Evan Peters
Eschewing roles typically reserved for emerging, young stars, Evan Peters instead portrayed rebels and outcasts who survived outside the fringes of social norms. He launched his acting career innocently enough with supporting roles, such as the title character's best friend on the Disney Channel sci-fi series "Phil of the Future" (2004-06) and as a goofy skateboarder in the teen comedy "Sleepover" (2004). Peters began taking on more layered characters in feature films like "Never Back Down" (2008), about teens who competed in underground martial arts matches. Yet it was his career-making turn on the provocative and genre-bending series "American Horror Story" (FX, 2011- ) that turned Peters from a supporting player to a viable lead. Cast as Tate Langdon - a teen who committed an unspeakable crime against his classmates that left him dead and eternally searching for redemption - opened Hollywood's eyes to the sheer talent and courage of an actor capable of taking on roles that pushed boundaries while entertaining viewers at the same time.