Television has introduced audiences to countless memorable characters, talented performers, and unforgettable personalities. From long-running dramas to popular sitcoms, some actresses have become especially recognizable for the energy, confidence, and charisma they bring to the screen.
Back in 2016, several television stars were enjoying major popularity across network and cable series. Rather than simply focusing on appearance, this updated list celebrates the actresses who stood out for their screen presence, acting careers, and memorable television roles.
Here are ten of the most talked-about women on television from that era, ranked from number 10 to number 1.
10. Julianna Margulies – The Good Wife
Julianna Margulies became one of television's most respected dramatic actresses through her acclaimed performances as Alicia Florrick on The Good Wife and Carol Hathaway on ER. Her ability to balance emotional depth, intelligence, and understated charisma made her a standout television performer.
Her career began gaining major attention with ER, where she became a central member of the ensemble. After leaving the series, Margulies continued to build an impressive résumé with roles in television, film, and miniseries projects.
She later returned to television in a major way with The Good Wife. Her portrayal of Alicia earned widespread critical praise and numerous awards, establishing her as one of the leading performers of her generation.
Margulies also appeared in projects such as The Sopranos and Snakes on a Plane. Her combination of experience and screen presence helped make her one of the most recognizable actresses on television during the show's successful run.
9. Marisa Ramirez – Blue Bloods
Marisa Ramirez became a familiar face to television audiences through a long list of acting roles, with her performance as Detective Maria Baez on Blue Bloods being one of her best-known parts.
Ramirez joined the CBS police drama as Danny Reagan's partner, bringing a confident and professional presence to the series. Her chemistry with the show's established cast helped her character become an important part of the ensemble.
Before Blue Bloods, Ramirez had already built considerable television experience. Her credits include Body of Proof and Against the Wall, along with appearances on several daytime dramas.
She also appeared on popular programs including General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, and Days of Our Lives. Her extensive television résumé demonstrates her versatility and staying power.
8. Angie Harmon – Rizzoli & Isles
Angie Harmon has enjoyed a successful career in both television and modeling. Her path into acting began after she was discovered by David Hasselhoff, eventually leading to roles on several popular television programs.
Harmon appeared in Baywatch and Baywatch Nights before landing a major role on Law & Order. As Assistant District Attorney Abbie Carmichael, she became a recognizable presence on the long-running NBC drama.
She later moved into film before returning to television with Rizzoli & Isles. Her portrayal of Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli became one of the defining roles of her career.
The TNT series developed a loyal following, and Harmon's performance helped establish the show as one of the notable crime dramas of its era. Her confident screen presence and chemistry with the cast made her a natural fit for the role.
7. Andrea Roth – Blue Bloods
Andrea Roth has built a diverse acting career across television and film. Around the time of this original list, she was appearing on Blue Bloods as reporter Erin Reagan's professional counterpart and a recurring presence within the show's storylines.
Roth was already well known to television viewers for her role as Janet Gavin on the FX drama Rescue Me. She appeared throughout the show's run from 2004 through 2011, giving her plenty of opportunity to develop the character.
Her earlier credits include RoboCop: The Series and Ringer, while her film work includes appearances in movies such as War.
Her ability to move comfortably between television dramas, crime stories, and feature films has made Roth a versatile performer with a career spanning several decades.
6. Laura Spencer – The Big Bang Theory
Laura Spencer became familiar to sitcom audiences through her role as Emily Sweeney on The Big Bang Theory. She joined the show during its seventh season and became part of one of Raj Koothrappali's memorable romantic storylines.
Spencer was also featured on Bones as forensic intern Jessica Warren, giving her another opportunity to work within a popular television ensemble.
Before those roles, Spencer attracted attention through the web series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, an innovative modern adaptation inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Her performance helped demonstrate her ability to work effectively in both traditional and digital productions.
Her character on The Big Bang Theory brought a different dynamic to Raj's storyline. Emily's personality and unusual interests created plenty of opportunities for the show's trademark comedy.
5. Téa Leoni – Madam Secretary
Téa Leoni, born Elizabeth Téa Pantaleoni, brought years of film and television experience to the political drama Madam Secretary. She starred as Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst who becomes the United States Secretary of State.
