Greatness personified

With esteemed humanitarian and formidable actor Charlie Sheen being unfairly ousted from critical darling Two and a Half Men, television is short one of the finest actors to grace its small screen in history. Let's take time now to honor a few more before their gripping performances are lost to us forever:


The Best Actors on TV


William Shatner, S#*! My Dad Says, CBS

Already a TV legend for his realistic portrayal of Robot Commander James T. Kirk in the incomparable Star Trek, Shatner wowed the world when he took on the gritty, realistic role of the titular "Dad" in this heartfelt show. Shatner is mesmerizing as the grizzled father coming to grips with the adult son he abandoned so many years ago.

Never has a title been more apropos.

Olivia Munn, Perfect Couples, NBC

Previously praised for her arresting work on the groundbreaking drama Attack of the Show, Munn has crafted a performance for the ages in this flagship sitcom. This complex show is a playground for the talented Munn, who deftly ranges emotions and draws the audience in with her wit and charm.

The left one is Wit, the right one is Charm.

Shailene Woodley, The Secret Life of an American Teenager, ABC Family

This method actor is a perfectionist of her craft, delving so deeply into the lead role on this substantive drama she was willing to become a teenage mother. Though she is no longer pregnant, her dedication to the role has not gone unnoticed, being awarded by the Emmy's, Golden Globes, and in a surprise and unprecedented move, the Oscars.

She thanked her OBGYN in the acceptance speech.

David Spade, Rules of Engagement, CBS

One of the few surviving comedic geniuses of his generation, Spade bring a fresh, new perspective to the TV landscape with his role as Russel Dunbar, the first ever selfish, lothario bachelor in the history of sitcoms. Handling complicated and intelligent dialogue with aplomb, this witty actor brings the full weight of his talent to bear in this role of a lifetime.

Yep, comedic genius. Also possibly a lesbian.

Rizwan Manji, Outsourced, NBC

This veteran character actor (Charlie Wilson's War, Transformers) steals the scene in this compelling drama as call-center manager Ranjiv, a complicated man concerned with life's toughest questions. Breaking down the barriers of Indian stereotypes, Manji's brave and humble portrayal stands the test of time.

He's Indian, and he's wearing a suit.

Melissa Peterman, Working Class, CMT

CMT stunned audiences and critics alike with it's brilliant and original inaugural hit, Working Class. Grounded by the realistic performance from award-winning Peterman, this dramatic foray into the world of America's rural poor is as relevant as it is moving. Peterman shines as down-on-her-luck mother Carli Mitchell, a character whose relatable struggles never fail to inspire the audience.

You can not tell at all what this show is about from this promo.

David Caruso, CSI: Miami, CBS

Propelling prop-handling to an art form, Caruso's compelling interpretation of the police force's most intrepid detective elevated the procedural in a way no other actor has accomplished and made proud red-heads everywhere.

See what I mean? Are they on? Are they off? He's a maverick!

David Mann, Meet the Browns, TBS

Mann's historical performance as the Brown family patriarch is reminiscent of greats such as A Raisin in the Sun, and brings clout to the African-American sitcom. With a performance rich in nuance and subtle characterization, Mann has created one of the deepest and most resonant characters on television.

Um, maybe more like the Uncle with a "roomate"?

AnnaLynne McCord, 90210, CW

Breaking ground for space-less names everywhere, this acting prodigy flared onto the scene in the gritty remake of the 90's classic teen drama. She  received acclaim for being willing to play "pretty", a risky move for young starlets in Hollywood, and has risen to the challenge of her complicated character Naomi brilliantly.

She might also be half tiger.

Valerie Bertinelli, Hot in Cleveland, TV Land

In one of television's best comeback stories, Bertinelli, a critically acclaimed actress long out of the limelight, has risen to stardom again with the rich and powerful Hot in Cleveland. Bertinelli is stunning in the role of the enigmatic Melanie, drawing from her real life struggles in this riveting show and outshining her far less talented castmates.

Yes, you are exactly the right age for leather pants.

April Fool's!

These people are terrible.

Get off my TV, you horrible, horrible people.