12 Side Characters From American Comedies Who Stole the Spotlight

Some of the most memorable characters in American comedies aren’t always the main leads. Often, it’s the side characters who steal the show with their unique personalities, hilarious quirks, and unforgettable moments. These characters bring depth, humor, and even heart to the story, leaving a lasting impact on both the audience and the show itself. From the lovable oddballs to the unexpected scene-stealers, these secondary characters often become fan favorites and are integral to the series’ overall charm.

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Dwight Schrute (The Office)

Dwight Schrute, portrayed by Rainn Wilson, is arguably the most unforgettable side character in The Office. As the assistant to the regional manager (and assistant regional manager, if you ask Dwight), his unwavering belief in his own importance and his wild schemes make him a constant source of hilarity. Whether it’s his bizarre business ventures, such as selling paper products at an auction or attempting to take over Dunder Mifflin, Dwight’s eccentricities elevate him from a mere sidekick to the heart of many of the show’s funniest moments. His rivalry with Jim Halpert, whose pranks on Dwight became iconic, made their dynamic one of the most beloved in television history.

But it’s Dwight’s over-the-top personality and commitment to the absurd that make him stand out. His obsession with power, his stoic face in the face of humiliation, and his willingness to throw his coworkers under the bus for the smallest perceived offense all make him both cringe-worthy and oddly relatable. As the show progressed, Dwight’s character developed, revealing a more complex side to him, including his soft spot for Angela and his pursuit of the Regional Manager position, which made his journey a highlight of the series. Despite being a side character, Dwight quickly became the comedic backbone of the show, with fans often quoting his classic lines like “Fact: Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.”

Phoebe Buffay (Friends)

Phoebe Buffay, portrayed by Lisa Kudrow, is the embodiment of quirky and unpredictable charm in Friends. Unlike the more grounded characters, Phoebe lives in her own world of eccentricity, which is what makes her so lovable. From her memorable songs like “Smelly Cat” to her bizarre spiritual beliefs, Phoebe’s personality is unpredictable and offers a refreshing contrast to the more conventional lives of her friends. Her quirky, often outlandish behavior is perfectly complemented by her dark sense of humor, stemming from her difficult childhood and unique outlook on life. These characteristics made Phoebe a standout character in a show about a group of friends figuring out their lives in New York City.

As the show evolved, Phoebe’s role grew more significant. While she was originally seen as the quirky side character, she slowly became integral to the group’s emotional moments, often providing the comedic relief in more serious episodes. Her relationship with Mike Hannigan, her marriage, and the eventual birth of her triplets revealed a softer, more sentimental side of her. Nevertheless, Phoebe’s eccentricity remained central to her charm, and her ability to make viewers laugh, even in the most bizarre moments, solidified her as a fan favorite. Despite being surrounded by strong, iconic characters like Ross and Rachel, Phoebe’s unique contributions to Friends have left a lasting impact.

Chandler Bing (Friends)

Chandler Bing, played by Matthew Perry, is the king of sarcastic humor in Friends, often overshadowing the other characters with his quick-witted remarks and self-deprecating one-liners. His sarcastic demeanor is a defense mechanism for his deep insecurities, stemming from his difficult childhood and strained relationship with his parents. Chandler’s quips and awkwardness in romantic and professional settings often steal the spotlight, particularly in moments where his comedic timing contrasts with the more serious or emotionally charged scenes. Whether he’s making fun of his job in statistical analysis or navigating his relationship with Monica, Chandler’s humor never fails to add a layer of fun to the show.

As the series progressed, Chandler’s character evolved, becoming one of the most relatable and beloved figures. His shift from an insecure bachelor to a loving husband and father, alongside his struggles with commitment and career direction, made him a well-rounded character. Despite being part of a large ensemble cast, Chandler’s humor and his complex relationship with his friends, especially Joey, gave him a unique role. His ability to lighten the mood with his jokes, especially in moments of tension, made him a fan favorite. Chandler Bing’s character continues to be iconic, with many fans quoting his lines or mimicking his trademark sarcastic delivery.

The Waitress (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia)

The Waitress, portrayed by Kate Flannery, is one of the most memorable side characters in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. She is known for her exasperation with the gang’s chaotic behavior, especially her obsessive, one-sided relationship with Dennis Reynolds. Despite being a side character, The Waitress provides a significant amount of the show’s humor through her repeated attempts to reject Dennis’s creepy advances while also dealing with the gang’s interference in her personal life. Her running feud with Dennis, which at times borders on absurd, shows how she can be the perfect foil to his narcissistic and manipulative nature. The Waitress’s discomfort around the gang and her frustration with their antics only add to her humor.

