Do You Know Where These Celebs Got Their Start?
- by Sosa Manuel
- – on
- in Entertainment
We often forget that celebrities are just regular people. Deep down, there's nothing different about them when compared to the regular people who have regular jobs. But once upon a time, these celebrities were just regular people too! They had jobs, they struggled financially, and they dreamed of making it big just like many of us do today. But for these people, that dream became a reality, and today they're pretty far removed from the rest of society. But just what does it take to propel one's self into the coveted lands of stardom?
You might be surprised when you learn how some of these celebrities got their big break. Some of them started in completely different areas than they would eventually end up in. You might have seen a celebrity make their first venturing steps into the spotlight, and had no idea just how big they would one day become. But that's the nature of show business - it never fails to surprise us. Hopefully, you already know how all the major celebrities got their first big breaks, because that's exactly what this quiz is all about... How well will you do?
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood today, and it was recently revealed that she's one of the highest paid actresses alive. Not bad for someone who was told that she'd never make it in show business at a young age. I guess she proved them wrong. She's now been cast in some of the biggest films ever, like Hunger Games and the X-Men series. But you won't believe where she got her start. Can you guess?
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal is another very established actor in Hollywood today. He's been in pretty much everything, and he's been acting for a long time. Recently he's best known for his roles in movies like Nightcrawler and Prince of Persia. He's been able to show an impressive range of roles that he can play, and is sure to continue to act at the highest levels for many more years to come, probably for the rest of his life. But where did he get his start?
Britney Spears
Everybody loves Britney. She's been in the spotlight from a very young age, and she was actually in the same group of kids that went on to be major stars. In this group, she showcased her ability to sing, dance, and charm the audience. Maybe being in the spotlight for so many years wasn't a great thing for her, as she famously went off the rails midway through her career. But she's now reemerged as being successful once again. Where did she get her start?
Jason Statham
Jason Statham is another actor that needs no introduction. This actor has established himself as a favorite for directors who need a no nonsense action hero. He's played the grizzled hero so many times. In fact, I don't think he's in any movies where he's not the hero. Still, he's probably not complaining about being typecasted, seeing as how successful these roles have made him. He's best known for the Transporter franchise, among many others. But how did he get his start?
Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake is another name virtually everyone is familiar with. This guy has made it huge in the film industry and the music industry, which is no easy feat. He's been under the spotlight since an extremely young age, and everyone knew from the beginning that this kid had talent and was going to be huge. He is famous for his role in the boy band NSYNC, which was one of the most popular bands of all time. But where did he first appear?
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio has emerged as a favorite among many people. He's another hugely successful actor today, and frequently gets cast as the lead in some of the most impressive films of our generation. His greatest films are almost too many to list. Recently, he did an amazing job in Wolf Of Wall Street, but he's also going to be remembered for him role in Catch Me If You Can, Shutter Island, and Gangs Of New York. But how did he get his start?
Johnny Knoxville
Johnny Knoxville is another name we're all pretty familiar with, and he was pretty huge back in the day. Today, however, we haven't heard much from him, and people are starting to wonder what's going on with him. The truth is that he's just happy to have a loving family, and is focusing on spending time with his wife and kids. He's also suffered some pretty serious injuries in his line of work. But where did this man get his start?
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is undoubtedly one of the most talented actresses alive. She's made a name for herself in a wide variety of different roles, ever since she was a very young girl. She actually holds dual Israeli-American citizenship. She's appeared in mainstream movies such as the Star Wars series, as well as more artsy movies like Black Swan, a role which famously involved lesbian love scenes with Mila Kunis. She's had a long and impressive career, but how did she get her start?
Julianne Hough
Julianne Hough is fast becoming an incredibly well known name in Hollywood and the entire entertainment industry. There aren't many people who don't admire this female celebrity, and it's easy to see why she's so widely loved. First of all, she's stunningly attractive. She also has an incredible body. Nowadays, she's most known for her acting roles in all kinds of amazing projects. But she's come a long way from how she first got started. What was this thing that got her started?
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling is one actor who has rightfully earned his way to the very top of the acting and entertainment world. Not many people know how this star got his first big break, but today it doesn't really matter. He's been in amazing movies like Drive and The Nice Guys, working with some amazing directors in the process. Now he's slated to play the leading role in the upcoming reboot of the classic film Blade Runner. But do you know how he got his start?
Heather Morris
Heather Morris is another star that most people will be able to recognize without much difficulty. Although she might not be as established as some of the other celebrities on this list, she has every shred of potential needed to reach their level some day. She is best known for her role on the television show Glee, where she put her acting, singing and dancing abilities to good use, proving that she's a "triple threat." But how did she get her start?
