March 20, 2025 | Alex Summers

Quiz: Can You Name These Actors?


Faces Behind Characters

"Just one more thing..." That famous line probably triggers a mental image, but can you name the actor who said it? So, now it’s time to see how well you really know these screen legends.

Dean Martin facts

Courtroom Champion

Taking on an undefeated defense attorney on screen, this stoic performer became inseparable from his legal persona, never once losing a televised trial.

Raymond Burr FactsWikimedia Commons

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The Answer 

Raymond Burr. He portrayed Perry Mason in the original series (1957–1966) and later TV movies. Burr made his Broadway debut in 1941 after beginning his profession as an actor at the Pasadena Playhouse in 1937. 

Raymond Burr FactsFlickr, James Vaughan

Rumpled Sleuth

His glass eye and wrinkled raincoat became iconic, but "just one more thing" cemented this cigar-chomping detective in television history.

Peter Falk as ColumboNBC, Columbo (1971–1978)

The Answer

Peter Falk. Between 1968 and 2003, his acting as Lieutenant Columbo across 69 episodes earned him four Emmy Awards. In 1996, he was ranked No. 21 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time list.

Screenshot of the TV Show ColumboNBC Universal Television, Columbo (1971–1978)

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Bungling Spy

"Would you believe..." and "Missed it by that much" entered the cultural lexicon thanks to a former Marine who played Agent 86.

GET SMARTGET SMART - "Maxwell Smart & #99 Meet for the First Time" - Pilot Episode - 1965 by A FUSCO - Classic TV

The Answer

Don Adams. With trademark catchphrases and physical comedy, he earned three consecutive Emmy Awards playing Maxwell Smart. Before his acting career, Adams served as a Marine and survived the Battle of Guadalcanal during WWII.

Dean Martin factsGeneral Artists Corporation-GAC-management., Wikimedia Commons

Dodge City Defender

At 6'7" tall, John Wayne personally recommended which actor to play Marshal Matt Dillon in television's longest-running Western.

Constance Bennett FactsWikimedia Commons

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The Answer

James Arness. For 20 years, this towering actor played the iconic lawman in Gunsmoke (1955–1975). His movie debut was in The Farmer's Daughter (1947), where he played Loretta Young's brother.

Screenshot of the TV Show GunsmokeCBS, Gunsmoke (1955–1975)

Twilight Zone Traveler

Before captaining the Enterprise, this sci-fi figure appeared in the famous "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" episode, frantically warning about a creature on the airplane wing.

The Twilight ZoneShatner v The Gremlin -- Two Minute Twilight Zone Project -- Nightmare at 20,000 feet by 2MinuteTwilightZone

The Answer

William Shatner. Originally a Shakespearean stage actor, he achieved global fame as Captain Kirk in Star Trek (1966–1969) and starred in seven subsequent films. He later won two Emmy Awards for his role as Denny Crane in Boston Legal.

Star Trek factsStar Trek: Generations (1994), Paramount Pictures

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U.N.C.L.E. Agent

During the 1960s spy craze, which actor's portrayal of Russian agent Illya Kuryakin sparked a fashion revolution with his black turtlenecks and Beatles-inspired haircut?

Sonny And Cher David Mccallum Man From Uncle 1967NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons

The Answer

David McCallum. This Scottish actor and musician found new fame as medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard on NCIS. Having attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts before pursuing acting, his scientific training influenced his personality. 

David McCallum as Dr. DuckyAngela George, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Triple-Threat Talent

Starting as a campus theater star at USC, this performer balanced dramatic film roles and Broadway appearances before he died from an aortic dissection.

John Ritter in 8 Simple RulesABC, 8 Simple Rules (2002–2005)

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The Answer

John Ritter. Beyond Three's Company, he voiced the title character in Clifford the Big Red Dog and even starred in over 100 films and shows. He came from Hollywood royalty—his father Tex was a singing cowboy icon, while his son is actor Jason Ritter.

