring actor to watch on Parks And Recreation, often lacking the charisma and energy that his co-stars brought to their performances. His portrayal of Andy Dwyer, while occasionally amusing, frequently fell flat compared to the dynamic roles of other characters on the show. Given this, we can't understand how anyone saw his performance and thought he would be a perfect match for a big-budget action movie, where strong screen presence and captivating action sequences are crucial.

Kaley Cuoco began her television career at a young age, appearing in various commercials and small roles that helped her gain experience in the industry. This early start might excuse some past missteps, as she was navigating the complexities of show business while still growing up. Now that she's older and has honed her craft over the years, we hope she can bring her A-game.

In New Girl, Zooey Deschanel's Jessica Day is the epitome of quirky and over-the-top charm. While her antics often hit the comedic sweet spot, there are times in dramatic scenes when her larger-than-life expressions pull us away from the gravity of the moment, adding a (some would say) "unique" twist to the show's storytelling.

In his turn as Will McAvoy on The Newsroom, Jeff Daniels dials up the hot-headed level of his character to a level that is borderline ridiculous. Arguably, Aaron Sorkin's written dialogue doesn't help matters, but Daniels plays his character's reactions to bombastic proportions nearly every time.

Many audience members, especially die-hard Twilight fans, rallied behind Taylor Lautner, arguing that the saga's lackluster reception was due to the book's weak source material rather than his acting. Despite this support, Lautner’s films like the action-packed Tracers and the family drama Run the Tide continued to struggle in garnering positive reviews.

The Godfather franchise seemed unstoppable, destined for cinematic greatness. But then came The Godfather III, struggling to meet the towering standards of its predecessors and leaving a stain on the legacy. What went wrong? You guessed it—nepotism played its part. Anyone else would have played her character better.

In some ways, we can't help but feel a bit sorry for this guy—catapulted into stardom at such a young age, thrust into the limelight without the chance to fully navigate the complexities of fame. The pressure to maintain a public persona while growing up under constant scrutiny must have been immense. But any sympathy fades fast when you consider the fortune he's amassed from merely average performances in a couple of dull TV shows, which somehow captivated a substantial audience and generated significant revenue.

The other main female character in Modern Family may differ from Sofia Vergara's role, but they share a knack for using dramatic flair to make an impact. Both rely on shouting and overacting to get their points across, adding to the show's charm, but it might not make for great acting. Subtlety might not be its signature, but at least the lively performances keep us entertained.

While many agree that 24 ran for too many seasons, it's always surprising how many people actually loved Sutherland as Bauer. He didn't really bring anything special to the show that any other actor couldn't have done. His overacting often messed up the big tension moments.

Sure, she was part of Friends, a legendary sitcom, but Cox often seemed like the weakest link in that stellar ensemble. Despite being in the limelight, her performances in shows like C Town haven’t impressed. Is it time for her to explore new horizons beyond acting?

As Orange Is The New Black progressed, this actor gradually faded from the spotlight, appearing less frequently in episodes and taking on a diminished role in the storyline. It's intriguing to ponder if the writers swiftly recognized her limited talent or if perhaps other factors, such as character development or narrative focus, prompted her reduced presence.

Cole Sprouse and his brother kicked off their careers at a young age, and while they definitely keep us entertained online, we're still waiting to see their true acting chops. Every time Sprouse frowns his way onto Riverdale, it becomes a challenge to watch. Here's hoping they'll surprise us with their talent soon.

It's not shocking that Timothy Olyphant hops between TV and film, as he frequently tackles diverse roles and genres. However, there's always a sense that he seems a bit out of place in every character he plays, leaving audiences unsure of his fit. His performances often lack the depth needed to fully engage viewers, and this becomes particularly evident in his more dramatic roles. We can't help but think that Santa Clarita Diet, with its unique blend of comedy and horror, would have been more exciting and perhaps more dynamic with someone else as the male lead.

Applegate made her mark on the show Married... With Children, playing a character known more for her looks than her wit. While some might have thought this role limited her ability to shine, she has consistently embraced similar roles throughout her career, leaving us eager to see a fresh spark of her talent.

It's no secret that showbiz often highlights women who enter the spotlight due to their looks, and Christina Hendricks is a perfect example. However, despite her stunning appearance, she brought a lack luster presence to Mad Men that strangely kept us intrigued every time she was on screen.

It's a mystery how actor Vince Vaughn keeps landing roles in Hollywood. Despite having a track record of appearing in movies that often receive poor reviews and primarily amuse a younger audience, he continues to secure parts in major projects. His involvement in the critically acclaimed series True Detective is a notable example. The series was beloved by many for its intense storytelling and strong performances until Vaughn's arrival.

From Star Trek, where he famously played the iconic Captain James T. Kirk, to T.J. Hooker, where he took on the role of a tough cop, William Shatner is infamous for his distinctive style of over-delivery and belaboring every single emotion with dramatic flair and intensity.

