'Chuck' hottie Yvonne Strahovski is actually TV's most underrated actress

PJ Mon, May 25, 2009 at 07:01 PM EST

Could someone explain what scene is in that clip? Its not visible outside the states...

Syrak Sun, May 3, 2009 at 05:27 AM EST

I think Ep Sato hit the nail on the head!
Adam Baldwin has been in a lot of movies and series and always deliver a solid performance. When it comes to portraying the guy who's a little rough around edges he is unrivaled on the small screen!

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Crystal Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 08:06 PM EST

Bethany Joy Galeotti.

The cast of Gossip Girl excluding the highly overrated Blake Lively.

Ben Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 12:45 AM EST

Yvonne Strahovski is definitely an under-appreciated actress. She can certainly convey a lot of emotions, especially through her eyes, without saying much (or sometimes, anything at all). She also does a great job in selling her American accent, even with fast dialogue. Hope the "Chuck" writers keep up the stellar writing materials for Yvonne (and the rest of the wonderful cast) to display her (their) talents.

Ellen Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 08:44 AM EST

Lisa Edelstein, Emily Deschanel, Lauren Graham and Yvonne Strahovski

EJ Sat, Nov 1, 2008 at 01:40 AM EST

Allison Mack is by far the most underrated actress in TV, she has single handledly made the show watchable regardless of how lame the storylines have become. She can hit every range of emotion and makes even the most simple scenes stand out. She does all of this while at the same time receiving little to no character progression and being about the 5'th lead for most of her run on Smallville. It isn't just that she can act but for her character to have gotten such a loyal following shows that she's not just popular but beloved. No one outside of people who actually watch Smallville knows who she is and it's not like magazines and entertainment shows cover her at all that is the defenition of being underated to me.

Michelle Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 11:24 PM EST

I agree with Ava, Matthew Rhys and Jamie Bamber are both very underrated. I say put them both in something together, I bet it would be fantastic.

Mon, Oct 27, 2008 at 02:36 PM EST

Of course Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck) but also Ellen Pompeo (Grey's Anatomy),
Sophia Myles (Moonlight) and
Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl.

Ava Mon, Oct 27, 2008 at 02:34 PM EST

Matthew Rhys, seriously he's the best thing about B&S by a mile.
Jamie Bamber does an amazing job as well, he took a traditional hero and turned him into a controversial figure, torn between emotions and duty and ambition. What he can do with his face alone is just fascinating and he can stand his ground next to McDonnle and Olmos...
Katee is good as well but i wouldn't call her underrated.

Daiane Sun, Oct 26, 2008 at 08:59 PM EST

I just loveeee Yvonne
She the best actress for now
Come on...She is amazing....How some one can be so beautiful,sexy,angry on the same time..just her.....I will always be a big fan of Yvonne Strahovski......And also Zachary levi...They are so cute together...

THEY ARE SO SEXY

angela Sat, Oct 25, 2008 at 08:43 PM EST

Lucy Lawless on Battlestar Galactica.

Milena Forza Italia Fri, Oct 24, 2008 at 05:25 PM EST

Allison Mack. No doubts about it.

Truckie Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 11:08 PM EST

Smallville's Erica Durance totally deserves plaudits for what is probably the best portrayal of Lois Lane. She oozes class and sex appeal on the small screen and can nail any scene, whether it be her instinctual comedic timing or her heartbreaking moments of vulnerability.

Jewel Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 03:29 PM EST

the same person is NOT voting for allison mack u silly cynical ppl. this link was posted at a smallville related site. OBVIOUSLY there's a small flock of ppl who are commenting here as a result of the link.

that said, if anyone were to watch smallville it is CLEAR to see that allison is in fact underrated and under appreciated. she's the best actor on the show by FAR, yet does she get half the plugs, promotion etc. like kristin kreuk or erica??? of course not. absurd i say!!

ME Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 10:30 AM EST

1) Alison Mack (Chloe Sullivan) she is a very good actress
2) All the 3 ladies of Criminal Minds they are dedicated to their work & the victims
3) Amy Poehler of SNL is very funny

Monic Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 12:58 AM EST

I also put my vote to Sarah Shahi (Dani Reese in Life) as one of the more underrated actresses today. Really love her performance as the broken but tough Dani Reese.

