Notable actors we mostly recognize by their faces, not names

To fans of network situational comedies, Adams is likely best known as Chuck Larabee, neighbor, co-worker and friend to Tim Allen's Mike Baxter on the popular Last Man Standing. However, Adams should be familiar to fans of network dramas, as well. He played Henry Walker on NBC's American Dreams (2002-'05), was a cast member during the first season of Bones, and played the elusive villain Vulcan Simmons on the ABC favorite Castle. Known for his deep, baritone voice, Allen has also done extensive voiceover work.

This veteran actor and Brooklyn native is the epitome of having a memorable face with a forgettable name among Hollywood character actors. For nearly 40 years, Ben-Victor has made a living popping up in television dramas ("Vondas" on The Wire or Alan Gray from Entourage) and comedies (Thurman on Everybody Hates Chris). He's also appeared in such acclaimed films as The Banker, The Irishman, Daredevil, True Romance and Tombstone. Ben-Victor also portrayed Moe in the 2000 television film The Three Stooges.

Fans of the Law & Order universe should have no trouble placing Blommaert. However, there's a good chance many can't recall her name. For years, Blommaert has had a recurring role as Judge Rebecca Steinman in Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Law & Order: Trial by Jury. In addition, Blommaert has been featured in other notable legal dramas like The Practice and Bull. However, her most recognizable role is that of the cunning domesticator Mr. Kaplan on the NBC series The Blacklist. On the big screen, she's appeared in Pet Sematary, Edward Scissorhands and United 93.

Lynch is one of those actors who invokes that "He was really in that movie?" reaction when seeing him on your screen, or tablet and laptop these days. He's appeared in such well-known pictures as Face/Off (1997), Zodiac (2007), Gran Torino (2008), Shutter Island (2010) and was part of the acclaimed cast to The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020). However, Lynch, who has also directed during his career, tends to be remembered for playing Marge Gunderson's husband, Norm, in Fargo (1996), and before that, Drew's brother, Steve, in The Drew Carey Show. 

The list of Daniel's television credits over the last 30-plus years is rather extensive. Though mostly in a guest starring or recurring role, he's appeared in Matlock, Mad About You, Picket Fences, ER, The West Wing and NYPD Blue, and is perhaps best known for his work as Reverend Daniels in HBO's True Blood. Daniel's film credits include White Man Can't Jump (1992), Mars Attacks! (1996), Spider-Man 3 (2007) and Truth or Dare (2018). Beyond that, Daniel has been consistently lauded for his theatre work.

Diamond has played some dislikable characters (Moneyball; Madison) over the years, but the guy hasn't stopped working since the late 1980s. One of the most recognizable character actors in the business, Diamond has played some memorable roles -- Det. Mike Kellerman in Homicide: Life on the Street, Stuart Collins from Judging Amy and Laurence Dominic on Dollhouse. While Diamond's ridiculously massive television resume dwarfs his movie catalog, he's been been part of other notable films like Memphis Belle, Clear and Present Danger and Spider-Man 2.

When it comes to playing memorable "motherly" roles, Grant is one of best. However, even after more than 40 years in the business, she's not a household name to fans of Hollywood. On film, her notable roles include Mother at Farm House in Rain Man (1988), Helen from Speed (1994), the brilliant Kitty Farmer in Donnie Darko (2001), Pageant Official Jenkins in Little Miss Sunshine (2006) and Carla Jean's mother from the lauded No Country for Old Men (2007). When it comes to television roles, Grant has been praised for her performances as Gracie Leigh in the post-apocalyptic drama Jericho and the part of Marianne Marie Beetle from Wonderfalls.

Whether talking comedy or drama, Hagan continues to deliver without drawing too much fanfare. The even better news for Hagan, is that she's consistently working. She's perhaps best known for movie roles as the catty friend in Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) and wife of Matthew Broderick's conflicted Mr. McAllister in Election (1999). On television, Hagan earned notable acclaim while starring in Herman's Head (1991-'94) and currently plays Abeline Walker on the Walker, Texas Ranger reboot, Walker on The CW.

Fans of Adam Sandler's movies should recognize these faces, but probably not the names. They've had roles in many of said films, such as Sandler comedy classics like Big Daddy (1999), where Covert's and Dante's characters were friends turned lovers. Or, The Waterboy, with Loughran playing strange-eyed football player Lyle Robideaux. And, don't forget Covert as Sammy, the Michael Jackson-loving best friend from The Wedding Singer. Those are just a few of the notable characters that Sandler has made famous for his good friends. Covert even got his own starring vehicle in 2006's Grandma's Boy.

It can be argued that Ellis has made a living alone just being in films with buddy Tom Hanks. Deke Slayton in Apollo 13 (1995), good guy manager Phil from That Thing You Do! (1996), Armageddon (1998) and Special Agent Watkins in the classic Catch Me If You Can (2002). However, Ellis has also made notable other appearances in Days of Thunder (1990), Con Air (1997), Way the Dog (1997) and McFarland USA (2015). And, like just about every other performer on this list, has made countless TV appearances, like The Office and Young Sheldon. 

One of the rather forgotten aspects of the 2023 actors' strike to the story of those "journeymen" entertainers, like Kravits. He's been a consistent working actor since the early 1980s, but never a star. He's probably best known for his role as A.D.A. Richard Bay on The Practice. He's also appeared in such films as The Stepford Wives (2004) and Morning Glory (2010), but never received that big payday. However, Kravits has done well enough to maintain a living as an actor, even if we don't know his name.

