2012 YEAR IN REVIEW

The hottest stars, biggest bombs, most shocking surprises, and more

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TV year in review: The most notable young actresses of 2012

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2012 has been a stellar year for TV fans with great new shows hitting the mark, plus the return of some old favorites. Among all the shows on TV this year, noteworthy up-and-coming talent has been uncovered. While these young actresses aren't all necessary new to the television industry, they have all shown exceptional acting chops by making us laugh, cry, or by simply captivating us.

Lily Rabe 
Age: 30 
Character: Sister Mary Eunice on "American Horror Story: Asylum"

Lily Rabe first made her mark last year in "American Horror Story," playing Nora Montgomery, a ghost who haunted the murder house. In 2012, Rabe returned to the show playing a whole new character (make that characters), proving to the world that she deserves her time in the spotlight. As Sister Mary Eunice, Rabe has shown extraordinary skill playing a nun possessed by a demon making her the one to watch in the asylum.

 

Ashley Benson 
Age: 22 
Character: Hanna Marin on "Pretty Little Liars"

"Pretty Little Liars" is in its third season and still as gripping as ever. Each of the main characters are brilliant in their own ways, but Ashley Benson is really beginning to shine. Benson plays the ditzy but super loyal Hanna Marin, and she is really coming into her own this season.

Benson's portrayal of a betrayed teenager nails every shade of emotion needed to be believable, and fans of the show weren't the only one to notice! Due to her talents, Ashley Benson was picked up to join the cast of the movie "Spring Breakers," also starring Selena Gomez, James Franco, and Vanessa Hudgens.

Allie Gonino 

Age: 22
Character: Laurel Mercer on "The Lying Game"

"The Lying Game" was another successful teen show this year. While Alexandra Chando took the lead as twins Emma Becker and Sutton Mercer, it was Allie Gonino who really stole the show. Playing Laurel Mercer, Gonino's acting is a breath of fresh air with a natural delivery and spot-on comic timing. While some of the storylines were occasionally predictable, it was worth catching every episode just to see Gonino again. 

Daniela Bobadilla
Age: 19 
Character: Sam Goodson on "Anger Management"

After Charlie Sheen left "Two and a Half Men," many believed his career was coming to a turbulent close. As it happened, a new hit show was just around the corner: the unironically titled "Anger Management." While there are many outstanding cast members, one of the best and brightest stars is Daniela Bobadilla, who plays Charlie's daughter. Bobadilla portrays both the neurotic and spunky side of Sam brilliantly while playing off the other actors like a comedic veteran. Her most memorable scenes have not only been with Sheen but also with her on-screen mother, played by Shawnee Smith.