15 Famous Actors Who Launched (or Skyrocketed) Their Careers on ER
The medical drama ER (1994–2009) wasn’t just television royalty — it was one of Hollywood’s greatest talent incubators. Before they were A-listers, Oscar winners, or Marvel superheroes, these 15 stars were racing gurneys down County General’s hallways.
- George Clooney – Dr. Doug Ross The role that turned a struggling actor into America’s most charming heartthrob and eventual Oscar-winning director/producer.
- Julianna Margulies – Nurse Carol Hathaway Went from recurring to series regular, won an Emmy, and later starred in The Good Wife (another Emmy) and The Morning Show.
- Noah Wyle – Dr. John Carter The baby-faced med student stayed all 15 seasons — still the longest-running cast member — and later led Falling Skies and The Librarians.
- Anthony Edwards – Dr. Mark Greene Already known from Top Gun, but ER made him a household name and earned him four consecutive Emmy nominations.
- Eriq La Salle – Dr. Peter Benton Delivered one of TV’s most intense performances and transitioned into directing (Chicago P.D., Lucifer).
- Sherry Stringfield – Dr. Susan Lewis Left after season 3 for “normal life,” came back, and later starred in NYPD Blue and Under the Dome.
- Laura Innes – Dr. Kerry Weaver Joined in season 2, became a series regular, directed multiple episodes, and later recurred on The Event and Colony.
- Maura Tierney – Dr. Abby Lockhart Evolved from nurse to doctor over 8 seasons, then earned raves (and a Golden Globe win) for The Affair.
- Goran Višnjić – Dr. Luka Kovač The brooding Croatian heartthrob joined in season 6 and became a global star; later led Timeless and appeared in The Boys.
- Mekhi Phifer – Dr. Greg Pratt Came in season 8 and instantly clicked; later starred in 8 Mile, Lie to Me, and Frequency.
- Shane West – Dr. Ray Barnett The punk-rock resident who lost a leg in season 13; went on to headline Nikita and Salem.
- Linda Cardellini – Nurse Samantha Taggart Joined in season 10, then immediately jumped to Freaks and Geeks reruns fame, Mad Men, Dead to Me, and the MCU (Avengers: Endgame).
- John Stamos – Dr. Tony Gates Uncle Jesse traded the Tanner house for trauma bays in seasons 13–15, boosting his dramatic cred before Grandfathered and Fuller House.
- Scott Grimes – Dr. Archie Morris The goofy resident who grew into a fan favorite; now a series regular on The Orville and voices Steve Smith on Family Guy.
- Angela Bassett – Dr. Cate Banfield (Season 15) Already an Oscar nominee, but her final-season arc as the tough new ER chief reminded everyone why she’s royalty; later joined 9-1-1 and earned another Oscar nod.
Bonus mentions who got early breaks on ER
- Ming-Na Wen (Dr. Jing-Mei “Deb” Chen) → Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Mandalorian (voice of Fennec Shand)
- Parminder Nagra (Dr. Neela Rasgotra) → Bend It Like Beckham fame cemented, then The Blacklist
- Busy Philipps, Kirsten Dunst, Zac Efron, and even William H. Macy all had guest spots that helped launch or boost their careers.
From 1994 to 2009, ER wasn’t just must-see TV — it was the best acting school in Hollywood. County General’s doors may be closed, but its alumni are still running the industry.