TV Stars Who Failed to Conquer Hollywood

The transition from the small screen to the silver screen has long been the ultimate goal for many television actors seeking to solidify their status in the entertainment industry. While some performers manage to bridge the gap and become global icons, many find that their television success does not automatically translate to box office numbers. This phenomenon often leaves major stars returning to the medium that first made them famous after their cinematic efforts fail to gain momentum. The following individuals represent high-profile cases of actors who dominated television but struggled to maintain a lasting career as a Hollywood leading man or woman.

David Caruso

David Caruso became a household name for his role as Detective John Kelly on ‘NYPD Blue’ in the early 1990s. He famously chose to leave the series during its second season to establish himself as a leading man in Hollywood movies. His initial film ventures, ‘Kiss of Death’ and ‘Jade’, failed to resonate with audiences or achieve commercial success. After a decade of struggling to find a place in the film industry, he returned to television as the lead in ‘CSI: Miami’. The actor spent the remainder of his primary career on the small screen, where he found his most consistent success.

Shelley Long

Shelley Long was at the peak of her popularity when she played Diane Chambers on the hit sitcom ‘Cheers’ in the 1980s. She decided to leave the show in 1987 to focus on a film career, hoping to build on the success of the comedy ‘Outrageous Fortune’. However, subsequent projects like ‘Hello Again’ and ‘Troop Beverly Hills’ did not establish her as a major box office draw. Long eventually made guest appearances on various television shows and returned to the role of Diane in several ‘Cheers’ spin-offs. Her career remains most defined by her time at the famous Boston bar rather than her cinematic output.

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl transitioned from a successful run on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to a series of high-profile romantic comedies in the late 2000s. While films like ‘Knocked Up’ and ’27 Dresses’ were significant hits, her later projects such as ‘One for the Money’ and ‘Killers’ suffered from poor reviews and declining ticket sales. Publicized conflicts with producers and writers also impacted her reputation within the film industry. By the mid-2010s, Heigl had returned to television with lead roles in shows like ‘State of Affairs’ and ‘Doubt’. She eventually joined the cast of ‘Suits’ for its final seasons after her film leading roles became scarce.

Matthew Fox

Matthew Fox gained international fame as Dr. Jack Shephard on the supernatural drama ‘Lost’. After the series concluded, he attempted to pivot into major motion pictures with roles in ‘Vantage Point’ and ‘Alex Cross’. In ‘Alex Cross’, he underwent a dramatic physical transformation to play the villain, but the film was a critical and financial disappointment. Subsequent roles in ‘Emperor’ and ‘Bone Tomahawk’ failed to propel him into the ranks of Hollywood A-list film stars. Fox ultimately took a prolonged hiatus from acting before returning to television in the limited series ‘Last Light’.

Josh Holloway

Josh Holloway became a breakout star on ‘Lost’ for his portrayal of the charismatic anti-hero James “Sawyer” Ford. His attempts to transition into film included a small role in ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ and a lead part in ‘Battle of the Year’. Neither these nor the thriller ‘Paranoia’ managed to elevate him to a prominent position in Hollywood cinema. Holloway quickly returned to the small screen with leading roles in ‘Intelligence’ and ‘Colony’. He continues to work primarily in television, most recently appearing in the Western drama ‘Yellowstone’.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton became a teen icon in the mid-2000s while playing Marissa Cooper on ‘The O.C.’. Following her departure from the show, she sought to establish a film career with projects like ‘Closing the Ring’ and ‘Virgin Territory’. These films were largely ignored by mainstream audiences and failed to achieve critical acclaim. Barton struggled to find consistent work in major Hollywood productions thereafter, appearing instead in various independent and direct-to-video movies. She eventually returned to the spotlight through reality television and smaller episodic roles.

Luke Perry

Luke Perry achieved massive fame as Dylan McKay on the teen drama ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’. During the height of the show’s success, he starred in the film version of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and the rodeo drama ‘8 Seconds’. Despite his popularity with young audiences, these films did not lead to a sustained career as a top-tier movie star. Perry returned to television for various projects, including ‘Oz’ and ‘Jeremiah’, finding a new generation of fans later in life. He was a series regular on ‘Riverdale’ until his passing in 2019.

