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30 Terrible Roles A-List Stars Had Before They Got Famous

Every great master has to start somewhere, or so they say. Alas, even the most renowned A-list celebrities had humble beginnings before they became household names. 

Behind every Oscar-winning performance and blockbuster hit, there's usually a string of less impressive roles that paved the way. These early performances, at times cringe-worthy and downright terrible, provide a captivating peek into the modest origins of Hollywood's most esteemed and awarded stars. In this article we'll dive head first into the cinematic pasts of our beloved celebrities, and uncovers the awkward, embarrassing, and occasionally absolutely hilarious parts they portrayed prior to their rise to fame.

These roles, ranging from super forgettable holiday specials to low-budget horror films, served as crucial stepping stones that molded their careers and refined their artistic abilities. You'll be surprised to learn that some of today's most respected actors once donned ridiculous costumes, delivered cheesy lines, and even starred in films that went straight to the bargain bin. 

Come along on a thrilling adventure through time as we explore the fascinating stories of these stars, who defied the odds and achieved extraordinary success in Hollywood. From their humble beginnings to their incredible transformations, we'll celebrate their resilience and triumphs. These are 30 terrible roles a-list stars had before they got famous.
 

Jennifer Aniston: Tory Redding in Leprechaun

Jennifer Aniston: Tory Redding in Leprechaun

Jennifer Aniston's career started off with a role that was far from glamorous before she became the well-known Rachel Green. She had a memorable role as Tory Redding in the 1993 horror-comedy Leprechaun. This role marked a rather unconventional debut, far from the glitz and glam of Friends.

In spite of the film's clichéd plot and its lukewarm reception, Aniston managed to come out unscathed, ultimately winning over audiences and becoming a force to be reckoned with on television. Although Leprechaun may not be considered her most prestigious achievement, it serves as a charming anecdote in her impressive career.

(Image via Trimark Pictures)

Patrick Swayze: Ace in Skatetown, U.S.A.

Patrick Swayze: Ace in Skatetown, U.S.A.

In Skatetown, USA, Patrick Swayze tried his hand at a different style of skating before becoming famous for his roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost. Released during the roller skating craze of the late 1970s, the film cast Swayze as Ace Johnson, a charismatic skater with his eyes set on a $1,000 prize and a moped.

Despite its optimistic premise, Skatetown, U.S.A. failed to carve out a lasting place in cinema history. However, Swayze’s early role as Ace hinted at the charm and athleticism that would define his later iconic performances. Even in the roller disco haze of the late ‘70s, Swayze’s star quality shone through, paving the way for his ascent to Hollywood stardom and eternal fame.

(Image via Rastar/Columbia Pictures)

Michelle Pfeiffer: Stephanie Zinone in Grease 2

Michelle Pfeiffer: Stephanie Zinone in Grease 2

Famed actress Michelle Pfeiffer had a remarkable early career failure in Grease 2, despite her later roles in classic films like Scarface. Cast as Stephanie Zinone, the leading lady in the 1982 sequel to the beloved musical Grease, Pfeiffer's performance shone despite the film's critical reception.

Despite the mixed reviews for Grease 2, Pfeiffer received accolades for her performance. Critics panned the film for having a dull plot and drawing too many parallels to the original. Even though the picture bombed, Pfeiffer's talent and determination propelled her to stardom, demonstrating that Hollywood's biggest stars can shine through in the darkest of times.

(Image via Paramount Pictures)

Sylvester Stallone: The Italian Stallion

Sylvester Stallone: The Italian Stallion

Sylvester Stallone’s rise to fame is the stuff of Hollywood legend, but every legend has its early quirks. Before becoming the embodiment of resilience in Rocky, Stallone faced a different ring in his career. Shortly after arriving in New York City to pursue acting, he starred in The Party at Kitty and Stud’s, a film that later resurfaced as The Italian Stallion.

Despite hiss unconventional beginnings, Stallone’s steadfast refusal to be blackmailed over the film underscores his determination to forge a career on his own terms. From the shadows of a controversial debut emerged the enduring persona of the Italian Stallion, anchoring Stallone’s journey from rocky starts to cinematic triumphs.

