20 Actors Who Mastered Multiple Roles in the Same TV Show

Some actors showcase their versatility by playing more than one character in a single TV series, whether it’s twins, clones, doppelgängers, or entirely unrelated roles. These performances often highlight their range, bringing depth to complex narratives or adding humor through clever casting. From sitcoms to sci-fi epics, these stars have pulled off the challenging feat of embodying multiple characters, sometimes in the same scene, leaving a lasting impact on television history.

Below, I listed 20 actors who played multiple roles in the same TV show, based on the distinctiveness of their performances, the narrative impact, and their ability to make each character memorable. Drawing from iconic series across genres, I explore their roles and why they stand out.

20. Justin Theroux – Sex and the City

Justin Theroux played two unrelated characters in ‘Sex and the City’ (1998-2004). In Season 1, he was Jared, a cocky author Carrie briefly meets, and in Season 2, he returned as Vaughn, a writer with personal issues, sporting a buzzcut and glasses.

The show didn’t acknowledge the recasting, relying on Theroux’s charm and slight appearance change to differentiate the roles. While his performances were solid, the brief, unrelated cameos lack the depth of others, landing him at the bottom.

19. Nelson Franklin – The Office

Nelson Franklin appeared in ‘The Office’ (2005-2013) as two distinct characters. In Season 4, he played a job fair recruiter, and in Season 6, he returned as Nick, the forgettable IT guy.

Franklin’s subtle comedic style made both roles fit the show’s vibe, but the characters were minor and unrelated, with little narrative weight. His ability to blend into Dunder Mifflin’s quirky world earns him a spot, but the roles’ small scope limits his rank.

18. Christa Miller – Seinfeld

Christa Miller played two different characters in ‘Seinfeld’ (1989-1998): Paula in Season 5 and Ellen in Season 8. Both were brief romantic interests for Jerry, with no connection between them.

Miller’s comedic timing worked well in the sitcom’s fast-paced humor, but the roles were fleeting and didn’t require much distinction. Her versatility in fitting Seinfeld’s quirky world is notable, though the parts were too small to stand out.

17. Giovanni Ribisi – Friends

Giovanni Ribisi had a cameo in ‘Friends’ (1994-2004) Season 2 as a guy who drops a condom in Phoebe’s guitar case, then returned as her recurring half-brother, Frank Buffay Jr. The show never confirmed if they’re the same character, sparking fan theories.

Ribisi’s shift from a one-off weirdo to a lovable oddball showed range, but the unconnected roles and limited screen time for the first keep him lower on the list.

16. Paget Brewster – Community

Paget Brewster played two roles in ‘Community’ (2009-2015): Debra Chambers, an IT admin in Season 5, and Frankie Dart, a consultant in Season 6. The show wittily referenced her dual casting with a joke about Frankie contacting Debra.

Brewster’s distinct performances added humor, but the roles were minor and didn’t drive the plot. Her comedic flair and the show’s nod to her dual casting give her a solid spot.

15. James Cromwell – Barney Miller

James Cromwell popped up in ‘Barney Miller’ (1975-1982) across four roles, including a police sergeant, a Department of Energy rep, a corporate figure, and a stress researcher, all in guest spots from 1977 to 1981.

Cromwell’s chameleon-like ability to fit into the show’s comedic mystery vibe is impressive, but the roles were disconnected and brief, limiting their impact compared to more central performances.

14. Karen Gillan – Doctor Who

Karen Gillan played a soothsayer in ‘Doctor Who’ (2005-present) Season 4’s “The Fires of Pompeii” (2008) before starring as companion Amy Pond from 2010. The show later tied her minor role to Amy’s arc as cousins.

Gillan’s early cameo was subtle, but her vibrant Amy Pond defined the series. The narrative connection elevates her performance, though the initial role’s brevity keeps her mid-list.

13. Peter Capaldi – Doctor Who

Peter Capaldi appeared as Caecilius in ‘Doctor Who’s “The Fires of Pompeii” (2008), then became the Twelfth Doctor (2014-2017). The show cleverly wove his prior role into the Doctor’s lore, suggesting his face was chosen for a reason.

Capaldi’s commanding performances, from a Roman sculptor to the iconic Time Lord, showcase his range. The roles’ narrative link and his gravitas boost his rank, though the first was minor.

12. Dean-Charles Chapman – Game of Thrones

Dean-Charles Chapman played Martyn Lannister, a minor squire killed in Season 3 of ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019), then returned as King Tommen Baratheon in Season 4. Both characters met tragic ends, but Tommen was a major role.

Chapman’s ability to shift from a forgettable squire to a naive king showed versatility, but the roles’ lack of connection and Martyn’s small scope place him here.