Jason Priestley

Jason Priestley was the primary lead of ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’, where he played Brandon Walsh for nearly a decade. Like his co-stars, he attempted to leverage his heartthrob status into a movie career with films like ‘Calendar Girl’ and ‘Love and Death on Long Island’. While the latter received some critical praise, it did not lead to major studio leading roles. Priestley eventually moved into directing and starring in Canadian television productions such as ‘Call Me Fitz’ and ‘Private Eyes’. He remains a staple of the television industry rather than a fixture of Hollywood cinema.

David Schwimmer

David Schwimmer was one of the stars of the cultural phenomenon ‘Friends’, where he played Ross Geller. While the show was still airing, he took lead roles in films like ‘The Pallbearer’ and ‘Six Days, Seven Nights’ alongside Harrison Ford. These movies received lukewarm receptions and did not establish him as a reliable romantic lead in film. Schwimmer eventually found more fulfillment in stage acting, directing, and voice work for the ‘Madagascar’ animated franchise. He saw a major television resurgence in 2016 for his portrayal of Robert Kardashian in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’.

Matt LeBlanc

Matt LeBlanc gained global recognition as Joey Tribbiani on ‘Friends’ and later starred in the spin-off ‘Joey’. His forays into big-budget films included the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ franchise and the sci-fi reboot ‘Lost in Space’. While ‘Charlie’s Angels’ was successful, LeBlanc remained a supporting player rather than a primary film star. After the failure of ‘Joey’, he stepped away from acting before returning to television with ‘Episodes’, where he played a fictionalized version of himself. He also hosted the popular motoring show ‘Top Gear’ and starred in the sitcom ‘Man with a Plan’.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry was widely praised for his comedic timing as Chandler Bing on ‘Friends’. He attempted to launch a film career with comedies like ‘Fools Rush In’, ‘The Whole Nine Yards’, and ‘Serving Sara’. While ‘The Whole Nine Yards’ was a box office success, its sequel and Perry’s other film projects failed to maintain that momentum. He eventually focused back on television, starring in series such as ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ and ‘The Odd Couple’. Perry continued to work primarily in the television medium until his death in 2023.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar became a genre icon through her lead role in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. She saw early success in teen-oriented films such as ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’, ‘Cruel Intentions’, and the live-action ‘Scooby-Doo’. However, her attempts to lead adult-oriented thrillers like ‘The Return’ and ‘Possession’ were not successful at the box office. Gellar eventually stepped back from film to focus on her family and entrepreneurial ventures. She returned to television for shows like ‘Ringer’, ‘The Crazy Ones’, and ‘Wolf Pack’.

James Van Der Beek

James Van Der Beek rose to fame as the titular character in the teen drama ‘Dawson’s Creek’. He tried to capitalize on this fame with the football film ‘Varsity Blues’, which was a financial success, and the dark comedy ‘The Rules of Attraction’. Despite these efforts, he was unable to secure a consistent place as a Hollywood film lead. Van Der Beek eventually embraced his television roots, appearing in ‘Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23’ and ‘CSI: Cyber’. He has since become well known for his self-deprecating humor in various guest roles and reality competitions.

Zach Braff

Zach Braff was the lead of the long-running medical comedy ‘Scrubs’, earning several award nominations for his performance. He experienced a brief period of film stardom after writing, directing, and starring in the independent hit ‘Garden State’. However, his subsequent film roles in projects like ‘The Last Kiss’ and ‘The Ex’ did not reach the same level of critical or commercial acclaim. Braff eventually returned to directing and voice work while continuing to appear in television projects. He has remained more influential as a television personality and indie filmmaker than a Hollywood blockbuster star.

Topher Grace

Topher Grace was a fan favorite as Eric Forman on ‘That ’70s Show’ before leaving the series to pursue film. He landed the role of Eddie Brock/Venom in ‘Spider-Man 3’, but the performance and the film’s portrayal of the character received mixed reactions. Subsequent leading roles in movies like ‘Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!’ and ‘In Good Company’ failed to make him a mainstay in the industry. Grace transitioned into character roles in films like ‘BlacKkKlansman’ before returning to a television lead in ‘Home Economics’. He also reprised his most famous role for the spin-off ‘That ’90s Show’.