Michael Ochs Archives/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Leonardo DiCaprio: Josh in Critters III

Leonardo DiCaprio: Josh in Critters III

Critters III was a watershed moment in Leonardo DiCaprio's career before he became a Hollywood mainstay and household celebrity. Josh, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, navigates the unpredictable encounters with extraterrestrial entities in this sci-fi horror thriller.

Critics weren't crazy about Critters III, but Leonardo DiCaprio's breakout performance in the film laid the groundwork for his subsequent hits. The meteoric rise of Leonardo DiCaprio from creature movies to critically acclaimed films shows how he went from confronting extraterrestrial creatures to mesmerizing audiences in Oscar-winning performances.

(Image via Sho Films)

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Hercules in New York

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Hercules in New York

The legendary action star and ex-governator of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, embarked on his film journey in the strange world of Hercules in New York (1970). Schwarzenegger played the title role in a mythological comedy set in contemporary New York City, where he was cast as an exiled hero.

Despite the film's lackluster reviews, Schwarzenegger's performance launched a legendary career characterized by macho characters and unforgettable catchphrases. The incredible rise of Arnold Schwarzenegger, from conquering the big screen as Hercules to becoming a symbol of strength and perseverance around the world, highlights the legendary power of determination and drive in Hollywood legend.

(Image via Filmpartners/RAF Industries)

Scarlett Johansson: Molly in Home Alone 3

Scarlett Johansson: Molly in Home Alone 3

Scarlett Johansson, known for her commanding presence in the MCU, once found herself navigating the chaos of a different kind: Home Alone 3. In this 1997 sequel, Johansson portrayed Molly, the exasperated older sister in a post-Culkin installment that failed to capture the magic of its predecessors.

Although Johansson's early involvement with the legendary franchise did not immediately catapult her to stardom, it highlights how unpredictable early jobs in Hollywood can be. In an industry where even the smallest roles may influence a star's career path, Johansson's rise from irritated sister to global action hero is an inspiration, regardless of the response Home Alone 3 received.

(Image via Hughes Entertainment/Fox Famil Films)

George Clooney: Ron in Grizzly II: The Concert

George Clooney: Ron in Grizzly II: The Concert

Before he became the suave, silver-screen charmer we know today, George Clooney navigated through lesser-known roles, including an unexpected stint in horror sequel history. In 1983, Clooney appeared in Grizzly II: The Concert, a sequel to the 1976 creature feature Grizzly.

Despite sharing the screen with future stars like Laura Dern and Charlie Sheen, the film faced production woes that delayed its release for nearly four decades. With the main producer jailed during filming, Grizzly II languished in obscurity until its belated debut in 2020.

(Image via GBGB International)

Paul Rudd: Tommy Doyle in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers

Paul Rudd: Tommy Doyle in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers

Paul Rudd, known for his wit in comedies and charm as a superhero, began his journey in Hollywood in a rather unexpected place: the horror genre. In 1995’s Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, Rudd took on the role of Tommy Doyle, a character from John Carpenter’s iconic 1978 slasher film.

While the movie itself might not have won critical acclaim, Rudd’s presence stood out. His performance hinted at the charisma and versatility that would later define his career, transcending the eerie shadows of Michael Myers to become a beloved fixture in Hollywood’s comedic and blockbuster realms.

(Image via Nightfall Productions/Trancas International)

Courteney Cox: Julie Winston in Masters of the Universe

Courteney Cox: Julie Winston in Masters of the Universe

In her early acting career, Courteney Cox had a memorable—though challenging—role in Masters of the Universe before she became known as Monica Geller in Friends. Many were divided by Cox's first film role as Julie Winston, a teenage girl from California who finds herself swept up in the fanciful universe of He-Man and Skeletor.

Regardless of how people felt about the movie, it was Cox's rise from music videos to feature films that set her up for future success. Although Masters of the Universe wasn't exactly a stepping stone to Cox's sitcom prominence, her determination and eventual success demonstrate the winding road to Hollywood fame.

(Image via The Canon Group, Inc)

Benicio Del Toro: Duke in Big Top Pee-Wee

Benicio Del Toro: Duke in Big Top Pee-Wee

The career of Benicio Del Toro, a performer renowned for his dramatic turns and electrifying performances, started in an unexpected place: a circus. He played the role of Duke in the 1988 film Big Top Pee-Wee, which was set in the whimsical universe of Pee-Wee Herman.

