We all know the polished versions of today’s biggest actors—the red carpet struts, blockbuster headlines, and late-night interviews. But let’s rewind for a second. Every A-lister started somewhere. And sometimes, that “somewhere” involved low-budget shows, blink-and-you-miss-it appearances, or awkward teen roles that have since been buried beneath fame.

What’s fascinating? These early roles often reveal raw talent long before the world caught on. Curious where your favorite stars got their start? Let’s dive into 17 surprising early gigs that helped shape the icons we know today.

Anya Taylor-Joy — Atlantis (2013–2015)

Before she wowed us in The Queen’s Gambit, Anya Taylor-Joy popped up in the British fantasy drama Atlantis. It wasn’t a major part—but her haunting beauty and magnetic screen presence were already peeking through. Little did anyone know she was just a few years away from international stardom.

Video: Anya Taylor Joy TOTALLY BALD for Atlantis

Jenna Ortega — CSI: NY (2004–2013)

Before she became the dark, witty face of Wednesday, Jenna Ortega appeared in a 2012 episode of CSI: NY. It was a brief role, but her natural on-screen intensity was unmistakable. From crime scenes to gothic boarding schools, she’s come a long way—and fast.

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

Yes, before becoming the unpredictable Ian Gallagher in Shameless or the eerie twin villains in Gotham, Cameron Monaghan had small roles—including one in Malcolm in the Middle. Back then, he was just a freckled-faced kid with sharp comedic timing.

Olivia Cooke — The Secret of Crickley Hall (2012)

You probably recognize Olivia from House of the Dragon, but her first serious acting job was in this creepy BBC mini-series. Even in her early teens, Olivia showed incredible emotional depth and a quiet strength that would later become her trademark.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson — Kick-Ass (2010)

Okay, Kick-Ass isn’t exactly a deep cut—but people forget just how young Aaron Taylor-Johnson was when he took on the role. Long before playing Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron, this fearless teen action star was proving he had the charisma to carry a franchise.

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

Before turning heads in Set It Up and The Politician, Zoey Deutch made her debut as Maya Bennett on the Disney Channel’s The Suite Life on Deck. She was witty, quirky, and already stealing scenes—Disney saw it, and so did we.

Timothée Chalamet — Sweet Tooth (2008)

No, not the Netflix dystopian show. This was a short film by Appendix Productions that featured a very young Timmy, years before Call Me by Your Name made him a household name. Even then, his vulnerability on camera was striking.

Danielle Campbell — The Poker House (2008)

Danielle’s breakthrough came later with The Originals, but she first appeared alongside Jennifer Lawrence in this gritty drama. Her subtle, emotionally grounded performance foreshadowed the star she was becoming.

Video: Danielle Campbell – The Poker House 2008

Florence Pugh — The Falling (2014)

Before Midsommar or Oppenheimer, Florence Pugh made her debut in The Falling, a strange and haunting film about fainting spells in a British girls’ school. It was an eerie, standout role—and she nailed it like a seasoned pro.

Brendan Fraser — Airheads (1994)

Long before The Mummy franchise or his Oscar-winning comeback in The Whale, Brendan Fraser played a lovable, clueless rocker in Airheads. It was wild, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable—just like Fraser himself.

Sydney Sweeney — Criminal Minds (2005–present)

Before becoming the queen of Gen-Z angst in Euphoria and The White Lotus, Sydney had small roles in shows like Criminal Minds. Her screen time may have been short, but the camera couldn’t look away.

Video: Top 20 Stars You Forgot Were on Criminal Minds

Mackenzie Foy — ’Til Death (2006–2010)

Before Interstellar or Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Mackenzie Foy appeared in an episode of the sitcom ’Til Death. Tiny, adorable, and already hitting her marks like a pro, she showed early signs of the serious actress she’d become.

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

The Internet’s favorite dad? Yeah, he once played a college kid who briefly dated Buffy before—well—getting eaten. Classic early 2000s fate. But even in that brief role, Pedro had presence.

Kaya Scodelario — Skins (2007–2013)

Kaya was only 14 when she played Effy in Skins. Moody, mysterious, and dangerously cool, her performance basically launched the whole troubled-teen trope we still see today. And yes, she made it iconic from the start.

Logan Lerman — The Patriot (2000)

Long before becoming Percy Jackson or starring in Hunters, Logan Lerman played one of Mel Gibson’s children in The Patriot. At just 8 years old, he was already handling emotional scenes like a veteran.

Anne Hathaway — The Princess Diaries (2001)

Sure, it was technically a leading role—but this was Anne’s first major film. As Mia Thermopolis, she went from awkward teen to princess—and into global stardom. Her transformation onscreen mirrored her real-life career launch.

Emma Roberts — Blow (2001)

Before Scream Queens or American Horror Story, a 10-year-old Emma Roberts played Johnny Depp’s daughter in the crime drama Blow. Even in this heavy film, she held her own—and clearly had acting in her DNA.

Conclusion: Every Star Has a Starting Line

Hollywood might look like a place of overnight success stories—but the truth? Most actors grind for years before their “big break.” Whether it’s a blink-and-miss role on a procedural drama or a low-budget indie project, those early parts matter. They’re training grounds. They’re auditions for the universe. And they prove that with persistence, passion, and just the right timing, even the smallest roles can lead to superstardom.

So next time you’re watching reruns or flipping through old episodes, keep an eye out. You just might spot the next A-lister hiding in the background.