Atticus Shaffer

Atticus Shaffer earned a spot on television's oddest kid characters list - think the brainy Paul Joshua Pfeiffer on "The Wonder Years" (ABC, 1988-1993) or über-nerd Steve Urkel on "Family Matters" (ABC, 1989-97; CBS, 1997-98) - by always marching to the beat of his own drum. Despite having been born with a genetic disorder that resulted in fragile bones and having to walk with a slight limp, Shaffer never let his disability define him; instead, it propelled him to excel in his chosen career. He had a string of guest starring roles on popular programs like the daytime soap "Days of Our Lives" (NBC, 1965- ) and the redneck sitcom "My Name is Earl" (NBC, 2005-09). Shaffer even shared a memorable scene on a bus with Will Smith in the action-fantasy film "Hancock" (2008). But his breakout role was playing Brick Heck on the sitcom "The Middle." (ABC, 2009- ), a bright yet socially awkward second-grader whose long list of odd habits included carrying packets of catsup in his pockets because they made him feel good and breaking into a Scottish accent for no apparent reason. Shaffer's portrayal of Brick was both hilarious and quirky at the same time, all of which left a lasting impression on audiences that recognized his unique comedic gifts.