ER Family Tree

Well, this ties in nicely with yesterday's post about "Ally McBeal". After all, Lisa Nicole Carson played a main supporting character on "Ally McBeal" (1997-2002) and a regular guest star on "ER" (1996-2001). Did you notice the fact that her roles even overlapped? Pretty impressive.

Interestingly enough, Lucy Liu, who played Ling Woo on "Ally McBeal" (1998-2002), also acted in three episodes of "ER" (as Mei-Sun Leow, 1995).

Considering how wildly successful "ER" was, and how many years it ran for (FIFTEEN season!), is it really surprising that many actors came through its doors who later claimed success in other shows?

Lets look at some of the smallest supporting characters who later "made it big":

Dakota Fanning~
Opps, I forgot that she was ALSO in "Ally McBeal". Seriously, was everyone in that show? One of Fanning's earliest roles was playing the five year old version of Ally. But, we can't forget that before that her first ever role was as Delia Chadsey in an episode of "ER" (2000). And did Dakota Fanning make it big? Do you even need to ask? IMDB it.







Lake Bell~

Her role as Judy Holmes on "ER" was only her second role ever (and her first on television). She played the character in two episodes (2002). She later went on to appear multiple times in..."The Practice" (2004)...seriously, David E. Kelley? Anyway, she's had great success since "ER", especially in her role as a series regular on "Boston Legal". Seriously?*
*For those of you who don't know, David E. Kelley is the creator of "Ally McBeal", "The Practice", and its spin-off, "Boston Legal"



Ntare Mwine~

"ER" wasn't his first role, but it certainly didn't hurt. He appeared in two episodes (2002, 2008). And it wasn't until after his 2002 part that he was cast as Usutu, a recurring character on "Heroes" (2006-2009). How's that for some "ER" magic?








Oh, and before I forget...Maffia, who I mentioned last week (she was a guest actor on "Ally McBeal" who later starred in "Nip/Tuck"), was also on "ER".

Obviously after the last post I was feeling badly about the lack of women in the family tree...do you know any men (or women) who really should have been included?

All images are courtesy of imdb.com