Hollywood Actresses Who Disappeared After One Big TV Role
Many Hollywood actresses experience a massive surge in popularity after landing a career defining role on a hit television series. These stars often become household names overnight and dominate the cultural conversation for years during the peak of their show. However once their signature series concludes some of these performers find it difficult to replicate that same level of success in the industry. Whether by choice or due to the challenges of typecasting many of these talented women eventually faded from the mainstream spotlight to pursue other interests. This list highlights several actresses who are still primarily remembered for that one legendary role that defined their early careers.
Lark Voorhies
Lark Voorhies rose to fame playing the fashion conscious Lisa Turtle on the hit sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’ during the late eighties and early nineties. She portrayed a trendy and affluent student at Bayside High School who was frequently the object of affection for her classmates. While she appeared in various television guest roles and soap operas after the series ended her visibility in mainstream Hollywood significantly declined. Voorhies eventually stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her personal life and writing books. Many fans still remember her primarily for her iconic role as the fashionable teenager on the beloved Saturday morning show.
Andrea Barber
Andrea Barber became a staple of nineties television through her role as the eccentric neighbor Kimmy Gibbler on ‘Full House’. Her performance as the quirky best friend to the Tanner family made her a standout figure in the ensemble cast. Following the conclusion of the original series Barber decided to step away from the entertainment industry to focus on her education and starting a family. She earned multiple degrees and worked in international education before returning for the sequel series decades later. Despite her brief return to the character she remains a primary example of a star who left Hollywood behind after a singular massive success.
Nicholle Tom
Nicholle Tom gained national recognition for portraying the eldest daughter Maggie Sheffield on the long running sitcom ‘The Nanny’. She spent several years playing the reserved teenager who eventually blossomed under the influence of her colorful nanny. Although she voiced characters in animated projects and appeared in various guest spots she struggled to find another leading television role. Tom remains most identifiable to audiences as the refined daughter of a Broadway producer in the iconic nineties comedy. Her later career shifted toward independent films and smaller television appearances away from the A list spotlight.
Amy Jo Johnson
Amy Jo Johnson captivated young audiences around the world as Kimberly Hart the original Pink Ranger on ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’. Her role as the athletic and kind hearted superhero made her one of the biggest stars in children’s television during the mid nineties. After leaving the series she pursued other roles on shows like ‘Felicity’ and ‘Flashpoint’ but her fame never quite returned to the level of her superhero days. She eventually transitioned into directing and filmmaking where she found a new creative outlet behind the camera. To many nostalgic viewers she will always be the pink clad warrior who helped save the world every week.
Kellie Shanygne Williams
Kellie Shanygne Williams spent nine seasons portraying the responsible and sharp witted Laura Winslow on the family sitcom ‘Family Matters’. Her character served as the frequent target of Steve Urkel’s unrequited affection and became a central figure in the long running show. When the series finally ended in the late nineties Williams appeared in a few other projects before largely retiring from the acting world. She focused her energy on raising a family and establishing a foundation that provides arts programs for young people. Her legacy in Hollywood remains tied almost entirely to her decade long stint on the quintessential ABC sitcom.
Susan Olsen
Susan Olsen became an icon of child stardom when she was cast as Cindy Brady the youngest daughter on ‘The Brady Bunch’. She spent five seasons portraying the pigtailed girl whose lisp and innocent nature won over audiences during the seventies. Once the show concluded Olsen struggled with the transition into adult roles and found that producers only saw her as the little girl from the series. She eventually found success in other fields including radio hosting and animal welfare advocacy. Today she is still most frequently recognized for her contribution to the legendary family dynamic of the Brady house.
Eve Plumb
Eve Plumb earned a permanent place in television history for her portrayal of the middle sister Jan Brady on ‘The Brady Bunch’. Her character’s struggles with being in the shadow of her older sister inspired one of the most famous catchphrases in sitcom history. Like her television siblings Plumb found it difficult to escape the legacy of the show and struggled to find diverse roles in the years that followed. She eventually turned her attention toward painting and has become a highly successful artist in the decades since the show ended. While she has made occasional returns to the stage and screen her name is synonymous with her seventies childhood role.
