Rising Hollywood Stars

Every fall, when the networks launch their new shows, we start looking for the standout stars.

 They're not always on the best programs. Sometimes, like with this year's just-canceled "Lone Star" from this network, they're on TV for only a couple of weeks before the networks cut their show from the lineup

James Wolk

He played Robert/Bob Allen on this new FOX show.

Not only did Wolk immediately get the starring role in this "Dallas" for the 21st century, the Texas native landed a major role in a feature film. He'll need that luck to hold up because his show got the ax so early.

Katy Mixon

She's Victoria on a new CBS sitcom.

The Florida native is a ball of comic energy as the bubbly Victoria. She's had roles on a long-running comedy and most recently in a raunchy HBO show now in its second season. But her new role is the one that will get her the most attention

Mehcad Brooks

He played Rolly Marks on an ill-fated ABC drama.

Though the new series didn't pan out, the Texas native is well exposed thanks to this ad campaign. He's best known from his work on another ABC show. But don't forget his stint on this megahit series.

Lucas Neff

He's Jimmy Chance on a new FOX show that was just picked up for a full season.

Neff never planned on being an actor (see photos), but here he is, the star of his own series. His University of Illinois application was misprocessed and he was assigned to the performing arts department by mistake. It looks like others also saw his acting potential. He recently celebrated another momentous occasion.

Sacha Dhawan

He's Manmeet on a new NBC comedy.

The British actor's credits include several BBC TV shows.

"I find myself going into auditions over here and being very British all of a sudden," says Dhawan. "It's been really nice to audition over here in America because I think the casting directors really like the whole Britishness."

Aly Michalka

She's Marti Perkins on a new CW show about cheerleaders.

The 21-year-old already found fame in the music world as part of a platinum-selling recording team. Now she's ready to leap into the acting world through this role, which also stars this former Disney actress.

Tanya Fischer

She's Zoe Waters on a new CBS legal drama.

The Wisconsin native manages to steal scenes despite being on a drama filled with larger-than-life lawyers and clients and a TV veteran.

Ellen Woglom

She's Mereta Sprows on a new NBC series.
The Nashville native has had small roles on a few other series, including a Showtime comedy-drama and a long-running teen drama. If the show can stay on the air, it will help put her in a brighter spotlight.

Heather Hemmens

She's Alice Verdura on a new CW show.

She's had small roles on a spin-off and a CBS drama, but this newcomer finally gets to make a mark with this wicked part. Bad-girl roles are always star makers

Ben Rappaport

He's Todd Dempsy on NBC's newest comedy.

After recently graduating from this prestigious school, Rappaport has his first professional job, and it's demanding. He has to be the voice of reason in a call center full of lunacy.