Most of stars have a humble beginning. They were even meant to be big stars one day. In fact, the film industry is notoriously competitive and difficult to break into, so it makes sense that to hit it big, an actor needs to have something special or perhaps have a really good moment.
Some made their mark as child stars, some took their own sweet time to break through. However, when they did it was not only a joy to watch them on-screen but also they changed the course of cinema along the way. It was the case for some of our favorite celebs, including Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. Their unforgettable performances not only leave a great impression on viewers’ minds but catapult their careers to the next level.
Below are some actors who turned tiny parts into breakout roles.
#1 Brad Pitt In “Thelma & Louise”
Source: IMDb
In the movie, Brad Pitt played a handsome young drifter who helps Thelma feel sensual in a way she hasn’t for a very long time. He steals the women’s money and then disappears. Despite being on screen for a few minutes, he made a great impression. After the success of the movie, Pitt instantly became an in-demand actor.
#2 Angelina Jolie In “Girl, Interrupted”
Source: Pinterest
Despite her supporting role, Angelina Jolie stole the show. She played a young woman diagnosed as a sociopath, Lisa. For her perfect performance, she earned herself an Academy Award. Jolie was primarily known for being the daughter of actor Jon Voight when the film came out, afterward, everyone ignored her lineage and focused on her extraordinary skill.
#3 Margot Robbie In “The Wolf of Wall Street”
Source: Pinterest
Margot Robbie was offered to play Naomi Lapaglia, the mistress and later, wife of crooked stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) in “The Wolf of Wall Street”. A lot of movies would have treated this woman as a joke, but Robbie brought unexpected depth to her. Every time she's on screen, you look at her, not DiCaprio.
#4 Leonardo DiCaprio In “What's Eating Gilbert Grape”
Source: Paramount Pictures
Leonardo DiCaprio has starred in countless movies, but one of his most memorable performances is his role in “What's Eating Gilbert Grape”. He starred alongside Johnny Depp as Arnie, the intellectually disabled, perpetually in-trouble brother to Depp's lead character. His performance made critics sit up and take note. David Ansen of Newsweek was among DiCaprio's biggest fans, writing, “A lot of actors have taken flashy stabs at playing [handicapped] characters and no one, old or young, has ever done it better. He's exasperatingly, heartbreakingly real”. After the movie, he got many leading roles.
#5 Kirsten Dunst In “Interview with the Vampire”
Source: Pinterest
It must be huge pressure for a 10-year-old girl when working on a major motion picture alongside Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. In “Interview with the Vampire”, Kirsten Dunst demonstrated an ability to stand toe-to-toe with her heavyweight costars when playing Claudia. Getting a kid to give a natural performance playing a child vampire is difficult on a whole other level. Dunst infuses the movie with real soul. Thanks to the role, she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
#6 Kevin Costner In “Silverado”
Source: Columbia Pictures
“Silverado” starred some big names, including Kevin Kline, Rosanna Arquette, and Danny Glover but a relative newcomer named Kevin Costner stole the show as Jake, a comically goofy cowboy with boundless energy. Paul Attanasio of The Washington Post said, “Costner has a childlike charm - the brows-knitted intensity of a kid getting the pegs in the right holes fragments in a mad laugh and a CinemaScope grin. With his perpetual look of surprise and gawky grace, he reminds you a little of Ray Bolger”.
#7 Sean Penn In “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”
Source: Universal Pictures
Sean Penn took on the role of Jeff Spicoli, the laid-back, pothead surfer dude of the titular high school. Every time he appeared on the screen, laughter was guaranteed. What could have been an empty stereotype becomes something almost philosophical in Penn's hands. The role opened for him to become a top-tier dramatic actor.
#8 Matthew McConaughey In “Dazed And Confused”
Source: Pinterest
The actor welcomed his evolution with a simple “Alright, Alright, Alright” in the movie “Dazed And Confused”. There he portrayed David Wooderson, a guy in his 20s who somewhat suspiciously still hangs out with teenagers. The actor expertly makes the character an unexpected mixture of charming and pathetic. His performance received praise from critics and movie buffs.
Source: Sony Pictures Releasing
Emma Stone had a perfect performance when playing Jules, a high schooler planning a big party at her house in the movie “Superbad”. The actress took what could have been a genetic “hottie” role and elevated it. “Superbad” showed that Stone possessed comedic skills on par with - and possibly even exceeding - those of her more established co-stars.
#10 Jude Law In “The Talented Mr. Ripley”
Source: IMDb
Jude Law took on a tricky role as Dickie Greenleaf, who is supposed to be everything protagonist Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) is not - rich, handsome, charming, and comfortable in his own skin. His work in the movie earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor and set the stage for years of great performances.