When they make their first film appearance, some actors immediately receive a great deal of praise and are even awarded prizes, while others have to put in a lot of hard work and make a lot of sacrifices before they are acknowledged as a star. These instances illustrate, once again, that talent and effort on their own are not sufficient to ensure one will be successful. A list of artists who came so close to having the word "star" printed on their birth certificates has been prepared for us.
1. Viola Davis
Source: The Substance of Fire
Viola Davis made her acting debut alongside Tony Goldwyn and Sarah Jessica Parker in the drama film The Substance of Fire.
2. Dwayne Johnson
Source: The Mummy Returns
In The Mummy Returns, Dwayne Johnson debuted as The Scorpion King. The film broke the record for the biggest single-day box office earnings by two years. The film's popularity led to a sequel, The Scorpion King, in which Johnson played the main role for the first time. According to Guinness World Records, he earned $5.55 million for his performance, making him the highest-paid actor in their main debut role.
3. Cameron Diaz
Source: The Mask
When Diaz tried out for the role of Tina in The Mask, she was a model. She had to compete with other bombshells like Anna Nicole Smith, Vanessa L. Williams, and Kristy Swanson, but her perseverance and talent helped her win the part. Diaz became an international sensation in just three years, riding a wave of sudden popularity.
4. Jamie Lee Curtis
Source: Halloween
After appearing in Halloween, directed by John Carpenter in 1978, Jamie Lee Curtis was crowned the new scream queen. It grossed more money than any other independent film up to that point and is now widely regarded as a genre classic.
5. Kate Winslet
Source: Juliet Hulme
Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey starred in a crime drama for their first picture together. For her performance in this picture, she initially gained the attention of directors and won her first honors.
6. Tom Hanks
Source: He Knows You’re Alone
Before winning an Oscar, Tom Hanks acted in a scary film in which the bride is followed by her ex-boyfriend. Hanks was given a supporting part in which he was planning to die. The filmmakers cut the moment he dies since they liked him so much. Despite the film's failure, Hanks quickly found success with a starring part in a popular TV comedy.
7. Gal Gadot
Source: Fast & Furious
In the late 00s, the Wonder Woman star modeled. She is most known for her role as Gisele Yashar in the Fast & Furious films.
8. Leonardo DiCaprio
Source: Critters 3
In his first picture, Critters 3, Leonardo DiCaprio played a little kid battling demonic bugs that have taken over his apartment building. This part launched his career, and within two years, he was cast as a mentally disabled youngster in the drama What's Eating Gilbert Grape. He was nominated for the Academy Award and the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for this performance.