You'll Be Shocked At These 10 Celebrities' Appearances In Their Very First Roles

Melody Carter
Mar 29, 2023
Mar 29, 2023

Back in the day, Hollywood actors were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to take on the world of cinema with all enthusiasm. But as the years went by, these stars went through some serious setbacks, learned hard lessons, earned some major accolades, and even went through drastic transformations. Some of them changed so much that you wouldn't recognize them from their early days.
We're talking about those first roles, folks. Yes, far before the red carpets, designer gowns, and flawless makeup, and let's just say, they looked a little… different. It's so shocking but also inspiring to see where these A-listers started out and how far they've come. It just goes to show that everyone has to start somewhere, and even the biggest stars in the world had to work their way up from humble beginnings.
So, get ready to laugh, and maybe even shed a tear or two as we take a trip down memory lane and reveal the surprising first roles of 10 of your favorite celebrities.

#1 Jamie Lee Curtis - Operation Petticoat (1977 - 1979)

Source: Album Online / East News, VALERIE MACON / AFP / East News

Jamie Lee Curtis gained recognition as the "Scream Queen" for her performances in horror and slasher films. She has now achieved multiple awards. Her acting career began in the late 1970s with a sitcom called Operation Petticoat. Her most recent movie, Everything Everywhere All at Once, earned her an award for her outstanding performance and made her ubiquitous on social media.

#2 Pedro Pascal - Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1999)

Source: © Buffy the Vampire Slayer / Mutant Enemy, Vianney Le Caer / East News

Pedro Pascal, who is now 47 years old, has gained the name "Internet Daddy" as fans express admiration for him. Despite his recent rise to viral fame, Pascal has been a fixture on screen since 1999. He had a minor role in the cult classic TV series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, early on in his career.

#3 Colin Farrell - Ballykissangel (1998)

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Colin Farrell first showcased his acting abilities in the BBC-produced television series, Ballykissangel, in 1998. Two years later, he landed his first leading role in the movie Tigerland (depicted above). He has been acknowledged by several award-giving organizations, including the Golden Globes. This year, however, is a significant moment in his career as he received his first Best Actor nomination at the Oscars.

#4 Aubrey Plaza - an intern at NBC (2006 - 2008)

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The Parks and Recreation star, Aubrey Plaza, began her career as an intern at NBC and an improv performer. She is now an actress and producer, recognized for her unique deadpan style. Plaza's most recent performance in The White Lotus earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award and a nomination for a Golden Globe award.

#5 Ryan Gosling - The Believer (2001)

Source: © The Believer / Fuller Films, NBC / Ferrari Press / East News

The Canadian actor was one of the child stars who gained fame from appearing on Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club. In 2001, he secured his first movie role in The Believer, which helped launch his career. Gosling recently accepted a role in the movie Barbie after finding a shirtless Ken doll in his backyard, which he interpreted as a sign. He is also a proud father to two daughters with his partner, Eva Mendes.

#6 Anne Hathaway - The Princess Diaries (2001)

Source: PHOTOlink / Everett Collection / East News, Marechal Aurore / East News

Anne Hathaway gained recognition from her role, Mia in the movie The Princess Diaries in 2001. With over 20 years in the Entertainment industry, she has evolved from a princess to a prominent figure in Hollywood. Hathaway has tackled various roles that highlighted her dramatic abilities, such as portraying Fantine in Les Miserables, for which she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar award.

#7 Penn Badgley - What I Like About You (2002 - 2006)

Source: © What I Like About You / Warner Bros. Television, © pennbadgley / Instagram

Penn Badgley is recognized for his portrayals of Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl and Joe Goldberg in Netflix's You. However, before he played the charming yet troubled type of character, Badgley was a child star with minor appearances on shows like Will & Grace and What I Like About You.

#8 Michelle Yeoh - Yes, Madam! (1985)

Michelle Yeoh achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Asian woman to receive the Best Actress award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the first Asian person to be nominated for the Best Actress category at the Academy Awards, which she won. She also received an award at the Golden Globes recently. However, many people have no idea that she began her career so early in 1985.

#9 Brendan Fraser - Encino Man (1992)

Source: Album Online / East News, Jordan Strauss / Invision / East News

Brendan Fraser rose to prominence in 1992 with the comedy film Encino Man (shown in the photo). However, due to the physical demands of his stunt work, he suffered numerous injuries and underwent several surgeries, leading him to take a break from Hollywood. Nevertheless, in 2022, he made a triumphant return with the movie The Whale, which not only delighted his fans but also earned him his first Oscar nomination and win in the Best Actor category.

#10 Julia Roberts - City of Angels (2000)

Viola Davis has made significant progress from her background, with her father working as a horse trainer and her mother as a maid. She discovered her love for acting during her high school years and landed one of her initial roles in the medical drama, City of Angels (as seen in the image). After more than twenty years, Davis has achieved a rare distinction among artists called the EGOTs, signifying that she has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award.

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