Supporting roles who turned the tables and became the real stars!
By Riesa Pascal-Porro
There’s nothing more fun in Hollywood than a good underdog story! Sometimes a side character steals a scene, then steals the spotlight, and eventually takes over the whole franchise. Before anyone can stop it, the second fiddle is cashing bigger checks and becoming the name audiences remember long after the credits roll. From sitcoms to pop groups, these breakout stars didn’t just exceed expectations… they completely outgrew the people originally billed as leads. Here are eight side characters who became more famous than the stars they were meant to support
Jaleel White
Steve Urkel was originally written as a one-episode gag character on Family Matters, but fans couldn’t get enough of Jaleel White’s portrayal. His catchphrases, mannerisms, and sheer audience demand reshaped Family Matters entirely. In no time, the family sitcom turned into “The Steve Urkel Show” in all but name. The Winslow family quietly took a backseat as Urkel became an instant pop-culture phenomenon and today he remains the most enduring legacy of the beloved series.
Harry Styles
Actors aren’t the only ones who get upstaged! One Direction was launched as a group, but Harry Styles quickly stole the spotlight. His charm, voice, and style had fans swooning from the very start. In no time, Styles became the clear breakout star of the global One Direction craze. Tours sold out, albums topped charts, and Styles’ popularity skyrocketed worldwide. As the band went on hiatus, he smoothly transitioned into a successful solo career with hit albums, blockbuster movies, and high-profile fashion campaigns. Today, he’s not just the biggest name from One Direction… he’s one of the most talked-about pop stars of his generation.
Ariana Grande
Cat Valentine was just one of several quirky sidekicks on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, but she quickly became the fan favorite. Ariana Grande’s bubbly personality and standout performance helped launch a record-breaking music career after the show ended. In the blink of an eye, she had surpassed the show’s lead, Victoria Justice, in fortune and global recognition. Today, Ariana is a chart-topping superstar and household name.
Zendaya
On Shake It Up, Zendaya’s combined acting and dancing talent had fans hooked from the start. She made every scene her own and it didn’t take long for her to become impossible to ignore.
Her charisma and skill propelled her to Emmy wins, starring roles in major franchises, and fashion icon status. She redefined what a Disney alum could be, while her co-star Bella Thorne gradually faded into the background. Zendaya is now a bona fide A-lister, proving she was always destined for the spotlight.
Sabrina Carpenter
Maya Hart started out as the sarcastic best friend on Girl Meets World, but it didn’t take long for her charisma to steal the spotlight. Sabrina Carpenter’s performance turned heads and the role became a launchpad for her music career. It wasn’t long before she was outshining the show’s lead, Rowan Blanchard, in both visibility and commercial success. Her pop career, viral hits, and growing mainstream presence have made her the most commercially successful star to emerge from the series.
Henry Winkler
Fonzie arrived on Happy Days as the cool sidekick with a leather jacket, but Henry Winkler’s charm transformed the character into a legend. Fans couldn’t get enough of the Fonz as he quickly overshadowed the original leads and became a TV icon. What started as a supporting role quickly became the show’s main attraction. Today, Fonzie is the defining image of Happy Days and one of the most recognizable characters in television history.
Aaron Paul
Initially conceived as a short-term character, Jesse Pinkman became one of Breaking Bad’s emotional anchors. Aaron Paul brought depth, humor, and heartbreak to every scene. Needless to say, audiences fell in love as the writers gave him more and more screen time. Eventually, Jesse and his arc became just as essential and memorable as Walter White’s story. By the series’ end, Paul had turned what was meant to be a supporting role into a full-blown cultural phenomenon.
Neil Patrick Harris
Barney Stinson wasn’t meant to be the heart of How I Met Your Mother, but he soon became the breakout star thanks to Neil Patrick Harris’ unforgettable portrayal. His over-the-top, quotable performance made Barney the character everyone adored. Before long, he became the scene-stealer of the series with fans loving his antics, catchphrases, and outrageous schemes. By the end of the show’s run, Barney had shown that sometimes the sidekick is the real MVP!