Jack Gleeson
This actor is another face that will be easy for many of you to recognize, especially if you're a Game Of Thrones fan. This actor of course played the role of King Joffrey. This role got him a lot of hate from fans - but in a good way. He showed that he is incredibly talented at playing the villain, and he even earned compliments from the novelist who wrote the Game Of Thrones books. But how did this actor get his start?
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp is perhaps one of the most successful actors in history. Following his split with his wife, Amber Heard, he's been shrouded in controversy. Luckily for him, he can forget all about his personal problems when he gets deep into his own characters which are by his own description usually "larger than life." I suppose that's one of the most wonderful things about being an actor. He's been acting for a long time, too. But how did he get his start?
Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera is another massive celebrity who everyone will recognize. Although she's not as big now as she once was, she was a major hit back in the day. So many of her records went platinum, and she can look back on her career in a fiercely competitive music industry with pride. She's another star that was under the spotlight from a very young age. She handled her rise to fame pretty well. But do you remember how this star got her start?
Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson is one actor that needs no introduction. He's been one of the greats in acting for decades now, and he continues to lend his hand to many more films to this day. His stroke of genius is often the defining factor in what makes a movie truly brilliant. For someone of his age, it should come as no surprise that he has been in the acting game for many years now. But how did Jack Nicholson get his start?
Cameron Diaz
Another amazingly beautiful celebrity is Cameron Diaz. Although she's getting older nowadays, she was quite the looker in her prime. She still is incredibly beautiful. Her first real breakout role was as the romantic interest in the Jim Carrey Comedy, The Mask. She wowed so many people with her good looks that it assured her a place in the film industry for many years. She's not a bad actor either. But do you know how this actress first got on people's radar?
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston is another amazing actress that pretty much everyone recognizes. It used to be that she was best-known for her role as Rachel in Friends, and perhaps she still is. But there's no denying that she's been successful in reinventing herself after the famous sitcom, and is probably the most successful of all the lead actors in that show to this date. A lot of people really enjoyed her performance in Horrible Bosses. But how did this actress get her start?
Robbie Coultrane
If you don't recognize this guy's face without a beard, don't worry - you're not alone. If you look really hard at this guy, you'll recognize him as Hagrid from the Harry Potter series. But truth be told, many people knew him as a fine actor well before this movie series came out. He's a Scottish actor of considerable renown, and has been acting for many, many years. But do you know when Robbie Coultrane got his start in the acting world?
Aaron Paul
Aaron Paul has become a super popular actor over the recent years. This is one actor that seemed to pop up out of nowhere, but if you actually look at his filmography, he's been getting decent roles for many years. His most famous role, of course, is as the supporting lead in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad. But nowadays, Aaron is branching out into films and has been cast as the leading male a few times. But how did he get his start?
Elijah Wood
Elijah Wood is another immensely successful actor who has been in just about everything. His talent is unquestionable, and he's been honing his craft in the acting game for a considerably long time now. He gained worldwide fame and acclaim for his role in Lord Of The Rings, which must have been an incredible experience for the young actor. But he's also appeared in vastly different roles, like his appearance as a killer in Sin City. But do you know how he got his start?
Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Tarantino has gone as one of the most defining filmmakers of your time. But it may interest you to know that before he was a director, he was an actor. Many of you probably already know this fact, which might make this question a little easier. He was involved in some pretty obscure things at the start of his acting career, I'll just leave it at that. But do you know how this force of Hollywood got his start?
Anna Nicole Smith
Another celebrity that a lot of you might remember is Anna Nicole Smith. She was one of the first celebrities that was "famous for being famous." She had no real talent of her own, and was essentially the Kim Kardashian of her era. She unfortunately died of an overdose in 2007, a death that has been presumed to be a suicide. One thing she did have going for her were her amazing good looks.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves is another major force in Hollywood. He's established himself as one of Hollywood's favorite leading men. He's appeared in so many amazing films, often as the lead. Who can forget his role as Neo in The Matrix series? He's also equally as famous for his earlier roles in movies like Point Break. Did you know that he originally wanted to play hockey professionally? Good thing he switched to acting! So do you know how this actor got his start?
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Philip Seymour Hoffman will be missed. He was undoubtedly one of the best actors of our generation, and he proved this on a regular basis with his heartfelt performances. He is another name added to the long list of famous celebrities we have lost within the last few years. He's famous for playing the eternal outsider or the eccentric, something he did very well in The Talented Mr. Ripley. But do you know how this well-respected actor got his start?
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson is another actor who has successfully risen to the very top of his industry. He always brings so much to the table with his acting, and he has an incredible presence on screen. He has been in some amazing films, from Pulp Fiction to his current role as Nick Fury in the Marvel universe. Let's hope he continues to play more amazing roles for the foreseeable future. But do you know how this actor got his start?
