History HeReallyCanAct / LiveActionTV

* Creator/ToniColette on ''Series/UnitedStatesOfTara''. Not only portraying five people living in the same body of varying ages and genders but playing the main personality ''badly impersonating'' one of the other personalities. Wow.

*** Creator/HaydenPanettiere: Many people who only knew as Claire the cheerleader in ''Series/{{Heroes}}'' (as opposed to Lizzie Spaulding in ''Series/GuidingLight'', Sarah Roberts in ''Series/OneLifeToLive'' or Sheryl Yoast in ''Film/RememberTheTitans'') got a very pleasant surprise on seeing her performance in ''Series/{{Nashville}}'', which puts the burden of proof firmly on Hayden's haters, as well as on those of [[Series/WhoseLineIsItAnyway Chip... er, sorry,]] ''[[Series/WhoseLineIsItAnyway Charles]]'' [[Series/WhoseLineIsItAnyway Esten]].

* Creator/HaydenPanettiere: Many people who only knew as Claire the cheerleader in ''Series/{{Heroes}}'' (as opposed to Lizzie Spaulding in ''Series/GuidingLight'', Sarah Roberts in ''Series/OneLifeToLive'' or Sheryl Yoast in ''Film/RememberTheTitans'') got a very pleasant surprise on seeing her performance in ''Series/{{Nashville}}'', which puts the burden of proof firmly on Hayden's haters, as well as on those of [[Series/WhoseLineIsItAnyway Chip... er, sorry,]] ''[[Series/WhoseLineIsItAnyway Charles]]'' [[Series/WhoseLineIsItAnyway Esten]].

** Her debut on ''Series/StarTrekVoyager'' was met with a degree of eye-rolling from the fanbase: "Oh great, here comes a shameless attempt at MsFanservice, {{Narm}} ahoy, etc..." Then came that episode where she had to manifest a dozen different personalities in 20 minutes... HiddenDepths indeed.

** While she proved her chops as early as the pilot, many agree that the scene where an enraged Kara is using her [[EyeBeams Heat Vision]] in full power to destroy Red Tornado, while flashbacks from her last moments with her parents were being shown, is where Creator/MelissaBenoist has really [[WinTheCrowd won the crowd]].

* Creator/PeterBoyle appeared in a few dramatic films throughout his career, but was best known for small character roles and comic parts, especially as the titular monster in ''Film/YoungFrankenstein''. In the 90's, he played GrumpyBear Frank Barone on ''Series/EverybodyLovesRaymond'', seemingly cementing his legacy in comedy. It was a surprise, then, when he appeared on ''Series/TheXFiles'' in the episode "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose"--especially because show creator Chris Carter had a strong "no famous guest stars" policy; Boyle's skill was enough to have him make an exception. In the episode, Boyle plays the titular character, a depressed, neurotic {{Seer}} who has the [[BlessedWithSuck "gift"]] of [[ISeeDeadPeople foretelling how people will die.]] As Bruckman, Boyle is equal parts darkly comic, philosophical, morose, sarcastic, and resigned, a major departure from the cranky bluster of Frank Barone. "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" is frequently cited as one of the best--if not ''the'' best--episodes of ''The X-Files'' (some critics go even further and say it's one of the best episodes of television ''period''), with Boyle's performance (which won him an Emmy for Best Guest Star) cited as a major reason for why it works so well.

* Creator/MishaCollins' Castiel became one of the breakout characters of ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'' for a reason. While an Angel who's constantly stoic and at times LiteralMinded doesn't sound like something to write home about, the episode "[[Recap/SupernaturalS04E20TheRapture The Rapture]]" is widely praised as one of the best examples of Misha's acting ability. In this episode, he transitioned from the relatively emotionless Castiel to his very human vessel Jimmy, and [[TearJerker brought many viewers to tears]] in the process. Notable since this episode is during his first season on the show, before which he was largely unknown. Then came the episodes "[[Recap/SupernaturalS06E15TheFrenchMistake The French Mistake]]", where Misha seamlessly transitions from Castiel to his tweet-happy self, "[[Recap/SupernaturalS06E20TheManWhoWouldBeKing The Man Who Would Be King]]", where Castiel is ''begging'' for a sign from God, and "[[Recap/SupernaturalS06E22TheManWhoKnewTooMuch The Man Who Knew Too Much]]", where we learn that Misha can be ''really'' scary when needed, which are all evidence of this.

* Creator/AdrianEdmondson (''Series/TheYoungOnes'', ''Series/{{Bottom}}'') on ''Series/HolbyCity''. His character, Abra, starts out as borderline PluckyComicRelief, as one would expect from him, but it eventually becomes clear that the man can [[TearJerker reduce his audience to a sobbing mess]] just as easily.

