19 Movie Stars Didn’t Shy Away From Soap Operas And Brilliantly Forged Succesful Careers

Jimmy Henton
Jul 15, 2022
Jul 15, 2022

Many celebrities have starred in multiple movies, helping them earn the most glorious awards in Hollywood. And when these actors become big stars, they are usually associated with big movies whose revenue might reach billion of dollars. On the other hand, many people still think that only average actors work in the TV industry.
However, many favorite Hollywood stars started careers in soap operas, an identical long-running radio/TV series initially sponsored by soap manufacturers. Thanks to soap, many big stars have conquered the cinema world with their gifted talent. Some famous actors have spoken about the time they were working on soap operas. They genuinely appreciate the roles which paved the way for their successful acting career.
Today, we decided to compile all Hollywood stars who participated in the shows and brilliantly rose to their stardom. Let’s check them out!

#1 Leonardo DiCaprio - Santa Barbara, 1990

Source: Kristin Callahan / Everett Collection / East News, © Santa Barbara / New World Television and co-producers

Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio is globally known in films, such as "Titanic," "The Aviator,"'The Wolf of Wall Street' and "The Revenant."

#2 Morgan Freeman - Ryan’s Hope, 1981

Source: AFP / East News, © Ryan's Hope / Labine-Meyer Productions and co-producers

Actor Morgan Freeman is known for appearing in such films as "Driving Miss Daisy," "Glory," "The Shawshank Redemption," and "The Dark Knight Trilogy."

#3 Julianne Moore - As the World Turns, 1985-1988

Source: © As the World Turns / CBS and co-producers

Acclaimed actress Julianne Moore has starred in numerous movies, including "Boogie Nights," "The Hours," "Game Change" and "Still Alice," for which she won an Oscar in 2015.

#4 Brad Pitt - Dallas, 1987

Source: CHRIS PIZZELLO / AFP / East News, © Dallas / Warner Bros. and co-producers

Famous actor and producer Brad Pitt is an Academy Award and Golden Globe winner, known for mutiple movies, such as "Legends of the Fall," "Fight Club," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Moneyball," "12 Years a Slave" and "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood."

#5 Demi Moore - General Hospital, 1982-1984

Source: Invision / Invision / East News, © General Hospital / ABC and co-producers

Demi Moore was part of the "Brat Pack," starring in '80s movies, including "St. Elmo's Fire," and later declared she is one of Hollywood's leading ladies with prominent roles in "Ghost," "A Few Good Men" and "Disclosure."

#6 Meg Ryan - As the World Turns, 1982-1984

Source: ROBYN BECK / AFP / East News, © As the World Turns / CBS and co-producers

Actress Meg Ryanrose to her fame with starring roles in "When Harry Met Sally," "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail."

#7 Lindsay Lohan - Another World, 1996-1997

Source: © lindsaylohan / Instagram, © Another World / NBC and co-producers

Lindsay Lohan, who is an actress and pop singer, has her best-known role in "Mean Girls".

#8 Jared Leto - My So-Called Life, 1994-1995

Source: © jaredleto / Instagram, © My So-Called Life / ABC and co-producers

Jared Leto is a famous actor known for roles in the films "Requiem for a Dream" and "Dallas Buyers Club."

#9 Cybill Shepherd - Moonlighting, 1985-1989

Source: Invision / Invision / East News, © Moonlighting / ABC Circle Films and co-producers

Demi Moore was part of the "Brat Pack," starring in the '80s movies like "St. Elmo's Fire," and later starred in "Ghost," "A Few Good Men" and "Disclosure."

#10 Susan Sarandon - A World Apart, 1970-1971

Source: AP / Associated Press / East News, © A World Apart / ABC and co-producers

Susan Sarandon is an Academy Award-winning American film actress who is known for roles in films like "Bull Durham," "Thelma and Louise" and "Dead Man Walking."

#11 Jensen Ackles - Days of Our Lives, 1997–2000

Source: Invision / Invision / East News, © Days of Our Lives / Columbia Pictures Television and co-producers

Jensen Ackles is best known for his portrayal of Dean Winchester in The WB/CW horror fantasy series Supernatural.

#12 Robin Wright - Santa Barbara, 1984-1988

Source: BFLA / Broadimage / Broad Image / East News, © Santa Barbara / New World Television and co-producers

Actress Robin Wright rose to her stardome with her roles in such films as "The Princess Bride" and "Forrest Gump," as well as on the Netflix series "House of Cards."

#13 Margot Robbie - Neighbours, 2008-2011

Source: LAURENT VU / SIPA / SIPA / East News, © Neighbours / Grundy Television Australia and co-producers

Margot Robbie, who is an Australian actress, is known for her roles in "The Wolf of Wall Street," "Suicide Squad" and "I, Tonya."

#14 Michelle Williams - Dawson’s Creek, 1998-2003

Michelle Williams first came to her fame as a star of teen drama "Dawson's Creek." After that, she rose to critical acclaim with her Oscar-nominated performances in "Brokeback Mountain," "Blue Valentine," "My Week with Marilyn" and "Manchester by the Sea."

#15 Marisa Tomei - As the World Turns, 1983-1985

Oscar-winning actress Marisa Tomei found her success in numerous movies, such as "My Cousin Vinny," "In the Bedroom," "The Wrestler" and "Spider-Man: Homecoming."

#16 Josh Duhamel - All My Children, 1999-2002

Josh Duhamel is an American actor known for his television and movie roles, such as the "Transformers" franchise.

#17 Laurence Fishburne - One Life to Live, 1973-1976

Laurence Fishburne is famous for playing Morpheus in The Matrix series (1999–2003), Jason "Furious" Styles in the John Singleton drama film Boyz n the Hood (1991).

#18 Sarah Michelle Gellar - All My Children, 1993-1995

Sarah Michelle Gellar starred in her leading role on the teen drama series "Swans Crossing" (1992), followed by her role as Kendall Hart on the ABC daytime soap opera All My Children (1993–1995).

#19 Amanda Seyfried - As the World Turns, 1999-2001

Amanda Seyfried is an American actress best known for her roles in "Mean Girls" and "Mamma Mia!"

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