James Franco
James Franco is another huge name in the film industry today. He's known for his incredible range, and even teaches acting in his spare time. He's also known for being incredibly industrious, and it's said that he only sleeps about 4 hours every night. Most of his time is devoted to acting or writing scripts. Most people noticed him when he landed a role in Spider-Man, but he's done many other projects since then, such as Pineapple Express and The Interview. But where did he get his start?
Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Nimoy is another actor who needs no introduction. Part of the tragedy about this man is that when people see him, they just see Spock. This was such a bad case of typescasting that Leonard Nimoy struggled to find work after Star Trek, despite him being such a powerful and talented actor. He even wrote a few biographies that largely explained the struggles with him and the character of Spock. But do you know how this actor first got his start?
Mila Kunis
Most people are in love with Mila Kunis. And who can blame them? This woman is not only incredibly talented, she's also very beautiful. She has been in so many interesting movies and television shows, and people first started to notice her when she starred on the hit sitcom, That 70's Show. Since then, she has advanced to appear in many other projects, like 2015's Jupiter Ascending. But do you know how this amazing actress first for her start in show business?
Denzel Washington
Of all the actors on this list, Denzel Washington is perhaps one of the most talented. His presence on screen is incredible, and it's hard to look away from him. He has an incredibly intense method of acting, and it's really entertaining. This actor has appeared in all kinds of movies. The great thing about Washington is that he has amazing range, as he's shown in the difference between his roles in movies like Training Day and Man On Fire. But how did he get his start?
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is another actor who has enjoyed immense success in our generation. This actor has been in countless amazing films, often acting as the lead. Examples of his best work include Fight Club, Troy, and Snatch. Nowadays, he's getting a bit older and so he's started to be seen less and less, but he's keeping busy. He started his own production company called Plan B films, and he's created some amazing films through this company. But how did he get his start?
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. is another actor who's emerged on the very top of the entertainment industry. He famously had a very well-publicized battle with addiction, but made a huge change in his life and is now incredibly focused on his acting career. He initially showed incredible promise with his earlier work as a young man, but then took a very long hiatus from acting while he struggled with acting. Today, he's best known for his role as Iron Man. But how did he get his start?
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron is another massively successful actress on this quiz. Many of you will no doubt recognize her from her many successful roles on the big screen. Most recently, she played the role of Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road. She was actually born in South Africa, and her first language is Afrikaans. She moved to America in her twenties, and still has her South African citizenship today. But do you know how this amazing actress got her start in show business?
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Jonahsson is another wonderful female actress who has enjoyed immense success since breaking out into the mainstream of Hollywood. She's known for her jaw-dropping beauty and entrancing acting skills, and she's appeared in some really mind-blowing films over the years. These range from films like Lost In Translation to more mainstream movies like The Avengers. She's been acting for quite some time, and now she's considered one of the most sexy women alive, if not the sexiest. But how did she get her start?
Angelina Jolie
This list wouldn't be complete without the addition of an actress like Angelina Jolie. Some say she's the highest paid female actress alive today, and it wouldn't be surprising if that were true. Although she's getting older nowadays, she has appeared in some stunning movies. Older classics like Hackers showed her amazing acting skills and her beauty, and it was only a matter of time before she headlined movies like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. But how did this amazing actress get her start?
Tom Hanks
Hollywood just wouldn't be the same without Tom Hanks. He's brought so much to the entertainment industry, whether he's directing or acting in movies. He's done amazing things in front of camera, starring in the iconic movie Forest Gump as the lead character. He's also brought his interest in World War 2 to life with his excellent war film, Saving Private Ryan. Nowadays, he's continuing to both make and star in films, and we hope it continues for many years. But how did he get his start?
Robert De Niro
Another actor who made a real impact on the entertainment industry was Robert De Niro. This actor is famous for his incredible commitment to his roles, and he is widely considered one of the greatest actors of all time. He has amazing range, and has appeared in Gangster movies, Boxing movies, and movies where he plays a deranged criminal. Perhaps one of his most iconic roles was in the Gangster movie Goodfellas. But how did he get his start in show business?
Matt Damon
Matt Damon is another actor who has clawed his way rightfully to the very top of the entertainment world. He's one of those guys who wouldn't take no for an answer. When Hollywood wasn't casting him, he co wrote Good Will Hunting, casting himself in the lead role. It was a massive hit. Since then, he's appeared in amazing films like The Talented Mr. Ripley, Martian, and so many other incredible films. But do you know how this star got his start?