Charstin Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 08:52 PM EST

Both Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki from "Supernatural" are really underrated - as is the show itself.

Cher Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 08:21 PM EST

Let's see, I totally agree with the nominations of Phyllis Smith from the Office, Yvonne from Chuck, Allison Mack from Smallville, and Aimee T. from Friday Night Lights (no way I'm attempting to spell that name). All four play actualized characters with multiple dimensions - they are human and that's why I love them.

ElectAPromQueen? (maybe not) Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 07:45 PM EST

Tracey Ullman, Tracey Ullman Show (for god sakes she helped to create The Simpsons. EW, it's time for her due props.)

Judith Licht, Ugly Betty

Beckie Newton, Ugly Betty

Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds

Susie Essman, Curb Your Enthusiasm

Giuliani Dipandi for tolerating with Ryan "BitchAss" Seacrest on E! News

Debi Mazur, Entourage

Tia Mowry, The Game (CW network)

Tichina Arnold, Everybody Hates Chris

Phyllis Smith, The Office

Megan Hauserman, Reality Star, VH1

getahobby Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 07:11 PM EST

ok Allison Mack... you really need to stop voting for yourself. We get it already!

joey Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 07:04 PM EST

Matthew Rhys of Brothers & Sisters is hilarious

Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 07:03 PM EST

Actor: I loved Jason Dohring of Veronica Mars!

Actress: Someone commented that Katee Sackhoff has been playing the same character on BsG and while, I agree with u, I must say that the great thing is that Kara Thrace is such a complex character so you have seen her go through a very wide variety of situations & conflicting emotions. The character is tough and yet so vulnerable at the same time. That has allowed Sackhoff to show what an amazing actress she truly is.

Mr patel Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 06:57 PM EST

The entire cast of BsG is underrated...the show has some of the best storylines and character development on tv and it has yet to be nominated for an emmy as best drama series.

I personally think that Katee Sackhoff is an amazing actress.

And as far as actors go, i'd have to go with Jamie Bamber

lola Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 06:54 PM EST

Katee Sackhoff of Battlestar Galactica is highly underrated.

anonymous Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 06:30 PM EST

Ian Mcshane - His portrayal of Al Swearengen on Deadwood was the perfect mix of horror, humor and humanity. Nothing about him was simple.

Roberta Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 05:49 PM EST

John C McGinley (Dr. Cox-Scrubs) is always funny and great. I am shocked he has never gotten an Emmy for that role. I also agree with the always consistant Maura Tierney. I also don't think Marcia Cross (Bree-DH) gets the credit she rightly deserves.

Ep Sato Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 05:30 PM EST

Hands down the most underrated actor right now has got to be Adam Baldwin. Dude is in EVERYTHING from a movie about bullied kids who hire a bodyguard, Stanley Kubrick's Vietnam War movie, a super soldier on the X Files, a ruthless mercenary on Firefly, a cop on that worthless Fox show about a chica who was once abducted by a serial killer, and now as an alpha male on Chuck. What CAN'T Adam Baldwin do?

joopiter Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 05:19 PM EST

David Anders. Someone needs to give the man a decent, prominent, PERMANENT role in a series. We Sark fans are a loyal bunch - we'll follow wherever he goes. Even if it sometimes leads to CSI:Miami.

Eve Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 04:25 PM EST

All time fave tv actress: Gillian Anderson! Hands down!

Love Chuck and I do think that Yvonne´s a great actress but if I had to pick my 21st century top actresses:

1) Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights)
2) Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls)
3) Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars)
4) Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under / Brothers & Sisters)
5) Mary McDonnell (BSG)
6) Maura Tierney (ER)
7) Kate Walsh (Grey´s and Private Practice)

and I also think that Kelly Rowan did a great job on The OC

roy Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 03:51 PM EST

Everyone on Battlestar.
Especially Lucy Lawless and Katee Sackoff.

kvsnyc Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 03:50 PM EST

Yvonne is definitely underappreciated on Chuck, she does a great job of adding a subtle level of vulnerability to her character. The rest of my list would consist of Maura Tierney, Kristin Wiig, Emily Deschanel, Lucy Griffiths (BBC's Robin Hood), Jennifer Esposito, JoAnna Garcia and Kate Walsh (who has the misfortune of being cast on an awful show).