Screenshot from the television sitcom Three's Company (1977-1984)ABC, Three's Company (1977-1984)

Renaissance Entertainer

This multilingual star invented a mechanical stopwatch, founded an acting school, recorded a #1 hit song, and still found time to star in two unforgettable series.

TV Show - BonanzaNBC Television, Wikimedia Commons

The Answer

Lorne Greene. In addition to Bonanza, he commanded a battlestar in the sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica. Greene hosted nature documentaries, performed Shakespeare, and received the Order of Canada. During WWII, he broadcast in four languages for the Canadian radio service.

Screenshot of the TV Show BonanzaNBC, Bonanza (1959–1973)

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Junkyard Genius

"Elizabeth, I'm coming to join you!" shouted one groundbreaking comedian while clutching his chest as a cantankerous junk dealer in a 1970s sitcom.

Redd FoxxRobert Garner Attractions, Wikimedia Commons

The Answer

Redd Foxx. After decades as a boundary-pushing stand-up comic, his work on Sanford and Son helped establish African American shows on mainstream television. Born John Elroy Sanford, he influenced generations of comedians with his adult-oriented material.

Publicity photo of Redd Foxx - 1977ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons

Reluctant Superstar

Which Oklahoma-born actor received two military honors in Korea before forming two iconic television characters—a charming gambler and a cynical private investigator?

James GarnerWarner Brothers Studio, Wikimedia Commons

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The Answer

James Garner. Before playing Bret Maverick and Jim Rockford, he received two Purple Hearts in Korea. He performed most of his stunts, raced professionally at Le Mans, and even maintained one of Hollywood's longest marriages of 48 years.

James GarnerWarner Brothers Television, Wikimedia Commons

Renaissance Man

Which star co-founded the First Artists Production Company, directed Oscar-winning films, and created a nonprofit food brand?

Butch Cassidy FactsGetty Images

The Answer

Paul Newman. Beyond acting, he was a professional race car driver, philanthropist, and political activist. He was involved with First Artists Production Company, which he co-founded in 1969 with Barbra Streisand and Sidney Poitier. 

Martin Scorsese factsPixabay

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Cultural Pioneer

In 1965, this Philadelphia-born comedian became the first black hero to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Bill CosbyScotty and Kelly meet Miss Cobalt Blue (Two Clips from "Tag, You're It) Robert Culp and Bill Cosby by 1sjv1

The Answer

Bill Cosby. Before his legal troubles, he integrated television with I Spy and developed the animated Fat Albert. Cosby was the main star of The Cosby Show, which was a highly successful show that ran from 1984 to 1992.

Screenshot of Bill Cosby from The Cosby Show (1984-92)Carsey-Werner, The Cosby Show (1984-92)

Method Acting Legend

He studied under Lee Strasberg and refused the Oscar for The Godfather to protest Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans.

The Godfather (1972)Paramount , The Godfather (1972)

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The Answer

Marlon Brando. Beyond On the Waterfront and Apocalypse Now, he served as a civil rights activist who walked with Martin Luther King Jr. and supported Native American causes. His purchase of a Tahitian island showed his desire to escape Hollywood's pressures.

Nick Adams FactsPicryl

Cinematic Chameleon

From a Marine drill instructor to an alien hunter, this actor was rejected by the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse.

Raymond Burr FactsWikimedia Commons

The Answer

Gene Hackman. Before his breakthrough at age 37, he worked as a radio operator, doorman, and furniture mover. Despite no formal training, he won two Oscars, four Golden Globes, and published several novels after retiring from acting in 2004.

Portrait of Gene Hackman in blue sweaterHerbert Dorfman, Getty Images

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Singing Lawman

Which former comedy monologist rejected his early typecasting by playing a media manipulator villain and a crafty defense attorney?