Leoni had already established herself as a recognizable Hollywood actress long before taking the role. Her early television credits included Flying Blind, The Naked Truth, and Santa Barbara.
She later became particularly successful on the big screen, appearing in movies such as Bad Boys, Deep Impact, The Family Man, Jurassic Park III, Fun with Dick and Jane, Tower Heist, and A League of Their Own.
With Madam Secretary, Leoni returned to a prominent television role and demonstrated that she could successfully lead a sophisticated political drama while carrying a complex central character.
4. Kat Dennings – 2 Broke Girls
Kat Dennings, whose birth name is Katherine Litwack, became a household name through her role as Max Black on the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls. The character's sharp humor, confidence, and sarcastic personality quickly became one of the show's defining features.
Dennings had already accumulated an impressive list of television and film appearances before joining the sitcom. Her early television work included Sex and the City, Raising Dad, Everwood, Without a Trace, Less Than Perfect, ER, and CSI: NY.
Her movie résumé is equally varied, with appearances in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, The House Bunny, and the Marvel films Thor and Thor: The Dark World.
Her comedic timing and distinctive personality helped make Max one of the most memorable sitcom characters of the period. Dennings later expanded her television career with additional high-profile roles, demonstrating that her appeal went well beyond one series.
3. Makenzie Vega – The Good Wife
Makenzie Vega became widely recognized for playing Grace Florrick, the daughter of Alicia Florrick, on The Good Wife. Her performance gave the series a younger perspective while allowing the character to grow alongside the show's central storyline.
Vega began acting at a very young age. One of her earliest television appearances came on The Geena Davis Show, and she continued building her career throughout childhood and adolescence.
Her film credits include Made, Saw, Just My Luck, Sin City, and X-Men: The Last Stand. These roles helped establish her as a familiar young performer across both television and film.
She also appeared in several television movies and continued to develop her career outside of The Good Wife. Vega is the younger sister of actress Alexa PenaVega, making acting very much a family affair.
2. Vanessa Ray – Blue Bloods
Vanessa Ray became a familiar face to viewers through her role as Officer Eddie Janko on Blue Bloods. She joined the long-running CBS police drama in 2013 and gradually became an important member of the show's ensemble.
Ray's acting career extends beyond police dramas. She appeared in the musical production of Footloose and performed as Nemo in Finding Nemo: The Musical at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Her theater résumé also includes productions such as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Hair. This stage experience helped develop the performance skills that she later brought to television.
Ray also gained a strong following for her portrayal of CeCe Drake on Pretty Little Liars. The role gave her the opportunity to play a dramatically different character and showcased another side of her acting range.
With memorable parts on both Blue Bloods and Pretty Little Liars, Ray became one of the recognizable television performers of the period.
1. Melissa Rauch – The Big Bang Theory
Melissa Rauch became one of the most recognizable members of The Big Bang Theory cast through her portrayal of Bernadette Rostenkowski. She joined the sitcom during its third season, and her character eventually became a permanent part of the show's central group.
Bernadette's relationship with Howard Wolowitz became one of the series' most popular storylines. Her combination of a soft voice, strong personality, intelligence, and unexpected confidence created a memorable contrast with the rest of the cast.
Before and during her time on The Big Bang Theory, Rauch appeared in programs including True Blood, The Office, Kath & Kim, and Best Week Ever. She also appeared in the comedy film I Love You, Man.
Rauch has also demonstrated her talents as a writer and producer. She co-wrote and co-produced The Bronze, a comedy in which she played a former Olympic gymnast. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and helped showcase her abilities beyond sitcom acting.
Her work on The Big Bang Theory, combined with her writing and producing credits, made Rauch one of the most versatile performers featured on this list.
Final Thoughts
These ten actresses represented some of the most recognizable female television personalities of the mid-2010s. From crime dramas and political thrillers to sitcoms and family-oriented series, each performer brought a distinct personality and style to the screen.
What makes a television star memorable is about more than appearance. Strong acting, humor, charisma, character development, and the ability to connect with an audience can turn a supporting role into an unforgettable television performance.
Which actress from this list was your favorite? And which television star from the same era would you add to the ranking?