Everyone sees the glitz and glam now—but behind every movie premiere and Emmy nomination is a humble beginning. It’s easy to forget that even the most iconic celebrities started with minor parts, bit roles, or blink-and-miss cameos. Let’s rewind to when these stars were just getting their foot in the door—and their future was still unwritten.

Anya Taylor-Joy — The Early Fantasy Days in ‘Atlantis’

Before she mesmerized audiences in The Queen’s Gambit, Anya Taylor-Joy made an appearance in the British fantasy drama Atlantis. The role was small, but her unique look and presence already hinted at the star she would become. Even in the background, Anya turned heads.

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Jenna Ortega — Just a Kid on ‘CSI: NY’

Long before Wednesday turned her into a cultural phenomenon, Jenna Ortega had a short appearance on CSI: NY. She played a young girl caught up in a storyline, offering only a few minutes of screen time. Still, her natural ability to convey emotion made an impression that stuck.

Cameron Monaghan — Laughs Before the Drama in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’

It might surprise fans of Shameless and Gotham to know that Cameron Monaghan once graced the comedic chaos of Malcolm in the Middle. The role wasn’t major, but his expressive face and quirky delivery showed early promise.

Olivia Cooke — Haunting Debut in ‘The Secret of Crickley Hall’

Olivia’s haunting role in this 2012 thriller drama was just the beginning of a career built on emotionally intense characters. Before House of the Dragon and major films, she proved she could hold her own in eerie, atmospheric storytelling.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson — Action Hero Origins in ‘Kick-Ass’

While Kick-Ass wasn’t his first screen role, it was his breakout. Aaron brought vulnerability and charm to an awkward teen-turned-superhero, showcasing a depth that would later land him roles in major franchises.

Zoey Deutch — Starting Sweet on ‘The Suite Life on Deck’

Zoey Deutch first charmed audiences aboard Disney Channel’s The Suite Life on Deck. Her guest appearance may have been short-lived, but her comedic timing and likability were crystal clear even back then.

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Timothée Chalamet — Sweet First Steps in ‘Sweet Tooth’

This isn’t the Netflix fantasy series—it’s a little-known short film from 2008. Timothée’s early work in Sweet Tooth featured a curious, wide-eyed kid, foreshadowing the emotional vulnerability he’d later bring to every major role.

Danielle Campbell — Making Her Mark in ‘The Poker House’

Before she enchanted fans in The Originals, Danielle held her own alongside Jennifer Lawrence in the indie drama The Poker House. It was a gritty and real performance for someone so young—and it set the tone for the grounded roles she would later take on.

Florence Pugh — Dark Debut in ‘The Falling’

It’s almost unfair how talented Florence Pugh was from the start. In The Falling, she explored complex emotions with a quiet strength. She wasn’t just acting—she was announcing her arrival to the film world.

Brendan Fraser — Rocking Out in ‘Airheads’

Long before swinging through jungles or making Oscar-winning comebacks, Brendan Fraser played a wannabe rock star in Airheads. It wasn’t a blockbuster hit, but it gave him the space to show his comic flair and charisma.

Sydney Sweeney — Crime Drama Cameo in ‘Criminal Minds’

Before she stunned the world in Euphoria, Sydney Sweeney made her mark in an episode of Criminal Minds. She had a minor but powerful role, already showcasing her ability to dive deep into emotional characters.

Mackenzie Foy — A Sitcom Start in ‘Til Death’

Mackenzie Foy might be remembered for her roles in Twilight and Interstellar, but her acting debut was in the sitcom Til Death. Even as a child actor, her calm confidence stood out.

Video: Til Death – Mackenzie Foy

Pedro Pascal — A Buffy Cameo You Missed

Pedro Pascal had a small part on Buffy the Vampire Slayer—yes, really! He played a brief role as a college student, long before becoming the face of The Mandalorian or surviving apocalypses on HBO.

Kaya Scodelario — Teen Icon Status in ‘Skins’

Kaya exploded onto the scene with her role in Skins, a British teen drama that redefined what youth storytelling could be. As Effy, she was layered, troubled, and unforgettable—a performance that earned her a loyal fanbase.

Logan Lerman — Young Patriot in ‘The Patriot’

Before carrying franchises, Logan Lerman was just a kid in The Patriot, standing beside Mel Gibson in the middle of a revolutionary war. That early taste of epic storytelling paved the way for much bigger things.

Anne Hathaway — Fairy Tale Breakout in ‘The Princess Diaries’

Anne Hathaway’s royal makeover in The Princess Diaries is the kind of debut most actors only dream of. Awkward, lovable, and full of heart—this was her big entrance, and she nailed it.

Emma Roberts — A Blink in ‘Blow’

Emma Roberts got her very first film credit in Blow, playing the daughter of Johnny Depp’s character. Small role, big exposure—and it helped lay the groundwork for her own Hollywood path.

Video: Emma Roberts | Blow All Scenes

Small Roles, Big Dreams

What ties all these stories together? Persistence. None of these early roles guaranteed a future. Most were filmed in obscurity, buried in the credits, or easily forgotten. But behind every “bit part” was an actor betting on themselves and building a career one small step at a time.

The Journey That Matters Most

From walk-on roles to Disney Channel one-liners, each moment mattered. Because in Hollywood, it’s not just about the roles you land—it’s about what you do with them. These actors took even the smallest spotlight and turned it into a beacon.

It’s inspiring to know that even the biggest stars had to hustle, stumble, and work their way up. Their early appearances might have been fleeting, but the ambition was already there. So next time you spot a young face in the background of a rerun, remember—they might just be tomorrow’s leading legend.