Actors who've never starred in a sitcom, but should do one

[Vincent Paterno]

What actors or actresses who have never been part of a cast on an American sitcom would you like to see in one? There are probably quite a few of them, but I'll start with one as an example: Lucy Lawless.

With the success of "Xena," not to mention her statuesque build, Lucy is perceived as an action heroine -- but actually, her background is in comedy in her native New Zealand (where she appeared on an "SNL"-type sketch show, among other things). Quite a few "Xena" eps had comic touches to them, and if you've ever seen Lucy interviewed on TV, she comes off as witty and engaging, so she's got the talent.

With the right vehicle (not necessarily as a star, mind you, but at least part of a good ensemble), Lucy could excel in situation comedy. (That is, of course, assuming she's interested; she and her husband have two young children, and with "Xena" residuals, she's set for life.)

Any other performers you'd like to see try a sitcom?

[Pentimento]

I agree about Lucy Lawless, but I've also hoped that with the resurgence of the movie musical she would come out of semi-retirement and find a film role that would utilize her singing talent. (For instance, I could easily see her in a remake of Man of La Mancha.)

I've always thought that William H. Macy could carry a sitcom if the premise and writing were equal to his talent. He had a recurring role in Sports Night (which he probably only did because Felicity Huffman was one of the stars), and I thought he displayed exceptional comedic timing and delivery. I can't believe he's never been approached to do a comedy series. Maybe after having done ER he simply prefers to focus on films.

[Vincent Paterno]

Glad you mentioned Lucy's singing ability, which is also largely unheralded, though I think her vocal background leans more towards opera than Broadway. Now I'm picturing her in a female Mutt-and-Jeff musical comedy with the petite Kristin Chenoweth! :)

[Pentimento]

I know Lucy Lawless studied opera in her youth, but she can do Broadway as well. She played Rizzo in a Broadway revival of Grease about seven or eight years ago and, as I recall, the critics were fairly complimentary. (And thanks for the mental image of Lucy with Kristin Chenoweth. At the moment, my dogs are wondering what the heck I'm laughing at... :D )

[barwars]

TV makes stars.
Stars don't make TV.


The best series begin with nobodys.

[TJL]

I always thought Michael was a funny guy.
He did a short lived sitcom a while back before he went to movies, but his guest spot on "Frasier" a few years ago, and a recent appearance on Letterman convinced me that he really should be doing sitcoms now.

[barwars]

I always thought Michael was a funny guy.
He did a short lived sitcom a while back before he went to movies, but his guest spot on "Frasier" a few years ago, and a recent appearance on Letterman convinced me that he really should be doing sitcoms now.

Michael who??

[slackermonkey]

Keaton, I think.

[Riff]

Lucy's guest host stint on the actual "SNL" convinced me she's a natural lead for a sitcom. I still laugh just thinking about Stevie Nicks' Chicken Fajita Round-Up.

But the one I'd definitely dig in a sitcom is Hulk Hogan. If Lyle Alzado can get his own comedy, why can't the Hulkster? I think everyone who has seen "Mr. Nanny" knows what this man is capable of.

[TJL]

Keaton, I think.

Yes, Keaton.

I gotta get off the sauce.