If you want to be a face among faces these days, it helps if you were once the goofy sidekick in an early 90's sitcom. Think of how well Dustin Diamond is doing for himself (not very well…but he does have a book deal). Or Alfonso Ribeiro, aka Carlton Banks from Fresh Prince of Bel Air, who now gets his own cushy gig as the host of game show Catch-21.

And while the realm of hosting game shows might seem like banishment into purgatory for the semi-stars of yesteryear (remember Magnolia?) more and more of these not-so-young actors are turning to Regis Philbin's School of Career Choices for their next paycheck:

For the networks, game shows are winners because they are inexpensive to produce, appealing to viewers and can be sold in the same format around the world. For actors, the job can be a good way to revive a flagging career — think of Howie Mandel, who had a failed talk show and a stalled acting career before starring in “Deal or No Deal” on NBC during prime time.

In the last year, Kevin Belinkoff, vice president for original programming at the Game Show Network, has been peppered with résumés from performers, some of them well known. Barely a day goes by without an agent or talent manager suggesting that he hire a client.

Some may look on and cluck their tongues at how far these actors have come since playing Tim "The Toolman's" assistant on Home Improvement, but hosting your own game show is sadly still a step up in the dignity department from joining the eightieth season of Celebrity Fit Club or Celebrity Rehab to have Gary Busey scream in your face for the entertainment of kids too young to have ever watched your show.