Alan Breck Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 03:33 PM EST

Walt Goggins from The Shield
Justin Kirk from Weeds
And of course Maura Tierney.

Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 03:28 PM EST

actor: jamie bamber: amazing display of emotion, and he doesn't fall into any stereotypes character wise.
actress: katee sackhoff is good at what she does but she's essentially played the same character in everything i've seen her in. so my vote would go to tricia helfer, she's got a greater range.

Kat Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 02:46 PM EST

Actress: Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars - how I miss you (and let's add some love for Jason Dohring as Logan as well. Best hurt puppy dog eyes in the business :) ))
Actor: Jensen Ackles (He is truly amazing. The smallest change just in the depths of his eyes tells volumes. So odd he doesn't have a huge film career)
Ensemble Cast: How I Met Your Mother. (The cast flow together like they were made for each other)

Tim R. Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST

Maura Tierney has been underrated for so long it's a crime. Her work on NewsRadio and ER was outstanding.
Elizabeth Mitchell is amazing in a similar way on Lost and I have to also shout out for Jane Krakowski who is often overlooked because she is part of a talented 30 Rock cast.

RF Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 02:32 PM EST

two words: ELIZABETH MITCHELL

Jessica Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

So, maybe I'm a little off topic here seeing as he's a film actor, but I gotta share my love for Paul Schneider. He's no household name but delivers some of the best lines in The Assassination of Jesse James and Elizabethtown, not to mention playing great characters in Lars and the Real Girl and All the Real Girls. (Does he have a thing for real girls? I'm a real girl...)

Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 02:15 PM EST

I think Allison Mack, Chloe from Smallvill, is the most underrated actor on tv today.

Corran Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 01:55 PM EST

I totally second Tricia Helfer on Battlestar Galactica. Her sensuality and mystique NEVER lets up. She is amazing and unforgettable. Awards never like to honor senuous, beautiful roles. Also Wentworth Miller on Prison Break! THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE ACTOR AND WHY ISNT HE A MAJOR LEADING STAR?!?!

Lili Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 01:40 PM EST

From "Battlestar Galactica" -- Tricia Helfer. Even the writers took about two seasons to realize she could do more than look good in spandex. She's been given several different characters to play and fully inhabited them all.

From "Mad Men," January Jones. Not to take anything away from Jon Hamm or Christina Hendricks or the others on this show that get more attention, but January Jones has a very tough role as Betty, often unsympathetic, and she has done amazing work.

From "Ugly Betty," Eric Mabius. With everyone else playing so much bigger and flashier on this show, it's easy for him to get lost in the shuffle. But he's actually a very gifted comic actor -- he plays a better hangover than anybody I've ever seen.

From "Fringe," John Noble. The media is all about Anna Torv and Joshua Jackson, but he is completely carrying this show as Walter Bishop. If this role hadn't been nailed, I think the show would've flopped, but Noble is perfect.

Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

I think ppl need to understand what the term "underrated" means before they nominate actors/actresses. People like Katee Sackhoff and Allison Mack ARE NOT underrated. They have huge fanbases. How does that make them underrated. BSG Season 4 collaspsed under having too much Starbuck on the show. Katee Sackhoff is definitely not underrated, she's rated just fine, if not a little bit over. I don't particularly think Jenna Fischer is a good actress. I think she's serviceable in the role and that's about it.

sue Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

How about Jake from Two and a Half Men?? He's by far the best character on a mediocre show that goes for the cheap laugh. If anyone out there has an adolescent son, he's right on the money at all times. I'd love to see more of him! The same goes for Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory - a mediocre show with a hilarious character.

Wes Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 09:25 AM EST

Maura Tierney is as gifted as the past decade's worth of Oscar Winners, and has only been nominated for her work on ER at the Emmys a couple times. She's the best on TV...and she's leaving. Unappreciated, underrated, brilliant.

Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 09:11 AM EST

I don't know if she is as underrated as some of the other names mentioned on here, but Jenna Fischer from "The Office" is certainly underrated by critics and Emmy voters. She more than holds her own, comedically and dramatically, against Steve Carell and Rainn Wilson.