Del Toro's versatility and dedication were on display in his early appearance, which hinted to his future work, including his portrayal of the Wolfman in the 2010 Universal Monster remake, despite the film's odd premise and his synthetic hair covering his face.

(Image via Paramount Pictures)

Emma Stone: The Voice of Ivana Tipton in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody

Emma Stone: The Voice of Ivana Tipton in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody

Before earning acclaim and Oscars for her performances in critically acclaimed films, Emma Stone took her first steps in Hollywood with a quirky role in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. At just 17 years old, Stone lent her voice to Ivana Tipton, a Pomeranian in the popular Disney Channel series.

While her canine cameo wasn’t the launchpad for her later Oscar success, it highlighted Stone’s early versatility and set the stage for her ascent in the competitive world of entertainment. From voicing a pampered pup to portraying complex characters on the big screen, Stone’s journey epitomizes the transformative power of perseverance and talent in Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape.

(Image via It’s a Laugh Productions/Disney; Stefanie D’Alessandro/WireImage/Getty Images)

Ben Affleck: C.T. Granville in The Voyage of the Mimi

Ben Affleck: C.T. Granville in The Voyage of the Mimi

Prior to Ben Affleck's rise as a brooding superhero or rugged action hero in Hollywood, he was honing his acting skills as a child. Affleck's initial claim to fame came in the form of his portrayal of C.T. Granville in The Voyage of the Mimi.

Joining his grandfather on the ship Mimi, a young Affleck embarked on a series of scientific and environmental adventures in this charming 80s educational series. This hero has come a long way from his roles as teenage jocks in Dazed and Confused and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
 

(Image via Peace River Films)

Ryan Gosling: Kenny in Frankenstein and Me

Ryan Gosling: Kenny in Frankenstein and Me

Before he wowed moviegoers in La La Land, Barbie, and The Notebook, Ryan Gosling had a role that wasn't quite a smashing success. Gosling made his big screen debut in the 1996 picture Frankenstein and Me, playing the role of Kenny, a young child whose eccentric relationship with the iconic monster is explored in the film.

Although the film failed to make an impression, Ryan Gosling's early performance showcased the skill and nuance he would later bring to his many roles. It is clear from Gosling's career trajectory that stars may emerge from the ashes of cinematic failures to shine brilliantly in the aftermath.

(Image via Malofilm Communications Inc/Melenny Productions)

Nicole Kidman: Judy in BMX Bandits

Nicole Kidman: Judy in BMX Bandits

The unexpected BMX Bandits were Nicole Kidman's entry into the spotlight, and her diversified and acclaimed career has since taken center stage. Kidman played the role of Judy, a free-spirited adolescent whose BMX bike exploits take an exciting twist in this 1983 Australian action-comedy in which she accidentally encounters a group of bank robbers.

Although BMX Bandits couldn't have foretold that Nicole Kidman would become an Oscar-winning actress, they did see early signs of the charisma and skill that would characterize her legendary career in her debut film. From pedal-powered adventures to the pinnacle of film accolades, Kidman's rise to fame from adolescent BMX fan to global superstar exemplifies the thrilling and unpredictable road many stars take.

(Image via Nilsen Premiere)

Emilia Clarke: Savannah Roundtree in Triassic Attack

Emilia Clarke: Savannah Roundtree in Triassic Attack

Triassic Attack was Emilia Clarke's breakout role as an actress before her breakout role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones. In this spooky tale set in a world where a Native American curse brings dinosaur skeletons back to life, Clarke portrayed the role of Savannah Roundtree in this TV movie shown on the Syfy channel.

A local university's plans to demolish its buildings set in motion a chain reaction that would eventually lead to a showdown between modern technology and long-vanished enemies. Although Clarke's performance in Triassic Attack was not as critically acclaimed as her subsequent work, it did showcase her early adaptability and dedication to different storytelling.

