While watching different TV series and movies, it isn’t uncommon to see appearances from actors and actresses from other movies or TV shows that we have seen in the past. 

To be honest, most of us get pretty excited about it. For example, despite it’s terrifying plotline, how great was it to see the TV series "Friday Night Lights," "Gossip Girl," "One Tree Hill," and even "Phil of the Future" all represented in the 2011 thriller, "The Roommate?"  And you can’t tell me you didn’t squeal a little when you saw "One Tree Hill’s" Julian Baker as Julie Taylor’s English teacher in "Friday Night Lights." Don’t even get me started on all of Jason Van Der Beek’s roles.

While it is great when we know exactly from where we know that actor or actress, one of the biggest annoyances is when we don’t. It’s a unique sensation that I like to call, Actor Acquaintance Ambiguity. We know that we know the actor, but from where is unclear. For example, it took me the entirety of the "Supernatural" episode, “Heart”, to realize that Madison the werewolf was Nicki from “One Tree Hill.” Are you sensing a pattern here?

The TV series where I noticed this sensation the most was the Netflix original, "Orange is the New Black." It seemed that I had seen or at least heard most of the characters somewhere before, but I just couldn’t put my finger on where or when. That was when I finally gave in and resorted to the most useful website on the Internet, IMDB. 

Here are my findings.

AKA Beth from "The Lucky One"

This one took me by surprise. Despite the fact that I had seen The Lucky One, (and even commented on how much older I thought Schilling was than Zac Efron) I never once experienced actor acquaintance ambiguity when I watched her as Piper in "OITNB." 

AKA Jim Levenstein from "American Pie"

Fun fact: Jason Biggs also starred in Wheatus’ music video for “Teenage Dirtbag,” based off the film, "Loser," in which Biggs also starred.          

AKA Donna Pinciotti from "That’s 70’s Show"   

This one was obvious to me from the start, as I am sure it was for most of you.      

AKA Patti Mayonnaise from "Doug"

This one bothered me the most. Shout-out to all the 90’s kids out there!     

AKA Mimi from "Crossroads"  

Pennsatucky may be one of the grossest characters on "OITNB," but watching her road-trip beside Britney Spears, you would never guess it was the same actress. For all you Eminem fans, she was also Janeane from "8 Mile."     

AKA Bird Merriweather from "Friday Night Lights," Dana Adams from "The Fosters" and Yoga from "Ugly Betty"

I personally recognized Vee as Jess Merriweather’s Aunt Bird in the TV series, "Friday Night Lights." Fun fact: Jess Merriweather from FNL was once a very popular child star with roles in "Full House," "The Cosby Show" and the Robin Williams (may he rest in peace) movie, "Jack."      

You can also catch her in the new MLK flick, "Selma."

Nicky Nichols (Natasha Lyonne)

AKA Jessica from "American Pie" and Megan from "Scary Movie 2"

In case you are at a loss for who exactly Megan was from "Scary Movie 2," think of the very beginning. Remember the possessed girl tied to her bed?     

AKA Marina from The Pebble and the Penguin

I'll admit, this one is a stretch. Red’s silent P.I.C. has a beautiful voice, as we learned during the Christmas pageant. That same beautiful voice is the one that voice Hubie’s love interest, Marina. Shout-out to my 90’s kids (again)!