5. David Duchovny - The X-Files
The Role That Made Him A Cult Hero: Playing UFO-obsessed FBI Agent, Fox Mulder on The X-Files.
Fan-Favourite Quote: 'I've often felt that dreams are answers to questions we haven't yet figured out how to ask.' David Duchovny had done a number of films in the late 80's and early 90's and had a 3-episode arc on Twin Peaks, but it wasn't until 1993 that he became a recognized name and a fandom sensation. He grabbed himself a leading role in what would become the most celebrated science fiction show at the time and throughout it's 9 season run, one of televisions most watched shows ever; The X-Files. David's character on the X-Files was a UFO-obsessed FBI Agent always trying to find the truth. Whereas his partner, Scully (Gillian Anderson) was almost always a skeptic on the subject of aliens, fate and something bigger than this world, Mulder was the opposite. He was a believer ('I want to Believe'!!) and in that sense, it's easy to see how he would appeal to likeminded people. His character was the voice for a generation of nerds and weirdos, making sci-fi almost cool! That alone is enough to garner a hell of a lotta' fans. And dedicated ones at that. Duchovny made the role his own and become a television icon. Plus, he's not a bad-looking guy either. That always helps. He has since gone on to do a lot of movies and has been acting in a starring role on Showtime's sex, drugs and rock n'roll themed dramedy, Californication since 2007. Of which he owes a good chunk of the viewership to the fans he chocked up for his time on The X-Files.