Think about the last time you chatted about a great movie or TV show. You probably focused on the main hero, the central romance, or maybe the main villain, right? It happens all the time. But let’s not forget the smaller roles, the characters who pop up briefly but leave a lasting impression.
Sometimes, a minor character, thanks to a memorable performance, can elevate a scene or even an entire series. Even in shows or films that weren’t perfect, a small part can stick with you. This list celebrates those incidental characters brought to life by talented actors, adding depth and flavor to our favorite stories.
10. Mr. Treeger
TV Series: Friends (1994-2004)
Played by: Michael G Haggerty
Every building needs a super, and the iconic apartment block in Friends had Mr. Treeger. He wasn’t just a typical working-class stereotype often seen in comedies. Treeger felt real – tough but sometimes goofy, mean but capable of kindness.
He was just a guy doing his job, dealing with the antics of the main gang. The episode where Joey learns ballroom dancing with him (“The One with the Ballroom Dancing”) reveals a surprisingly tender and funny side to Treeger, making him more than just a background figure. He added a touch of everyday reality to the often-unrealistic lives of the main six.
9. Wizard
Film: Taxi Driver (1976)
Played by: Peter Boyle
Moving to a much grittier New York, we meet Wizard, a fellow cabbie alongside Travis Bickle. Peter Boyle, often known for comedy roles like in Young Frankenstein or Everybody Loves Raymond, gives a grounded performance here.
Wizard represents the average taxi driver, a stark contrast to DeNiro’s disturbed Travis. When Travis seeks deep advice about his unease with society, Wizard offers only simple platitudes, famously saying, “We’re all f**ked. More or less, y’know.” His admission, “What do I know? I’m a cabbie,” highlights the film’s sense of futility and makes Travis Bickle’s isolation feel even more profound. Boyle’s performance turns a potentially forgettable character into a key part of the movie’s atmosphere.
8. Quaithe
TV Series: Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Played by: Laura Pradelska
In George R.R. Martin’s books, Quaithe is a mysterious figure from the shadow-laden city of Asshai. She offers cryptic warnings and prophecies to Daenerys Targaryen, hinting at deeper lore and possibly ancient connections to the Targaryen lineage.
Her potential in the vast world of Westeros felt immense. However, in the TV show, Quaithe’s role was significantly reduced. She appeared a few times, delivered some mysterious lines, and then vanished. While Laura Pradelska brought an enigmatic presence to the role, the character felt underdeveloped compared to her book counterpart, leaving many fans wanting more from this intriguing figure.
7. Charmaine Bucco
TV Series: The Sopranos (1999-2007)
Played by: Kathrine Narducci
The Sopranos excelled at complex characters, and Charmaine Bucco is a prime example of a vital supporting Pplayer. As the wife of Artie Bucco, owner of the mob hangout Vesuvio, Charmaine provides a crucial moral counterpoint.
While Artie is often charmed by his childhood friend Tony Soprano and the allure of the mafia world, Charmaine sees right through it. Played loudly and expressively by Kathrine Narducci, she constantly reminds her husband, and the audience, of the grim reality behind the wisecracks and camaraderie. She refuses to be intimidated or impressed by the Soprano crew, representing a grounded opposition to their violent lifestyle.
6. Arthur Slugworth/Mr. Wilkinson
Film: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Played by: Günter Meisner
This classic film is full of memorable moments, both delightful and slightly terrifying (that boat trip!). Adding to the eerie atmosphere is Arthur Slugworth, Wonka’s supposed rival who secretly tests the golden ticket winners.
German actor Günter Meisner portrays Slugworth (later revealed as Wonka’s employee, Mr. Wilkinson) with a menacing intensity. He tempts Charlie Bucket with an offer of corporate espionage, serving as a crucial moral test. His sinister presence adds a necessary edge to the whimsical factory tour, grounding the fantasy and making Charlie’s ultimate triumph even more meaningful. Meisner’s performance makes Slugworth an unforgettable, albeit unnerving, part of the film.
5. Éomer
Film: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Played by: Karl Urban
In the epic struggle for Middle-earth, heroes like Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli often take center stage. But let’s not overlook Éomer, Marshal of the Riddermark. He’s a key leader in Rohan and plays a critical role in the battles that shape the fate of Men.
