What 15 Stars Looked Like the Year They Became Famous

These stars started their own path to Hollywood with a suitcase full of dreams and a dose of talent. Before succeeding and being known worldwide, they all started from the bottom. Going through small roles on television until getting their chance to shine on the big screen, there is a key moment that catapulted these stars to the top.

We at Bright Side want to take you into the Hollywood time machine to see what some of our favorite stars looked like around the time of their first big break. Take this nostalgic journey with us and discover the roles that led them to have the recognizable names we know today.

1. Leonardo DiCaprio

Before melting our hearts in Titanic, Leonardo DiCaprio began his acting career at a very young age by making cameo appearances on television shows. But it wasn’t until the movie, This Boy’s Life, that, along with his co-star Robert De Niro, he showed he had what it takes to become a great actor.

2. Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp’s iconic rockstar style is no accident. He came to Hollywood to be a rock musician, but it was Nicolas Cage who changed his mind to become an actor. It was in 1984 when Depp made his debut in the movie, A Nightmare on Elm Street. A few years later, the world would remember his name thanks to Edward Scissorhands.

3. Angelina Jolie

She started acting at a very young age, but it wasn’t until 1999 that Angelina Jolie would make a name for herself in the industry forever. Her performance in the movie, Girl, Interrupted, resulted in an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

4. Zoë Kravitz

For Zoë Kravitz, becoming an actress was a long-time goal. At the age of 15, she made her debut in the movie, No Reservations, playing a babysitter. 15 years later, she fulfilled her goal of becoming Catwoman in the movie, The Batman.

5. Ryan Reynolds

One of the performances Ryan Reynolds is likely most remembered for is his leading role in Deadpool. But he first turned heads in 1993 when he made his acting debut at the age of 13 in the movie, Ordinary Magic.

6. Natalie Portman

At the age of 11, Natalie Portman was discovered by a Revlon cosmetics representative, who encouraged her to pursue a modeling career. However, deep inside she wanted to become an actress. And in 1994 she made her big debut in the movie, Leon: The Professional, in which she caught the attention of all of Hollywood.

7. Julie Andrews

Her unique voice transcends over time in 2 of Hollywood’s most memorable films. Julie Andrews made her way into the film industry thanks to her leading role in Mary Poppins. Her stunning portrayal of the magical nanny won her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

8. Tom Hanks

The Academy Award-winning actor began his career with several small roles on television shows and a few supporting roles in movies. But it was his starring role in the movie, Splash, where he played a man who falls in love with a mermaid, that gave him his first big break in Hollywood.

9. Emma Stone

Emma Stone began to work her way up in her acting career by making appearances on various hit TV shows. In 2007 she leaped onto the big screen with the movie, Superbad, a comedic film in which she made her first hit with a strong critical response.

10. Amy Adams

With dreams of pursuing a career in musical theater, Amy Adams began working as a dancer in several different theaters. But it was in 1999 that the comedy film, Drop Dead Gorgeous, changed the game for her. Immediately after that, Adams found her film role to be an opportunity to further her screen career.

11. Meryl Streep

Regarded as one of the greatest actresses around, Meryl Streep began her career in the late 1960s, appearing on stage in various Broadway productions. Her first big break in Hollywood was in 1978, when she appeared in the movie, The Deer Hunter. The role earned the actress her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

12. Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt grew up with a special love for movies. Although at one point in his life he aspired to be an advertising art director, his life took a different path. In 1989, he made his big-screen debut in the horror film, Cutting Class, which brought him into the Hollywood spotlight.

13. Keanu Reeves

Before starring in The Matrix, Keanu Reeves first got attention for his roles in teen movies. In 1986, he gained the eye of Hollywood thanks to his performance in the movie, River’s Edge.

14. Salma Hayek

Born in Mexico, Salma Hayek moved to Los Angeles, determined to become a Hollywood actress. In 1995, she landed a role alongside Antonio Banderas in the movie, Desperado. This role gave her the opportunity to shine in the industry, and the rest is history.

15. Robert Downey Jr.

The actor, best known for his role as Ironman, made several movie appearances in the early 1980s. But it wasn’t until 1987 that Robert Downey Jr. had his first big-screen starring role in the romantic comedy, The Pick-Up Artist.

Which of these movie stars is your favorite and why? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Angelina Jolie’s style has also been a topic of interest. Known for her timeless elegance, she often opts for nude pumps, pastel colors, and power dressing. Her makeup and jewelry choices further accentuate her features, making her a style icon for many.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s journey from being labeled “too disruptive” early in his career to becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors is a testament to his resilience. Despite facing numerous rejections, DiCaprio’s determination and mindset have made him a symbol of strength and success, both on and off the screen.