Erin Murphy
Erin Murphy was just a toddler when she began playing the magical daughter Tabitha Stephens on the fantasy sitcom ‘Bewitched’. She grew up on the set of the show and became one of the most recognizable child stars in America during the sixties and seventies. Once the series concluded Murphy opted not to pursue a full time career in acting and instead lived a relatively normal life away from the cameras. She has worked as a television host and a business owner while maintaining a connection to her fans through public appearances. Her early experience as a young witch remains the defining moment of her career in the entertainment industry.
Mackenzie Rosman
Mackenzie Rosman spent her entire childhood playing the youngest daughter Ruthie Camden on the long running drama ‘7th Heaven’. She grew up on screen over the course of eleven seasons and became a familiar face to millions of television viewers. After the series wrapped in two thousand seven Rosman took a few small roles in independent projects but never regained the same level of fame. She shifted her focus toward her passion for equestrian sports and philanthropic efforts rather than pursuing major Hollywood projects. Her identity as the precocious Camden child remains her most prominent contribution to the world of television.
Andrea Elson
Andrea Elson is best remembered for her role as Lynn Tanner the teenage daughter on the popular eighties sitcom ‘ALF’. She played the grounded older sister who had to help her family keep their alien visitor a secret from the rest of the world. While the show was a massive international hit Elson found limited opportunities in Hollywood after the series finished its run. She eventually chose to leave the acting profession entirely to focus on her family and her career as a yoga instructor. Her time on the set of the alien comedy remains her most significant and recognizable professional achievement.
Anne Schedeen
Anne Schedeen played the matriarch Kate Tanner on the hit comedy ‘ALF’ during its four season run in the late eighties. She provided the necessary comedic balance to the antics of the titular alien and anchored the family dynamic of the show. After the series concluded Schedeen made a handful of guest appearances on other television shows before largely disappearing from the public eye. She turned her attention to antique collecting and decorating while living a private life away from Hollywood. For fans of the series she is still the quintessential mother figure who managed the chaos of an alien in her home.
Keshia Knight Pulliam
Keshia Knight Pulliam became the youngest actress ever nominated for an Emmy for her role as Rudy Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. She spent eight seasons playing the youngest child of the Huxtable family and was a favorite among viewers for her charm and humor. While she returned to the spotlight years later for roles in ‘House of Payne’ and reality television she never reached the same peak of stardom again. Pulliam has since focused on entrepreneurship and raising her family while maintaining a presence on social media. Her early success as a child star on one of the biggest shows in history remains her career high point.
Tempestt Bledsoe
Tempestt Bledsoe portrayed the stylish and sometimes rebellious Vanessa Huxtable on the landmark sitcom ‘The Cosby Show’. Her character’s evolution from a young girl to a college student was a major part of the series for nearly a decade. Once the show ended Bledsoe hosted a talk show and appeared in several made for television movies but struggled to find a steady lead role. She has maintained a low profile in recent years and is primarily seen in guest spots or through her long term relationship with another former child star. Most audiences still associate her exclusively with her time as a member of the Huxtable family.
Lisa Loring
Lisa Loring was the first actress to bring the macabre character Wednesday Addams to life on the original ‘The Addams Family’ television series. Her performance as the somber and dance loving child became a classic part of sixty’s pop culture. After the show ended Loring worked on soap operas and in various behind the scenes roles but never achieved the same level of fame. She faced personal challenges later in life and stayed largely away from the mainstream acting circuit for many years. Her legacy as the original Wednesday remains her most enduring contribution to the history of television.
Mischa Barton
Mischa Barton became an international sensation playing the troubled socialite Marissa Cooper on the hit teen drama ‘The O.C.’. Her character was at the center of the show’s biggest storylines and made Barton a major star during the early two thousands. After her character was famously written off the series Barton struggled to find success in film and television projects that matched her previous fame. She dealt with various personal struggles and eventually appeared in independent films and reality television instead of blockbuster roles. Despite her early promise she is still most widely known for her time in Orange County.
