1. Clint Eastwood as a Lab Technician in Revenge of the Creature (1955)
Yes, the man who defined the Western genre and gave us classics like Dirty Harry made one of his first on-screen appearances as a lab tech in Revenge of the Creature, the less-famous sequel to Creature from the Black Lagoon. His role was small and unremarkable, but it’s still amazing to think the future tough-guy icon started out in a B-movie horror!
2. Tom Hanks in He Knows You’re Alone (1980)
Before he became America’s favorite everyman, Tom Hanks was an unknown actor taking whatever roles he could find. One of those early gigs? A small part in the slasher film He Knows You’re Alone. Hanks plays a psychology student who chats about fear—ironically fitting for the future star who’d become famous for warmer roles. The film wasn’t memorable, but Hanks’ talent was already apparent.
3. Meryl Streep in Julia (1977)
Meryl Streep, now considered one of the finest actors of all time, made her film debut in a brief role in Julia, starring Jane Fonda. Streep’s part was so small, she wasn’t even credited on the poster. Little did anyone know that this relative newcomer would soon command every screen she appeared on, becoming the legendary performer we admire today.
4. Harrison Ford as a Bellboy in Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round (1966)
Before he flew the Millennium Falcon, Harrison Ford was a struggling actor doing bit parts to get by. In Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round, he played a bellboy with just a couple of lines. Legend has it that the casting director told Ford he’d never make it in Hollywood—an ironic statement for a man who’d later become one of cinema’s most iconic heroes.
5. Morgan Freeman on The Electric Company (1971–1977)
Today, Morgan Freeman is known for his commanding presence and that unforgettable voice. But one of his earliest roles was on the educational show The Electric Company, where he played characters like “Easy Reader.” Watching him sing and dance his way through literacy lessons is a far cry from the gravitas he brought to later roles like Shawshank Redemption, but it shows his early versatility.
6. Sally Field in Gidget (1965)
Before she won Oscars and became a household name, Sally Field was known for a spunky, beachy role as Gidget on TV. She brought charm and energy to the character of a young girl navigating teenage life by the surf. Field would go on to tackle complex roles, but for those who remember, she’ll always be a little bit Gidget.
7. Jack Nicholson in The Cry Baby Killer (1958)
Jack Nicholson’s distinctive voice and intense stare were already present in his first starring role in The Cry Baby Killer. He played a teenager caught in a hostage situation, giving a glimpse of the edgy, unconventional talent he’d bring to later roles. The film was a low-budget drive-in movie, but it set him on the path toward becoming one of Hollywood’s boldest actors.
8. 8. Robert Redford in War Hunt (1962)
Long before he was stealing hearts as the Sundance Kid, Robert Redford made his film debut in War Hunt, a low-budget war drama about a psychopathic soldier during the Korean War. Redford played the quiet, idealistic Private Roy Loomis, a stark contrast to the charismatic roles he’d later become famous for. This modest first role hinted at his serious talent, but few could have predicted that the fresh-faced new actor would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading men and a respected director in his own right.
9. Michelle Pfeiffer in Delta House (1979)
Michelle Pfeiffer’s first role was in Delta House, a TV spinoff of Animal House, where she played a character named “The Bombshell.” Though her role wasn’t exactly Oscar material, it showcased her beauty and charm, and soon after, she’d break out into serious acting roles that established her as a versatile talent.
10. Sylvester Stallone in The Party at Kitty and Stud’s (1970)
Before Rocky, Sylvester Stallone appeared in a low-budget film called The Party at Kitty and Stud’s, which later got re-released under a different, rather unflattering title after Stallone found fame. Stallone took on the role out of financial necessity, and though the film itself is largely forgotten, it’s a reminder of the humble beginnings that led him to a long, successful career.
11. Tom Selleck in Myra Breckinridge (1970)
Tom Selleck, best known as the mustachioed detective Magnum, P.I., had a small role in Myra Breckinridge, a cult film that bombed with critics but remains notorious. Selleck’s handsome face and confident demeanor hinted at the charismatic TV star he’d become, but it’s strange to imagine Magnum getting his start in such a bizarre film!
12. John Travolta in The Devil’s Rain (1975)
Before Saturday Night Fever launched John Travolta to stardom, he had a small role in The Devil’s Rain, a horror movie starring Ernest Borgnine. Travolta played a cultist, and his character spent much of the movie wearing heavy makeup, making it nearly impossible to recognize him. This oddball horror film was just the start for a young actor who’d go on to redefine cool.
13. Goldie Hawn on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In (1968–1973)
Goldie Hawn became known for her bubbly personality and infectious laugh as part of the ensemble cast on Laugh-In. Her goofy, ditzy character, combined with her good looks, made her a fan favorite. Though she would go on to win an Academy Award and star in comedies and dramas alike, many remember her early antics on this classic comedy show.
14. Robin Williams on Mork & Mindy (1978)
Robin Williams became a household name as Mork, the lovable alien on Mork & Mindy. The role was weird, but Williams brought his signature energy and improvisational humor to it, turning Mork into one of TV’s most beloved characters. While he’d go on to show a remarkable range as an actor, Mork will always be the role that made him a star.
15. Leonardo DiCaprio in Critters 3 (1991)
Leonardo DiCaprio’s first film role was in the sci-fi horror sequel Critters 3, where he played a teenager in a building overrun by alien monsters. Though this role was unremarkable compared to his later career, his talent shone through even in such a cheesy film. DiCaprio’s start in horror may be unlikely, but he quickly moved on to meatier roles.
From quirky beginnings to unforgettable roles, these actors prove that sometimes the strangest starts lead to the brightest futures. Whether it was a creature feature, a comedy show, or a horror flick, these unexpected first steps helped shape the stars we’d come to love. It’s a reminder that even Hollywood legends had to start somewhere—and sometimes, it’s in the least likely of places.
