Ever wonder where your favorite stars began? It wasn’t always glitz, glam, and multimillion-dollar blockbusters. In fact, many household names started out in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it roles or quirky side gigs that barely hinted at their future fame. Let’s rewind the clock and uncover the surprising early acting credits that launched these Hollywood icons.

Anya Taylor-Joy — ‘Atlantis’ (2013–2015)

Before she stunned the world in The Queen’s Gambit, Anya Taylor-Joy dipped her toes into television in a small role on the fantasy series Atlantis. Although her screen time was brief, her piercing presence was already undeniable. It’s one of those blink-and-you-miss-it cameos that aged like fine wine.

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Jenna Ortega — ‘CSI: NY’ (2004–2013)

Yes, Wednesday Addams herself once roamed the gritty halls of a crime procedural. Long before taking over Netflix with her eerie stare, Jenna Ortega appeared in CSI: NY, playing a minor role. She might’ve had only a few lines, but even then, her star power sparked.

Cameron Monaghan — ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ (2000–2006)

Before he was known for playing twisted characters on Shameless and Gotham, Cameron Monaghan showed up in Malcolm in the Middle. It was a brief appearance, but it put him on casting radars. Who knew that goofy sitcom role would lead to some of TV’s darkest villains?

Olivia Cooke — ‘The Secret of Crickley Hall’ (2012)

Before landing major roles in House of the Dragon and Ready Player One, Olivia Cooke played a haunting part in this BBC mini-series. The eerie atmosphere may have foreshadowed her knack for emotionally intense, grounded performances.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson — ‘Kick-Ass’ (2010)

This one’s a little more well-known, but Kick-Ass marked a breakthrough for Aaron. Playing a geeky kid-turned-hero, he proved he could carry action, heart, and humor all at once. That performance opened doors to blockbuster roles, including the Marvel universe.

Zoey Deutch — ‘The Suite Life on Deck’ (2008–2011)

Before dominating rom-coms and dramas, Zoey Deutch stepped onto the Disney Channel scene in The Suite Life on Deck. She brought sass and spark to the ship, and it was clear even then that she was destined for more than a one-episode arc.

Video: The Suite Life on Deck ⚓️ First Full Episode | S1 E1 | The Suite Life Sets Sail

Timothée Chalamet — ‘Sweet Tooth’ (2008)

Not the Netflix fantasy show — we’re talking about a little-known short film that gave Timmy his first on-camera moment. Long before he rocked Call Me By Your Name, he played a curious young kid in Sweet Tooth. Talk about a sweet start.

Danielle Campbell — ‘The Poker House’ (2008)

Before becoming a teen favorite in The Originals, Danielle appeared in The Poker House, a gritty indie film starring Jennifer Lawrence. Sharing the screen with such a powerhouse must’ve been intimidating, but Danielle held her own.

Florence Pugh — ‘The Falling’ (2014)

It’s hard to imagine Florence Pugh as anything but a leading lady, but her screen debut came in The Falling, a moody British film. Her performance hinted at the gravitas she would later bring to award-winning roles. Even back then, her talent was magnetic.

Brendan Fraser — ‘Airheads’ (1994)

Before the mummy-chasing days and recent critical resurgence, Brendan Fraser embraced the absurd as a wannabe rockstar in Airheads. The film didn’t shake up Hollywood, but Fraser’s comedic chops and charisma were undeniable — and unforgettable.

Sydney Sweeney — ‘Criminal Minds’ (2005–Present)

Today, Sydney Sweeney is known for Euphoria and The White Lotus, but she got one of her earliest gigs on Criminal Minds. Playing a vulnerable character in an intense episode, she showed a level of emotional range far beyond her age.

Mackenzie Foy — ‘Til Death’ (2006–2010)

Before shining in The Twilight Saga and Interstellar, Mackenzie had a stint on the sitcom ‘Til Death. Her youthful charm and quiet confidence made her stand out, even among seasoned comedians.

Video: Til Death – Mackenzie Foy

Pedro Pascal — ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

The Mandalorian and Last of Us star once walked the high school halls of Buffy. Yep, Pedro Pascal had a small but memorable part on the cult-favorite show, playing a student who met an unfortunate fate. His brief role still gets fans buzzing.

Kaya Scodelario — ‘Skins’ (2007–2013)

British teen drama Skins was Kaya’s launchpad. Her role as Effy — brooding, silent, complex — was a standout. The series gave her room to flex her dramatic muscles and build a cult following that translated to global fame.

Logan Lerman — ‘The Patriot’ (2000)

Before becoming Percy Jackson or starring in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Logan Lerman was just a kid in a historical war film. Sharing the screen with Mel Gibson in The Patriot gave him his first taste of big-budget Hollywood.

Anne Hathaway — ‘The Princess Diaries’ (2001)

Who could forget Anne’s awkward, frizzy-haired royal transformation? The Princess Diaries wasn’t just a debut — it was a sensation. But it was also the beginning of one of the most elegant career trajectories in Hollywood.

Emma Roberts — ‘Blow’ (2001)

Years before American Horror Story and Scream Queens, Emma Roberts made her big-screen debut playing a young version of Johnny Depp’s daughter in Blow. Small role, big movie, and a big break for a future scream queen.

Video: Emma Roberts | Blow All Scenes

Why These Humble Roles Matter

These modest beginnings aren’t just trivia—they’re proof that success in Hollywood rarely comes overnight. Some of these stars had only seconds of screen time, but they made it count. Their early jobs might have flown under the radar, but they were key stepping stones in building a legacy.

From Background to Spotlight

What’s inspiring is the consistency: hard work, growth, and taking every opportunity seriously. Whether it was one line on a procedural or a role in a student film, these actors gave it their all. That attitude — more than fame or followers — is what fuels long-lasting success.

The next time you’re watching reruns or indie flicks, keep an eye out — you just might spot a future star in the background. Every Oscar winner, every red carpet favorite, was once just another name on a casting sheet, hoping to be seen.