# Actors with more than 1 successful sitcom **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 29, 2012, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143 "2012-03-29T13:00:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/61 "2012-03-29T16:45:12Z")
Paul Reiser was in _My Two Dads_ (3 seasons) and then _Mad About You_ (7 seasons). His latest sitcom attempt was canceled after airing only two episodes. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/62 "2012-03-29T16:45:44Z")
Ellen Degeneres in **Ellen** and now her daytime show, which certainly features her comic abilities. Jimmy Fallon on **SNL** and now **Late Night**. Also Chevy Chase on SNL and now on that regrettable comedy…Community(?). ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/63 "2012-03-29T16:49:53Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Jimmy Fallon on **SNL** and now **Late Night** Tina Fey even more so, with 30 ROCK. ---
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/64 "2012-03-29T17:00:10Z")
[Sarah Chalke](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Chalke) was Becky Conner in 70 episodes of **Roseanne** and Elliot Reid in 173 episodes of **Scrubs**. She also had a minor role in a few episodes of **How I Met your Mother** as well. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/65 "2012-03-29T17:05:38Z")
Some British ones : Leonard Rossiter - _Rising Damp_, _The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin_ Richard Beckinsale (Kate’s dad, died at 31) - _Rising Damp_, _Porridge_ Ronnie Barker - _Porridge_, \*Open All Hours \*and one half of the very popular sketch show _The Two Ronnies_ David Jason - _Open All Hours_, _A Sharp Intake of Breath_, _Only Fools and Horses_, _Darling Buds of May_, and of course _Danger Mouse_. Jason likely had more successful sitcoms, these are the ones that spring to mind. ---
**Author:** ![Christopher\_Robin\_Davies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8dc957/32.png) [@Christopher\_Robin\_Davies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Christopher_Robin_Davies)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/66 "2012-03-29T17:07:18Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > I can’t readily think of very many actors who have starred in more than one successful sitcom. I can easily think of several who failed terribly (e.g. the entire _Seinfeld_ cast). I wouldn’t include spinoffs a la _Frasier_ in this, as these generally star supporting characters, not the main star(s). > > Granted, I recognize it’s extremely difficult for any sitcom, regardless of stars, to be successful. > > The only one I can really think of is Ted Danson (_Cheers, Becker_). Personally I don’t really care for _Becker_ but it stayed on the air for 6 seasons so I guess it could be considered successful. > > Excluding spinoffs, any others? I would not say the entire Seinfeld cast failed at what you suggest. Julia Louis Dreyfuss’s sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine lasted 3 or 4 years; that’s long enough to count as successful. Bill Cosby headlined three successful sitcoms. ---
**Author:** ![piepiepie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47774/32.png) [@piepiepie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/piepiepie)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/67 "2012-03-29T17:07:55Z")
Melissa Joan Hart starred in both _Clarissa Explains It All_ and _Sabrina, the Teenage Witch_. ETA: It might be too early to declare _Melissa & Joey_ success, though. But Joey Lawrence was in both _Blossom_ and _Brotherly Love_! If animated sitcoms are counting, it hurts to say, but Seth MacFarlane should count for _Family Guy_ and _American Dad_. Both shows are quite successful in syndication. I’m not really a fan though. However, I think including voice actors might not be what you’re looking for, OP. Jackée Harry starred in _227_ and had a prominent role as the mom _Sister, Sister_. Tia Mowry is having success with _The Game_, which has been around for 6 years now. Her little brother, Tahj, starred in _Smart Guy_ and _Kim Possible_. Also from KP, Will Friedle, who was Eric Matthews in _Boy Meets World_. I guess I shouldn’t be surpised that MJH was in an episode of both BMW and _Batman Beyond_ with Will Friedle. I miss the 90s ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Nauplius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nauplius/32/51_2.png) [@Nauplius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nauplius)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/68 "2012-03-29T17:16:36Z")
Sarah Chalke - Roseanne and Scrubs ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/69 "2012-03-29T17:21:50Z")
> [@Christopher\_Robin\_Davies](#): > > I would not say the entire Seinfeld cast failed at what you suggest. Julia Louis Dreyfuss’s sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine lasted 3 or 4 years; that’s long enough to count as successful. She also got five consecutive Emmy nominations as Best Actress for that one, including her first-season win. ---
**Author:** ![lew\_cody](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e274bd/32.png) [@lew\_cody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lew_cody)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/70 "2012-03-29T17:35:57Z")
Going back a ways: Gale Storm in “My Little Margie” (1952-55) and “The Gale Storm Show” (1956-60, aka “Oh Susanna”). Ann Sothern in “Private Secretary” (1953-57) and “The Ann Sothern Show” (1958-61). ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/71 "2012-03-29T17:41:05Z")
> [@Baron\_Greenback](#): > > Some British ones : > > Leonard Rossiter - _Rising Damp_, _The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin_ > > Richard Beckinsale (Kate’s dad, died at 31) - _Rising Damp_, _Porridge_ > > Ronnie Barker - _Porridge_, \*Open All Hours \*and one half of the very popular sketch show _The Two Ronnies_ > > David Jason - _Open All Hours_, _A Sharp Intake of Breath_, _Only Fools and Horses_, _Darling Buds of May_, and of course _Danger Mouse_. Jason likely had more successful sitcoms, these are the ones that spring to mind. Rowan Atkinson was in “Blackadder” and “Mr. Bean.” ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/72 "2012-03-29T17:42:07Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > Rowan Atkinson was in “Blackadder” and “Mr. Bean.” John Cleese went from MONTY PYTHON to FAWLTY TOWERS. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/73 "2012-03-29T17:50:27Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Might _Futurama_ be considered a sitcom? If so, Katey Sagal was in that. Katey Sagal is in that. Season seven starts in June on Comedy Central. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/74 "2012-03-29T17:50:34Z")
James Garner went from **Maverick** to **Rockford Files** , both fairly tongue-in-cheek. I could watch that guy drink a cup of coffee. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/75 "2012-03-29T17:55:39Z")
Jerry Van Dyke in **My mother the car** and **Coach**. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/76 "2012-03-29T17:58:17Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > James Garner went from **Maverick** to **Rockford Files** , both fairly tongue-in-cheek. I could watch that guy drink a cup of coffee. He was also in **8 Simple Rules** following John Ritter’s death. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/77 "2012-03-29T18:06:11Z")
> [@chrisk](#): > > Speaking of Christina Applegate, it’s a bit too early to say if “Up All Night” will be a success, but the show seems to be doing well so far. And her co-star is Will Arnett - from Arrested Development. 😉 Will Arnett also has a recurring role on _30 Rock_. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/78 "2012-03-29T18:13:16Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Fred Gwynne was in **Car 54** and **The Munsters** So was Al Lewis. Judd Hirsch was in, IIRC, 4 sitcoms, one with Bob Newhart. **Taxi** and **Dear John** were both very successful. ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/79 "2012-03-29T18:27:58Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Also Chevy Chase on SNL and now on that regrettable comedy…Community(?). “regrettable”?!? :mad: I think you meant to say, “the funniest sitcom currently on TV, _Community_.” ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2012, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143/80 "2012-03-29T18:32:02Z")
Don’t know if he’s been mentioned yet, but **Sherman Hemsley** had 11 seasons on _The Jeffersons_ (which is of course a spin-off of _All in the Family_) and 5 seasons on _Amen_. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-with-more-than-1-successful-sitcom/617143.md?page=5)