Meredith Monroe
Meredith Monroe joined the cast of ‘Dawson’s Creek’ in its second season as the intelligent and complex Andie McPhee. Her character’s struggles with mental health and her relationship with Pacey Witter were highlights of the beloved teen drama. Monroe left the show before its final seasons and appeared in many guest roles on procedurals like ‘Criminal Minds’ over the following years. While she has worked steadily she has not held a lead role in a major television hit since her departure from Capeside. Her portrayal of Andie remains the role that fans most frequently cite when discussing her career.
Brittany Daniel
Brittany Daniel rose to fame alongside her twin sister as the popular and mischievous Jessica Wakefield on ‘Sweet Valley High’. The show was a significant hit among teenagers in the mid nineties and established Daniel as a rising star in the industry. She went on to appear in several comedy films and the series ‘The Game’ but her career never reached the same level of mainstream saturation again. She eventually took a break from acting to deal with health issues and focus on her family and wellness brand. For many who grew up in the nineties she is still half of the famous twin duo from Sweet Valley.
Cynthia Daniel
Cynthia Daniel played the responsible and kind Elizabeth Wakefield on the teen series ‘Sweet Valley High’ during the nineties. Unlike her twin sister Cynthia decided to leave the acting world shortly after the show ended to pursue a different career path. She became a professional photographer and focused on her family life while staying away from the Hollywood spotlight. She has made very few public appearances or acting returns since her time as the virtuous twin sister. Her career as a television star was brief but left a lasting impression on fans of the young adult book adaptation.
Keiko Agena
Keiko Agena spent seven seasons playing the music loving Lane Kim on the critically acclaimed series ‘Gilmore Girls’. Her character was the loyal best friend to Rory Gilmore and became a fan favorite for her secret life as a rock drummer. While Agena has appeared in numerous television shows in supporting roles since the series ended she has not found another signature character. She continues to work in the industry and performs improv comedy while remaining active in the fan community for her famous role. To most viewers she will always be the girl hiding her rock records under the floorboards in Stars Hollow.
Emily Bett Rickards
Emily Bett Rickards became a breakout star on the superhero series ‘Arrow’ where she played the tech savvy Felicity Smoak. Originally intended to be a one time guest her character became so popular that she was promoted to the female lead of the show. Rickards decided to leave the series before its final season to pursue stage work and other creative interests in her home country. She has maintained a relatively low profile since her departure from the superhero genre and has not returned to a major television role. Her time as the heart of the Arrowverse remains her most significant professional achievement to date.
Andrea Bowen
Andrea Bowen played the role of Julie Mayer the dependable daughter of Susan Delfino on the hit series ‘Desperate Housewives’. She grew up on the show over eight seasons and was a constant presence in the lives of the residents of Wisteria Lane. Since the show concluded Bowen has appeared in several television movies and voiced characters in video games but has stayed out of the spotlight. She has not had a recurring role on a major network series since her time as the voice of reason on the dramatic comedy. Fans still recognize her primarily for her years as the smartest resident of the famous fictional street.
Jenna von Oÿ
Jenna von Oÿ is best known for her role as the fast talking and hat wearing Six Lemeure on the sitcom ‘Blossom’. Her character’s energetic personality and unique fashion sense made her a memorable part of nineties television. After the series ended she voiced a character in ‘A Goofy Movie’ and appeared in the sitcom ‘The Parkers’ but eventually moved away from Los Angeles. She relocated to Nashville to pursue a career in country music and writing while focusing on her children. Her portrayal of the quirky best friend remains her most iconic and recognizable contribution to entertainment.
Tina Yothers
Tina Yothers played the role of the youngest daughter Jennifer Keaton on the popular eighties sitcom ‘Family Ties’. She spent seven seasons on the show growing up in front of millions of viewers as part of a politically diverse family. After the series ended Yothers stepped away from professional acting to focus on her interest in music and forming a band. She appeared in several reality television shows later in life but never sought to return to a major acting career. Most fans still remember her as the young girl with the signature blonde hair on the classic family comedy.