David Duchovny

David Duchovny became a household name playing Agent Fox Mulder on the sci-fi hit ‘The X-Files’. During and after the show’s original run, he starred in films such as ‘Evolution’, ‘Return to Me’, and ‘Kalifornia’. While these projects varied in genre, none of them successfully established him as a premier movie star. Duchovny eventually found a second wave of television success as Hank Moody in ‘Californication’. He has continued to lean into his television legacy by participating in ‘The X-Files’ revivals and other cable dramas.

Alyssa Milano

Alyssa Milano transitioned from child stardom in ‘Who’s the Boss?’ to adult fame in ‘Charmed’. Throughout her career, she appeared in various feature films like ‘Fear’ and ‘Hugo Pool’, but none resulted in a major cinematic breakthrough. Her film career remained largely overshadowed by her consistent presence on television screens. Milano eventually focused on hosting reality shows and starring in series such as ‘Mistresses’ and ‘Insatiable’. She remains a prominent figure in media, but primarily as a television actress and activist.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty was a major television star in the 1990s and early 2000s, starring in ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ and ‘Charmed’. Despite her television prominence, her transition to film was limited to projects like ‘Mallrats’, which became a cult classic but was a box office failure. She was often more famous for her off-screen reputation than her cinematic roles during her peak years. Doherty spent the majority of her career in television movies and guest appearances. She later focused on reality television and reviving her most famous roles in reboots.

Chad Michael Murray

Chad Michael Murray became a teen heartthrob in the 2000s with lead roles in ‘One Tree Hill’ and ‘Gilmore Girls’. He attempted to move into film with ‘A Cinderella Story’, ‘House of Wax’, and ‘The Haunting in Connecticut’. While these films performed reasonably well with their target demographics, they did not lead to more mature A-list film opportunities. Murray eventually returned to television for roles in ‘Agent Carter’, ‘Riverdale’, and various holiday-themed movies. He remains highly active in the television industry, particularly in the streaming and cable sectors.

Adam Brody

Adam Brody gained a massive following as Seth Cohen on the teen drama ‘The O.C.’. He was considered a strong candidate for film stardom, appearing in ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ and leading the comedy ‘In the Land of Women’. However, several of his larger projects, including a planned ‘Justice League’ film where he was cast as The Flash, were canceled or failed to launch. Brody shifted into supporting roles in independent films and genre pieces like ‘Ready or Not’. He has since returned to television with roles in ‘StartUp’ and ‘Fleishman Is in Trouble’.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became an international star for his role as Michael Scofield in the thriller series ‘Prison Break’. His film career included a role in ‘Resident Evil: Afterlife’ and writing the screenplay for the thriller ‘Stoker’. Despite his striking presence, he did not transition into a full-time Hollywood leading man in film. Miller eventually found a comfortable niche in the Arrowverse television franchise, playing Captain Cold. He has remained focused on television acting and screenwriting rather than pursuing large-scale film stardom.

Tom Welling

Tom Welling spent a decade playing Clark Kent on the superhero origin series ‘Smallville’. During the show’s run, he appeared in films like ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ and the remake of ‘The Fog’. After ‘Smallville’ ended, his film career did not take off, with only minor roles in projects like ‘Parkland’ and ‘Draft Day’. Welling took a break from acting for several years before returning to television in ‘Lucifer’. He continues to be most recognized for his long-term contribution to the DC television universe.

Rainn Wilson

Rainn Wilson earned multiple Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Dwight Schrute on the American version of ‘The Office’. He attempted to lead his own films, including the comedy ‘The Rocker’ and the dark superhero film ‘Super’. ‘The Rocker’ was a notable commercial disappointment, and ‘Super’ remained a niche independent project. Wilson has continued to work as a prolific character actor in both film and television, but he never achieved the status of a solo movie star. He remains best known for his iconic role on the NBC sitcom.

Jenna Fischer

Jenna Fischer was beloved by audiences for her role as Pam Beesly on ‘The Office’. She took on lead roles in films such as ‘Blades of Glory’, ‘The Promotion’, and ‘Hall Pass’ during the show’s run. While ‘Blades of Glory’ was a hit, Fischer was part of an ensemble, and her solo efforts did not gain significant traction. Since the conclusion of ‘The Office’, she has appeared in several television series like ‘You, Me and the Apocalypse’ and ‘Splitting Up Together’. She currently finds success as a podcaster and author, focusing on her experiences in the television industry.