This might come as a surprise, but Drew Barrymore isn’t typically counted among Hollywood’s elite. Despite her long film career, which kicked off with a bang in 1982’s E.T., some argue her early success was more about family ties than raw talent, given that her godfather is none other than director Steven Spielberg.

The entire cast of Pretty Little Liars could easily make this list, but Lucy Hale as Aria Montgomery stands out as a top contender. Every moment in her life unfolds with such drama, it's almost like watching a soap opera. Whether she's fleeing from "A" or avoiding an ex in the mall, her expressions are so over-the-top, you’re left wondering which crisis is supposed to be more intense.

Friends arguably wouldn't be complete without Ross over-reacting to something, whether it's Rachel dating Fabio or Phoebe not believing the theory of evolution. Yet David Schwimmer manages to overplay nearly each and every moment, leaving us wondering, at times, which cry face Ross is going to make this time - and how long it's going to last.

Kirk Cameron might not be a household name, and there could be a reason for that. Films featuring Kirk Cameron often struggle to garner favorable reviews. For instance, Left Behind II: Tribulation Force scored a modest 4.8/10, while Extraordinary managed only a 3.4 on IMDb. But one performance truly put Cameron in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons—enter the infamous Saving Christmas.

When Seinfeld was on screen, his over-the-top expressions and oddly pitched lines often stood out more than expected. Add in the occasional clunky delivery, and it became clear that Seinfeld himself was the least seasoned actor in the entire Seinfeld cast. Despite this, his unique style added a charming, quirky flavor that fans couldn't help but love.

As Riley on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Blucas often seemed more like he fit in with the cast of Young and the Restless due to his variety of scandalized faces and dramatic expressions. His portrayal added a soap opera-like flair to the supernatural drama, contrasting the intense and often life-threatening situations with his more melodramatic acting style.

With his forced grimaces and pouty faces that seem more like caricature than an authentic character portrayal, Jeremy Piven, as the title character Harry Selfridge in the series Mr. Selfridge, definitely overdoes the drama aspect of this Masterpiece/PBS period drama. His exaggerated expressions and theatrical delivery often feel out of place in the otherwise nuanced storytelling, making his performance stand out, not always for the right reasons, amid an ensemble cast that strives for subtlety and depth in their roles.

Playing the character of Emily Thorne/Amanda Clarke, VanCamp delivers a performance that turns up the drama, sometimes a bit too much, actually. Her portrayal often intensifies emotions to the point where some of her dramatic scenes feel more akin to soap opera moments than likely intended. Despite this, her commitment to the role is evident, bringing a unique intensity that keeps the audience engaged, even if occasionally it borders on melodramatic.

Max Greenfield's portrayal of Schmidt on New Girl is arguably crafted to be an outlandish and larger-than-life character, injecting humor and eccentricity into every scene. His character often provides comic relief with his extravagant personality and dramatic flair. However, even in serious moments that demand a more subdued approach, Greenfield doesn't seem to have an off switch for the melodrama, consistently delivering performances that are both entertaining and memorable.

As Carlton on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, his charm was all about those over-the-top reactions. Who can forget Carlton's hilariously awkward dance moves? They’re iconic. Yet, you have to admit, sometimes he definitely took the joke to the extreme, but that's what made him unforgettable.

For a time, Sharon Stone captivated audiences with her iconic leg-crossing scenes, adding a sizzle to her screen presence that few could ignore. However, as the allure of Basic Instinct faded, it became evident that this notorious move might be her signature talent. While the infamous leg-crossing in Basic Instinct managed to dodge critics' negativity, the charm seemed to stop there.

While Baywatch skyrocketed David Hasselhoff to fame, it didn't quite rescue him from critics who often highlight his acting skills—or lack thereof. Regularly topping lists of less-than-stellar performances, Hasselhoff was even named the 49th worst actor by IMDb. Yet, beyond the iconic Knight Rider, he's managed to grace a handful of productions that scored above a respectable 6/10 on IMDb.

This actor was the heartthrob of many young female fans in the late 90s and 2000s, captivating audiences with his charm. However, despite starring in blockbusters like Sin City and Michael Bay's Pearl Harbor, he hasn't quite left a lasting mark in the acting world. While he found success at the box office, his performances didn't seem to resonate deeply with audiences.

This actor might have sparked a wave of jokes back in early 2005, but not many were applauding his acting range. However, Norris was a true martial arts master, holding a black belt and top credentials in judo and Brazilian jujutsu. With his chops, he lit up the screen in action films packed with epic fight scenes and jaw-dropping stunts.

As Charlie Skinner on The Newsroom, Waterston delivers an unforgettable performance characterized by his animated head bobs and expressive eyebrow wags. His portrayal captures the essence of a seasoned news executive with a deep passion for journalism, often bringing intensity and gravitas to every scene.