Greatest TV Actresses of All Time

Television history is defined by the incredible women who brought complex characters to life on the small screen. These performers mastered the art of storytelling through long-form narratives in both comedy and drama. From pioneering legends who broke barriers to modern icons redefining the medium, their contributions remain timeless. This collection highlights the most talented and influential actresses to ever grace the television landscape.

Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball revolutionized the sitcom format through her work on ‘I Love Lucy’ during the 1950s. She displayed impeccable timing and a willingness to perform outrageous physical comedy that set the standard for generations. Her character Lucy Ricardo became an archetype for the ambitious but clumsy housewife who constantly sought stardom. Ball also became a powerful industry figure as the first woman to run a major television studio. Her influence extends far beyond her acting as she paved the way for women in entertainment production.

Mary Tyler Moore

Mary Tyler Moore became a symbol of the modern independent woman through her titular role in ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’. She portrayed Mary Richards as a single career woman focused on her professional life rather than solely on finding a husband. Her earlier work on ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ established her as a formidable comedic talent capable of holding her own against other greats. Moore influenced societal views on feminism and gender roles through her nuanced performances. She remains one of the most beloved figures in the history of American television.

Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett broke ground for female comedians by hosting her own long-running variety show. ‘The Carol Burnett Show’ showcased her extraordinary versatility as she transitioned between sketches, musical numbers, and character work. She created memorable characters like the cleaning woman and Mrs. Wiggins that highlighted her gift for physical humor. Burnett famously ended every episode with a tug of her ear as a signal to her grandmother. Her show won numerous Emmy Awards and remains a gold standard for variety television.

Betty White

Betty White enjoyed a career that spanned over eight decades and made her a fixture in American pop culture. She gained initial fame as the acerbic Sue Ann Nivens on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ before capturing hearts as Rose Nylund on ‘The Golden Girls’. Her comedic delivery often relied on a juxtaposition of sweet innocence and sharp wit. White continued to work well into her nineties and hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ to great acclaim. She holds the Guinness World Record for the longest TV career by a female entertainer.

Bea Arthur

Bea Arthur commanded the screen with her distinctive voice and towering presence in two iconic sitcoms. She tackled controversial social issues as the liberal title character in ‘Maude’ during the 1970s. Arthur later achieved massive success as the sarcastic Dorothy Zbornak in ‘The Golden Girls’. Her ability to deliver a withering deadpan look became her comedic trademark. She won Emmy Awards for both roles and solidified her status as a television legend.

Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury found massive success later in her career as the mystery novelist Jessica Fletcher in ‘Murder, She Wrote’. She played the astute amateur detective for twelve seasons and became one of the most recognizable faces on television. Her performance anchored the series and helped it become a global phenomenon with high ratings. Lansbury holds the record for the most Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series without a win. Her work on the show demonstrated the viability of series led by older female protagonists.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus established herself as a comedy titan with three distinct iconic roles across three decades. She first gained fame as the neurotic Elaine Benes on ‘Seinfeld’ where she matched her male co-stars in every scene. She later starred as a struggling single mother in ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ before taking on the role of Selina Meyer in ‘Veep’. Her portrayal of the ambitious and often incompetent politician in ‘Veep’ earned her six consecutive Emmy Awards. She is one of the most decorated actresses in television history.

Edie Falco

Edie Falco delivered one of the most complex dramatic performances in history as Carmela Soprano on ‘The Sopranos’. She portrayed the mob wife with a mixture of complicity, guilt, and fierce protectiveness over her children. Falco later shifted gears to play a drug-addicted nurse in the dark comedy ‘Nurse Jackie’. She is the only actress to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in both the Comedy and Drama categories. Her range allows her to embody flawed characters with deep humanity.

Allison Janney

Allison Janney gained wide recognition for her role as C.J. Cregg in the political drama ‘The West Wing’. Her portrayal of the White House Press Secretary combined intellectual authority with physical comedy and emotional depth. She later dominated the sitcom world as the recovering addict Bonnie Plunkett in ‘Mom’. Janney has won multiple Emmy Awards across various categories for her television work. Her commanding screen presence makes her a standout in both ensemble casts and leading roles.

Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman was a chameleon who could disappear into any role she accepted. She won audiences over as the self-absorbed Phyllis Lindstrom on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ before getting her own spinoff. Her career included a record-tying eight Primetime Emmy Awards for acting. Leachman showcased her range by playing the grandma on ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ in her later years. She remained a working actress known for her unpredictability and dedication to her craft until the end of her life.

