15 Early Roles of Famous Actors That Come as a Surprise

No one can magically acquire the status of an international movie star overnight. Actors have to go through many roles on their way to fame and recognition. If you study the filmography of some famous actors and actresses, you can find movies that you’d never expect to see them in.

At Bright Side, we decided to recall the early roles of certain movie stars, where you can see them in an unexpected light.

Nicole Kidman

Actress Nicole Kidman received an “introducing” credit in the adventure movie, Bush Christmas. Kidman was just 16 years old then. Who would’ve guessed that this girl with curly hair would become one of the brightest Hollywood stars?

Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman is loved by audiences for his parts in Die Hard, Sense and Sensibility, and the Harry Potter movies. But his first role was as Tybalt in the screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Naomi Watts

The leading star of Mulholland Drive, The Painted Veil, and King Kong began her career with supporting roles. In the romantic drama, Flirting, she appeared in the role of a shy student.

Keanu Reeves

Dangerous Liaisons (1988), which is a screen adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s novel, had a wonderful cast of many famous actors. Keanu Reeves was among them, and he played a music teacher who was in love with the heroine, played by Uma Thurman.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Long before the actress played her star role of the young writer, Carrie Bradshaw, in Sex and the City, she managed to play a wide range of different characters. For example, Parker played a schoolgirl in Girls Just Want to Have Fun, whose father forbade her to dance.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser became a household name all over the world thanks to the film, The Mummy, and viewers remembered him as a courageous captain who saved the world. However, we can also see Fraser in the movie, Airheads, where he played the equally memorable character of a long-haired rocker who got into trouble.

Keira Knightley

We’ve gotten used to the idea that Keira Knightley is brilliant in the roles of ladies from past centuries, but it wasn’t always like this. In the teen comedy, Bend It Like Beckham, for example, she played a young soccer player who was the main character’s friend.

Tom Hardy

Very few people remember Tom Hardy appearing in a small part in the famous movie, Marie Antoinette, starring Kirsten Dunst. His character’s name was Raumont.

Lisa Kudrow

Many people know Lisa Kudrow for her famous role of Phoebe Buffay in the Friends TV series. But you can see her in a very different light when she played the role of a strict lady in The Opposite of Sex (1997).

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie has played many bright characters during her acting career, and almost all of them underlined her femininity and beauty. But her part of a young, edgy hacker in Hackers deserves special attention.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey is known by many as a comedian. But at one time, he played a young vampire in a fantasy comedy, Once Bitten.

Josh Hartnett

You can see young Josh Hartnett with a very unusual haircut in the famous film, The Virgin Suicides. He played the part of a popular high school student and the romantic interest of the main character.

Antonio Banderas

We’ve gotten used to the idea that Antonio Banderas is one of the main heartbreakers of the movie world. But in the movie, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, we can see him in a very different light as a regular guy.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers

At the beginning of his acting career, Jonathan Rhys Meyers played the part of a glam rocker from the ’70s in Velvet Goldmine. His character was partially based on David Bowie, but the singer didn’t allow them to use his name. Therefore, the script was changed but some semblance remained.

Cillian Murphy

In the iconic movie, Cold Mountain, you can see Cillian Murphy in a bit part. It was his first work in Hollywood. His character’s name was Bardolph.

Which movies from this list did you watch? Tell us in the comments below.

Angelina Jolie’s philanthropic efforts are a testament to her heart of gold. From adopting children and supporting refugees to fighting poverty and preserving nature, she has used her platform to make a significant difference in the world. Her dedication to women’s rights, health awareness, and disaster relief further underscores her commitment to humanitarian causes.