What sets her apart from many side characters is her consistency in standing up for herself and her moments of unexpected depth. In a show where the main characters are often self-absorbed and oblivious, The Waitress serves as the voice of reason, albeit with a dose of frustration. She may not be a central figure in every episode, but whenever she appears, she becomes a critical component of the humor. Her chaotic interactions with the gang and Dennis, in particular, often lead to some of the show’s funniest moments, proving that even a relatively small role can leave a big impression.

Ron Swanson’s Boss – Tammy 2 (Parks and Recreation)

Tammy 2, portrayed by Megan Mullally, is a recurring side character in Parks and Recreation who completely steals every scene she is in. As Ron Swanson’s ex-wife, she embodies everything that Ron despises: controlling, manipulative, and completely unpredictable. Tammy 2’s wild and domineering personality contrasts sharply with Ron’s stoic and independent demeanor, creating one of the most memorable pairings in television comedy. Their toxic yet oddly magnetic relationship often results in hilarious situations, especially when she shows up unexpectedly to disrupt Ron’s life.

What makes Tammy 2 so hilarious is how she can quickly get under Ron’s skin, despite his usually unflappable nature. She uses her charm and manipulative skills to get what she wants, often leading to chaotic, over-the-top moments that perfectly balance Ron’s dry humor. While Tammy 2 is not a regular character, her appearances are so impactful that they significantly influence the show’s dynamics, particularly with Ron. Her interactions with Ron are some of the most talked-about moments in Parks and Recreation, making her one of the standout side characters who adds a unique flavor to the series.

Steve Hytner as Kenny Bania (Seinfeld)

Kenny Bania is one of the most memorable side characters in Seinfeld, played by Steve Hytner. Bania, an up-and-coming comedian, is relentlessly annoying to Jerry Seinfeld, constantly seeking approval and attention. His lack of awareness regarding his own lack of talent makes him an easy target for Jerry’s sarcastic humor. The tension between Jerry and Bania is a source of much of the show’s comedy, as Bania’s cluelessness leads to Jerry’s increasingly frustrated reactions. Despite his limited appearances, Bania’s relentless optimism and his catchphrase “That’s gold, Jerry! Gold!” make him a fan favorite.

Though he’s mainly a side character, Bania’s over-the-top enthusiasm and inability to read social cues bring out Jerry’s dry wit and disdain, often to great comedic effect. The character’s obliviousness to the fact that he is not as funny as he thinks contributes significantly to the humor. Bania is the perfect example of how a side character can steal the show with just a few well-timed appearances and an exaggerated personality that keeps viewers coming back for more.

Ben Wyatt (Parks and Recreation)

Ben Wyatt, played by Adam Scott, is another side character from Parks and Recreation who became a standout thanks to his nerdy charm and his relationship with Leslie Knope. When Ben first arrives as a state auditor, his character is initially perceived as a stiff and serious bureaucrat. However, as the show progresses, his quirky personality emerges, and his love of things like calzones and the “Cones of Dunshire” game makes him a fan favorite. His relationship with Leslie, built on mutual respect and shared interests, provides one of the sweetest moments in the series.

Ben’s dry sense of humor and his ability to complement Leslie’s passion with his own subtle nerdiness made him not just a perfect fit for Leslie but also a character who added depth to the show. His willingness to engage in Leslie’s crazy schemes, from running for office to dealing with government shutdowns, shows his loyalty and commitment. Though he was introduced as a side character, Ben quickly became integral to the show, proving that even a supporting role can carry substantial weight in a show as large as Parks and Recreation.

Janet (The Good Place)

Janet, portrayed by D’Arcy Carden, is a standout character in The Good Place, known for her hyper-literal, robotic demeanor and her vast knowledge as the human-like assistant in the afterlife. Janet’s ability to provide anything, from knowledge to objects, made her a key character in the show’s complex, philosophical narrative. Despite being a “non-human” character, her sincerity, unintentional humor, and deep emotional growth, especially in her relationship with Jason, helped her become a fan favorite. Janet’s evolving personality, from a simple database to a fully realized character, was one of the show’s most touching and comedic arcs.