Candice Bergen

Candice Bergen defined the television landscape of the late 80s and early 90s with ‘Murphy Brown’. She played a recovering alcoholic and tough broadcast journalist who broke glass ceilings in her fictional workplace. The character became a cultural lightning rod when she chose to have a child as a single mother. Bergen won five Emmy Awards for the role before removing herself from consideration to give others a chance. She returned to the character in a revival that proved her comedic timing remained sharp.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a pioneer who refused to take roles that she felt demeaned Black women. Her breakthrough performance came in the television movie ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’ where she aged from a young woman to a centenarian. She won two Emmy Awards for that performance including Actress of the Year. Tyson continued to deliver powerful performances in projects like ‘Roots’ and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Her career was defined by a commitment to dignity and excellence in storytelling.

Jean Smart

Jean Smart has enjoyed a career renaissance that highlights her incredible longevity and talent. She first became known as the naive Charlene Frazier on ‘Designing Women’ in the 1980s. Smart later reinvented herself with acclaimed dramatic turns in ’24’ and ‘Fargo’. Her recent lead role in ‘Hacks’ as a veteran Las Vegas comedian has earned her sweeping critical praise and awards. She brings a sharp wit and emotional resonance to every character she inhabits.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis brought intensity and gravitas to the role of Annalise Keating in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She made history as the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Her character was a brilliant law professor and defense attorney with a dark and complicated personal life. Davis is known for her ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability on screen. She remains one of the most respected actors working in Hollywood today.

Julianna Margulies

Julianna Margulies anchored two major television dramas with her understated yet powerful acting style. She broke out as Nurse Carol Hathaway in the medical hit ‘ER’ where she won an Emmy. She later returned to television as Alicia Florrick in ‘The Good Wife’ and navigated the complexities of political scandal and legal drama. Her performance was praised for its subtlety as she conveyed volumes with just a look. Margulies also served as a producer on ‘The Good Wife’ and helped shape its creative direction.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has become the face of the anthology format through her collaboration with Ryan Murphy. She has played a wide variety of characters in ‘American Horror Story’ ranging from a two-headed woman to a drug-addicted ghost. Her portrayal of prosecutor Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’ earned her universal acclaim and an Emmy Award. Paulson is known for her intense preparation and ability to disappear into distinct roles. She consistently takes on challenging material that pushes the boundaries of the medium.

Jessica Lange

Jessica Lange revitalized her career and found a new legion of fans through her television work. She served as the pillar of ‘American Horror Story’ for its first four seasons and played formidable matriarchs and fading stars. Her performance as Big Edie in the HBO film ‘Grey Gardens’ demonstrated her immense range. Lange brought movie star charisma to the small screen and elevated every scene she was in. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her contributions to television miniseries and anthologies.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close brought her cinematic pedigree to television with the legal thriller ‘Damages’. She played Patty Hewes as a ruthless and brilliant litigator who would stop at nothing to win a case. The role allowed Close to explore the darker sides of ambition and mentorship. She won two consecutive Emmy Awards for her terrifying yet captivating performance. Close demonstrated that complex anti-heroines could lead successful television series.

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren created one of the most iconic television detectives with her role as Jane Tennison in ‘Prime Suspect’. She played a high-ranking police officer battling sexism within the force while solving gruesome crimes. The series spanned over a decade and allowed audiences to watch the character age and evolve. Mirren won multiple Emmy and BAFTA Awards for her gritty and realistic portrayal. Her work set the standard for all police procedurals featuring female leads that followed.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith found global fame late in her career as the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in ‘Downton Abbey’. She stole every scene with her biting delivery of one-liners and staunch defense of tradition. Smith brought depth to the role and revealed the character’s hidden warmth and vulnerability over time. She won three Emmy Awards for her work on the period drama. Her performance became the most quoted and beloved element of the series.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson became a sci-fi icon as Agent Dana Scully in ‘The X-Files’. She portrayed a skeptical scientist who provided a rational counterpoint to the supernatural elements of the show. Anderson later reinvented herself with roles in British dramas like ‘The Fall’ and ‘Sex Education’. Her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Crown’ earned her critical praise and major awards. She continues to select diverse roles that challenge her range as an actress.

Elisabeth Moss

Elisabeth Moss established herself as a premier dramatic actress through her work on ‘Mad Men’. She played Peggy Olson and took the character from a shy secretary to a top copywriter in a male-dominated industry. Moss later took on the lead role of June Osborne in the dystopian drama ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Her intense close-up performances capture the internal struggle and trauma of her character. She has become a powerful force in television as both a leading actress and a director.