Lee got her acting start in the mid-2000s, like others on this list, and many actors in general, with a role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Since then, she has enjoyed recurring parts in Nurse Jackie, Girls and Inside Amy Schumer. More recently, streaming services have been the place to find Lee, starring in Russian Doll on Netflix, and as Stella Bak on the Apple TV+ hit The Morning Show. When it comes to the big screen, Lee has been part of the voice cast for both Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse (2018), and the 2023 sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse.

Another memorable face that doesn't have a household name to go with it. But, since the late 1980s there's a good chance Malloy has popped up on your television at least once per week, as he's appeared in more than 100 TV and movie roles. He's been paid to play various roles on Law & Order, while also getting some face time on episodes of Numbers, Bones, The Good Wife and The Blacklist. Malloy (and his bald head) might also be memorable from small parts in films such as Hitch, and most recently the Michelle Williams-vehicle Showing Up. 

Comedian-turned actor, audiences might not know his name, but Mantzoukas has made plenty of people laugh in recent years. Whether as the hilariously tortured Rafi from The League, arrogant exec Dennis Feinstein on several episodes of Parks and Recreation, or, perhaps most famously, as unhinged detective Adrian Pimento on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. In addition to those fantastic characters, Mantzoukas has lent his voice to such animated favorites as American Dad!, Regular Show and Agent Elvis, and has appeared on countless comedy podcasts. 

Norris might be best known for his role of DEA agent Hank Schrader, brother-in-law of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) from Breaking Bad, and also via a couple of episodes in the equally popular Better Call Saul. He became a fan favorite in the former, which was about time that Norris received his due as an actor. The South Bend, Ind., native has been earning television and movie credits since the early 1980s. Norris' character was the guy who took a kick to his gimpy leg by Tom Cruise's Mitch McDeere during the famous Mud Island chase scene from The Firm (1993).

Riva has done it all during an acting career that got started in the mid-1990s: cop (Castle; Dead to Me; The Good Guys), clothing designer (Telenovela), devoted wife and mother (McFarland, USA). And, that's just a small sample. The versatility that Riva has displayed and showcased over the years is rather impressive. She can do comedy or drama, and just about any age or look. When it comes to getting the job done, it's actresses like Diana-Maria Riva who should be emulated. One doesn't have to be a star to enjoy a lengthy and respected career in Hollywood.

Throughout the 2000s, Ritter has been a regular on screens of all sizes. She appeared on TV favorites Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls, and shined via supporting film roles in 27 Dresses (2007), Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) and She's Out of My League (2010). Most recently, though, Ritter earned serious acclaim as Jesse's neighbor-turned-girlfriend Jane Margolis in Breaking Bad and party girl Chloe in ABC's Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, and through Netflix, with the series Jessica Jones and miniseries The Defenders.

Schulze's television career has spanned 30 years, and it's still going strong. Law & Order, Rizzoli & Isles, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The West Wing and Oz. And, those weren't even prominent roles for the dependable, seasoned actor. From 2001-04, he played Jack Bauer antagonist Ryan Chappelle on 24, while also portraying Father Phil Intintola from The Sopranos. One of Schulze's most recent roles of note came as William Rawlins in the Netflix series The Punisher. His film credits include Panic Room (2002) and Zodiac (2007).

Serrano's face is pretty easy to remember. The name, not so much. He's been in such films as Lethal Weapon 2 (1989), Bad Boys (1995), Secretariat (2010), The Insider (1999) and The Day After Tomorrow (2004). When it comes to television, Serrano earned praise as Navi Araz in 24, Bobby's father in Ugly Betty and drug cartel kingpin Hector Estrada during the seventh season of Dexter. He tends to play military types, but might be at his best as a ruthless, cocky villain. One of those characters that viewers love to hate.

Fans of 1990s comedies should remember Tobolowsky as annoying insurance agent Ned Ryerson from Groundhog Day (1993). Meanwhile, a younger generation of television fans might know the Dallas native as Commissioner Hugo Jarry from Deadwood, "Action" Jack Barker in Silicon Valley, Dr. Leslie Berkowitz on the One Day at a Time reboot and the goofy Principal Earl Ball from The Goldbergs. In between, Tobolowsky has had roles in such popular films like The Insider (1999), Memento (2000) and Wild Hogs (2007).

The Iranian-born actor, who was raised in England and attended USC, has been nothing but solid during an acting career that's spanned five decades. While he's appeared in most of the popular network dramas of the day (JAG, Matlock, NCIS, Castle), Toub made a name for himself on television most notably as Majid Javadi in Showtime's Homeland and in the role of Faraz Kamali from Tehran, which can be found on Apple TV+. And, Marvel fans should remember Toub's face as Yinsen in both Iron Man (2008) and Iron Man 3 (2013);

For decades now, the venerable Walsh seems to show up in some of the most memorable and beloved films of all. Comedy or drama, it doesn't matter. Walsh manages to stand out even if rarely in a starring role, like appearances in  Midnight Cowboy (1969), Ordinary People (1980), Reds (1981), Silkwood (1983), Fletch (1985), Back to School (1986), Raising Arizona (1987) and Knives Out (2019). Even into his 80s, Walsh is still working, starring in films as recent as 2022, and has a recurring role on HBO's dark comedy crime series "The Righteous Gemstones."

Turn on your television, and there's a good chance that some point during the day you'll see Winters on your screen. He's become somewhat of a cult favorite as "Mayhem" from those Allstate insurance commercials. However, he'd long before solidified himself as a dependable character actor. Whether starring as Ryan O'Reily on the beloved HBO prison series Oz, or hilariously incompetent bad cop known as "The Vulture" from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or even CBS's Battle Creek. Not to mention several guest starring roles on some of TV's most celebrated show like 30 Rock, Sex and the City and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.