(Image via UFO International Productions)

Chris Hemsworth: King Arthur in Guinevere Jones

Chris Hemsworth: King Arthur in Guinevere Jones

Long before wielding Mjölnir as Thor, Chris Hemsworth embarked on his acting journey with a lesser-known role in the Canadian TV series Guinevere Jones. In this early 2000s show, Hemsworth played King Arthur, appearing in a few episodes where the story mixed teenage drama with supernatural adventures.

Despite the series’ niche appeal, Hemsworth’s early stint as the legendary king hinted at his future transformation into a global superstar. From mythical high school drama to wielding thunder in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hemsworth’s career is a testament to how even the humblest beginnings can lead to epic triumphs.

(Image via Crawford Productions)

Elijah Wood: North in North

Elijah Wood: North in North

Elijah Wood's early career took off with roles in beloved films such as Back to the Future Part II and The Adventures of Huck Finn. However, his rise to stardom encountered a setback with the release of North in 1994. Rob Reiner took the director's chair for this film, with Wood playing the lead role in a hilarious adventure to find new parents.

Unfortunately, North failed to captivate both critics and audiences, despite the anticipation. Roger Ebert hilariously tore apart the film, expressing his strong dislike in no uncertain terms. The movie's harsh reception proved to be a pivotal moment in Wood's career, highlighting the fickle nature of Hollywood and its ability to surprise even the most talented up-and-coming actors.

(Image via Castle Rock Entertainment/New Line Cinema)

Cate Blanchett: American Cheerleader in Kaboria

Cate Blanchett: American Cheerleader in Kaboria

Cate Blanchett, renowned for her chameleon-like abilities to embody iconic figures such as Queen Elizabeth, Katherine Hepburn, and even Bob Dylan, once found herself in a rather regrettable situation when she had to wear a cheerleader's outfit for a role.

Blanchett, who was in need of some extra funds, reluctantly agreed to take on the role. However, she has refrained from watching it due to the overwhelming sense of embarrassment it brings. This unconventional job is a stark contrast to her acclaimed performances that earned her an Oscar.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Jean Claude Van Damme: Enthusiastic Spectator in Breakin'

Jean Claude Van Damme: Enthusiastic Spectator in Breakin'

Action movie and martial arts legend Jean Claude Van Damme had an unusual beginning to his career in Hollywood. Breakin' (1984), a picture riding the crest of the breakdancing craze, featured Van Damme in a cameo role as an eager spectator during his early days of studying acting in the US.

Despite his brief role as an extra in the backdrop of Cannon Films’ attempt to capitalize on pop culture trends, Van Damme’s journey to stardom would later be defined by his martial arts prowess and leading roles in action-packed blockbusters.

(Image via Cannon Films/Golan-Globus)

Sandra Bullock: Diane Farrow in Love Potion No. 9

Sandra Bullock: Diane Farrow in Love Potion No. 9

In 1994, Sandra Bullock burst onto the scene in the hit thriller Speed, and from there, her career would continue to rise as she starred in hit after hit like Miss Congeniality, Hope Floats, and The Blind Side. However, before all those hits, she was in a movie called Love Potion No. 9. 

The film, like many of her hits, was a romantic comedy, but it ended up being a flop. Bullock starred as Diane Farrow, a chemist, who, along with her love interest, try to uncover the scientific secrets of a real-life love potion. The movie was panned by critics and didn't even bring in a million dollars at the box office. 

(20th Century Fox)

Robert Downey Jr.: Jimmy Parker in Tuff Turf

Robert Downey Jr.: Jimmy Parker in Tuff Turf

Robert Downey Jr. is currently one of the highest-grossing actors in all of history, so it's kind of wild to think of him as some no-name actor taking whatever roles he can get. But that was indeed once the case, which is how he ended up in 1985's Tuff Turf

The movie couldn't be any more '80s, as it follows a nerdy teenager (played by James Spader) who must adjust to the tough realities of his new Los Angeles High School. Downey Jr. had a small role in the film as Spader's friend, and we imagine that he's forgotten the role like we all have. 

(Planet Productions/New World Pictures)

Reese Witherspoon: Dani Trant in The Man in the Moon

Reese Witherspoon: Dani Trant in The Man in the Moon

Before she took the legal world by storm in Legally Blonde, Reese Witherspoon was an unknown teen actor in the 1991 drama The Man in the Moon

The coming-of-age story featured a romantic storyline between Witherspoon and the older boy next door, and while it received decent reviews, many people found it much too melodramatic and overly sentimental. Her best romantic roles were still ahead of her when she filmed this. 

