Gillian Anderson – The X Files
Incredibly, The X Files star Gillian Anderson once vowed that she would never work in television. Thankfully, Anderson broke her vow and went on to become Dana Scully, FBI agent. At only 24 years old, Anderson auditioned for the role, feeling inspired at the “strong, independent, intelligent” lead character.
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Since then, Gillian Anderson played DSU Stella Gibson in BBC crime drama The Fall, and starred as therapist Jean Milburn on a popular Netflix teen comedy. She has an Emmy, and a Golden Globe Award.
Matt LeBlanc – Friends
Until the end of time, the phrase “How you doin’?” will be attributed to Friends character Joey Tribbiani, played by Matt LeBlanc. LeBlanc played ladies’ man Joey for ten years, between 1994 and 2004. After the hugely successful sitcom wrapped, LeBlanc got his own spin-off called Joey, which ran for two years.
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LeBlanc played a fictionalized version of himself in British-American comedy Episodes, and co-hosted British car show Top Gear for three years. He also played the patriarch in the sitcom, Man With a Plan.
Bob Saget – Full House
Between 1987 and 1995, Bob Saget played Danny Tanner, a widowed single father raising three young daughters in sitcom Full House. At the same time, the actor and comedian hosted America’s Funniest Home Videos, making himself a recognizable mainstream star.
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Since then, Saget has played the voice of the future Ted Mosby on the sitcom, How I Met Your Mother, and reprised his role for the Netflix reboot of Fuller House. Saget has also appeared on Broadway, and has a successful stand-up comedy career.