13 Actors’ First-Ever Roles You Probably Forgot About
Before they became Hollywood superstars, many famous actors started their careers in roles that have since been forgotten. From TV commercials to minor film appearances, these early performances often go unnoticed compared to their later successes. Some actors debuted in low budget horror films, while others appeared in sitcoms or soap operas. These first roles, though small, helped launch their careers and set them on the path to stardom. Here are 13 actors’ first ever roles that you probably forgot about.
Tom Hanks – He Knows You’re Alone, 1980
Before becoming one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood, Tom Hanks made his film debut in this low budget slasher. He played a minor role as a psychology student who warns the protagonist about fear and horror films. Though his screen time was limited, his charisma was already evident. The movie itself was a forgettable horror flick, but it gave Hanks his first break. His natural charm stood out even in a small part, hinting at his future success. Just a few years later, he found fame in Splash, 1984 and Big 1988.
Leonardo DiCaprio – Critters 3, 1991
Long before Titanic and Inception, Leonardo DiCaprio’s first film role was in Critters 3, a low budget horror sequel. He played a young boy named Josh, who gets caught in a battle against the furry alien creatures. The movie was far from a blockbuster, but DiCaprio’s talent was noticeable even then. Despite the film’s cheesy effects, his performance showed early signs of his future stardom. He quickly moved on to more serious roles, landing a breakout part in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape 1993. Today, he jokingly acknowledges Critters 3 as a humble beginning.
Jennifer Aniston – Leprechaun, 1993
Before becoming Rachel Green on Friends, Jennifer Aniston starred in the horror comedy Leprechaun. She played a young woman terrorized by a murderous leprechaun hunting for his stolen gold. The film was campy and bizarre, but Aniston’s performance was solid for an early career role. Despite its low budget production, the movie became a cult classic in the horror genre. Aniston has since distanced herself from the film, rarely mentioning it in interviews. Luckily, Friends launched her into worldwide fame just a year later.
Brad Pitt – Hunk, 1987 & Dallas, 1987
Brad Pitt’s earliest acting gigs were small roles in the fantasy comedy Hunk and the soap opera Dallas. In Hunk, he played a background character with minimal dialogue, barely noticeable in the film. Meanwhile, in Dallas, he had a recurring role as Randy, a charming high school student. Though these roles did not showcase his full potential, they gave him valuable screen time. His undeniable good looks and screen presence were already drawing attention. Just a few years later, he became a heartthrob with Thelma & Louise 1991.
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Scarlett Johansson – North, 1994
Scarlett Johansson made her film debut at just nine years old in the family comedy North, starring alongside Elijah Wood. She played a small role as a little girl in a family North visits on his journey. Though her role was minor, her natural acting ability was already apparent. The film itself was a critical and commercial failure, but Johansson moved on quickly. By her teenage years, she was landing more serious roles, like in The Horse Whisperer 1998. Today, she is one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood.
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Johnny Depp – A Nightmare on Elm Street, 1984
Johnny Depp’s first ever film role was in Wes Craven’s horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. He played Glen, one of Freddy Krueger’s unfortunate teenage victims. His death scene, where he gets pulled into his bed and spews a fountain of blood, remains one of the most iconic horror moments ever. Depp had originally gone to the audition just to accompany a friend, but he ended up landing the role himself. This small part led to bigger opportunities, including 21 Jump Street, which made him a teen idol. Eventually, he transitioned into major Hollywood films with Edward Scissorhands 1990
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Robert Downey Jr. – Pound, 1970
Robert Downey Jr. made his acting debut at just five years old in Pound, a film directed by his father, Robert Downey Sr. The movie was an experimental black comedy where humans played dogs waiting to be adopted. Downey Jr. had a small role as a “puppy,” marking his very first on screen appearance. Though it was an unusual start, it introduced him to the film industry early. He later gained recognition in the 1980s as part of the Brat Pack in films like Less Than Zero. Decades later, he became an international superstar as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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Margot Robbie – Neighbours, 2008-2011
Before her Hollywood breakthrough, Margot Robbie was a regular on the Australian soap opera Neighbours. She played Donna Freedman, a quirky and ambitious young woman navigating life in the fictional town of Erinsborough. The role helped her gain recognition in Australia and paved the way for bigger opportunities. She moved to Hollywood and landed a role in Pan Am 2011, though the show was short lived. Her true breakthrough came in The Wolf of Wall Street 2013, where she starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.
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Chris Pratt – Cursed Part 3, 2000
Long before Guardians of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt made his film debut in a low budget horror short called Cursed Part 3. The film is mostly forgotten, but it gave Pratt his first experience on screen. His real break came in 2009 with Parks and Recreation, where he played the lovable Andy Dwyer. After proving his comedic and dramatic skills, he transitioned into action roles. Today, he is known for leading franchises like Jurassic World and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
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Natalie Portman – Léon: The Professional, 1994
At just 12 years old, Natalie Portman made a stunning debut in Léon: The Professional. She played Mathilda, a young girl who forms an unlikely bond with a hitman after her family is murdered. Her mature and emotional performance impressed audiences and critics alike. The role immediately set her apart from other young actresses of the time. From there, she quickly transitioned into major roles, including Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 1999. Her ability to balance blockbuster and dramatic roles has made her one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses. She later won an Oscar for Black Swan 2010, proving her immense talent.
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Christian Bale – Empire of the Sun, 1987
Christian Bale’s breakthrough came when he was only 13 in Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun. He played Jim, a British boy struggling to survive in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Despite his young age, Bale delivered an emotional and powerful performance. The film established him as a serious actor early on. Years later, he took on iconic roles like Batman in The Dark Knight trilogy. His dedication to roles, including extreme body transformations, has made him one of the most respected actors of his generation. He continues to take on diverse and challenging roles in Hollywood.
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Emma Stone – The New Partridge Family, 2005
Emma Stone’s first TV role was in The New Partridge Family, a failed attempt to reboot the classic 1970s sitcom. She played Laurie Partridge, but the show never took off, and only a pilot episode aired. Despite the setback, she kept auditioning and soon landed roles in teen comedies like Superbad 2007. Her breakthrough came with Easy A 2010 and she eventually won an Oscar for La La Land 2016. Her comedic timing and charm have made her one of the most beloved actresses of her generation. She continues to balance mainstream hits with critically acclaimed performances.
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Ryan Reynolds – Fifteen, 1991-1993
Ryan Reynolds’ first major role was in the Canadian teen drama Fifteen. The show followed a group of high school students dealing with typical teenage issues. Reynolds played Billy, a nerdy, awkward character far from his later confident and comedic persona. Though the show was largely forgotten, it marked the beginning of his career. He later found fame in Van Wilder and reached superstardom as Deadpool. His natural charisma and self deprecating humor have made him a fan favorite. Today, he is one of Hollywood’s most bankable and beloved leading men.
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Every Hollywood star has to start somewhere and these forgotten early roles show just how far they have come. From horror flicks and soap operas to minor background roles, these actors worked their way up to become some of the biggest names in the industry. While their first performances may not have been glamorous, they served as crucial stepping stones to their later success. Looking back, it is fascinating to see how these now iconic figures got their start. Their journeys prove that persistence, talent and a little bit of luck can lead to incredible careers.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Read it here: Actors Who Were Cast And Replaced Before Filming Started
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