Nathan Fillion

Nathan Fillion gained a cult following as Captain Malcolm Reynolds on ‘Firefly’ and its cinematic conclusion ‘Serenity’. While ‘Serenity’ was well-received by fans, it was not a major box office success, limiting Fillion’s path to film stardom. He eventually found massive mainstream success as the lead of the police procedural ‘Castle’, which ran for eight seasons. Fillion has continued his television dominance with the lead role in ‘The Rookie’. Although he frequently provides voice work for films and has small roles in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise, he remains a television titan.

Jared Padalecki

Jared Padalecki spent fifteen seasons as Sam Winchester on the long-running series ‘Supernatural’. Early in his career, he appeared in films like ‘New York Minute’, ‘House of Wax’, and the 2009 ‘Friday the 13th’ reboot. While ‘Friday the 13th’ had a strong opening, Padalecki did not continue to pursue a major film career. He stayed committed to ‘Supernatural’ for over a decade, becoming a staple of the CW network. Immediately after the show ended, he moved into another television lead as the star of ‘Walker’.

Jensen Ackles

Jensen Ackles starred alongside Padalecki on ‘Supernatural’ for fifteen years, playing Dean Winchester. His film career was relatively sparse, with his most notable role being the lead in the horror remake ‘My Bloody Valentine 3D’. Despite his popularity and often being fan-cast in superhero roles, he remained dedicated to the small screen. After ‘Supernatural’ concluded, he joined the cast of ‘The Boys’ as Soldier Boy and starred in ‘Big Sky’. Ackles has established himself as one of the most reliable actors in television rather than a film lead.

Stephen Amell

Stephen Amell became the face of the CW’s superhero expansion as the lead of ‘Arrow’. He attempted to transition to film during the show’s hiatuses, most notably playing Casey Jones in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows’. The film’s performance did not lead to a broader career in cinematic action franchises. After ‘Arrow’ concluded, Amell returned to television to star in the wrestling drama ‘Heels’. He has expressed a preference for the steady work and character development found in the television medium.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele rose to stardom as Rachel Berry on the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. She made her feature film debut in the ensemble romantic comedy ‘New Year’s Eve’, which was her only major film role during her peak popularity. Her career remained focused on television with roles in ‘Scream Queens’ and ‘The Mayor’. Eventually, Michele returned to her roots in musical theater, achieving critical acclaim in the Broadway revival of ‘Funny Girl’. Her fame has stayed primarily rooted in television and the stage.

Matthew Morrison

Matthew Morrison was another breakout star from ‘Glee’, where he played the optimistic teacher Will Schuester. He appeared in the ensemble film ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’, but it did not lead to further significant movie roles. Much like his co-stars, his film career was limited, and he found more success returning to Broadway. He also appeared in guest roles on shows like ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Morrison remains more synonymous with television and theater than Hollywood film.

Don Johnson

Don Johnson defined 1980s cool as James “Sonny” Crockett on the hit series ‘Miami Vice’. He made several attempts to become a movie star with films like ‘Dead Bang’, ‘The Hot Spot’, and ‘Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man’. These projects failed to capture the same cultural impact or commercial success as his television work. Johnson eventually returned to the small screen for the successful series ‘Nash Bridges’. In recent years, he has enjoyed a career resurgence with supporting roles in ‘Watchmen’ and ‘Knives Out’.

Richard Dean Anderson

Richard Dean Anderson became a global icon as the star of ‘MacGyver’ in the 1980s. Despite his immense television fame, he did not pursue a high-profile career in Hollywood movies. Instead, he transitioned into another long-running television franchise, starring in ‘Stargate SG-1’ for many years. Anderson’s career is a prime example of a performer who found lasting success by staying within the television industry. He remains one of the most recognizable faces in the history of the medium.

