In the world of Hollywood, the glitz, the glam, and the millions of fans following their every move make today’s biggest stars seem larger than life. But, behind every red carpet appearance, every blockbuster hit, and every award show victory, there’s a humble beginning that shaped them into who they are today. Before they were famous, these celebrities took on small roles, often unnoticed or barely remembered, which laid the foundation for their rise to superstardom. Let’s take a look at the untold stories behind these now-iconic figures and how their first roles paved the way for the careers we admire today.
1. Anya Taylor-Joy’s Unexpected Start in ‘Atlantis’ Before Her Stardom
Anya Taylor-Joy is best known for her breakout role in The Queen’s Gambit, where she captivated audiences with her portrayal of the brilliant yet troubled chess prodigy, Beth Harmon. However, long before she won awards for her nuanced performance, Anya made her acting debut in the British fantasy drama Atlantis. Her role was small—more of a background character—but even then, her unique look and undeniable presence stood out. It was clear from the very beginning that Anya had a star quality that would carry her to greater heights.
Her time on Atlantis may have been brief, but it marked the start of what would become a highly successful career in film and television. Anya’s rise to fame is a testament to how even the smallest roles can plant the seeds for a brilliant future.
Ever wondered how today’s biggest stars looked before the fame? Watch this video to see childhood stars before they became icons!”
2. Jenna Ortega’s Early Role in ‘CSI: NY’—Before the Iconic Wednesday
Jenna Ortega is now widely recognized as the star of Wednesday, a cultural phenomenon that catapulted her to A-list status. But before she was Wednesday Addams, Jenna made a short but memorable appearance in CSI: NY. Her role as a young girl caught in a dramatic storyline might have lasted only a few minutes, but her ability to convey emotion left a lasting impression.
Jenna’s natural talent was evident from this early appearance, and it was clear she was destined for bigger roles. Her journey proves that a brief moment on screen can open doors to a world of opportunities if the passion and potential are there.
3. Cameron Monaghan’s Hilarious Beginnings in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’
Fans of Shameless and Gotham know Cameron Monaghan as a powerhouse actor, bringing deep, complex characters to life. However, his first major TV role was in the iconic sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. Though his appearance was relatively small, his ability to inject humor and vulnerability into his character foreshadowed his future dramatic roles.
This early comedic role helped Cameron develop his expressive range, proving that even the lighthearted moments can shape an actor’s future. From slapstick comedy to intense drama, Cameron has shown his versatility in every role he’s taken on.
4. Olivia Cooke’s Spine-Chilling Debut in ‘The Secret of Crickley Hall’
Before her fame on House of the Dragon, Olivia Cooke made her debut in the eerie 2012 thriller The Secret of Crickley Hall. As a young actress, she displayed an impressive ability to tackle emotionally intense characters in a haunting atmosphere. Her role in this chilling drama paved the way for a career built on complex roles, from psychological thrillers to high-profile television dramas.
Olivia’s performance in The Secret of Crickley Hall marked her as a rising star in the acting world, setting the stage for her later successes. Her ability to handle dark, emotionally demanding roles has made her one of the most intriguing young actresses of her generation.
5. Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Big Break in ‘Kick-Ass’ That Launched His Career
While Aaron Taylor-Johnson had acted in minor roles prior to his breakout role, it was his performance in Kick-Ass that truly launched his career. As the awkward teen-turned-superhero, Aaron showcased vulnerability and charm, offering a fresh take on the action hero archetype. His role as Dave Lizewski in Kick-Ass not only marked his big break but also demonstrated his capacity for complex character work in an action-packed environment.
This film opened the door for Aaron’s later roles in major franchises, proving that a small indie film can lead to big things if the actor’s performance resonates with audiences.
6. Zoey Deutch’s Sweet Start on The Suite Life on Deck and Her Path to Stardom
Zoey Deutch’s career has blossomed in recent years with standout roles in films like Before I Fall and Set It Up. But before she was a rising star, Zoey made a guest appearance on The Suite Life on Deck, the Disney Channel sitcom. Her role as a sweet and quirky character wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but it demonstrated her impeccable comedic timing and natural likability.
Zoey’s charming performance on The Suite Life on Deck marked the beginning of her successful journey, and her ability to seamlessly move between comedy and drama has made her one of Hollywood’s most versatile young actresses.
Want to relive the magic of The Suite Life on Deck from the very beginning? Watch the first full episode and see where it all started!
7. Timothée Chalamet’s Early Role in ‘Sweet Tooth’ That Foreshadowed His Breakout
Before Timothée Chalamet became a household name in films like Call Me by Your Name and Dune, he appeared in a short film called Sweet Tooth in 2008. This was a far cry from the critically acclaimed roles he’s now known for, but his portrayal of a curious young boy hinted at the emotional depth he would later bring to the big screen.
Though this early film was short-lived and largely unknown, it showcased Timothée’s potential for vulnerability and emotional complexity, qualities that would define his future performances.
8. Danielle Campbell’s Gripping Performance in ‘The Poker House’
Danielle Campbell may be best known for her role in The Originals, but her acting debut came in the indie drama The Poker House. Starring alongside Jennifer Lawrence, Danielle portrayed a young girl living in a troubled environment. This gritty and emotionally raw performance marked her as a serious actress, capable of handling complex and challenging roles.
