When we decide what movie or television show to watch next, who’s starring in it will often sway us one way or another. We’re looking for the big names, the faces we recognize, and the talent we depend on to keep us entertained.
That said, it’s often the smaller characters who bring those shows or movies to life, and on rarer occasions, they’re also the ones that keep us coming back – or the ones that stick in our minds going forward.
Here are 15 roles that were meant to be small, but that viewers just couldn’t shake afterward.
15. She doesn’t even need a name to be memorable.
Now that’s really something.
The Woman in Red Dress – The Matrix pic.twitter.com/mKKlqmdzma
— Shonibare (@HansonShonibare) March 23, 2021
14. Every single character in Mean Girls is perfection.
There is no way to complain about this movie. Full stop.
Every. Single. Small role. In. Mean Girls. Is. Pure. GOLD. pic.twitter.com/u4NkwbZoYb
— Chucho E. Quintero (@Chucho_Q) March 21, 2021
13. Who could have guessed how iconic this role would become?
Not even Drew Barrymore, I bet.
— p2.0 ✊🏻 🏳️🌈 #BLM (@pauldurie) March 21, 2021
12. She really nailed this.
And elevated it, honestly.
Forever and for all eternityyyyyyyy pic.twitter.com/IFm2wXdJPP
— Romeo (@slymcromeo) March 21, 2021
11. I think we sometimes forget how little screen time he had.
He definitely used it to his full advantage.
https://twitter.com/karlyourhaynus/status/1373757574407938049?s=20
10. He’s the best part of many of them.
Which I don’t think is saying a lot, but there you go.
Rob Schneider in any Adam Sandler movie pic.twitter.com/Ts7d8NmJbZ
— Home3/15- (@postgym) March 20, 2021
9. The maid in the original version was great, too.
It’s just a fun part, I think.
https://twitter.com/yeet_potato/status/1373808821341151234
8. Stockard Channing never lets us down.
She’s literally always the best.
Stockard Channing’s Cynthia Swann, ‘First Wives Club’ pic.twitter.com/8woAEHa77i
— Charles 🏳️🌈 💚💛❤💜💙🌈🌊🦈🐬🐳🐟🐠 (@CRichardMichael) March 21, 2021
7. A great role in a great series.
We’ll never forget it.
Laura Palmer in Twin Peaks. pic.twitter.com/Q3lqck5zf6
— Michelle Williams (@strandnthewind) March 22, 2021
6. There are so many great roles in The Office.
This is one of the most underrated, I think.
— Maurice Mo Brown (@MoBreezy213) March 21, 2021
5. I just love her.
She’s great in everything she does.
Kathryn Hahn as Jennifer Berkley in Parks and Rec pic.twitter.com/mjijvv9JgD
— Tom (@tomdetraque) March 22, 2021
4. In a film full of great performances, she shines.
As usual, of course. Just an emotional punch.
— Chris Hunter 💙 (@chrishunter2501) March 21, 2021
3. Some of the most quotable lines in the film, right?
She just made the most of her time, for sure.
you played yourself… cuz honestly there is no topping THIS role/moment pic.twitter.com/dyJGqADDwS
— Skyler Wakil (@skyler_wakil) March 21, 2021
2. We’re all just chanting along, right?
I know I am, because yay!
Bruce, Bruce, Bruce pic.twitter.com/NhrW0uM2D0
— Héctor Romero (@hecromg) March 22, 2021
1. She nailed those ten minutes.
The most memorable part of the movie, I think.
I’m sorry the correct answer is Alicia in The Lodge. She’s only in it for 10 minutes but holy fuck those 10 minutes pic.twitter.com/0Lu82s6IIm
— GustineBoi (@DavidArizpe8) March 22, 2021
I agree with all of these – characters I’ll never forget, to be sure.
What part would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!