Raven Lee Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 09:11 AM EST

Allison Mack from Smallville.she does an amazing job on the show and works her ass off.she doesnt get enough credit for what she does.people need to appreciate her more

Jeff Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 09:11 AM EST

Allison Mack hasn't been mentioned in a while so I will say that she is THE MOST underrated actress/actor on TV. I know I am not alone in this because I have many friends that agree with me. I agree many who have been mentioned are extremely underrated. However, since day one Allison has brought her A game and continually improved her depth and clarity. She is the only one listed that I believe could really hold her own in a Hollywood movie. It is too sad that so many of our most talented actors/actress' go on into relative obscurity after whatever show they are on is canceled. The rest I would say pretty much dittos what has been said previously. Allison, you ROCK!

Dee Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 09:02 AM EST

My most underrated actresses are:

Allison Mack (Smallville's Chloe Sullivan) - she's done a fantastic job with the character of Chloe over 8 years, even when the writing's been off kilter as it has this season.

Roma Maffia (Nip/Tuck's Liz Cruz) The few times she's been given her own storyline she's done an amazing job and has made the character very believable.

Most Underrated Actors:
Justin Chambers (Grey's Anatomy's Alex Karev) Started out very shallow but has given great depth to the character. It's a shame the show focuses so much attention on the prettiness of the cast because Alex's storylines are really strong and wonderfully presented.

Jesse Spencer (House's Dr Robert Chase). Did a wonderful job with the storyline regarding the death of his father. I hope the producers noticed and write more gold for him in the coming episodes.

EarlGrayHot Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 08:53 AM EST

Allison Mack of Smallville has been consistently underrated and she is one of the best. She can save a scene even when it's really dragging and her chemistry with co-star Tom Welling is always out of the park. All too often this season is pretty bad with nonsense plots and awful characters inexplicably returned when they should have been dumped but Allison and Tom Welling together provide the few bright spots on the show at present.

The cast of Eureka makes the show a delight and should receive more recognition; they are truly an emsemble cast who work together to give top quality performaces all the time.

Xtine Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 06:16 AM EST

Mark Sheppard by far this most underrated actor out there. No matter what the role, Mark is just great.

George Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 05:34 AM EST

I have to agree with Chloe: Jamie Bamber & Katee Sackhoff are terribly underrated.

It's a shame that they're both flying under the radar only cuz they're on a sci-fi show.

Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 05:31 AM EST

Matthew Emerson of Lost has been great

Jessica S Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 05:26 AM EST

I have to add David Boreanaz to my list. He's pretty much done the impossible: Gone from pretty boy (Buffy) to leading man (Angel) to most charismatic actor on television (Bones). His work on Bones continues to impress me-and that's after being a fan for over ten years!

The chemistry he has with Emily Deschanel is insane and his comedic chops improve each season. I think it's about time he got some love...

chloe Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 04:30 AM EST

TV actors: Jamie Bamber of Battlestar
Runner-up: Henry Ian Cusick of Lost

TV actress: KAtee Sackhoff of BSG
runner-up: kristen Bell of Veronica Mars

Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 04:15 AM EST

KATEE SACKHOFF IS SO UNDERRATED AND SHE DELIVERS EVERYTIME SHE HAS A SCENE.

Tony Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 04:02 AM EST

david boreanaz, few actors overcome type, in his case years of looking dangerous in the buffyverse. Yet in bones he managed. Witty, great chemistry with deschanel (also underrated)

seattle_girl Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 03:10 AM EST

I came up with more actors than actresses, but figured I better play along with the rules or risk getting scolded.
1. Sara Shahi ...Life. Love that she plays a "real" women, not superwomen or a sex kitten.
2. Jean Smart....24. She's finally getting some well deserved attention but she really deserved it for the flawed and fragile Pres' wife on 24.
3. Judith Light...Ugly Betty. Perfect combo of bitchy ice queen & loving mother (and hilarious convict on the run).

Stephen S. Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 02:41 AM EST

One more I forgot to add:

Ray Wise in Reaper. He's so funny and so badass as the devil in that incredibly underrated show.

Stephen S. Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 02:37 AM EST

Crap. It doesn't let you edit your post.

