Christina Applegate: 5 Awesome Performances And 5 That Sucked

2. Kelly Bundy - Married With Children (1987-1997)

Perceived by many as Applegate's big break (although she'd been working as an actress for almost a decade prior), Married with Children cast her as Kelly Bundy, promiscuous teenage daughter of Al (Ed O'Neill) and Peggy (Katy Sagal). Applegate portrayed the role over the series' entire ten year run, appearing in 255 of the 259 episodes. The secret to Applegate's success here is her timing. Kelly's a pretty one-note character, she's dumb and very sexually active (ok, two notes). This obviously leads to conflict with her father, and it's here you'll find the good stuff. Applegate and Ed O'Neill spark nicely off each other, his bemusement and her stubborn ignorance making for enjoyable bedfellows. The dynamic definitely started to wear thin as the series trundled toward its conclusion, but in the better, earlier years it ranked as a key asset. Applegate's skill and self-awareness allow her to make full use of Kelly's stupidity,which includes illiteracy and the continued harassment of her little brother Bud. Again, she's never strictly likable, but the full-throttle nature of Applegate's commitment positions her as one of the show's funnier players.