Al Pacino
Al Pacino is another actor who has certainly left his mark on the entertainment industry. He gets really deep into his roles, just like all brilliant actors. One of his most memorable parts was the 80's classic, Scarface. That's what many people will remember him for, although he was also incredible in The Godfather. Even though he's 74 years old, he's still working as an actor and waiting for that next great role. But what was this actor's FIRST role in?
Christian Bale
Christian Bale is another very talented actor that I'm sure a lot of people will be eager to learn more about. If you don't know where this actor got his start, you're about to find out. This actor has established himself as one of the most talented alive, and that reputation is well-deserved. He's appeared in all kinds of movies, from the Batman series to more political movies like The Big Short. But do you know how this amazing actor got his start?
Will Smith
Will Smith is another actor that pretty much everyone is familiar with. He won his way into the hearts of many fans with his appearance in "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," where he actually played himself. Since then, he has appeared in countless movies, such as Hancock, The Pursuit of Happiness, and so many other amazing films. Now his son, Jayden, is following in his father's footsteps and becoming an actor himself. But how did this amazing actor get his start?
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts is one actress who everyone can't help but loving. It probably has something to do with her huge smile, which pretty much defines the word "charming." But she's far from just a pretty face. This woman has had roles in some of the biggest movies ever, such as "Pretty Woman." She also hilariously played herself in Ocean's Twelve. The script was actually reworked when it was discovered that Julia Roberts was pregnant. But how did she get her start?
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman is another actress who's really established herself as one of the most sought after talents in Hollywood today. This actress has been involved in some amazing films. Eyes Wide Shut was as controversial as it was interesting, and Nicole Kidman played a major part in making it so unique. She's also acted in many other projects, and right now she's most well-known for her role in the HBO miniseries "Big Little Lies." But how did she get her start?
Amy Adams
Amy Adams is another amazing actress, and she has the honor of being one of the highest-paid actresses in the world. That pay is well-earned, as she has won countless awards, including two Golden Globe awards and was nominated for five Academy Awards. She's famous for her breakout role in Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can, starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. More recently, she starred as Lois Lane in Man Of Steel. But how did this talented actress get her start?
Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock is another favorite for movie lovers everywhere. She's been on the top of her game so long that it's almost inconceivable that one day she was just a regular person like you or I. She's most famous for her roles in movies like Miss Congeniality, and also as a voice actor in Minions. But she also got a lot of people talking when she starred alongside George Clooney in the the movie set in the Earth's orbit, called Gravity. But how did she get her start?
Kate Winslet
Another unbelievably talented actress is Kate Winslet. She's a favorite among both regular fans and other actors, as both sets of people recognize her incredible talent. And she has the awards to back up her reputation. She was the proud recipient of an Academy Award and four Golden Globes, to name but a few of her awards. She's most famous for her roles in movies like Sense And Sensibility and Titanic. But do you know how this amazing actress got her start?
Cate Blanchett
This actress is as impressive as she is popular. She's the recipient of two Academy Awards and Three Golden Globes, and she really deserves them. Throughout her career, she's shown herself to be capable of an impressive range, from Lord Of The Rings to her role in The Talented Mr. Ripley. These days, she's getting ready for a huge role - the first female evil character in a Marvel movie ever, in Thor: Ragnarok. But how did she get her start?
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Everyone knows and love Joseph Gordon-Lewitt. Often his name is simply abbreviated as "JGL." He's appeared in countless films, television shows, and other projects during his long career, and you really get the feeling that this actor is just getting started. He rose to fame with his role as an alien in 3rd Rock From The Sun, but he's since appeared in many other films, including some of the newest Batman films. But how did this actor get his start?
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford is not only one of the most popular actors in the world, but he's also one of the most financially successful. For a spell, Harrison Ford was in pretty much everything. He made such a huge impact on some of the films he was in that he still gets called back to play those roles again in the rebooted versions of movies like Star Wars and Blade Runner, even after all those years. But how did this actor get his start?
Stephan Graham
Stephen Graham might be one of the least-known actors on this list, but he's quickly rising to fame. You might recognize him from his work on the hit television show Boardwalk Empire, in which he played the legendary gangster, Al Capone. More recently, he's enjoyed a recurring character in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise of movies. Things will only get better for this actor, and he always brings his A game to his projects. But how did he get his start?
Crispin Glover
For those of you who don't know, Crispin Glover is by far one of the greatest actors of our generation. He has such a unique style of acting, it's really hard to put your finger on what he's doing that makes him so entertaining. But whatever it is, it's working. This actor is probably most famous for his role in Back To The Future, but he's also appeared in movies like River's Edge, Charlie's Angels, and more recently Alice In Wonderland. But how did he get his start?