Chris Noth

Imposing in stature, Chris Noth is readily identified with his roles as Detective Mike Logan on the long-running series "Law & Order" (NBC, 1990-2010) and, perhaps even more famously, as the charming rogue Mr. Big on "Sex and the City" (HBO, 1998-2004). Learning his craft in Yale's drama program and on the stages of New York City and Los Angeles, the young actor found work on various television series, including a recurring turn on the seminal police ensemble drama "Hill Street Blues" (NBC, 1981-87) in 1986. After a series of forgettable made-for-TV movies, Noth landed his career-making role on "Law & Order," which he maintained for five years before a desire for artistic change prompted his departure in 1995. A few years of forgettable television and indie film projects followed before Noth signed on for what would arguably become his signature role - the rich, commitment-phobic Mr. Big for six seasons of the hugely popular "Sex and the City" series. Seemingly destined to reprise his most popular roles, he went back to work as Logan for three seasons of the spin-off series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (NBC, 2001-07; USA, 2007-11), then back into arms of Carrie Bradshaw for the big screen adaptation of "Sex and the City" (2008). He continued his lucky streak on television as Julianna Margulies' scandalous politician husband on the legal drama "The Good Wife" (CBS, 2009-16). The hallmark of Noth's respectable career by now had become portrayals of strong, direct, often callous men - usually with an irrepressibly rakish twinkle in their eye.