Her performance in The Poker House laid the groundwork for her future in the acting world, where she would continue to take on grounded, emotionally driven roles.
9. Florence Pugh’s Powerful First Role in ‘The Falling’
Florence Pugh’s career has been nothing short of meteoric, with acclaimed performances in Midsommar and Little Women. However, her debut in the 2014 film The Falling showed her natural talent for exploring complex, dark emotions. The role, in which she portrayed a young girl grappling with complex feelings, displayed her ability to handle sensitive and layered characters right from the start.
Florence’s portrayal in The Falling wasn’t just her first role—it was a statement of her arrival in the film industry, signaling her potential as one of the brightest stars of her generation.
10. Brendan Fraser’s Comedic Beginnings in Airheads Before His Action Stardom
Before becoming the action hero we know in The Mummy, Brendan Fraser took on a lighter, comedic role in Airheads. As a wannabe rock star, Brendan’s comedic timing and charm were on full display. Although Airheads wasn’t a massive hit, it gave Brendan the space to show off his comedic flair, which would later evolve into more dramatic roles.
His performance in Airheads was a stepping stone, setting him on the path to later becoming a beloved figure in Hollywood’s action and adventure genres.
11. Sydney Sweeney’s Early Cameo in Criminal Minds That Showed Her Potential
Sydney Sweeney may now be best known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, but before her rise to fame, she appeared in an episode of Criminal Minds. Her role as a young girl in a crime drama was brief but powerful, already showcasing her ability to dive into emotionally charged characters.
Sydney’s early work proves that even small roles can leave a lasting impression, and her versatility has made her one of the most exciting actresses to watch today.
12. Mackenzie Foy’s First TV Appearance in Til Death That Sparked Her Career
Mackenzie Foy, widely recognized for her role as Renesmee Cullen in Twilight and for her role in Interstellar, began her acting career in the sitcom Til Death. Despite her young age, her calm and confident presence stood out in the show, laying the groundwork for her future in film. Mackenzie’s ability to hold her own in a comedic setting helped her develop the acting skills that would later shine in more serious roles.
Curious to see Mackenzie Foy’s very first acting role? Watch her debut in Til Death and see where it all began!
13. Pedro Pascal’s Subtle Cameo in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Before His Breakthrough
Before The Mandalorian and becoming a household name, Pedro Pascal appeared in a small role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He played a brief part as a college student, long before the world recognized him as a grizzled anti-hero. While this was just a fleeting cameo, it demonstrated Pedro’s early ability to embody a wide range of characters, showcasing his versatility even before his career exploded in Hollywood.
14. Kaya Scodelario’s Groundbreaking Performance in ‘Skins’ That Made Her a Teen Icon
Kaya Scodelario’s portrayal of Effy Stonem in Skins solidified her as a teen icon, with her nuanced performance capturing the complexity of a troubled young girl. The British series, which redefined the way youth stories were told, saw Kaya’s character evolve from a mysterious and rebellious teen to a deeply emotional figure. Kaya’s breakout role in Skins set the stage for her transition into major Hollywood films, including The Maze Runner franchise and Pirates of the Caribbean.
15. Logan Lerman’s Role as a Young Patriot in The Patriot That Laid the Groundwork for His Career
Long before starring in franchises like Percy Jackson and Fury, Logan Lerman made his mark in The Patriot alongside Mel Gibson. At a young age, he played a supportive role in this historical drama set during the American Revolution. Although his role was small, it introduced Logan to epic storytelling, and his performance helped propel him toward future major roles in action films and beyond.
16.Anne Hathaway’s Fairy Tale Transformation in The Princess Diaries
Anne Hathaway’s journey to fame kicked off with the beloved The Princess Diaries, where she portrayed Mia Thermopolis, a relatable, awkward teen who unexpectedly discovers she is a princess. Anne’s ability to bring humor, warmth, and vulnerability to her character made her an instant star. The success of The Princess Diaries marked the beginning of Anne’s career as a versatile actress, paving the way for a string of successful films, including Les Misérables and The Devil Wears Prada.
17. Emma Roberts’ Debut in Blow—How a Small Role Led to Big Opportunities
Emma Roberts’ first film credit came in Blow, where she had a small role as the daughter of Johnny Depp’s character. Though her role was minor, it gave Emma exposure in the industry and set the stage for her career in both television and film. From American Horror Story to Scream Queens, Emma quickly became known for her bold choices and unique roles, cementing her place in Hollywood with a dedicated fanbase.
Want to see Emma Roberts’ very first big-screen moment? Watch her in Blow and discover the role that kickstarted her Hollywood career!
Final Thoughts
What ties all these stories together is persistence. None of these stars became famous overnight. They started small, often in uncredited roles, or as background characters. But their ambition, talent, and determination set them apart from the crowd. Through hustle, perseverance, and taking every opportunity to shine, they eventually made their mark.
From walk-on roles to Disney Channel cameos, every small part mattered. Hollywood is not just about landing big roles—it’s about what you do with each chance you’re given. These stars didn’t wait for their big break; they made the most of every opportunity, setting the stage for their rise to fame.
Their stories are a reminder that success in Hollywood is rarely instant. It requires years of hard work, persistence, and a belief in your own potential. So, the next time you spot a fresh face in a show or film, remember—it could be tomorrow’s superstar.