Justine Bateman
Justine Bateman became a household name during the eighties for her role as the fashion obsessed Mallory Keaton on ‘Family Ties’. She received multiple award nominations for her performance as the ditzy but lovable sister to Michael J Fox’s character. Once the show ended Bateman appeared in various television projects but eventually shifted her focus to the technical side of the industry. She earned a degree in computer science and became an advocate for privacy rights while also working as a director and author. Despite her diverse accomplishments she is still most frequently associated with her peak fame in the eighties.
Dawn Wells
Dawn Wells earned a place in television history as the wholesome Mary Ann Summers on the classic comedy ‘Gilligan’s Island’. Her character was the ultimate girl next door and remained a fan favorite throughout the show’s run and its subsequent reruns. While Wells continued to work in theater and made guest appearances she never found another role that surpassed the fame of her island character. She embraced her legacy by writing books about her experiences and meeting fans at conventions for decades. Her career was defined by the three seasons she spent stranded on a fictional tropical island.
Tina Louise
Tina Louise played the glamorous movie star Ginger Grant on the beloved sixty’s sitcom ‘Gilligan’s Island’. Her character provided the show with its signature Hollywood flair and became an enduring symbol of television glamour. Following the series Louise attempted to distance herself from the role to pursue more serious dramatic work in film and on Broadway. She was the only original cast member who declined to participate in the various television movie sequels that followed. Despite her efforts to branch out she remains most famous for being the movie star among the group of castaways.
Donna Douglas
Donna Douglas achieved massive success playing the beautiful and animal loving Elly May Clampett on ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’. Her role as the tomboy daughter of a wealthy oil tycoon made her one of the most recognizable faces in the country during the sixties. After the show ended Douglas found it difficult to secure other major roles and eventually transitioned into a career in gospel singing and public speaking. She also authored several children’s books and remained active in her community until her passing. Her identity as the girl with the critters in Beverly Hills remains her most prominent professional legacy.
Irene Ryan
Irene Ryan became an American icon for her portrayal of the feisty Granny on the long running series ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’. Her comedic timing and physical humor were essential to the show’s massive ratings success over nine seasons. Although she had a long career in vaudeville and radio before the show she never had another major television role after it ended. She focused her later years on the stage and earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the musical ‘Pippin’. To the general public she is still the unforgettable matriarch who brought a piece of the mountains to California.
Marlo Thomas
Marlo Thomas broke new ground for women on television as the independent Ann Marie on the sitcom ‘That Girl’. The show followed an aspiring actress living on her own in New York City and became a significant cultural milestone in the late sixties. While Thomas continued to act in various television movies and guest roles she never starred in another long running series of the same caliber. She shifted much of her focus toward activism and her extensive work for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her legacy is firmly rooted in her role as a trailblazer for independent women in the world of television.
Barbara Eden
Barbara Eden charmed audiences for five seasons as the titular character on the fantasy sitcom ‘I Dream of Jeannie’. Her performance as the magical spirit who lived in a bottle made her one of the biggest stars of the sixties. After the show ended Eden starred in several other series and television movies but none achieved the same legendary status as her role in the bottle. She continued to perform in theater and made frequent public appearances while embracing her status as a television icon. She remains a beloved figure in pop culture primarily for her magical adventures in Cocoa Beach.
Elizabeth Montgomery
Elizabeth Montgomery became one of the most popular actresses in the world for her role as the nose twitching witch Samantha Stephens on ‘Bewitched’. The show ran for eight successful seasons and cemented her place as a leading lady in Hollywood during the sixties and early seventies. After the series concluded Montgomery sought out dark and challenging roles in television movies to distance herself from her magical persona. She earned critical acclaim for these dramatic performances but never returned to a regular series role. Her portrayal of the modern witch who just wanted a normal life remains her most enduring contribution to the medium.
Yvonne De Carlo
Yvonne De Carlo was already a successful film star when she took the role of Lily Munster on the supernatural sitcom ‘The Munsters’. Her portrayal of the vampire matriarch became a defining part of her career and made her a staple of sixty’s television. When the show ended after two seasons De Carlo returned to film and theater work including a famous role in the musical ‘Follies’. She never had another television character that reached the same level of popularity as her gothic mother figure. For generations of fans she is still the elegant queen of Mockingbird Lane.
