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You know their faces, and might even know their names, but we think these guys are moments away from the big time and need the spotlight.

Nick Kroll.
Nick Kroll.

Let's face it, Hollywood isn't exactly only for talented actors. Several stars weasel their way into the showbiz elite with luck and a good headshot rather than ability. But there are a whole group of people who have been in the business who haven't got their fair shake. But that's about to change. Here are 10 actors we think are poised for stardom (we'll get to the ladies in a later edition).

10. Nick Kroll

Where you've seen him: Cavemen, Worst Week
Yes, we're risking all credibility by saying we actually liked Cavemen, but it's because we like Nick Kroll, and this may finally be his year. A comedian on the alternative comedy circuit, Nick has finally found some gigs that weren't panned before they even aired. He's building a cult following, and that should grow as he continues to lend his voice to two very funny 'toons.
Where we want to see him next: An HBO sketch comedy show...Human Giant 2?
Next Project: As the voice of Andrew LeGustambos in Fox's Sit Down, Shut Up, and the voice of Stu in HBO's Life and Times of Tim.
Bonus: Nick Kroll's demo reel.

9. Justin Chatwin

Where you've seen him: Weeds, Lost
He inexplicably disappeared after selling weed to kids in the pilot of Weeds, but was the most memorable character from that episode. Awesome. Then he turned on John Locke as an FBI agent posing as a hitchhiker in the Lost episode "Further Instructions." He was fantastic. Then he got the lead in Dragonball: Evolution. Ugh. Justin, you're better than that.
Where we want to see him next: He's got big time ABC dramedy written all over him, or anything that is aimed at teenage girls.
Next Project: Not a Dragonball movie sequel, that's for sure.

8. Page Kennedy

Where you've seen him: Weeds, My Name is Earl
You'll probably recognize Page Kennedy from the "Let's vent!" Coors Light commercials, but trust us, he's funnier than that. As the bumbling drug dealer U-Turn in Weeds (he never should have been killed off), Kennedy proved that he can be funny and scary at the same time. As a sexually confused gang leader in Earl, he showed us he can be funny and french-kiss another man at the same time. That's range, fellas.
Where we want to see him next: We don't want to typecast him, but he makes a perfect bumbling gangster.
Next Project: Small parts in some movies. Hopefully not anymore Coors Light commercials.
Bonus: Check out Page's demo reel (explicit language).

Scott Porter
Scott Porter

7. Eric Christian Olsen

Where you've seen him: Brothers & Sisters, Beerfest
Eric Christian Olsen has been making me bust a gut for years now, but for some reason he's still under the radar. Maybe it's because he gets roles in movies like Fired Up. His finest performance ever? Austin "The Cocky Blonde Guy" in Not Another Teen Movie.
Where we want to see him next: He needs to team up with Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurwitz.
Next Project: Last we heard he's starring in an ABC pilot.
Bonus: Eric parodies Christian Bale's blowup on the set of Fired Up (explicit language).

6. Scott Porter

Where you've seen him: Friday Night Lights
Those who watch Friday Night Lights (all 200 of us) can't help but root for Jason Street, and Porter's earnestness made it easy. He's a good-looking guy who honestly doesn't give off the vibe that he's going to run off with your girlfriend. Who didn't sob like a baby during his final scene in Friday Night Lights?
Where we want to see him next: Porter looks great in a suit--let's put him on a David E. Kelley type Wall Street dramedy. And if that Justice League movie ever gets made, he'd make an awesome Flash.
Next Project: He'll play an FBI agent tracking down art thieves around the globe in the adventurous Fox pilot Masterwork.

On to the top five!

COMMENTS

Type your comment below

  • I loved Dan Byrd in "Aliens in America". Too bad it got canned; it WAS sooo underrated. And so what if he isn't a teen hunk? He's a great actor & very funny. Hopefully he'll get a chance to shine in Cougartown...

  • Ken tore it up on Lost! And why not make him a romantic hero?

  • Wow, know one out of 10.

  • @muj_adidas - We love Jensen, but we also think he's already a big enough name, and he has his own show.

  • Everyone I've heard of on this list I don't like, lol.

  • Justin Chatwin, was awesome in The Invisible

  • i loved Scott Porter in Friday Night Lights. i guess im one of the 200 ppl who actually watched it. :)

  • Ken Leung is great, really funny. The guy who plays Dan Farraday is also awesome. Neil Flynn is also so funny, I agree he shouldn't be playing a suburban dad, but maybe he'll still get something else. Who knows.

  • Zeljko Ivanek will be recurring on the next season of Big Love. His role there is pretty much perfect for him, I hope he sticks around for a while. Don't agree with most choices, and lord knows you missed a lot of people. David Anders (Alias, Heroes) needs his own show *badly*. Michael Muhney, Daran Norris and Ryan Devlin from Veronica Mars should be snatched up quickly. Amy Acker needs a bigger and better role than the one on Dollhouse, and that show is as good as cancelled anyway. And now that T:SCC is dead, Summer Glau is on the market again... There's my list.

  • Don't know any of them.

  • Ken Leung!

  • Yay Zelijko Ivanek!!

  • Top 1-5: How could you go wrong with Ken Leung? Miles Straum (what a wonderful character) is just so great that I can't believe he hasn't already made it. His interactions with Jorge Garcia (aka Hurley) over the past few weeks are just some of the best TV on the air. That great interaction on time travel & this week's 'Hoth' are just precious.

  • From 6-10: nothing but Scott Porter. Jason Street was just such a great character & Scott really played it to the hilt.

  • i love ken leung he it really great on Lost both dramatically and in comedy can't wait to see what he does next

  • they forgot to say zeljko was in the first season of 24 and he was great. thats where i first saw him

  • I think that out of the 10 the best is Scott Porter.

  • I agree Zeljko rocks!! XO XO :):):):)

  • Zeljko Ivanek is a great actor. I'd add Jason Gray-Stanford, who plays Randy Disher on "Monk". The guy is very funny.

  • no one ever heard of Jensen Ackles? this guy rocks

  • Željko Ivanek, great actor.

  • Ken Leung is doing a great job, that's true, also Zeljko Ivanek is pretty good, no wonder they're in the first 2 places.

  • Im a fan of Scott Porter, I thought he was great on FNL. His new show sounds pretty interesting. Ken Leung is also pretty good.

  • Lost is basically a dumping ground for underrated acting talent but Ken Leung is certainly one of the best ones. I think every male on this list is ready for the big time.

  • Yay I love Dan Byrd

  • I think I like this list.

  • Those who watch Friday Night Lights (all 200 of us) can't help but root for Jason Street. So not true. Not for me at least. Can't stand Jason Street. At. All.

  • The only one of these people I've ever heard of is Dan Byrd. He's awesome. :)

  • Ken Leung is doing great job on lost.he's ready

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