TV Tidbits books and site content © Michael Karol and/or Craig Hamrick

Many actors who suddenly appear on television, seemingly out of nowhere, learned their craft while carving out impressive stage careers.

Before TV stars like Christine Baranski and Bebe Newark starred in Cybill and Cheers, they spent years wowing theater audiences.

On the flipside, the lure of Broadway tempts lots of performers who've gained fame on the small screen. After serving his time on Gilligan's Island, for example, in the 1970s, Bob Denver bowed on the Great White Way, taking over for Woody Allen in the hit Play It Again, Sam. More recently, after All My Children star Susan Lucci finally snagged that elusive Emmy Award her next goal was a stage role, and she was soon singing her heart out in Annie Get Your Gun.

This section of TV Tidbits.com is about actors primarily known for their TV careers, making their mark on stage.