Taylor Kitsch

Taylor Kitsch was highly praised for his role as Tim Riggins on the drama ‘Friday Night Lights’. He was positioned as Hollywood’s next big action star with lead roles in ‘John Carter’ and ‘Battleship’ in 2012. Both films were high-budget projects that underperformed significantly at the box office, damaging his prospects as a leading man. Kitsch moved back into television and character roles, appearing in ‘True Detective’ and the miniseries ‘Waco’. He has since focused on gritty, performance-driven roles rather than blockbuster cinema.

Scott Speedman

Scott Speedman gained fame playing Ben Covington on the popular WB series ‘Felicity’. He attempted to transition to film as the male lead in the ‘Underworld’ franchise alongside Kate Beckinsale. While the films were successful, Speedman did not become a major solo box office draw outside of that specific series. He continued to work in independent films and eventually returned to television in ‘Animal Kingdom’. Most recently, he appeared in the hit series ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘You’.

Joshua Jackson

Joshua Jackson became a teen star as Pacey Witter on ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and was a lead in ‘The Mighty Ducks’ film series as a child. As an adult, his film roles in projects like ‘The Skulls’ and ‘Cursed’ did not elevate him to the Hollywood A-list. He found his most significant post-‘Dawson’ work back on television, starring in the sci-fi series ‘Fringe’. Jackson has continued to find critical success in prestigious television projects like ‘The Affair’, ‘Dr. Death’, and ‘Fatal Attraction’. He remains one of television’s most consistent leading men.

Mario López

Mario Lopez became a pop culture fixture as A.C. Slater on the sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’. He struggled to find roles in major Hollywood films following the show’s conclusion, appearing instead in various television movies. Lopez eventually pivoted to a highly successful career as a television host for programs like ‘Extra’ and ‘Access Hollywood’. He has leaned into his television persona, frequently appearing as himself or reprising his famous roles in reboots. His career highlights the path of a TV star who finds longevity in hosting and broadcasting.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar

Mark-Paul Gosselaar played the iconic Zack Morris on ‘Saved by the Bell’, a role that defined his early career. He attempted a movie career with the dark comedy ‘Dead Man on Campus’, but the film was not a success. Gosselaar successfully reinvented himself as a dramatic television actor, starring in ‘NYPD Blue’, ‘Franklin & Bash’, and ‘The Passage’. He has worked steadily for decades but has remained almost exclusively a television actor. He most recently starred in the procedural drama ‘Found’.

Elizabeth Berkley

Elizabeth Berkley sought to shed her ‘Saved by the Bell’ image by starring in the high-profile film ‘Showgirls’. The movie was a critical disaster upon release and significantly hampered her chances of becoming a mainstream film star. While ‘Showgirls’ eventually gained a cult following, Berkley’s film career never recovered to a leading-lady level. She spent the following years in supporting roles and guest appearances on television. She eventually returned to the role of Jessie Spano in the ‘Saved by the Bell’ revival.

Tiffani-Amber Thiessen

Tiffani Thiessen was a major teen star on both ‘Saved by the Bell’ and ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’. Her attempts to break into film included a role in Woody Allen’s ‘Hollywood Ending’, but it did not lead to a larger cinematic career. Thiessen eventually found a new television home in the series ‘White Collar’, which ran for six seasons. She has also hosted her own cooking shows and starred in the Netflix series ‘Alexa & Katie’. Her career remains firmly rooted in the television landscape.

Ben McKenzie

Benjamin McKenzie became a star as Ryan Atwood on ‘The O.C.’, which was one of the biggest shows of the mid-2000s. His film career was relatively quiet, with his most notable role being in the indie drama ‘Junebug’. Rather than pursuing Hollywood blockbusters, McKenzie stayed in television and took on the lead role in the acclaimed police drama ‘Southland’. He later starred as James Gordon in the DC prequel series ‘Gotham’. McKenzie has prioritized consistent, high-quality television work over cinematic stardom.

Milo Ventimiglia

Milo Ventimiglia gained fame on ‘Gilmore Girls’ and later became a lead on the superhero hit ‘Heroes’. He appeared in films like ‘Rocky Balboa’ as the son of the titular character and starred in the horror film ‘Pathology’. While he worked steadily, he did not become a major movie star during the height of his ‘Heroes’ fame. He eventually reached a new level of stardom on the television drama ‘This Is Us’, earning multiple Emmy nominations. Ventimiglia has since moved on to lead the television series ‘The Company You Keep’.

Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere became a global star as Claire Bennet on ‘Heroes’ with the famous tagline “Save the cheerleader, save the world.” Her film roles included ‘I Love You, Beth Cooper’ and a part in ‘Scream 4’, but she did not transition into a major film lead. She found her most significant follow-up success back on television, starring in the musical drama ‘Nashville’ for six seasons. Panettiere’s career has been marked by long-running television roles rather than a consistent presence in Hollywood films. She recently reprised her role in the ‘Scream’ franchise as a legacy character.

Masi Oka

Masi Oka was the breakout comedic star of ‘Heroes’, playing the time-traveling Hiro Nakamura. He appeared in films like ‘Get Smart’ and ‘Friends with Benefits’ in supporting roles, but never transitioned into a leading man in film. Oka eventually joined the cast of ‘Hawaii Five-0’ as a series regular, where he stayed for several seasons. He has also found success as a producer and consultant, particularly in bridging the gap between Japanese and American media. His acting career remains most defined by his iconic television character.

Michael C. Hall

Michael C. Hall received immense critical acclaim for his roles in ‘Six Feet Under’ and as the titular anti-hero in ‘Dexter’. His film career includes roles in ‘Paycheck’ and ‘Gamer’, but neither film showcased him in a way that led to film stardom. Hall has largely focused on his television career and stage work, including a celebrated run in the musical ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’. He returned to his most famous role for the limited series ‘Dexter: New Blood’ in 2021. He remains one of the most respected actors in the television medium.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons became one of the highest-paid actors on television for his role as Sheldon Cooper on ‘The Big Bang Theory’. Despite his massive popularity and multiple Emmy wins, he has not established himself as a major box office draw. He has appeared in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’ in supporting roles. Parsons has focused much of his post-sitcom career on theater and producing. He also provided the narration for the spin-off series ‘Young Sheldon’.

Kaley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco spent twelve seasons as Penny on ‘The Big Bang Theory’, becoming one of the most recognizable faces on television. Her film career, including roles in ‘The Wedding Ringer’ and ‘The Pale Door’, has not matched her television success. After the sitcom ended, she quickly returned to television as the lead and producer of ‘The Flight Attendant’. She also provides the voice for the ‘Harley Quinn’ animated series. Cuoco has successfully transitioned into a television mogul while largely bypassing a career in traditional film.

Jorge Garcia

Jorge Garcia was the first actor cast in ‘Lost’, where he played the beloved character Hugo “Hurley” Reyes. Following the show’s conclusion, he appeared in films like ‘The Ridiculous 6’, but most of his major work remained in television. He became a series regular on ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and made guest appearances on various other network shows. Garcia has become a recognizable character actor, but he has not been positioned as a lead in Hollywood feature films. He continues to work primarily in the television industry and independent projects.

Ian Somerhalder

Ian Somerhalder gained early fame on ‘Lost’ before becoming a massive star on ‘The Vampire Diaries’. During the height of the vampire craze, he did not transition into major film roles, instead staying with the series for eight seasons. After the show ended, he returned to the genre on television as the lead of ‘V-Wars’. Somerhalder has since shifted his focus toward entrepreneurship and environmental activism. He remains a significant television icon for his portrayal of Damon Salvatore.

Paul Wesley

Paul Wesley starred alongside Somerhalder as Stefan Salvatore on ‘The Vampire Diaries’. His attempts to move into film during and after the series were limited to smaller independent projects and television movies. Like his co-stars, he found that his television fame did not easily translate into Hollywood film leading roles. Wesley eventually moved into directing and starring in the anthology series ‘Tell Me a Story’. He currently plays James T. Kirk in the television series ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’.

Ed Westwick

Ed Westwick became a breakout star playing the brooding Chuck Bass on the teen drama ‘Gossip Girl’. He attempted to launch a film career with roles in ‘J. Edgar’ and the 2013 remake of ‘Romeo & Juliet’. These roles did not lead to a sustained presence in Hollywood cinema, and he eventually returned to television for projects like ‘Wicked City’ and ‘White Gold’. Westwick’s career has primarily remained in the television and independent film space. He continues to work mostly on international television productions.

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