Every celebrity has their first role — but not everyone can start off in a major blockbuster. Some of Hollywood’s finest got their humble beginnings in small indie films, low-budget gems, or even 15-second screen appearances before they were strutting the red carpet.
From tiny debuts to cult hits, here are 13 stars who started out in way smaller roles than you’d expect.
1.
Before Call Me by Your Name and Dune fame, Timothée Chalamet made his film debut in Jason Reitman’s Men, Women & Children (2014). The film explored how the internet was reshaping modern relationships. While Chalamet’s role was very minor, it helped him land the massive projects we now know and love him for. Plus, when Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) audiences saw him in 2017, we were already predicting big things. We’ve been Timmy stans since day one!
2.
Florence Pugh’s very first film role was in the British indie named The Falling (2014), where she starred alongside Games of Thrones’ Maisie Williams. Although her character had a very quick demise (sorry for the spoiler), it was the spark of a very promising career. Just two years later, she wowed critics in Lady Macbeth, and the rest is history.
3.
Way before School of Rock or even A Minecraft Movie fame, Jack Black had his first movie role in the political mockumentary Bob Roberts (1992). Instead of his typical chaotic energy, he played a very serious political supporter…Watching him this calm feels like a prank. While he continued to act for about a decade, it wasn’t until his 2003 role in School of Rock that cemented his icon status forever.
4.
Before The Hunger Games made her a household name, Jennifer Lawrence made her film debut in Jason Freeland’s Garden Party (2008). This tiny indie drama about troubled teenagers and drug use didn’t exactly make waves, but it was the start of something big for Lawrence. Just two years later, she blew critics away with Winter’s Bone, earning herself an Oscar nomination at only 20 years old.
5.
At just 11 years old, Kristen Stewart had her very first film role in The Safety of Objects (2001), an indie drama about suburban families effected by a car crash. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the movie fell under the radar after its release around September 11th. But it gave Stewart her first taste of Hollywood, paving the way for her iconic roles in Twilight and beyond.
6.
Before Fruitvale Station and Black Panther, Michael B. Jordan made his film debut in James Toback’s Black and White (1999), a film about white teens immersing themselves in Harlem’s hip-hop scene. His part was veryyyyy small (so much so that I couldn’t find a single photo of him in it), but it set him on the path to Hardball and standout TV roles on The Wire and Friday Night Lights.
7.
Renée Zellweger’s very first film role was in the TV movie A Taste for Killing (1992), starring alongside Michael Biehn, Jason Bateman, and Henry Thomas. She played a very minor role, but it gave viewers a first peek at a future Oscar winner. Just 4 years later, she stole the spotlight in Jerry Maguire, and the rest is history.
8.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s first on-screen role came in City Slickers (1991), where he played Billy Crystal’s son at just 11 years old! About a decade later, he led Donnie Darko, becoming one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. He’s really played the long game with his career!
9.
Anna Kendrick’s very first film role was in the indie musical Camp (2003). Premiering at Sundance and quickly becoming a cult favourite amongst theatre fans, Kendrick was set on the path to a shining career. About 6 years later, she was nominated for an Oscar from her role in Up in the Air!
10.
Before his iconic role in Get Out, Daniel Kaluuya made his feature film debut in a BBC drama called Shoot The Messenger (2006). Shortly after, he landed a spot on the cult-favourite series Skins, where he not only acted, but also wrote two of the episodes! From there, he quickly rose in the UK theatre and TV scene, eventually leading to his Oscar-winning performance in Judas and the Black Messiah.
11.
Saoirse Ronan’s very first film was in the small rom-com I Could Never Be Your Woman (2007), starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Paul Rudd. While the movie itself fell under the radar, Ronan’s career skyrocketed almost immediately after with her role in Atonement, which earned her an Oscar nomination at just 13 years old.
12.
Jessica Chastain’s first film role was in the indie Jolene (2008), where she played a teenage orphan navigating love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), this marked the beginning of a rising career. Just three years later, she dominated the awards seasons from her role in The Help.
13.
Before his roles in Juno and Inception, Elliot Page’s film debut was in the Canadian indie Marion Bridge (2002). The drama premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it earned the Best Canadian First Feature award. The film never saw a U.S. theatrical release, but it quietly set the stage for Page’s blossoming career. A few years later, he broke out into the scene with his role in the psychological thriller Hard Candy.
Even the biggest stars had to start somewhere…These humble beginnings prove that every indie role, tiny part, or low-budget debut can lead to superstardom. As many people say: “It takes 10 years to become an overnight success.”
Which of these celeb’s first movies surprised you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you have any other surprising first roles we missed, let us know!