Not that anyone cares, but to explain why I had listed shows, I had listed shows that I've seen at least an episode of this season (except for Lost and Reaper which have not aired yet of course) to help me out and make sure I do't forget anyone (although I actually forgot to include Chuck himself, Zack Levi funnily enough).

I meant to delete the list before posting my comment but forgot to.

And one other person I forgot who is incredibly underrated: John Loroquette in Boston Legal. Shatner and Spader get all the credit on that show but Loroquette rocks too.

Stephen S. Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 02:30 AM EST

Desperate Housewives
Prison Break
Chuck
Boston Legal
House
Fringe
Eli Stone
Knight Ryder
Supernatural
Lost
Reaper
90210

Most Underrated TV Male Star:

Janssen Ackles - Supernatural (I think this guy is consistantly great and it's a shame he never gets the credit he deserves because he's on a genre show and it's on the CW)

Runner-ups:

Johnny Lee Miller, Eli Stone
Victor Garber, Eli Stone
William Fichtner, Prison Break

The entire cast of Prison Break is actually awesome. Miller, Purcell, they all rock.

Most Underrated Female TV Star:

Emily Deschanel, Bones

Runner-ups:

Yvonne Strahovski, Chuck
Lisa Edelstein, House
Natasha Henstridge, Eli Stone
Don't know the name of the actress, but the actress who plays Maggie in Eli Stone.

The entire cast of Eli Stone too.

Lost has an amazing cast. I can't believe that Michael Emerson or Mathe Fox or Elizabeth Mitchell don't have emmys yet. Especially Emerson.

LK Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 12:41 AM EST

whoever listed the cast on ELI STONE is so right
also Chi McBride
Tracey Morgan
Jeffrey Donovan and Henry Ian Cusick from LOST. Desmond is such a sympathetic and complex character. He was amazing on the ep titled THE CONSTANT. I thought he was going to get an emmy nod for sure.

as far as actresses go: as a huge Veronica Mars fan, I have to go with Kristen bell (she can do anything, and HEROES is not good enough for her) and the always wonderful Amanda Seyfried
& Sara Ramirez

Kari Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 12:15 AM EST

01| Allison Mack - This girl can act circles around the entire cast of Smallville, and deserves more than she's getting from this show. LOVE HER.
02| Katee Sackhoff - Also an amazing actress. BSG needs to be back on the air RIGHT NOW.
03| Billie Piper - I love her so much. She was amazing on Doctor Who, and she's even more amazing on Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

Cordrone Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 12:03 AM EST

CHUCK is one of my favorite shows and Strahovski does a fabulous job. It's just a smart, fun, funny, and entertaining show. I hope to see a lot more of it and other scripted shows like it that don't automatically assume the viewer is brain dead.

Wendi Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:38 PM EST

Underrated actors:
David Hewlett "Stargate Atlantis"
Jonathan Scarfe "Raising the Bar"
Lee Pace "Pushing Daisies"
Jesse Spencer "House"

underrated actresses:
Kristin Chenoweth "Pushing Daisies"
Kathryn Morris "Cold Case"

Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:20 PM EST

Matthew Rhys of Brothers & Sisters is my favorite sibling on the show.

beth Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:18 PM EST

# 1 Katee Sackhoff as others have said, she steals every scene she's in!

and ...I have a question: How come nobody has mentioned Ellen Pompeo? I mean she is the main character of the show and she is hardly ever mentioned.

Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:13 PM EST

Love Emily Deschanel as Bones! she has great chemistry with her costar David Boreanz !!!

CESAR Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:11 PM EST

aS FAR as actors go, I'd have to say James CAllis & Jamie Bamber of BSG

Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:08 PM EST

I agree with most people:
I love Kristen Bell, Maura Tierney and Leighton Meester of Gossip Girl!

But the actress who portrays one of te most complex chracters has to be KATEE SAKCHOFF of Battlestar. She has great acting skills!

