Crazy Ex-Girlfriend was a ground-breaking show that showcased a protagonist's struggle with mental health, relationships, and friendships. On top of this, there were amazing songs and great dance numbers in this musical-drama-comedy. It was an all-together stellar cast, one that worked so well.
Some of the actors were already fairly well-known like Santino Fontana (the voice of Hans in Frozen) and Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect) who both played Greg. Others were part of once-popular series like Michael McMillian (True Blood), who played Tim. Yet, other actors were relatively unknown before Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, at least through popular and mainstream media. Here are the top ten, but every actor deserves a nod to their talented work.
Emma Willmann as Beth
Willmann doesn't enter the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend show until Season 3 when her character Beth is Valencia's girlfriend. Even though Willmann doesn't have as many lines as others on this list, she makes each line shine. This is partly due to her comedic reactions. Sometimes the audience just sees her face as she reacts to the scene or she delivers a one-liner fantastically, showing that it pays to have a stand-up comedian in this role.
Fans see her comic timing when she watches Valencia perform a song from an old musical at a community theater event, "I'm the Bride of the King." Willmann's Beth goes from full support and excitement to confusion to, "That pirate sounds like a dick," then back to support for her girlfriend, all within a short clip.
Michael Hyatt as Dr. Akopian
While Hyatt is more well-known on this list than maybe others due to her work on Broadway and her role on Ray Donovan, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend gave her the opportunity to showcase her range. Really, Hyatt was actually two characters: Dr. Akopian and Dream Representation of Dr. Akopian.
Both Dr. Akopians have the same level of empathy, but the Dream one is more joyous (and sings). In the two roles, Hyatt was able to give the dramatic performances for which she is often known as well as use her humor and vocal prowess.
Vella Lovell as Heather
Prior to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Lovell was new on the TV scene. She had bit roles on shows like Younger, but Crazy Ex-Girlfriend was her first major gig. She played Rebecca's friend, Heather, a character that is identified as cool. Lovell plays Heather's deadpan humor so well, and allows the fans to see that Heather is more nuanced than just a cool person. She's struggling with motivation and trying to figure out what's next.
Additionally, she cares about her friends and is insightful. This is a character that starts out awesome, goes through some inner turmoil, and comes out awesome. All of which, Lovell plays with precision and grace.
Scott Michael Foster as Nathaniel
Now, this actor is more like a reintroduction. He may look familiar because nine years ago he was in a popular show called Greek and starred as Cappie. So, having Foster in Crazy-Ex Girlfriend is a pleasant reunion for an actor that isn't as well known as he had once been. Added to that, his role as Nathaniel allowed him to show more of his capabilities. He played the character with humor and sensitivity.
Additionally, he sang a sensitive and fun song about going to the zoo when times were rough. It was a moment where Foster was able to show viewers a glimpse of the true Nathaniel.
Gabrielle Ruiz as Valencia
Gabrielle Ruiz should be an actor that audiences know. Not only can she act and sing, but she's an amazing dancer. The actor was able to showcase her dancing background and skills in the song I'm So Good at Yoga and in the dance Triceratops Ballet.
Ruiz has a background on Broadway, often as a part of the ensemble or an understudy. Thankfully, the role of Valencia gave her the opportunity to shine, and display her perfected dramatically raised eyebrow.
David Hull as White Josh
David Hull's role on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend expanded throughout the series. Oftentimes, White Josh was the voice of reason. What was great about the show is that it allowed the characters space to grow and shine. Additionally, not all the cards were on the table at once. For instance, Hull didn't have a solo musical number until a later season, and his performance let the viewer know that this actor was also an extremely capable and talented singer and performer.
Additionally, Hull seemed to enjoy the role, playing it with full energy. This can be seen in the live performances where he would do his role and then fill in for any absent cast-mates, learning their parts as well.
Vincent Rodriguez III as Josh
Similar to Gabrielle Ruiz, Vincent Rodriguez III had worked on Broadway often as an understudy or ensemble. This is not to say that he wouldn't have been great in those roles and have had to be great to get those roles, but here he was Josh, a leading man.
Rodriguez III plays Josh in such earnestness, letting viewers see why it was easy for Rebecca to fall for this sweet guy. Added to that, Rodriguez III is a black belt and also an agile dancer. He was able to dance and sing live easily, best demonstrated by the live medley of Head in the Clouds/Angry Mad. Light on his feet, he seems to glide across the stage.
Pete Gardner as Darryl
Thankfully, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend introduced audiences to this treasure. Gardner's background is with The Second City, the improv comedy group that has a strong connection to SNL, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler among its alum. That comedy came in handy in planning the absolutely joyful, Darryl.
Gardner has fun with this unique character with his own arc. For instance, only Darryl could pull off a song about how healthy his sperm was with sweetness. Gardner plays the layers of Darryl, something that shows his ability in comedy and in acting.
Donna Lynne Champlin as Paula
This is an actor in need of an Emmy. Champlin is an amazing singer. She could sing anything, even a list of grocery-store items, and it would be mesmerizing. Added to this, Champlin's physical comedy is so on point in scenes where she has lines and when she doesn't.
Her character was one that viewers rooted for, and where she ended up in Season 3 was very different from where she started. Champlin was able to portray all of Paula's interesting layers, making Paula a character viewers wished to see more.
Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Brunch
Talk about one uber talented person. Bloom is a writer, an actor, a creator, a singer, a comedian, and a dancer. All of her talents went into this show. Her character, the main character, is a complicated person.
Many of her behaviors are extreme, but there is also a layer of sincerity and kindness that charm the viewer. Bloom is able to play all these angles. Added to that, she's a pretty amazing singer herself.