Claire Danes

Claire Danes captured the teenage experience perfectly as Angela Chase in the short-lived but influential ‘My So-Called Life’. She returned to television years later as Carrie Mathison in the thriller ‘Homeland’. Danes portrayed the brilliant CIA officer who struggled with bipolar disorder while fighting terrorism. Her performance was noted for its raw emotional intensity and physicality. She won back-to-back Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Keri Russell

Keri Russell first gained attention as the title character in the college drama ‘Felicity’. She shed her girl-next-door image with her role as Elizabeth Jennings in ‘The Americans’. Russell played a deep-cover Soviet spy living in the suburbs of Washington D.C. during the Cold War. Her performance required her to balance the ruthlessness of a killer with the concerns of a mother. She received consistent critical acclaim for her nuanced portrayal of a woman torn between duty and family.

Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay has played Olivia Benson on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ for over two decades. Her character has evolved from a junior detective to the captain of the squad. Hargitay brings a deep sense of empathy to the role as she advocates for survivors of assault. She is the longest-running female character in a primetime live-action drama series. Her dedication to the role has made her synonymous with the franchise and justice on television.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar created a feminist icon with her role as Buffy Summers in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. She balanced the physical demands of action sequences with the emotional weight of saving the world. The show used supernatural metaphors to explore the difficulties of growing up. Gellar displayed incredible range as she handled comedy, drama, and horror often within the same episode. Her performance remains a touchstone for the genre and influenced countless strong female characters.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker became a fashion and cultural icon as Carrie Bradshaw in ‘Sex and the City’. She narrated the lives of four women in New York navigating love and friendship. Parker brought a neurotic charm and vulnerability to the role that made Carrie relatable despite her glamorous lifestyle. She won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. The character’s influence on fashion and dating culture persists decades later.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston became “America’s Sweetheart” through her portrayal of Rachel Green on ‘Friends’. She took the character from a spoiled runaway bride to a successful fashion executive over ten seasons. Aniston displayed impeccable comedic timing and chemistry with her ensemble cast. Her hairstyle famously sparked a global trend during the height of the show’s popularity. She later returned to television with a dramatic turn in ‘The Morning Show’ which earned her further acclaim.

Lisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow created one of the most unique sitcom characters of all time as Phoebe Buffay on ‘Friends’. She played the eccentric masseuse with a distinct delivery and musical comedic sensibility. Kudrow was the first cast member of the show to win an Emmy Award for her performance. She later co-created and starred in ‘The Comeback’ as a washed-up sitcom actress. Her work is celebrated for its awkward humor and satirical edge.

Tina Fey

Tina Fey reshaped the landscape of television comedy as the creator and star of ’30 Rock’. She played Liz Lemon as the harried head writer of a sketch show trying to manage eccentric personalities. Fey brought a sharp and self-deprecating wit to the character that resonated with audiences. She previously served as the first female head writer at ‘Saturday Night Live’. Her influence extends to writing and producing some of the most successful comedies of the modern era.

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler brought relentless optimism to the screen as Leslie Knope in ‘Parks and Recreation’. Her character was a mid-level bureaucrat who believed deeply in the power of government to help people. Poehler balanced the character’s intensity with genuine warmth and heart. She previously starred on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where she anchored the Weekend Update segment. Her partnership with Tina Fey remains one of the most celebrated comedic duos in history.

Laurie Metcalf

Laurie Metcalf is a theater-trained actress who brings manic energy and precision to her television roles. She won three consecutive Emmy Awards for playing Jackie Harris on ‘Roseanne’. Metcalf is known for her ability to handle long monologues and dramatic shifts in tone. She later received acclaim for her role in ‘Getting On’ and her guest appearances on ‘The Big Bang Theory’. Her versatility allows her to excel in both broad comedy and subtle drama.

Christine Baranski

Christine Baranski is known for playing sophisticated and sharp-tongued professionals. She won an Emmy for her role as the boozy friend Maryann Thorpe on ‘Cybill’. Baranski later found a new audience as the liberal lawyer Diane Lockhart in ‘The Good Wife’ and its spinoff ‘The Good Fight’. Her characters often exude confidence and intellect while navigating chaotic situations. She remains a constant presence on television with a career spanning decades.

