13 Characters Who Weren’t Supposed to Be Famous But Became Fan Favorites

13 Characters Who Weren’t Supposed to Be Famous But Became Fan Favorites

Sometimes the smallest roles turn into the biggest surprises. Writers create characters meant to appear once or twice, but audiences fall in love with them so hard that they become series regulars. These unexpected fan favorites prove that you don’t need a big entrance to make a huge impact on pop culture.

1. Steve Harrington — Stranger Things

Originally written as a typical jerk boyfriend who would disappear after season one, Steve surprised everyone by becoming the show’s most beloved character. His transformation from high school bully to protective babysitter won hearts worldwide. Fans couldn’t get enough of his hilarious one-liners and genuine care for the younger kids.

The writers noticed the audience reaction and kept him around for every season. His friendship with Dustin became one of the show’s sweetest relationships. Steve’s character arc proves that redemption stories resonate deeply with viewers when done right.

His iconic hair and bat-wielding heroics turned him into a cultural phenomenon beyond the show itself.

2. Cosmo Kramer — Seinfeld

Kramer was supposed to be a mysterious neighbor who barely appeared on screen. His wild entrances through Jerry’s door and bizarre schemes made him impossible to ignore. The physical comedy and unpredictable energy he brought elevated every scene he touched.

Producers quickly realized they had comedy gold and expanded his role significantly. His get-rich-quick ideas and strange jobs became running gags that defined the show’s humor. Kramer’s friendship with Jerry anchored the entire series in unexpected ways.

Without this wacky neighbor, Seinfeld wouldn’t have achieved its legendary status in television history. His catchphrases and mannerisms are still quoted decades later.

3. Daryl Dixon — The Walking Dead

Created specifically for the TV show and not in the original comics, Daryl was meant to be a minor character. His tough exterior hiding a loyal heart made him instantly compelling to audiences. The crossbow-wielding tracker became the face of the entire franchise within just a few episodes.

Fans threatened to riot if writers ever killed him off, making him practically invincible. His emotional depth and survival skills set him apart from typical action heroes. Daryl’s relationship with Carol became one of television’s most touching platonic friendships.

He outlasted nearly every original cast member and earned his own spinoff series.

4. Spike — Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Scheduled to die after just a few episodes, Spike’s chemistry with the cast saved his life. His punk rock attitude and British accent made him stand out among generic vampire villains. Viewers loved his sarcastic humor and complicated feelings about being evil.

The writers rewrote entire storylines to keep him around season after season. His romance with Buffy became one of the most controversial and discussed relationships in TV history. Spike evolved from villain to anti-hero to genuine hero throughout his journey.

He even got his own spinoff appearance on Angel, proving his lasting appeal beyond the original show.

5. Boba Fett — Star Wars

With barely five minutes of screen time and only four lines in the original trilogy, Boba Fett became a legend. His mysterious armor and silent presence sparked endless fan theories and speculation. Kids everywhere wanted his action figure despite knowing almost nothing about him.

The bounty hunter’s cool design alone was enough to build a massive following. Decades later, he finally got his own Disney+ series due to sustained fan demand. His backstory expanded across movies, shows, and books because audiences refused to let him fade away.

Sometimes saying less makes a character infinitely more interesting and memorable to devoted fans.

6. Klaus Hargreeves — The Umbrella Academy

Among a cast of superheroes with flashy powers, Klaus the ghost-talker stole every scene he entered. His humor masked deep trauma in ways that made him incredibly relatable and human. Fans connected with his struggles with addiction and his journey toward self-acceptance.

The writers gave him more storylines each season because audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive. His romance with Dave became a heartbreaking highlight that showcased his emotional range. Klaus proved that comedy and drama could blend perfectly in one complex character.

His fashion sense and one-liners turned him into the breakout star nobody saw coming from the comics.

7. Crowley — Supernatural

Introduced as a minor demon who would appear in just one episode, Crowley’s wit made him irreplaceable. His business-like approach to being the King of Hell provided a refreshing twist on demon characters. Fans loved how he insulted everyone while secretly caring about the Winchester brothers.

His complicated relationship with the heroes blurred the lines between enemy and ally perfectly. The writers kept bringing him back because his dialogue was too entertaining to waste. Crowley’s unexpected vulnerability in later seasons added layers that made him even more compelling.

He became one of the longest-running villains in the show’s fifteen-season history.

8. Margaery Tyrell — Game of Thrones

Planned as a minor political player, Margaery’s intelligence and charm made her a fan favorite queen. Her ability to manipulate situations while appearing kind and generous fascinated viewers. Unlike other power-hungry characters, she genuinely cared about winning the common people’s love.

The actress brought such depth to the role that writers expanded her storylines significantly. Her friendship with Sansa and battles with Cersei provided some of the show’s best political drama. Margaery proved that you don’t need dragons or swords to be a powerful woman in Westeros.

Her tragic end shocked fans who had hoped she would outlast her enemies.

9. Azula — Avatar: The Last Airbender

Though introduced as a secondary villain, Azula’s cunning and cruelty outshone even the main antagonist. Her mastery of blue flames and lightning made her a fearsome force, while her complex psychology and tragic family ties kept fans hooked.

The writers explored her mental breakdown in ways rarely seen in children’s animation. Her perfectionism and desperate need for approval made her sympathetic despite her cruelty. Azula’s final scene remains one of the most heartbreaking moments in animated television.

Many fans argue she’s the series’ best villain because of her layered motivations and realistic flaws.

10. Toph Beifong — Avatar: The Last Airbender

Created to be a temporary earthbending teacher, Toph’s personality was too strong to let go. Her blindness never held her back; instead, it made her the most powerful earthbender alive. The tough-talking girl who could sense vibrations through her feet revolutionized how disabilities were portrayed.

Fans immediately embraced her sarcastic humor and refusal to be treated as helpless. She invented metalbending, fundamentally changing the show’s entire world and future storylines. Toph’s confidence and independence inspired countless viewers to embrace their own differences.

Her legacy continued in the sequel series through her daughters and the police force she created.

11. Tobias Fünke — Arrested Development

Tobias started as a background character but soon stole the spotlight with his hilariously inappropriate remarks and complete lack of self-awareness. As a failed actor and ineffective therapist, his delusions of grandeur became the heart of the show’s humor.

His accidental double entendres became legendary among fans who rewatched episodes to catch every joke. The blue man group obsession and cut-off shorts turned him into a walking punchline. Tobias represented the perfect blend of pathetic and lovable that great comedy requires.

His phrases entered everyday vocabulary for devoted fans of the cult classic series.

12. Santana Lopez — Glee

Beginning as a mean girl background character, Santana’s coming out story elevated her to series regular. Her sharp tongue hid deep insecurity and fear about accepting herself. The journey from bully to beloved character showed incredible range and emotional honesty.

Viewers connected with her struggles in ways that made her representation groundbreaking for television. Her powerful voice and emotional performances became highlights of every season she appeared in. Santana’s relationship with Brittany gave LGBTQ+ youth a love story they desperately needed to see.

The character’s impact extended far beyond the show, helping real teenagers find courage to be themselves authentically.

13. Neville Longbottom — Harry Potter

Once just a forgetful, awkward background figure, Neville emerged as a true hero by the series’ end. His growth from fearful child to courageous fighter inspired countless fans, with his heartbreaking backstory and fate enriching his role.

Fans loved seeing someone without natural talent succeed through determination and courage. His standing up to friends in the first book foreshadowed the leader he would become. Neville’s final act of defiance against Voldemort remains one of the series’ most triumphant moments.

Many readers identified with him more than the chosen one, making him the true underdog champion.