BEFORE THE FAME: 17 ACTORS AND THEIR EARLY ROLES YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT

Every Hollywood star had to start somewhere — and for many, it wasn’t glamorous. These early roles are a far cry from the red carpets they walk today. Let’s rewind the tape and take a look at the humble beginnings of actors who are now household names.

Anya Taylor-Joy — Atlantis, 2013-2015

Jenna Ortega — CSI: NY, 2004-2013

Cameron Monaghan — Malcolm in the Middle, 2000-2006

Olivia Cooke — The Secret of Crickley Hall, 2012

Aaron Taylor-Johnson — Kick-Ass, 2010

Zoey Deutch — The Suite Life on Deck, 2008-2011

Timothée Chalamet — Sweet Tooth, 2008

Danielle Campbell — The Poker House, 2008

Florence Pugh — The Falling, 2014

Brendan Fraser — Airheads, 1994

Sydney Sweeney — Criminal Minds, 2005-present

Mackenzie Foy — Til Death, 2006-2010

Perdo Pascal — Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1997-2003

Kaya Scodelario — Skins, 2007-2013

Logan Lerman — The Patriot, 2000

Anne Hathaway — The Princess Diaries, 2001

Emma Roberts — Blow, 2001

It’s wild to think that some of today’s biggest stars once played side characters, background extras, or awkward teens in low-budget scenes. But everyone starts somewhere. These early roles prove that perseverance, talent, and maybe a little luck can turn even the smallest part into a stepping stone to stardom.

wl.article.blocks.copyright.prefix.preview Criminal Minds / Paramount Network Television and co-producers wl.article.blocks.copyright.prefix.preview Collin Xavier / Image Press Agency ABACA / Abaca / East News wl.article.blocks.copyright.prefix.preview Invision/Invision/East News wl.article.blocks.copyright.prefix.preview Buffy the Vampire Slayer / Mutant Enemy

2025-06-20T05:54:05Z