What sets Janet apart from other side characters is her ability to break out of her expected role, offering insights and emotional support to the human characters. Her quick-witted comebacks, paired with her deadpan delivery, provided some of the most amusing moments in the show. Janet’s transformation into a more human-like character, and her journey from a simple helper to someone capable of love and self-awareness, made her far more than just a supporting character. In fact, she often became the emotional heart of The Good Place, proving that even the most seemingly one-dimensional characters can become fan favorites.

Kramer (Seinfeld)

Cosmo Kramer, played by Michael Richards, is often regarded as the show-stealer in Seinfeld. Kramer’s eccentric and unpredictable behavior, paired with his loud, physical comedy, made him one of the most beloved characters in television history. Whether it’s sliding into Jerry’s apartment or coming up with wild business ideas, Kramer brings chaos and hilarity wherever he goes. His lack of a traditional job and his mysterious, carefree lifestyle serve as a stark contrast to the more neurotic tendencies of the other main characters. Kramer’s antics often push the boundaries of what’s socially acceptable, leading to many of the show’s most outrageous and funny moments.

Despite being a side character, Kramer’s exaggerated sense of self-confidence and ability to get himself into bizarre situations made him the standout in a cast of larger-than-life personalities. His bizarre friendships with characters like Newman, his oddball schemes, and his ever-changing wardrobe made him a source of continuous comic relief. Kramer’s unpredictability is what kept audiences laughing, as his ability to interrupt and shake up even the most mundane scenes with his outlandish ideas and actions made him a beloved figure in the series.

Maggie (The Simpsons)

Though she rarely speaks, Maggie Simpson is one of the most iconic side characters in The Simpsons. As the youngest member of the Simpson family, Maggie’s silence and occasional antics often steal the spotlight in the show’s numerous episodes. Whether she’s getting into mischief or participating in larger storylines, her small gestures and quiet observations often carry a lot of weight in the family dynamics. Maggie’s most memorable moments, such as when she famously shoots Mr. Burns in one of the show’s biggest plot twists, show that even a quiet character can have a massive impact.

What makes Maggie so beloved is her ability to convey so much emotion without saying a word. Her actions, such as sucking on her pacifier or her occasional comedic expressions, speak volumes to viewers. Despite being a side character, Maggie’s presence in The Simpsons is deeply felt, as she is an essential part of the family and the show’s overarching dynamic. Whether she is participating in wacky storylines or simply reacting to her family’s antics, Maggie is often the silent force that adds charm to the series.

Toby Flenderson (The Office)

Toby Flenderson, portrayed by Paul Lieberstein, is the mild-mannered and often overlooked human resources representative at Dunder Mifflin. Despite being the target of much of Michael Scott’s disdain, Toby brings a quiet, deadpan humor to the show. His inability to connect with his coworkers, along with his unrequited crush on Pam, provides a mix of both awkwardness and comedy. Toby’s attempts to keep the peace and enforce company policies are often met with ridicule, making his moments of success feel surprisingly satisfying for fans.

Toby’s dry humor and low-key, tragic personality make him a unique side character in The Office. While he may not have the larger-than-life qualities of characters like Dwight or Michael, his subtle humor and the way he gets caught in the middle of office drama make him one of the show’s most relatable figures. Toby’s role as the ever-patient HR guy might not have been flashy, but his emotional moments, particularly when dealing with the absurdity of the office environment, gave his character a special charm that resonated with viewers.

Bert and Ernie (Sesame Street)

Bert and Ernie are two of the most beloved side characters in Sesame Street, thanks to their odd-couple dynamic and hilarious interactions. Bert, the straight-laced, often frustrated character, is the perfect foil to Ernie’s carefree, mischievous personality. Their friendship, built on mutual respect despite their differences, forms the core of much of the show’s humor. Whether they’re getting into harmless trouble or having disagreements over the most trivial matters, their antics provide endless entertainment for young viewers and adults alike.

What makes Bert and Ernie so memorable is their ability to bring both humor and heart to every scene they are in. Their contrasting personalities serve as a comedic mirror to the diverse personalities found on Sesame Street. Bert’s grumpy nature and Ernie’s playful energy often lead to funny situations, yet their bond remains unshakable. Despite being side characters in a larger ensemble cast, Bert and Ernie’s unique friendship and humor have made them iconic symbols of the show.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.