Brenda Strong

Having spent a great part of her career as a frequent guest star and recurring player, actress Brenda Strong came into her own as Mary Alice Young on the hit series, "Desperate Housewives" (ABC, 2004-2012). Though mostly appearing in voiceover narration - her character committed suicide before the events of the series began - Strong spent eight seasons as one of the main focal points of the show while serving as a catalyst for many plotlines by revealing secrets about other characters. Prior to "Housewives," Strong racked up dozens of guest starring episodes on shows like "St. Elsewhere" (NBC, 1982-88), "Murphy Brown" (CBS, 1988-1998) and "Twin Peaks" (ABC, 1990-91), but none so infamous as her recurring role as the braless wonder, Sue-Ellen Mishkie, on seasons five and six of "Seinfeld" (NBC, 1989-1998). From there, she had supporting turns in features like "The Craft" (1996) and "Starship Troopers" (1997), but mainly focused on the small screen and had another notable recurring role on Aaron Sorkin's acclaimed "Sports Night" (ABC, 1998-2000). But it was "Desperate Housewives" that allowed Strong to gain wider attention, allowing her to land more high-profile series, including the role of Ann Ewing on the revamped "Dallas" (TNT, 2012-14), and finally achieve leading lady status.