10+ Small Parts Played by Famous Actors at the Beginning of Their Careers

Not every actor who’s famous today started their career playing the leading roles that made them popular worldwide. Most of them had to work in low-budget projects and occasional TV episodes. Some were lucky enough to participate in popular shows or prestigious films, but very few people remember these celebrities’ first steps on their path to fame.

At Bright Side, we decided to explore the past of our favorite actors and found their bit roles in popular TV series and films. And they’re worth remembering.

Amy Adams in Smallville (2001–2011)

Amy Adams, who has long-established herself as a versatile actress, appeared in one of the first episodes of the iconic TV series Smallville at the beginning of her career. She played a girl who suffered from obesity and had to deal with even bigger problems than her weight due to vegetables grown in the meteor-infested soil.

• Wait! How did I never spot Amy Adams in Smallville on my rewatch? © mxreese1701 / Twitter

David Duchovny in Twin Peaks (1990–1991)

David Duchovny is famous for his roles as Agent Mulder in The X-Files and Hank Moody in Californication. However, fans of David Lynch might remember the actor’s first bright role as an FBI agent with long hair in Twin Peaks.

Taylor Momsen in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

One of the leading stars of Gossip Girl and frontwoman of the rock band The Pretty Reckless appeared in How the Grinch Stole Christmas—a fan-favorite during the Christmas season alongside Home Alone and The Santa Clause—when she was a child. Little Taylor played the role of the sweet girl who befriends the grumpy green creature.

• I can’t believe this is the same person. © AnthonyUly / Twitter

Armie Hammer in Desperate Housewives (2004–2012)

Armie Hammer became famous thanks to his roles in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Call Me by Your Name. But not many recall his brief appearance in Desperate Housewives. Armie had a small part in an episode of the fourth season playing a guy who runs an illegal business and causes trouble for one of the key characters—Mike, Susan’s husband.

Sarah Paulson in Desperate Housewives (2004–2012)

Sarah Paulson is known for her roles in American Horror Story and Ratched, but she was also in the fourth and eighth seasons of Desperate Housewives, where she played Lynette’s sister.

• Why didn’t anybody tell me that Armie Hammer and Sarah Paulson are in Desperate Housewives? © AddyAguilera / Twitter

Norman Reedus in Charmed (1998–2006)

Long before Norman Reedus got his star role in The Walking Dead, he had a supporting role in the iconic TV series Charmed. He played Paige’s ex-lover. You can see him in the fifth season.

Ezra Miller in Californication (2007–2014)

The leading star of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, We Need to Talk About Kevin, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower had a small part in Californication when he was a teenager. In the second season of the show, he plays the boyfriend of the main character’s (David Duchovny) daughter.

Cillian Murphy in Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)

Cillian Murphy became famous for his roles in Sunshine, Inception, and Peaky Blinders. But only a few are aware of the bit role he played in the critically-acclaimed film Girl with a Pearl Earring at the beginning of his career. His character was the butcher’s son, whom the main heroine, played by Scarlett Johansson, often visited.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

Everyone loves Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch. But few remember the role he played in The Other Boleyn Girl—a historical drama about Henry VIII of England—alongside Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson. In the movie, he plays Mary Boleyn’s husband, who had to take a step back when the king showed interest in his spouse.

Jessica Alba in The Secret World of Alex Mack (1994–1998)

Those who grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s will remember this legendary TV series that kept them glued to the screen during their school years. The Secret World of Alex Mack was about a girl who, by chance, acquires supernatural powers that allow her to shift her shape, move objects with her mind, and zap people with small electrical charges. She is forced to hide her abilities from her parents and classmates, one of whom is her nemesis, played by a young Jessica Alba.

Carrie-Anne Moss in Baywatch (1989–2001)

Many remember Carrie-Anne Moss as short-haired, latex suit-wearing Trinity from The Matrix. However, you can see her looking completely different in Baywatch, where she flaunted a stunning pink swimsuit in the fourth season and was all about romance.

Elle Fanning in House M.D. (2004–2012)

At 22, Elle Fanning managed to become a top-tier actress by playing leading roles in Maleficent, A Rainy Day in New York, The Neon Demon, and The Great. But you can also see her as the young daughter of one of the arrogant doctor’s patients in the second season of House M.D.

Which of these bit roles of famous actors surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments below.