Mike J Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:07 PM EST

Emily Deschanel "Bones"--Sexy, funny and smart, she can be heart breaking too, as she was when going through all the mama drama
David Boreanez "Bones"--Sexy and funny, the former vampire displays comic chops and the perfect gravity on television's best show
Simon Baker "The Mentalist"--There is a reason why this is a top ten show--Baker's charmingly effortless performance. Watch the scenes where he's thinking about his dead family and see there is more below the surface
Dana Delaney "Desperate Housewives"--So far she has been given a showcase this season, but her reaction shots are worth the price of admission. I say she is underrated because she failed to even make the short list for Emmy consideration for saving this terrific show last year.
Cast of "Eli Stone"--Pick one--Victor Garber, Loretta Devine, Johnny Lee Miller--all three give this show its heart and charm.

MKS Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 10:11 PM EST

Both Alyson Hannigan and Cobie Smulders are hilarious on HIMYM. In particular, Smulders is funnier than ever this season in her "Canadien" and newscaster scenes.

Liz Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 10:11 PM EST

Maura Tierney on ER. That woman can act! She had the ability to actually make me care about ER's ludicrous storylines.

eaze Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 09:55 PM EST

sarah shahi from life and sackhoff from galactica.also,alyson hannigan has been great since the buffy days.no one does comedy better,

Meredith Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 09:50 PM EST

Kristen Bell was great on Veronica mars...it's a shame the show is over

Besides Kristen Bell I luv Mary Mcdonnell and *****Katee Sackhoff of BSG!!!!

Lois Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 09:46 PM EST

My all time fave is Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica)

Adele Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 09:44 PM EST

Allison Mack - she's an exposition machine in the best sense. She makes Smallville's sometimes clunky scripts sound convincing and yet she's overshadowed by the Lois and Lana mythos-based characters in the media.

Zach Gilford - quite possibly the most touching character on television at the moment. My heart cries for this character and that's all on Zach for his mad acting skills.

Kristin Bell - layered, measured, wickedly funny, amazingly grounded in emotional scenes and cute as a freaking button.

Jensen Ackles - sure he's aesthetically pleasing but this guy should be getting awards.

Matthew Rhys - makes Brothers and Sisters bareable. Kevin is one of the most wickedly amusing characters on television.

Brian Austin Green - if you have seen TSCC you will know why. David Silver is no more.

Mary Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 09:42 PM EST

Allison Mack for sure.

Sam Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 09:27 PM EST

As far as actresses go, probably Amanda Seyfried. For actors, Damian Lewis and Taylor Kitsch.

Tania D Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 09:00 PM EST

Hands down Allison Mack. Brilliant, Talented, and her expressions are truly flawless! She's been on the show for years now without any media attention. HUGELY underrated.

Craig Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 08:44 PM EST

Alyson Hannigan - How I Met Your Mother
Connie Britton - Friday Night Lights
Mary McDonnell - Battlestar Galactica

Cat Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 08:43 PM EST

Allison Mack hands down is the most underrated actress! She's a fan favourite and she brings out some the best parts of Smallville!

armando Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 08:41 PM EST

James Callis aka Baltar on Battlestar is the best villain on tv.

Carra Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 08:34 PM EST

Hands down the entire cast of Friday Night Lights!!

Leighton Meester has been killing it this season!

Lauren Graham, because she's the coolest mom ever!!

rosie Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 08:30 PM EST

Best Male president on TV was played by Dennis Haysbert on 24. God! He was so amazing!

Best Female President: Mary Mcdonnell from BSG... ***SPOILER***

LUV the scene where she threatens To throw Baltar out the airlock in season 3.

Meg Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 08:29 PM EST

I'd say all the ladies of "Pushing Daisies," but if I had to pick the most underrated actress on that show, I'd go with Ellen Greene. She's perfectly bubbly, sometimes ditzy, and sweet as aunt Vivian. I just love it whenever there's an episode with her in a pretty prominent part.

Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 08:27 PM EST

I've got very little faith in the EMMys since they have failed to nominate Lauren Graham and Katee Sackhoff over the years. Hopefully, Katee wil be nominated for her performace as Starbuck now that the show is on its last season ever. If she isn't ... whatever faith I have in the emmys will be lost. And Seriously ..give Lauren Graham an emmy already!

Jessica S Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 07:29 PM EST

Since we're supposed to name an actress I have to go with Yunkin Kim on "Lost". How was she overlooked for an Emmy nomination this year? She consistently gives a standout performance on a show filled with greatness. She deserves major applause!
As for actors, I think that Justin Chambers is often overlooked on "Grey's Anatomy. All the McWhatevers get all the glory while Alex Karev continues to steal the hearts of viewers. Alex is by far the most complex character on the show and Chambers delivers episode after episode.

