Best scene stealer

Every now and then, a character is introduced into a sitcom for a specific part and totally steals the show. Whether it's the actor, the character or the portrayal, there is something about them that is intensely memorable and hilariously funny.

A few immediately spring to mind - Keanu Reeves in Saxondale, Lord Flasheart from Blackadder and Father Noel Furlong in Father Ted to name exactly three.

The above mentioned can enter a scene, utter two lines and completely steal the show. Though by my definition, characters like Niles from Frasier, Trigger from OFAH and that retarded woman from Vicar of Dibley should be ruled out for hogging too much script time or appearing too frequently.

Based on the rules above who would be your favourite scene stealing little ray of comedy sunshine?

Does anyone else not like scene stealers? IMHO, they usually disrupt the flow of the show.
Case in point: Victoria Wood character's mother in dinnerladies. The scenes with her might be great, but always seem so out of place there, like a show within a show.
But I'm sure you will disagree

How do you define scene stealers? Major recurring characters, or ones that pop up once in a blue moon? Or both?

Quote: chipolata @ January 28 2009, 10:12 AM GMT

How do you define scene stealers? Major recurring characters, or ones that pop up once in a blue moon? Or both?

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Quote: Renegade Carpark @ January 28 2009, 5:07 AM GMT

Though by my definition, characters like Niles from Frasier, Trigger from OFAH and that retarded woman from Vicar of Dibley should be ruled out for hogging too much script time or appearing too frequently.

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Quote: Aaron @ January 28 2009, 12:26 PM GMT

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But to me, Trigger is merely a recurring character, whereas the other two mentioned are major ones, integral to the show.

Brendan Fraser in Scrubs.

Mark Heap in Green Wing.

Rik Myall in that episode of Blackadder.

Hi Chipolata,

A character that pops up once in a blue moon and is not integral to the show - but when they do show up - whoa momma! Almost like a special guest star.

E.g. Graham Norton as Father Noel Furlong in Father Ted - appears very infrequently, not a regular supporting character but steals the show.

Just remembered a couple more from Friends - Chandler's insane flatmate and the Brad Pitt character.

Quote: Renegade Carpark @ January 28 2009, 2:07 PM GMT

- whoa momma! Almost like a special guest star.

E.g. Graham Norton as Father Noel Furlong in Father Ted - appears very infrequently, not a regular supporting character but steals the show.

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He is brilliant. As is the crazy Chandler flatmate. From Friends I'd also nominate the guy who employed Monica to make Mockulate recipes and was played by the mighty Michael McKean.

Several of Elaine and Georges bosses in Seinfeld.

I like this guy in Father Ted:

Bishop Brennan!

Talking of The Office, I liked the IT guy. The Bruce Lee stuff is brilliant.

Chris Morris as the leader of the local Farmers' Union in the Watership Alan episode of I'm Alan Partridge

Marty Funkhauser in Curb Your Enthusiasm.

I don't know if this guy counts because he is in every episode of series two, but I don't think that he's integral to the plot? The neighbour guy played by the brilliant (IMO) Darren Boyd.

Also along with the already mentioned Papa Lazarou, I think Pam Douve (sp?) would definitely be one from the League of Gentlemen.

Not sure if these count either, but pretty much all of the side characters from 15 Storeys High, like the pigeon lady, especially in the first series.