Photo of Don Knotts (Barney Fife) and Mark Miller from the television program The Andy Griffith Show writing a ticketCBS Television, Wikimedia Commons

The Answer

Andy Griffith. This man gained fame with his comedic monologue "What It Was, Was Football," in the 1950s. He is most famous for playing the character of Sheriff Andy Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968) and later as Ben Matlock in Matlock (1986–1995).

Screenshot from the television series The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)CBS, The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)

From Broadway To Mayberry

He created an iconic deputy character despite never firing his gun. Holds a distinctive high-pitched voice and was part of The Steve Allen Show.

Angry Don Knotts in The Andy Griffith Show writing a ticketCBS, The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968)

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The Answer

Don Knotts. Originally a ventriloquist and Broadway performer, he won five Emmy Awards for Deputy Barney Fife. His big break came with the Broadway and film versions of No Time for Sergeants alongside Andy Griffith.

Don Knotts holding Emmy award in 1961Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Boxing Prodigy

Born into poverty, this Italian-American went from an amateur boxer with a partially paralyzed face to one of Hollywood's beloved action heroes.

Rocky Movies FactsRocky II (1979), Chartoff-Winkler Productions

The Answer

Sylvester Stallone. Before Rocky, he was homeless and sold his dog for around $50 (later buying it back). He's one of the few actors to receive Oscar nominations for the same character across decades and has written over 30 screenplays.

Sylvester Stallone factsThe Breeze

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Heartbreak Kid

This individual dropped out of college and repaired motorcycles. Most recently, he starred in Bullet Train (2022).

Bullet TrainBULLET TRAIN - Official Trailer (HD) by Sony Pictures Entertainment

The Answer

Brad Pitt. Initially uncredited in films, he did exceptionally well in the industry. Pitt co-founded Plan B Entertainment, which has produced several award-winning pictures, including The Departed (2006) and 12 Years a Slave (2013).

12 Years A Slave Brad Pitt Scene in shirt speaking to someoneRegency Enterprises,12 Years A Slave

Monster Diaries

The British immigrant was a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild. Frankenstein (1931) made him famous.

Screenshot from the movie Frankenstein (1931)Insomnia Cured Here, Flickr

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The Answer

Boris Karloff. Born William Henry Pratt in England, he struggled for years in Hollywood until Frankenstein made him famous at age 44. Despite his monster roles, he was known as one of the kindest men in Hollywood and narrated How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Portrait of Boris Karloff - 1961NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons

Reluctant Action Star

As an Austrian bodybuilding champion with minimal English skills and a nearly unpronounceable surname, he turned to American politics at the highest state level.

Austrian-born bodybuilder Arnold SchwarzeneggerHulton Archive, Getty Images

The Answer

Arnold Schwarzenegger. After winning Mr. Universe at 20, he earned a business degree and became a millionaire through real estate. The star demonstrated his comedic skills in films titled Twins (1988) and Kindergarten Cop (1990).

Screenshot from the movie Twins (1988)Universal, Twins (1988)

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Dancing Detective

It started in vaudeville at age two for this well-known American singer, actor, and comedian, often called the “King of Cool”.

Martin And Lewis Toast Of The TownCBS Television, Wikimedia Commons

The Answer 

Dean Martin. Apart from acting, he recorded 40+ albums, hosted television shows for 19 years, and performed with the Rat Pack. He became a member of the Rat Pack with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., appearing in Ocean's 11.

Ocean’s Trilogy factsOcean's 11 (1960), Warner Bros.

Martial Arts Pioneer

An action superstar who developed his own fighting philosophy and starred in The Big Boss (1971).

Kung Fu Movies factsThe Big Boss (1971), Golden Harvest Company

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The Answer

Bruce Lee. He began acting as a child and appeared in over 20 films by the time he was 18. Lee started training in martial arts at the age of 13 under Yip Man, where he learned Wing Chun.

Grayscale Portrait Photo of the Actor Photo Bruce LeeNational General Pictures, Wikimedia Commons


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