Some TV characters became so recognizable that audiences remembered them long after the original shows faded from the spotlight.
1. Fonzie — Happy Days
Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli was originally a supporting character, but Henry Winkler’s performance quickly made him one of television’s biggest stars.
The leather jacket, thumbs-up gesture, and catchphrases became part of 1970s pop culture, and the show increasingly centered on him.
2. Urkel — Family Matters
Steve Urkel was supposed to appear in only one episode.
Jaleel White’s awkward, instantly recognizable character became so popular that Urkel eventually became the central figure of the sitcom, turning a minor role into one of the most famous characters of 1990s television.
3. Frasier Crane — Cheers
Frasier Crane began as a supporting character on Cheers.
Kelsey Grammer’s performance became popular enough to generate Frasier, one of the most successful sitcom spin-offs ever. The character ultimately became the star of two separate long-running television shows.
4. Daryl Dixon — The Walking Dead
Daryl wasn’t even part of the original comic-book story.
Norman Reedus’ performance made the character one of the show’s most popular figures, eventually leading to his own spin-off series and making Daryl central to the franchise’s television legacy.
5. Saul Goodman — Breaking Bad
Saul Goodman began as a colorful supporting character who appeared to provide comic relief and questionable legal advice.
Bob Odenkirk’s performance proved so popular that Saul received his own six-season series, Better Call Saul, which dramatically expanded the character’s story.
6. Kramer — Seinfeld
Cosmo Kramer was initially the eccentric neighbor who lived across the hall from Jerry.
Michael Richards turned the character’s physical comedy and bizarre personality into one of the show’s defining attractions. Kramer became so recognizable that his name and mannerisms became shorthand for a particular type of sitcom character.
