Sometimes an actor creates a character so memorable that the fictional identity becomes bigger than the person behind it.

In this episode of A.J. Chat, we look at characters who became pop culture icons in their own right, including Steve Urkel, Mr. Bean, Freddy Krueger, Harry Potter, and Norman Bates. These are the roles audiences instantly recognize through a costume, voice, catchphrase, or mannerism, even when they might not immediately remember the actor’s name.

Creating an unforgettable character can define a career, but what happens when the role becomes the thing audiences can never separate from the performer?