** Any lingering doubts anyone had about Elizabeth Henstridge and Iain De Caestecker's acting ability were ''obliterated'' in Season 4, especially during ''Self Control'', with the scene of [[spoiler:LMD Fitz trying to convince Jemma that he's human]] considered both [[TearJerker heart-wrenching]] and [[NightmareFuel horrifying]]. Taken UpToEleven in the Framework arc when [[spoiler:Fitz appeared as [[TheDreaded The]] [[MadScientist Doctor]], an incredibly disturbing evil version of himself]]. Elizabeth got to show off her acting chops to believably sell TheWoobie during that arc. Just try not to cry watching the scene where Simmons watches Fitz tell AIDA, he'll never love anyone except [[spoiler:Jemma]], at least until that scene takes a ''[[MoodWhiplash serious]]'' turn for the worse.

** Creator/RossMcCall had mostly done children's films and guest spots on ''Series/TheBill'' before he was cast as Joe Liebgott. Not only did he [[TearJerker break viewers' hearts]] in episode nine, but he also fooled most of his fellow cast members who didn't realise he was a FakeAmerican. He credits the miniseries with helping him have a career in America.

*** Even long before "The Body," actually. Take one good look at her [[TearJerker tear-jerking]] performance during her "I don't want to die," speech from the first season finale "[[Recap/BuffyTheVampireSlayerS1E12ProphecyGirl Prophecy Girl]]". That was the scene for many fans that convinced them that Ms. Gellar really did have excellent acting chops.

* Disney Channel star Music/DemiLovato won critical praise for her guest role on a 2010 ''Series/GreysAnatomy'' episode, as a suicidal patient.

* Creator/EdWynn was known for almost all of his career only as a comedic actor until [[Creator/KeenanWynn his son]] convinced him to appear in the ''Series/Playhouse90'' production of ''Requiem for a Heavyweight'' in 1956. During rehersals he actually seemed hopelessly inept at drama as he would constantly flub his lines and try to recover by falling back on his goofball style of comedy. While the network did not fire him (because Creator/JackPalance threatened to walk if they did) they did keep on a secret understudy. Come the live broadcast, the elder Wynn gave a highly praised, heartfelt performance with any flubs flawlessly covered up with seamless and appropriate improvisation. Not only did this keep Ed's career going by proving to himself and others that he could do dramatic roles but it even prompted a television movie called ''The Man in the Funny Suit'' (starring [[AsHimself Ed and Keenan]]) that dramatized the making of the ''Playhouse 90'' production.

** In "[[Recap/TheGoodPlaceS3E09Janets]]", Creator/DarcyCarden not only played her regular character Janet, but the other four cast members as Janets too. She's able to showcase their personalities and emotions perfectly. It's regarded as some of the show's best acting, and many fans were disappointed when she didn't get nominated for an Emmy.

* Peter Boyle appeared in a few dramatic films throughout his career, but was best known for small character roles and comic parts, especially as the titular monster in ''Film/YoungFrankenstein''. In the 90's, he played GrumpyBear Frank Barone on ''Series/EverybodyLovesRaymond'', seemingly cementing his legacy in comedy. It was a surprise, then, when he appeared on ''Series/TheXFiles'' in the episode "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose"--especially because show creator Chris Carter had a strong "no famous guest stars" policy; Boyle's skill was enough to have him make an exception. In the episode, Boyle plays the titular character, a depressed, neurotic {{Seer}} who has the [[BlessedWithSuck "gift"]] of [[ISeeDeadPeople foretelling how people will die.]] As Bruckman, Boyle is equal parts darkly comic, philosophical, morose, sarcastic, and resigned, a major departure from the cranky bluster of Frank Barone. "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" is frequently cited as one of the best--if not ''the'' best--episodes of ''The X-Files'' (some critics go even further and say it's one of the best episodes of television ''period''), with Boyle's performance (which won him an Emmy for Best Guest Star) cited as a major reason for why it works so well.

** In "[[Recap/TheGoodPlaceS3E09Janets]]", D'Arcy Carden not only played her regular character Janet, but the other four cast members as Janets too. She's able to showcase their personalities and emotions perfectly. It's regarded as some of the show's best acting, and many fans were disappointed when she didn't get nominated for an Emmy.

** Creator/BryanCranston is the defining example of this trope in action. Almost no one thought the bumbling dad from ''Series/MalcolmInTheMiddle'' could take on such a heavy role. By the end of the series, he won four Emmys, turned the show into a critical favourite, and helped make Walter White one of the most complex characters ever to grace the small screen. His performance, on the whole, is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in television history, with '''''even''''' Sir Creator/AnthonyHopkins, [[Literature/SilenceOfTheLambs Hannibal Lecter]] himself and a [[BigNameFan surprisingly big fan of the show]], referring to it as ''THE'' best acting he'd ever seen, television or otherwise. Not so surprising to anybody who is familiar with his acting resume which covers an astonishing variety of roles across film and television.

