What Is a D-List Actor?

With the explosion of reality television and the allure of fame, many actors who are unable to achieve or maintain a solid acting career find themselves on the D-List. A-List actors are both movie stars who act in blockbusters year after year, as well as breakout stars who quickly rise to fame.

Actors such as Jennifer Lawrence, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Robert Downey Jr. have achieved this status. An actor such as Austin Butler is said to be on his way to A-List status in his rise to fame through the new ​Elvis​ movie.

D-List actors are recognizable but do not work in high quality television or film projects. The D-List actor list includes former child stars, reality stars, siblings, or out of work well known actors.

Many former child stars end up becoming D-List celebrities. This can be because they get addicted to drugs and alcohol, experience the pitfalls of fame or do not have the talent to continue in the business. Child actors often have one legendary role that they are unable to grow out of and cannot find acting work as they become older.

​For Example...​

Former child stars on the D-List include

• Dustin Diamond (''Saved By the Bell''),
• Corey Feldman (''The Goonies''),
• Todd Bridges (''Diff'rent Strokes'')
• and Emmanuel Lewis (''Webster'').

Reality stars who have become famous by winning challenges, being hated or just acting as themselves often delve into acting. They may be cast for guest stints on television sitcoms or dramas.

​For Example...​

Heidi Montag from ''The Hills'' appeared in Adam Sandler's ''Just Go With It'' in 2011, Jill Zarin from ''The Real Housewives of New York'' had a small roll in USA's ''White Collar'' in 2011 and Gervase Peterson from the first ''Survivor'' has had 12 acting credits to his name, as of publication.

When an individual reaches a certain level of fame through their acting work, their brother or sister may also catch the bug. Many famous actors have siblings who have appeared in movies and television shows, and while audiences can't remember who they are, it's almost impossible not to see the resemblance.

​For Example...​

D-List actors with famous siblings include

• Daniel Baldwin (Alec Baldwin),
• Alexis Arquette (David, Roseanna and Patricia Arquette),
• Clint Howard (Ron Howard)
• and Eric Roberts (Julia Roberts).

Well-known actors may reach D-List status after having been on a hit television show or having a memorable role in a film when they aren't able to match that success in their later career.

​For Example...​

Actors such as

• C. Thomas Howell ("E.T."),
• Brigitte Nielsen ("Rocky IV"),
• Robin Givens ("Head of the Class"),
• Verne Troyner ("Austin Powers")
• and Dave Coulier ("Full House") are D-List actors.

When well-known actors don't work and can't find acting jobs, they often turn to reality television to gain work.