Every Hollywood star starts somewhere—and it’s not always with blockbuster roles or red carpet fame. Many of today’s biggest names began as child actors, background characters, or teen extras. While those early moments may have flown under the radar, they’re an essential part of each star’s journey.

Let’s take a closer look at what 17 of your favorite celebrities looked like in their very first acting gigs. You might be surprised to see how far they’ve come.

1. Sydney Sweeney – First Role: Criminal Minds (2009)

Before becoming a breakout star in Euphoria and The White Lotus, Sydney Sweeney made her on-screen debut in a 2009 episode of Criminal Minds. At just 12 years old, she played a young girl caught in the center of a disturbing investigation. Her emotional performance hinted at the powerhouse she would become.

Video:

Sydney Sweeney Evolution 2009 – 2024

2. Timothée Chalamet – First Role: Butcher’s Hill (2008)

Long before Dune and Call Me by Your Name, a young Timothée Chalamet starred in a short film called Butcher’s Hill. Although few fans have seen it, the performance captured his early charisma. His youthful intensity was already in place, setting the tone for his dramatic film career.

3. Jenna Ortega – First Role: CSI: NY (2012)

Jenna Ortega may be best known now for her role in Wednesday, but she first appeared on TV in CSI: NY. At just 10 years old, she played Aimee Moore in a single episode. From crime dramas to comedy-horror, her range has only grown with time.

4. Florence Pugh – First Role: The Falling (2014)

Florence Pugh’s acting career kicked off with The Falling, a haunting British drama. Her performance stood out right away, showcasing a magnetic presence even as a newcomer. It’s hard to believe she was just getting started.

Video:

The Falling Trailer

5. Cameron Monaghan – First Role: Malcolm in the Middle (2004)

Best known for his work on Shameless and as Jerome in Gotham, Cameron Monaghan started acting at a young age. One of his earliest roles was on Malcolm in the Middle, where he appeared in a single episode. Even in this minor role, his screen presence was undeniable.

6. Margaret Qualley – First Role: Palo Alto (2013)

Before starring in Maid and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Margaret Qualley made her debut in the indie drama Palo Alto. Though it was a small role, she immediately stood out for her graceful, understated style.

7. AnnaSophia Robb – First Role: Drake & Josh (2004)

AnnaSophia Robb was just a tween when she appeared in an episode of Nickelodeon’s Drake & Josh. Her playful energy caught attention early on. That role helped launch a career that would soon include Bridge to Terabithia and Soul Surfer.

8. Nicola Peltz – First Role: Deck the Halls (2006)

Nicola Peltz had her film debut in the holiday comedy Deck the Halls, playing the daughter of Matthew Broderick’s character. It wasn’t long before she transitioned to more dramatic roles, including Transformers: Age of Extinction and Bates Motel.

9. Emily Ratajkowski – First Role: iCarly (2009)

Years before becoming a fashion icon and actress in films like Gone Girl, Emily Ratajkowski had a minor role on iCarly. Appearing as Gibby’s girlfriend, her comedic timing was on display early—and fans now love looking back at where she started.

10. Zoey Deutch – First Role: The Suite Life on Deck (2010)

Zoey Deutch got her start on Disney Channel’s The Suite Life on Deck, portraying Maya Bennett, Zack’s love interest. She’s come a long way from teen sitcoms, now starring in critically acclaimed films like Buffaloed and Before I Fall.

11. Anya Taylor-Joy – First Role: Atlantis (2015)

Before captivating audiences in The Queen’s Gambit, Anya Taylor-Joy made her screen debut in the British fantasy series Atlantis. Though her role was brief, it marked the beginning of one of the most talked-about careers in recent years.

12. Olivia Cooke – First Role: The Secret of Crickley Hall (2012)

English actress Olivia Cooke began her career in the spooky BBC miniseries The Secret of Crickley Hall. Playing a central role in the eerie storyline, she quickly became a go-to actress for dark, emotional performances—including in House of the Dragon.

13. Kaya Scodelario – First Role: Skins (2007)

Kaya Scodelario was just 14 when she appeared in the cult-classic British series Skins. Her portrayal of Effy Stonem was raw, emotional, and instantly iconic—launching her into a string of roles in both film and television.

14. Logan Lerman – First Role: The Patriot (2000)

Many know him from Percy Jackson or The Perks of Being a Wallflower, but Logan Lerman’s very first role was in The Patriot, starring alongside Mel Gibson. He was only 8 years old, yet held his own in a big-budget historical epic.

15. Mackenzie Foy – First Role: ’Til Death (2009)

Mackenzie Foy entered the scene with an appearance on the sitcom ’Til Death. While it was a brief stint, it didn’t take long before she took on more prominent roles, including Renesmee in Twilight: Breaking Dawn and the lead in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.

16. Emma Roberts – First Role: Blow (2001)

Emma Roberts made her big screen debut playing the daughter of Johnny Depp’s character in Blow. She was just 9 years old, but her emotional performance earned her critical attention. From there, she quickly carved out her own path in both film and TV.

17. Jamie Dornan – First Role: Marie Antoinette (2006)

Before starring in Fifty Shades of Grey, Jamie Dornan appeared in Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. Playing Count Axel Fersen, he turned heads with his natural charm and on-screen chemistry—marking the beginning of his rise in Hollywood.

Looking Back at Hollywood’s Humble Beginnings

Seeing today’s stars in their very first roles is a fun reminder that greatness doesn’t happen overnight. Many of these actors started with just a few lines—or no lines at all—but have gone on to lead award-winning performances and blockbuster franchises.

These early gigs, whether in crime dramas or sitcoms, shaped their craft and helped them grow in front of the camera. It’s inspiring to look back and realize that even the biggest names once had humble beginnings.

If there’s one thing we can all take from their stories, it’s that no role is ever too small to make a big impact.