* Peter Boyle appeared in a few dramatic films throughout his career, but was best known for small character roles and comic parts, especially as the titular monster in ''Film/YoungFrankenstein''. In the 90's, he played GrumpyBear Frank Barone on ''Series/EverybodyLovesRaymond'', seemingly cementing his legacy in comedy. It was a surprise, then, when he appeared on ''Series/TheXFiles'' in the episode "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose"--especially because show creator Chris Carter had a strong "no famous guest stars" policy; Boyle's skill was enough to have him make an exception. In the episode, Boyle plays the titular character, a depressed, neurotic {{Seer}} who is [[BlessedWithSuck cursed with the "gift"]] of [[ISeeDeadPeople foretelling how people will die.]] As Bruckman, Boyle is equal parts darkly comic, philosophical, morose, sarcastic, and resigned, a major departure from the cranky bluster of Frank Barone. "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" is frequently cited as one of the best--if not ''the'' best--episodes of ''The X-Files'' (some critics go even further and say it's one of the best episodes of television ''period''), with Boyle's performance (which won him an Emmy for Best Guest Star) cited as a major reason for why it works so well.

* Peter Boyle played a few serious roles throughout his career, but was best known for small character roles and comic parts, especially as the titular monster in ''Film/YoungFrankenstein''. In the 90's, he played GrumpyBear Frank Barone on ''Series/EverybodyLovesRaymond'', seemingly cementing his legacy in comedy. It was a surprise, then, when he appeared on ''Series/TheXFiles'' in the episode "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose"--especially because show creator Chris Carter had a strong "no famous guest stars" policy; Boyle's skill was enough to have him make an exception. In the episode, Boyle plays the titular character, a depressed, neurotic {{Seer}} who is [[BlessedWithSuck cursed with the "gift"]] of [[ISeeDeadPeople foretelling how people will die.]] As Bruckman, Boyle is equal parts darkly comic, philosophical, morose, and resigned, a major departure from the cranky bluster of Frank Barone. "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" is frequently cited as one of the best--if not ''the'' best--episodes of ''The X-Files'', with Boyle's performance (which won him an Emmy for Best Guest Star) cited as a key example of why it works so well.

** Brian Krause's crying scene over [[spoiler: Piper's body]] in the Season 3 finale? Absolutely atrocious and nearly ruined the scene. His crying in the Season 6 finale [[spoiler: when Chris dies]] and subsequent RoaringRampageOfRevenge? He Really Can Act.

* Ashley Boetcherr in ''Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street'', especially the climactic scene in the second season finale in "Mel vs. the Future" [[spoiler: where she has to come to terms with her mother's death]]. Great acting for a relatively innocent SliceOfLife show.

** Creator/BryanCranston is the defining example of this trope in action. Almost no one thought the bumbling dad from ''Series/MalcolmInTheMiddle'' could take on such a heavy role. By the end of the series, he won four Emmys, turned the show into a critical favourite, and helped make Walter White one of the most complex characters ever to grace the small screen. His performance, on the whole, is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in television history, with '''''even''''' Sir Creator/AnthonyHopkins referring to it as ''THE'' best acting he'd ever seen, television or otherwise. Not so surprising to anybody who is familiar with his acting resume which covers an astonishing variety of roles across film and television.

** Creator/MichaelEmerson is usually considered an excellent actor -- for villains. So, therefore, many were surprised to see that in POI, Michael's character [[TheSmartGuy Harold]] [[DarkAndTroubledPast Finch]] would not only be a protagonist, but the borderline [[IncorruptiblePurePureness moral center]] of the series, and understandably, many had doubts as to whether he could pull it off. They were so very, utterly wrong. Michael's wise, empathetic and vulnerable performance feels COMPLETELY different from, say [[Series/{{Lost}} Ben Linus]] or [[Series/ThePractice William Hinks]]. And then you get to Season Five, where Harold is [[BewareTheNiceOnes forced to abandon]] [[WorldOfCardboardSpeech all of his personal rules]] in order to keep Samaritan from taking over the world. He's [[TranquilFury absolutely chilling]], and it adds a whole new layer of depth to Harold, proving that Michael can bring weight and complexity to good guys, bad guys and everything in between.

** Creator/BryanCranston is the defining example of this trope in action. Almost no one thought the bumbling dad from ''Series/MalcolmInTheMiddle'' could take on such a heavy role. By the end of the series, he won four Emmys, turned the show into a critical favourite, and helped make Walter White one of the most complex characters ever to grace the small screen. His performance, on the whole, is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in television history, with even Sir Creator/AnthonyHopkins referring to it as ''the'' best acting he'd ever seen, television or otherwise. Not so surprising to anybody who is familiar with his acting resume which covers an astonishing variety of roles across film and television.