Regina King

Regina King transitioned from a child actor to one of the most powerful forces in television drama. She won three Emmy Awards in massive succession for her work on ‘American Crime’ and ‘Seven Seconds’. King later starred as the lead in the critically acclaimed superhero drama ‘Watchmen’. Her performances are marked by a quiet strength and emotional resilience. She has also become a prolific television director in recent years.

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh gained massive popularity as the driven and competitive Dr. Cristina Yang on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She played the character for ten seasons and earned numerous award nominations. Oh later made history as the first Asian woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Drama for ‘Killing Eve’. Her role as Eve Polastri allowed her to display her skills in a thriller setting mixed with dark comedy. She continues to break barriers for Asian American representation in media.

Laura Linney

Laura Linney brings a naturalistic and understated approach to her television roles. She starred as a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer in the dramedy ‘The Big C’. Linney later played Wendy Byrde in the crime drama ‘Ozark’ where her character descended into moral darkness. She has won four Emmy Awards for her work in various series and miniseries. Her ability to make complex and sometimes unlikable characters sympathetic is a testament to her skill.

Kyra Sedgwick

Kyra Sedgwick found her defining television role as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson in ‘The Closer’. She played a brilliant interrogator with a Southern accent and a sweet demeanor that hid a steely resolve. The series was a massive ratings hit for cable television and paved the way for other female-led procedurals. Sedgwick won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance. Her portrayal anchored the show for seven successful seasons.

Robin Wright

Robin Wright brought an icy elegance to the role of Claire Underwood in ‘House of Cards’. She played the wife of a ruthless politician who was equally ambitious and cunning. Wright eventually took over the lead role of the series and the presidency within the show’s narrative. Her performance was praised for its calculated restraint and commanding presence. She also directed several episodes of the series and served as an executive producer.

Tatiana Maslany

Tatiana Maslany pulled off a historic feat of acting in the sci-fi series ‘Orphan Black’. She played over a dozen distinct clones often acting opposite herself in the same scene. Each character had a unique accent, posture, and personality that made the audience forget they were played by one person. Maslany won an Emmy Award for her groundbreaking work on the show. Her performance is considered one of the most technically difficult and impressive in television history.

Lena Headey

Lena Headey created one of the most memorable villains in television history as Cersei Lannister in ‘Game of Thrones’. She played the Queen Regent with a mixture of malice and fierce love for her children. Headey managed to make a character who committed atrocities feel human and occasionally sympathetic. She received five Emmy nominations for her portrayal of the complex antagonist. Her performance was essential to the political intrigue that drove the massive global hit.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba broke out instantly as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She brought depth and humanity to a character that could have easily been a caricature. Aduba won Emmy Awards in both the Comedy and Drama categories for the same role as the show switched classifications. She later starred as Shirley Chisholm in ‘Mrs. America’ to further critical acclaim. Her work is defined by intense emotional commitment and character transformation.

Merritt Wever

Merritt Wever is a character actress known for her ability to steal scenes with unique choices. She won an Emmy for playing the quirky nurse Zoey Barkow on ‘Nurse Jackie’. Wever later delivered a stunning dramatic performance in the miniseries ‘Unbelievable’. She brings a sense of authenticity and vulnerability to every project. Her acceptance speeches are also legendary for their brevity and humility.

Catherine O’Hara

Catherine O’Hara is a comedic legend who capped her career with the role of Moira Rose in ‘Schitt’s Creek’. She created an unforgettable character with an unidentifiable accent and a collection of wigs. O’Hara swept the major acting awards for the final season of the show. She previously starred in ‘SCTV’ where she honed her skills in sketch comedy. Her performance as Moira Rose became a viral sensation and a masterclass in character creation.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross established herself as a leading comedic actress on ‘Girlfriends’ in the early 2000s. She later reached new heights as the matriarch Rainbow Johnson on ‘Black-ish’. Ross won a Golden Globe for the role and brought a modern perspective to the sitcom mother archetype. Her chemistry with co-star Anthony Anderson was central to the show’s success. She is also a producer who advocates for diverse storytelling in Hollywood.

Tyne Daly

Tyne Daly redefined the role of women in police procedurals as Mary Beth Lacey in ‘Cagney & Lacey’. She played a working mother balancing a demanding job with her family life. Daly won four Emmy Awards for the role during the 1980s. She later won two more Emmys for her supporting role in ‘Judging Amy’. Her career is marked by strong, realistic portrayals of working-class women.

Please share your favorite performances from these legendary actresses in the comments.