11. Garret Dillahunt – Deadwood

Garret Dillahunt played Jack McCall, a cowardly murderer in ‘Deadwood’ (2004-2006) Season 1, and returned as Francis Wolcott, a sinister geologist in Season 2, with a cameo as a drunk in the 2019 film.

Dillahunt’s wildly different characters, from a twitchy killer to a polished villain, showcased his range. The roles’ distinctiveness and depth in a gritty drama earn him a strong spot.

10. Terry O’Quinn – Lost

Terry O’Quinn played John Locke in ‘Lost’ (2004-2010), a key survivor, and later the Man in Black, who takes Locke’s form in the final seasons. He also played multiple roles in ‘The X-Files’ earlier in his career.

O’Quinn’s ability to shift from Locke’s soulful vulnerability to the Man in Black’s menace was chilling. The narrative weight of both roles in a complex series lands him in the top 10.

9. Jeffrey Tambor – Arrested Development

Jeffrey Tambor played George Bluth Sr., the imprisoned patriarch in ‘Arrested Development’ (2003-2019), and his carefree twin, Oscar. The show used their resemblance for comedic effect, with Tambor switching seamlessly.

Tambor’s distinct portrayals—George’s scheming intensity versus Oscar’s laid-back vibe—added humor and depth. The roles’ recurring nature and comedic impact elevate his rank.

8. Lily Tomlin – Grace and Frankie

Lily Tomlin starred as Frankie Bergstein in ‘Grace and Frankie’ (2015-2022), occasionally taking on other minor roles, like quirky cameos, to enrich the show’s humor. Her main role as Frankie was the heart of the series.

Tomlin’s comedic timing and unique flair made her dual roles delightful, though the secondary parts were less prominent. Her versatility and central performance boost her spot.

7. Paul Reubens – Pee-wee’s Playhouse

Paul Reubens was iconic as Pee-wee Herman in ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’ (1986-1990), also playing various quirky characters like Conky the robot and other oddballs in the surreal show.

Reubens’ ability to shift between Pee-wee’s childlike energy and other eccentric roles showcased his comedic range. The show’s niche style and his transformative performances earn him a high rank.

6. Jaleel White – Family Matters

Jaleel White became a star as Steve Urkel in ‘Family Matters’ (1989-1998), also playing Urkel’s suave cousin Myrtle and other minor characters like his clone, Stefan Urquelle.

White’s shift from nerdy Urkel to smooth Stefan was a fan favorite, adding humor and heart. His ability to make each character distinct in a sitcom setting places him high.

5. Martin Lawrence – Martin

Martin Lawrence played radio DJ Martin Payne in ‘Martin’ (1992-1997), alongside characters like Sheneneh Jenkins, Dragonfly Jones, and Mama Payne, using prosthetics and wild energy.

Lawrence’s comedic versatility, switching between the lead and outrageous side characters, defined the show’s humor. His transformative performances and central role earn him a top-five spot.

4. Lisa Kudrow – Friends

Lisa Kudrow played Phoebe Buffay in ‘Friends’ (1994-2004) and her twin, Ursula, a selfish character from ‘Mad About You’ (1992-1999) who crossed over. Kudrow made them distinct despite their identical looks.

Kudrow’s ability to craft Phoebe’s quirky warmth and Ursula’s aloof rudeness was masterful. The dual roles’ narrative integration and her comedic range land her here.

3. Sarah Paulson – American Horror Story: Freak Show

Sarah Paulson played conjoined twins Bette and Dot Tattler in ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’ (2014), and also Lana Winters in the same season, showcasing her range in Ryan Murphy’s anthology.

Paulson’s distinct portrayals—Bette’s optimism, Dot’s cynicism, and Lana’s intensity—were gripping. Playing three complex characters simultaneously in a dramatic series earns her a top spot.

2. Nina Dobrev – The Vampire Diaries

Nina Dobrev played Elena Gilbert, Katherine Pierce, Amara, and Tatia in ‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009-2017), with Elena and Katherine as central doppelgängers. She also appeared as Tatia in ‘The Originals.’

Dobrev’s ability to make Elena’s kindness and Katherine’s cunning distinct, with unique body language and voice, was remarkable. Her multifaceted roles driving the plot place her near the top.

1. Tatiana Maslany – Orphan Black

Tatiana Maslany tops the list for playing over 12 distinct clones in ‘Orphan Black’ (2013-2017), including Sarah, Helena, Cosima, and Alison, each with unique mannerisms and accents. She even played clones impersonating each other.

Maslany’s Emmy-winning performance was a masterclass, seamlessly switching between characters in the same scene, driving the show’s complex narrative. Her unparalleled range and impact make her the greatest at playing multiple roles.

Which actor’s multi-role performance blew you away, or did I miss a standout? Share your thoughts in the comments!