21 Actors From Kids Shows Who People Think Were Actually Wildly Talented

Spoiler alert: Jerry Trainor is on this list twice because he's just *that* good.

Recently, we asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us which actors from kids shows carried the show on their back. Here are some of the best!

Note: Some of the responses have been edited for length and clarity.

1. Jerry Trainor as Steve on Drake and Josh

Nickelodeon

"Jerry Trainor is hilarious, underrated, underused, etc. I will never forget that Dora has the map and really shouldn't ask us where to go next!"

—cocopa

2. Sonia Manzano as Maria on Sesame Street

PBS

"As a kid of the '80s, I can't imagine my childhood without Maria. She was the emotional center of the show, providing a caring ear and thoughtful advice. While all the humans on Sesame Street were important, Maria was essential. She shared her life with us, from her 'marriage' to the birth of her daughter."

—katemariewilson

3. Stefán Karl Stefánsson as Robbie Rotten on LazyTown

Nickelodeon

"Sportacus and Stephanie were cool too, but that was Robbie's show."

—briizy

4. Raven Symoné as Raven on That’s So Raven

Disney Channel

"Her comedic delivery and the way she addressed important issues like body image and discrimination are just two of the ways Raven really carried the show."

—aselaleek

"That’s So Raven is one of the few shows that I’ve watched recently that still holds up because she’s hilarious! The actors that played her parents were amazing as well."

—haleyw4ae66dcb9

5. William Daniels as Mr. Feeny on Boy Meets World

ABC

"There's a reason why they kept him as a recurring character as Shawn, Cory, Eric, and Topanga grew up. He was always the voice of reason and there to help the rest of the cast navigate life's struggles."

—mo2758

6. China Anne McClain as Chyna on A.N.T. Farm

Disney Channel

"That show was my childhood fave, and Chyna was just so hilarious without even trying."

—zaaaaaaaaaabby

7. Sabrina Carpenter as Maya on Girl Meets World

Disney Channel

"She was an example of perfect casting. I loved her in the role and I was on her team the entire time."

—carolina189

8. Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, and Lori Beth Denberg as various characters on All That

Nickelodeon

"All That was really carried by these three actors for me. Everyone else had their moments, but without the three of them, I don't think it would have survived the first or second season."

—andip4

9. Steve Burns as the host on Blue's Clues

Nick Jr.

"Joe sweetie I'm sorry, but Blue's Clues was never the same without Steve. Steve Burns was and always will be the heart of Blue's Clues. Even my mom and other adults have opinions on how much better they liked Steve over Joe."

—monikap6

10. Alan Muraoka as Alan on Sesame Street

PBS / Via buzzfeed.com

"Alan Muraoka has been carrying Sesame Street for over two decades now, even through the declining appearances of other 'human' characters, the HBO move, the changing format, and the halving of the show's runtime."

—josephaloysiusc

11. Selena Gomez as Alex on Wizards of Waverly Place

Disney Channel

"I feel like she was the star of the show and she really added a lot to it with her character. The show basically revolved around her character and without her, the show would never have been so amazing!"

—danidani22

12. Jerry Trainor (again) as Spencer on iCarly

Nickelodeon

"He was the perfect person to play Spencer and I can’t imagine anyone else talking to a magic meatball."

—b_u_b_b_l_e

13. Hallie Todd and Robert Carradine as Lizzie's parents on Lizzie McGuire

Disney Channel

"The entire cast was perfect, but Lizzie’s mom and dad were fantastic. My mom to this day says they are her favorite onscreen couple and parents."

—pandabear14

14. Dylan and Cole Sprouse as Zack and Cody on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody

Disney Channel

"Dylan was perfect for the more nonchalant, popular twin Zack, and Cole was perfect for the more uptight, studious twin Cody. They were hilarious and I’m glad they didn’t let childhood fame affect their down-to-earth personalities, and that Cole stayed in the acting business!"

—sparklycake78

15. And Phill Lewis as Mr. Moseby on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody

Disney Channel

"Cole and Dylan are always remembered for carrying the show because they were the leads and are still in the spotlight, but Phill Lewis is seriously a comedic genius. He had the best reactions to the boys running around with their shenanigans, and he was like the anchor to the show. His more heartfelt moments (most notably with London) were also really sweet and sincere. He played the buzzkill with a heart of gold perfectly."

—katcloud

16. Olivia Rodrigo as Nini on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

Disney Plus

"That girl killed it as Nini. She was able to write some really great songs FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF HER CHARACTER!! That’s some serious talent right there."

—maya1937

17. Sterling Knight as Chad on Sonny with a Chance

Disney Channel

"There's a reason why that show is so memorable, and it's him. He was great as Chad and his chemistry with the rest of the cast was on point!"

—google_112706733778149358688

18. Jace Norman as Henry on Henry Danger

Nickelodeon

"Jace Norman went from being a cute lil' baby face to an extremely handsome young man. I watched him the other week in the movie Bixler High Private Eye and he was great!"

—burpina420

19. Ariana Grande as Cat on Victorious

Nickelodeon

"She made Cat Valentine so funny and unique. She couldn't be onscreen without drawing my attention. I just remember watching that show as a kid and thinking that Ariana Grande deserved to be a star. Luckily, it worked out. She was the most talented star of the cast, which is saying something. If you want further proof of her comedic talent, then watch her in Scream Queens. Even after a successful career as a singer, she's still hilarious!"

—bot2176

20. Cameron Boyce as Luke on Jessie

Disney Channel

"He was a great actor and brought the energy and talent needed to play Luke!"

—silentbird

"He was honestly such a talented and bright boy, not only with acting but dancing as well!"

—escapingreality003

21. And finally, Leigh Allyn Baker as Amy on Good Luck Charlie

Disney Channel

"She was the funniest character on the whole show."

—designershopper

"She is essentially the blueprint for the moms on the ABC weeknight block, if we're being honest."

—dhaden1919

Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments!