13 Celebrities Who Started Their Careers In Soap Operas And Today Shine In Hollywood

The solid careers of some of Hollywood’s most renowned stars began in ways most of the public is unaware of. Some of them are already born to famous parents, getting a big push to get their first roles in childhood. Others started their professional careers as absolute unknowns and in secondary and insignificant roles in soap operas, series and other films.

In this article, the awesome.club reveals the lesser-known characters of actors who started their careers working in telenovelas.

The actress did her first work in theater and on TV in 1985. Her first role on television was in a chapter of the telenovela The Edge of Night. A year later, she won a major role in the production As the World Turns, working in it until 1987, when she left the cast. Later, she worked on other TV shows until she got her first film opportunity, in the movie Tales from Darkness.

In the early 1980s, the actor made his debut in the telenovela The Doctors, in which he played the doctor Billy Aldrich between 1980 and 1982. Afterwards, he acted in other television series, such as Cutter to Houston and Knots Landing. In 1987, he won his first film role, in the film Eternamente Lulu. The talent was more noticed with his interpretations in Beetlejuice – The Ghosts Have Fun (1988), The Hunt for Red October (1990) and Success at Any Price (1992).

At the beginning of his career, the brilliant Morgan Freeman had a few small roles in films, but his first starring role and for which he gained recognition was on the children’s TV show The Electric Company, between 1971 and 1975. His first major role in cinema was in Who Says I Can’t Ride a Rainbow! The works that gave the actor greater prominence at the beginning of his career and also his first award nominations were in the films Armação Dangerosa (1987), Tempo de Glória (1989) and Conducting Miss Daisy (1989).

The famous jedi began his career acting in the series General Hospital with a recurring role, between 1972 and 1973. In addition, he was the protagonist in the short-lived comic series The Texas Wheelers in 1974. character Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga (1977), work that earned him two Saturn Awards as best actor as a result of performances between 1978 and 1984.

Marisa Tomei kickstarted her career during the 1980s with a small role and a single appearance in the film Flamingo Kid (1984). However, his first recurring role was as Marcy Thompson on the soap opera As the World Turns, between 1984 and 1985. Later, in 1986, she participated in the television comedy A Different World giving life to Maggie Lauten during the first season, between 1987 and 1988. After working in some films, she saw her career take off when she joined the cast of the comedy Meu Cousin Vinny, a production that earned her an Oscar for best supporting actress.

Before being recognized as Morpheus in the Matrix trilogy (1999-2003), Laurence Fishburne debuted on TV with the soap opera One Life to Live, playing Joshua Hall during 14 episodes, between 1974 and 1976. Another important role still during his childhood was in Cornbread, Earl and Me (1975). Later, the actor won a minor role in Apocalypse Now (1979). During the 1980s, he took on minor TV and theater roles. His interpretations in films stand out above all for his energetic and authoritarian characters.

Lindsay Lohan started working as a child. First, as a model, at the age of 3. At 10, she was cast in her first role, that of Alli Fowler on the soap opera Another World, appearing in seven chapters shown between 1996 and 1997. Subsequently, Lindsay got her first starring role in the film Operation Cupid , in which she played two twins, Hallie and Annie. Her performance in the production was recognized with the Young Artist Award for best performance.

After appearing in several commercials as a baby and throughout childhood, Hayden Panettiere won her first role as an actress on the soap opera One Life To Live, in which she played Sarah Roberts between 1994 and 1997. Another important role on television was that of Lizzie Spaulding in Guiding Light, between 1997 and 2001, when the blonde was just 8 years old. His most recognized works are still in television productions, such as the series Heroes (2006-2010) and Nashville (2012-2018).

Brad Pitt’s professional journey on screen began in 1987, with roles so small that they didn’t even enter the film credits. The feature films, in this case, were No Exit (1987), Below Zero (1987) and Attracted by Danger (1987). His debut on TV was as a guest in the comedy Tudo em Família, acting in two episodes, one in 1987 and another in 1989. His first major role in cinema was in the film O Príncipe das Sombras (1988).

After modeling from the age of 4, Jensen Ackles began to focus on his acting career in 1996. He has had numerous guest roles on the television shows Mr. Ackles. Rhodes, Aí Galera and Cybill, before joining the cast of the soap opera Days of Our Lives as Eric Brady, between 1997 and 2000. The actor is well remembered for starring in the horror series Supernatural (2005-2020).

The actress spent her youth in Australia, where she began her TV career. Her first role was in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, playing Julie Gibson in 19 episodes, in 1991. Naomi also participated in other television productions, such as Brides of Christ and Hey Dad..! In 2001, she debuted in cinema with the film Cidade dos Sonhos, work that earned her the best actress award from the National Society of Film Critics.

Initially, the actor stood out in Broadway shows, but also had a secondary role in the film Love Story: Uma História de Amor, in 1971. He also participated in the soap opera One Life to Live, giving life to Doctor Mark Toland, between 1971 and 1975. The actor’s work is now highly recognized thanks to successful films such as MIB — Men in Black, No Country for Old Men, In the Valley of Shadows and Batman Forever, among others.

The actor debuted on TV at just 8 years old, in the soap opera One Life to Live, in which he made a short appearance in a single episode. Already in 1985, he acted in the soap opera Ryan’s Hope playing DJ La Salle in the first season. In the same year, the actor debuted on the big screen, joining the cast of the film The Legend of Billie Jean, in which he played a secondary role. More recently, Slater has received much critical acclaim for his performance on Mr. Robot (2015-2019). Due to his work, he won a Golden Globe as best supporting actor in 2016.

Did you have a favorite soap opera when you were a teenager? And among the films starring the celebrities mentioned above, which one is your favorite? Leave your comment!