(Pathé Entertainment/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Brad Pitt: Frank Harris Cool World

Brad Pitt: Frank Harris Cool World

By the mid-90s, Brad Pitt was a beloved leading man in Hollywood, but just a few short years earlier, he was part of one of the biggest box office bombs of the decade: Cool World

The live-action/animated hybrid was obviously more than a little inspired by the success of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, but this film, where Pitt played a detective who ends up transformed into a cartoon, was a total flop. It was panned critically, and only recouped about half its budget at the box office. 

(Bakshi Animation/Paramount Pictures)

Ben Stiller: Tipton Fresh Horses

Ben Stiller: Tipton Fresh Horses

Ben Stiller is most famous for being a funnyman, with iconic performances in comedic hits like Zoolander and Meet the Parents. However, all the way back in 1985, Stiller had a small role in the coming-of-age movie Fresh Horses

In the film, Stiller doesn't have the lead role. Instead, he's the guy who introduces the main character to the girl who will end up ruining his life. Like many of the movies on this list, Fresh Horses didn't recoup its budget, and it currently holds a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 

(Weintraub Entertainment Group/Columbia Pictures)

Chris Pratt: Bright Abbot in Everwood

Chris Pratt: Bright Abbot in Everwood

Chris Pratt left his mark on both television and movies, but before he was an intergalactic superhero or a goofball public servant, he was an angsty teen on the WB drama Everwood. 

The main story of the show followed a widower moving to the small Colorado town of Everwood with his two children, but, like all soap opera-style shows, the plotlines quickly became immense and convoluted. Despite appearing in all four seasons of the show, Pratt's performance (and the show itself) never drew much attention. 

(Warner Bros. Television/The WB)

Tom Hanks: Robbie Wheeling in Mazes and Monsters

Tom Hanks: Robbie Wheeling in Mazes and Monsters

The idea of present-day Tom Hanks starring in a made-for-TV movie is downright hilarious. Do they even make those anymore? However, back in 1982, Hanks nabbed his first leading role in the made-for-TV movie Mazes and Monsters

The film, which was obviously more than a little inspired by Dungeons and Dragons, follows Hanks as a college student who has a psychotic break after he and his friends start playing a tabletop RPG. By the end of the movie, Hanks has completely exited the real world and believes he is truly his fantasy character. 

(McDermott Productions/Procter & Gamble Productions)

Jennifer Lawrence: Tiff in Garden Party

Jennifer Lawrence: Tiff in Garden Party

These days, you expect to see Jennifer Lawrence starring in big-budget blockbuster movies, like the hit Hunger Games series, but in 2008 she was making her movie debut in the low-budget arthouse film Garden Party

Lawrence only had a small role in this gritty movie about confused teens trying to find their way in the world, but that's probably for the best, considering it currently has a 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 

(Roadside Attractions)

Ryan Reynolds: Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity

Ryan Reynolds: Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity

Ryan Reynolds is no stranger to superhero movies, but not all of his filmography measures up to the success he found with Deadpool. Way back in 2004, Reynolds played vampire hunter Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity. 

While Deadpool may be undeniably hilarious, Blade: Trinity was funny for all the wrong reasons. Between bad reviews and trouble with Wesley Snipes while filming, this was definitely a low point for Reynolds in Hollywood. 

(Marvel Enterprises/New Line Cinema)

Kaley Cuoco: Elisa Bowers in Alley Cats Strike

Kaley Cuoco: Elisa Bowers in Alley Cats Strike

Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that The Big Bang Theory was a major television success that brought star Kaley Cuoco more than a little fame and money. However, her beginnings in show business were much more humble. 

In 2000, one of Cuoco's first roles was in the Disney channel made-for-TV movie Alley Cats Strike, where a group of teens go for the gold and the glory in a bowling tournament. By Disney channel standards, it wasn't the worst thing they ever produced, but Cuoco's role definitely pales in comparison to what she would go on to do a few years later. 

(Rastar/Disney Channel)