DANIEL TV

Shows like Lost have shown that a television show can be just as compelling (and expensive) as the most blockbuster movie. Several actors from the show have been appearing in films since it started. This is seen as the logical progression. However, even before Lost some actors have been revitalizing their career by going the opposite way: from the big screen to the small. Here, we recognize a few of our favorites.

• Gary Sinise: Starting out in a series of television movies, Sinise’s first big break came as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump. This launched him into big-name films like Apollo 13 and The Green Mile. However, his most stable role has been as Det. Mac Taylor on CSI: NY, whom he’s played since 2004.
• Martin Sheen: Sheen garnered critical acclaim for performances in Apocalypse Now, Gettysburg, and Wall Street, among others. He brought his strong work ethic to TV on The West Wing, where he played Pres. Josiah Bartlet for seven seasons. (more…)

Julie Benz has made a career out of playing stylish female stars in a number of critically-acclaimed television shows. Her best-known roles include Darla in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel and Rita Bennett in Dexter.Benz was born to a Pittsburgh surgeon and figure ice skater in 1972. Benz herself competed in the junior ice dancing U.S. Championship in 1988 and came in 13^th. However, a stress fracture led to the end of her skating career, and the beginning of her acting. At the age of 18, she was cast in a small part in the horror double feature Two Evil Eyes (1990).This launched a series of guest roles in shows like Married with Children, Step by Step, and Boy Meets World. She auditioned for the role of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 1996, but lost to Sarah Michelle Gellar. However, Benz had too much talent to be relegated to the wayside. After taking the small role of Darla in the pilot, the character was expanded and made an integral part of the series’ story. (more…)