Pat Priest
Pat Priest took over the role of Marilyn Munster on ‘The Munsters’ after the original actress left the series during the first season. She played the character for the remainder of the show’s run and became the face most associated with the Munster’s normal niece. After the series was canceled Priest found herself typecast and struggled to find significant roles in other television projects. She eventually retired from acting and moved into the real estate business while occasionally appearing at nostalgia conventions. She is still fondly remembered by fans as the human relative living among the friendly monsters.
Shiri Appleby
Shiri Appleby became a teen idol for her role as Liz Parker on the science fiction drama ‘Roswell’ at the turn of the millennium. The show followed her character’s relationship with an alien teenager and gained a dedicated cult following during its three seasons. Appleby continued to work in television and eventually transitioned into a successful career as a director for various popular shows. While she starred in the series ‘UnREAL’ years later she is still often identified by fans for her breakout role in the alien drama. Her early success on the small screen established a foundation for her long career behind the camera.
Majandra Delfino
Majandra Delfino played the witty and artistic Maria DeLuca on the cult favorite series ‘Roswell’ during the late nineties and early two thousands. Her character’s dry humor and relationship with an alien made her a standout member of the ensemble cast. Since the show ended Delfino has appeared in several sitcoms and independent films but has not secured another long term lead role. She also pursued a career in music and released several albums while focusing on her family life in recent years. Her time as the quirky best friend in the desert remains her most prominent television role to date.
Emma Caulfield
Emma Caulfield earned a loyal following for her role as the ex demon Anya Jenkins on the hit series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Her character’s blunt honesty and struggle to understand human customs provided much of the show’s humor in its later seasons. After the series concluded Caulfield starred in the horror film ‘Darkness Falls’ and made several guest appearances on various television shows. While she has worked steadily in the industry she has not reached the same level of fame she experienced during her time in Sunnydale. To many fans of the supernatural genre she will always be the vengeance demon who loved money and rabbits.
Amber Benson
Amber Benson portrayed the shy and powerful witch Tara Maclay on the groundbreaking series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Her character was part of one of the first significant lesbian relationships on network television and became a beloved icon for many viewers. Since leaving the show Benson has focused her talents on writing novels and directing independent films rather than pursuing mainstream acting roles. She has become a prolific author in the fantasy genre and maintains a strong connection with her fanbase through her creative work. Her role as the gentle witch remains her most famous and culturally significant contribution to the screen.
Staci Keanan
Staci Keanan was a prominent child star who gained fame on the sitcoms ‘My Two Dads’ and later ‘Step by Step’. On ‘Step by Step’ she played the intelligent and cynical Dana Foster for seven seasons during the nineties. After the series ended Keanan decided to step away from the entertainment industry to pursue a career in the legal profession. She attended law school and became a practicing attorney while leaving her Hollywood past behind. Her transition from a television star to a lawyer is often cited as a successful example of life after child stardom.
Christine Lakin
Christine Lakin played the tomboy Alicia Al Lambert on the long running family sitcom ‘Step by Step’. She spent most of the nineties as part of the large blended family at the center of the show’s comedic storylines. Since the series concluded Lakin has stayed active in the industry as a voice actress and director for various television projects. While she has worked on many sets she has not had another live action television role that achieved the same popularity as her childhood character. She remains a familiar face to fans of nineties television through her social media presence and podcasting work.
Angela Watson
Angela Watson portrayed the vain and fashion obsessed Karen Foster on the ABC sitcom ‘Step by Step’. Her character was known for her obsession with her looks and her aspirations to become a model or actress. After the series ended Watson discovered that her parents had mismanaged her earnings and she became an advocate for child actors’ financial rights. She founded an organization to help other young performers protect their income and navigated away from the acting world. Her career in front of the camera remains defined by her years as the beauty queen of the Foster family.
Lauri Hendler
Lauri Hendler is best known for her role as the eldest daughter Julie Kanisky on the eighties sitcom ‘Gimme a Break!’. She played the responsible teenager who often clashed with the family’s housekeeper played by Nell Carter. After she left the series in the mid eighties Hendler made a few guest appearances before transitioning into voice acting for video games and animated shows. She has not held a major live action role on television in the decades since her time on the hit comedy. For viewers of eighties television she is still remembered as the sensible daughter from the Kanisky household.