Runners Up:
Allison Mack
Robert Knepper (T Bag is so heinous yet totally watchable)
Alyson Hannigan (able to balance comedy and drama like no other)
Kelly Bishop & Lauren Graham (Both should have at least been nominated for numerous awards throughout GG's run)
Alexis Denisof (Took a character that was little more than a punchline and evolved him!)
Neil Patrick Harris (For the love of Joss, give this man an Emmy!)

M.Ro Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 07:10 PM EST

I agree, Justin CHambers from Grey's anatomy is a very complex character...His character is similar to that of Kara Thrace from BSG. They are both so damaged ...they push everyone away in order not to get hurt. Both Justin Chambers and Katee Sackhoff are incredible actors.

Vincenza Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 07:06 PM EST

Pretty much the entire cast of Battlestar Galactica is under appreciated. Personnaly, I love Jamie Bamber who plays Apollo (especially after his speech at Baltar's trial) and, of course, the incredibly talented Katee SAckhoff!!!!

Sally Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 07:04 PM EST

Katee Sackhoff from Battlestar Galactica is an amazing actress!She deserves some recognition.

Shanna Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 07:03 PM EST

I'd have to say Allison Mack on Smallville. She's really made a lot of people vested in Chloe Sullivan, who isn't even in the comics.

Pauley Perrette is wonderful as Abby on NCIS as well. How can anyone not love Abby and her goth/brilliant scientist ways?

Alyson Hannigan on HIMYM is also incredibly funny, but when on a cast with someone as hysterical as Neil Patrick Harris it's easy to get lost in the shadows.

Eric Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 06:58 PM EST

definitely Amy Poehler or Alyson Hannigan. both are comedic geniuses as far as i can tell.

Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 06:50 PM EST

Wow, most of you cannot read. The author of this article asked you to name your favorite underrated ACTRESS.

kayee Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 06:32 PM EST

matthew rhys-brothers and sisters

aimee teegarden, kyle chandler and connie britton- friday night lights (the most honest portrayal of family on tv right now)

katey segal-she has gotten practically NO attention for her role on sons of anarchy, which isn't the greatest show ever, but is the best of the new this year...

lauren graham. until she wins something (emmy, golden globe, oscar, SAG, something) i don't think my soul can rest easy....

Kassandra Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 06:28 PM EST

I think Erica Durance never gets enough credit for her amazing work as Lois Lane on Smallville. She does an amazing job bringing such a classic character to life!

aaron Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 06:13 PM EST

Ok, the title on the ew home page says "most underrated actor" which means both men and women but about 98% of the people commenting here think it means just actresses. And I don't remember seeing the words "only tv actors" in there either. What about movies? By the way, I know this is gonna sound crazy but how about Tom Hanks? I agree he definately was not underrated when he won back to back oscars in 93 and 94 but cmon, just because you've won awards and had big hits doesn't mean you shouldn't win anymore. I mean, ever sense then every role he's had and been nominated for an oscar for people say "not him again". Who cares if he's the best one. Russell Crowe winning for gladiator over Tom for castaway? What a crock of you know what.

emily Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 05:57 PM EST

the whole cast of Without a Trace deserves to be recognized for their acting talent. anthony lapaglia, poppy montgomery, enrique murciano (love him!!!), roselyn sanchez, and eric close. each one of them is an awesome actor, and they put so much passion into their character.

Jord Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 05:51 PM EST

Allison Mack is not underrated, she is way OVER RATED!!! any kinda ratings she recieves her performance does not diserve! Its easy to see that the same person is posting Allison Mack... Get over it.

Samantha Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 05:48 PM EST

Justin Chambers from "Grey's Anatomy". He plays, by far, the most complex character on that show and he pulls it off with such brilliance every week.

Adela Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 05:44 PM EST

Allison Mack from SV is probably the most underrated. She's been with the show and has never gotten the recognition from the press because she's not one of the big name Superman mythos characters.

She's just purely amazing and makes even some of the worst storylines and dialogues sound like pure gold.