Okay, maybe she’s not the most underrated, but she’s definitely in the top five. I’ve always liked her on Chuck — hell, what’s not to like? — but it wasn’t until last week’s episode, "Chuck Versus the Break-Up," that I noticed just how finely she can modulate her performance as super-spy Sarah Walker. Just look at this clip (though, if you haven’t seen the episode in question, there is some SPOILERiness within):
The way her face shifts, ever so slightly, when Chuck isn’t looking, moving from heartbreak to sadness to resignation in the matter of seconds… that’s top shelf, man.
Who else do you think doesn’t get the credit she deserves? Which other actress is, while no one’s paying attention, knocking it out of the park?
More on Yvonne Strahovski :
Ask Ausiello: Scoop on Oct. 21’s Yvonne Strahovski-vs.-Nicole Richie episode of Chuck
Yvonne Strahovski’s Sarah leads EW.com’s photo gallery of 30 top TV and movie spies
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On Gossip Girl, everyone’s always talking about Blair or Jenny, and it’s well-deserved. But, I really enjoy Kelly Rutheford as Serena’s mom, Lily. I think she’s very engaging and plays her part, a woman who’s lost her love and is adrift in her life, excellently. I also like Ellen Pompeo on Grey’s Anatomy and Ana Ortiz on Ugly Betty, both of whom go wrongly unnoticed among their female costars.
How about the entire cast of How I Met Your Mother? Week in, week out, they keep me laughing (all of them, even quirky, little, love-struck Ted). Their timing together is comedy gold. Oh, and look, it’s Monday, the show is on tonight. Everyone watch it so the show won’t get canceled, so I can find out who the mother is! Thanks!
I totally agree, Yvonne was absolutely perfect in that scene. I’m pretty sure I teared up…
Leighton Meester on Gossip Girl. The show would be nothing without her!
Alyson Hannigan from How I Met Your Mother. She’s been great since she was on Buffy.
Maura Tierney on ER. I miss her character already!
Sarah Shahi on Life. I just love that show it needs a shoutout!
Yeah, Yvonne really shines on Chuck. She’s so strong that it’s almost not fair that the show is only called “Chuck.” Sarah’s the co-star, and equally important as a character.
I really would like people to pay attention to Lena Heady’s performance as Sarah Connor on Terminator. If you want ‘top shelf’, Marc, she’s delivering every week.
Jenna Fischer as Pam from The Office. Always underrated (no Emmy noms?) but pitch perfect to every crazy situation. Sure, she’s not as wacky as some of the rest of the cast, but she keeps the show grounded. We’ve been seeing less of her, this season, her absence definitely leaves something missing at Dunder-Mifflin.
Rachel Griffiths is the best actress on TV. I know she has Oscar and Emmy nominations but I still think she is undervalued both on Six Feet Under and Brothers and Sisters.
Yvonne is certainly underrated.
Jenna Fisher deserves an Emmy already. I know they tend to vote for broad comedy, but her subtle work as Pam is pure gold.
Yvonne is definitely underrated. She has been delivering consistent stellar performances, or how you (Marc) puts it, “knock it out the park”. She can make Sarah look gorgeously kick-ass, while engaging you into her emotions. This girl can emote. Also, I believe she a one of the top reasons for the show’s success.
An addition to my previous post: I also really like Cobie Smulders from How I Met Your Mother. None of the cast really gets enough recognition (even Neil Patrick Harris, who was robbed of his Emmy again this year), but Smulders is my favorite as Robin.
I have to agree with Sarah Shahi on Life. The show is amazing, and really well-scripted, but I love her subtle and nuanced delivery.
My husband is in love with Sarah Shahi, and I have to agree — she’s darn cute and also provides a very nice counterbalance to Damien Lewis’s quirky character.
Definitely echoing Sarah Shahi on Life. First one I thought of as well. She’s wonderful in that role–nailing all of its nuances.
I’ll add to the Sarah Shahi being underrated…especially since EW decided to diss her in the latest issue. Shame.
All the Mad Men women need more credit.
And I think Adrianne Palicki does an excellent job as Tyra on FNL.
Annabeth Gish on Brotherhood. She’s been great in so many things and never gets much attention. I’d also add Maura Tierney on ER.
Mia Kirshner on The L Word is very underrated for such a terrific actress. I have to assume it’s because most people hate her character.
Also the women of Mad Men are great, especially Elizabeth Moss. The way Peggy just takes everything the men in office say to her but still manages to get what she wants is fascinating. Christina Hendricks’ scenes last night were so sad and made me feel really sorry for the normally confident and assured Joan. I love and hate January Jones’ Betty in equal measure, and it definitely takes a talented actress to pull that off.