Lara Jill Miller
Lara Jill Miller gained fame for her role as the tomboyish Samantha Kanisky on the popular sitcom ‘Gimme a Break!’. Her energetic performance and short hair became a recognizable part of the show’s identity during its long run. Once the series concluded Miller shifted her focus entirely to voice acting and has become highly successful in that field. She has provided voices for numerous characters in popular children’s cartoons and animated features over the last twenty years. While her voice is heard by millions she has largely disappeared from live action television roles since her childhood.
Kari Michaelsen
Kari Michaelsen played the role of the popular and sweet Katie Kanisky on the sitcom ‘Gimme a Break!’ for several seasons. She was a major part of the show’s early success and became a familiar face on television during the first half of the eighties. After leaving the series Michaelsen decided to move away from professional acting and explore other career opportunities. She became a motivational speaker and a consultant while living a life away from the Hollywood spotlight. Her time as the eldest Kanisky sister remains her most significant and lasting professional credit in entertainment.
Maureen McCormick
Maureen McCormick became a cultural icon for her portrayal of the eldest daughter Marcia Brady on ‘The Brady Bunch’. Her character was the quintessential popular teenager of the early seventies and was the focus of many of the show’s most famous episodes. Following the series McCormick struggled with the immense fame and faced personal challenges while trying to secure adult roles. She eventually appeared in reality television shows and wrote a best selling memoir about her life and career. Despite her various projects she is still most widely recognized as the girl who dealt with the football to the nose.
Soleil Moon Frye
Soleil Moon Frye became a massive child star for her titular role in the sitcom ‘Punky Brewster’ during the mid eighties. Her character’s mismatched shoes and positive attitude made her a beloved figure for a generation of young viewers. After the show ended Frye voiced characters in animated series and appeared in the later seasons of ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’. She eventually turned her attention toward business and parenting before returning for a brief revival of her most famous character. To most fans she will always be the spunky orphan who lived in an apartment building with her foster father.
Cherie Johnson
Cherie Johnson played the role of the loyal best friend Cherie on the popular sitcom ‘Punky Brewster’. She was a constant companion to the main character and appeared in nearly every episode of the series throughout the eighties. After the show concluded Johnson had a recurring role on the long running sitcom ‘Family Matters’ as the character Maxine. While she has continued to work as an actress and producer she has not had a major leading role in a hit series since those early successes. She is still most frequently recognized for her work on the two iconic sitcoms that defined her childhood career.
Danielle Fishel
Danielle Fishel rose to fame as the quirky and intelligent Topanga Lawrence on the coming of age sitcom ‘Boy Meets World’. Her character’s relationship with Cory Matthews became one of the most famous romances in the history of teenage television during the nineties. After the series ended Fishel worked as a television host and appeared in several films before returning to the character in a sequel series years later. She has also moved into directing and has worked behind the scenes on various projects for major children’s networks. While she remains active in the industry her identity is still closely tied to the legendary character she played for seven seasons.
Sheryl Lee
Sheryl Lee became an overnight sensation for her dual roles as Laura Palmer and Maddy Ferguson on the mystery series ‘Twin Peaks’. Her image as the prom queen at the center of the show’s central mystery became one of the most iconic visuals in television history. Although she continued to act in films and on stage she never regained the same level of mainstream fame after the show ended. She returned for the series revival decades later but has otherwise maintained a relatively low profile in Hollywood. Most viewers still associate her name with the chilling mystery of who killed the girl in the small town.
Sherilyn Fenn
Sherilyn Fenn captivated audiences as the seductive and clever Audrey Horne on the cult classic series ‘Twin Peaks’. Her performance made her a major breakout star of the early nineties and led to several high profile film roles. However her mainstream popularity began to fade in the mid nineties and she transitioned into guest roles on various television dramas. She has continued to work steadily in independent cinema and on television while staying away from the A list spotlight. To fans of the surreal drama she remains the unforgettable girl who could tie a cherry stem with her tongue.
Tell us which of these television stars from the past you remember most by sharing your thoughts in the comments.