Karl Urban brings a fierce loyalty and rugged determination to the role. A famous unscripted moment highlights his character’s edge: as Éomer mounts his horse to warn the fellowship members, his sword accidentally slips partly out of its scabbard. Urban plays it off perfectly, adding to the raw, weary feel of the scene. Éomer is a steadfast warrior whose contributions are vital, even if sometimes overshadowed by the main fellowship heroes.
4. Santos & Pasquel
TV Series: Family Guy (1999– )
Voiced by: Denis Martell & Mark Pasedes
Sometimes, fleeting characters offer surprising depth. In Season 3 of Family Guy, Peter briefly becomes a fisherman and hires two Portuguese workers, Santos and Pasquel.
At first glance, the joke seems to be about the language barrier. But through translated subtitles of their conversations, we see they are intelligent men stuck in menial labor due to circumstances. One was even a cardiologist back home. The humor comes not just from misunderstanding, but from the contrast between Peter’s perception and their reality. It’s a clever bit of writing that packs unexpected character complexity into a few short scenes.
3. Father Larry Duff
TV Series: Father Ted (1995-1998)
Played by: Tony Guilfoyle
The Irish sitcom Father Ted is legendary in the UK and Ireland for its absurd humor and quirky characters. Among the many memorable priests is the chronically unlucky Father Larry Duff.
Larry exists primarily as a running gag. Every time Father Ted calls him, Larry is inevitably in the middle of some high-stakes or dangerous activity (like skiing down a mountain or handling snakes). The phone call invariably causes a hilarious disaster for poor Larry. Played with perfect comedic timing by Tony Guilfoyle, Father Duff’s recurring misfortunes are a simple but brilliant piece of slapstick that always gets a laugh.
2. The Bank Manager
Film: The Dark Knight (2008)
Played by: William Fichtner
The opening heist scene of The Dark Knight is iconic, setting the stage for Heath Ledger’s Joker. But part of what makes it so effective is the performance of the seemingly ordinary Bank Manager.
Played by the always excellent William Fichtner, this isn’t just any bank manager. He manages a mob bank, and when the robbers burst in, he pulls out a shotgun, ready to defend his turf. He represents the old guard of Gotham’s crime world – tough, established, and not easily intimidated. His brief but intense standoff with the Joker perfectly establishes the new, chaotic threat the Clown Prince of Crime represents. Fichtner’s cool defiance makes the scene crackle with tension.
1. The Salesman
Film: Sin City (2005)
Played by: Josh Hartnett
Sin City opens with a stunning, moody sequence that perfectly captures the film’s neo-noir style. On a dark rooftop, a mysterious man known only as The Salesman comforts a beautiful, melancholic woman.
Josh Hartnett delivers a smooth, captivating performance. His character speaks with poetic reassurance, seeming to understand the woman deeply, even declaring his love. The atmosphere is thick with romance and sorrow… until he abruptly shoots her, revealing his cold, professional nature as a hitman. This shocking prologue sets the tone for the entire film. The only downside? We don’t see more of this enigmatic and chilling character until the very end.
+ Bonus: Cravex
TV Series: Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light (1987)
Voiced by: Chris Latta
Why include a minor villain from a short-lived ’80s cartoon based on a toy line? Because of one glorious scene.
Cravex is one of the Darkling Lords, followers of the main villain, Darkstorm. In one memorable moment, frustrated after Darkstorm refuses to share treasure, Cravex completely loses it. He goes on a rampage, smacking his fellow villains and calling out their flaws (except for Cindarr, who gets hit “out of principle!”). Voiced by the legendary Chris Latta (also Cobra Commander and Starscream), this outburst is pure catharsis, relatable to anyone who’s ever felt unheard or undervalued. It elevates an otherwise generic henchman to brief, shining badassery.
These characters prove that even small roles can make a big difference. They add texture, humor, tension, and memorable moments to the stories we love. Sometimes, the most impactful players aren’t the ones in the spotlight.
Which underrated minor characters do you think deserve more recognition? Share your favorites in the comments below!
