Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre

James Adomian, Donald Glover, DC Pierson named "Actors to Watch in 2011"

CraveOnline.com November 15, 2010
10 Actors To Watch in 2011
by Sax Carr

We take a look at ten actors who may breakout in the next year!

In the old days people used to expect 15 minutes of fame, at best. And that was the way it went. Now the people who reach for the brass ring seem to just linger around. This might have something to do with shows like "Celebrity Fit Club", "The Surreal Life", "Dancing with the Stars" and "Dancing With  The People Who Once Danced With The Stars" and other such fame-holdover programs. You've got to wonder if shows like this are diluting the meaning of fame. The point is, every actor or actress who breaks into that coveted "national name" status is probably at their best in those golden moments of their first fifteen minutes.

Recently, we assembled a list of the actors who may actually became the biggest fish in the small pond that is Hollywood. Some of these guys might have been around for a while and are just about to become the new hotness. Others are almost completely new on the scene but looking to blow up. Either way if you want to get them while they're hot, and not when they "used to be hot, but for some reason they still have a TV show and even that's not very good," then this is the list for you.

Donald Glover (Troy - "Community")

Another "Community" actor to start of a list? Yup! All you have to do is watch one episode and you'll see why this young actor is already on the verge of superstardom. But while this is his first big role, he's not a stranger to TV, having written on "30 Rock" and "The Daily Show" for some time, and before that he was bringing the laughter with his internet sketch team sensation Derrick Comedy. Donald Glover's ease with comedy and stunning ability to deliver the most farcical lines with a straight face will keep him deeply entrenched in sitcoms for years to come. But I think he's due for much more. Hell, he was even an internet favorite to star in "Spider-Man"! (look it up).

Why He'll Break Out in 2011: With a hit stand-up special, a hit television show, and a cult favorite movie ("Mystery Team") he's already very far along. He'll be announced as the lead in some big Hollywood remake before we know it. Hey, maybe that film will be "The Muppets." Oh, yeah.

DC Pierson (Derrick Comedy)

Here's one you probably don't know, but you should. Another alumni of Derrick Comedy, DC Pierson has just started showing up on television (he's been on "Community" more then once); but his real talent shows in the cult hit "Mystery Team". Check these out before he lands his first regular cast role and you'll see why this guy is just waiting outside fame's door. In the next few years all of the Derrick folks will be breaking into the limelight, but I think that DC is next; not only because of his talent, but he simply has a great look.

He's one part regular guy, one part Hanson band member and one part gifted deliverer of exposition.

Why He'll Break Out in 2011: I'll let the Derrick sketches speak for themselves here. Check out these two with DC and Donald kicking it funny style: http://bit.ly/DCGLOVER1 and http://bit.ly/DCGLOVER2. Oh and check out the rest of the Derrick regulars, because they would all be on this list if there was space.

David Blue (Eli - "Stargate Universe")

Peter Serafinowicz (Fa'ad - "Running Wilde")

James Adomian ("KROG")

Here's another guy you may not recognize right away, but if you've even seen or heard somebody playing George Bush on TV or in a movie (like say "Harold and Kumar 2") well that's him. This gifted stand-up and impressionist is on his way to overnight fame with upcoming series "KROG," in while he'll be the lead. The series, which is about the members of a GWAR like band that are in fact real demons trying to take over the world with music may end up being a flash in the pan, or a giant hit.

But either way, Adomian will make his skills known. If you want to get a taste of the man's gift for voices and humor now, look out for him when he's touring the nation at various Stand-Up clubs. When he's the biggest name in comedy you'll be glad you did. Also listen closely to radio/podcast sensation "Comedy Death-Ray Radio" for regular appearances as a variety of celebrities and characters.

Why He'll Break Out in 2011: James Adomian has all the hallmarks of a major star, he's simply not quite a known property yet. "KROG," or any of the other projects he's already attached too in 2011 will do the job of getting the message out. He'll have his own sketch show before you know it. Just imagine Frank Caliendo only more well rounded (and talented) and boom!

Charlie McDermott (Axl Heck - "The Middle")

Dan Byrd ("Cougar Town," "Easy A")

Michael Raymond-James ("Terriers," "True Blood")

Noel Fisher (Various)

Ryan Robbins (Henry - "Sanctuary")