Actors Who Were Foreign Stars Before Making It Big In Hollywood

Plenty of actors were household names in their home countries long before American audiences caught on. They built careers in regional film and television, then crossed over with breakout parts that opened doors to studio projects and global franchises. Here are some standout examples of men who made that leap, with a quick look at what they did first and the roles that introduced them to Hollywood viewers.

Jackie Chan

Before American audiences met him in ‘Rush Hour’, Jackie Chan had already led major Hong Kong hits like ‘Drunken Master’ and ‘Police Story’. He developed his own stunt team and starred in a run of action comedies that dominated Asian box offices through the 1980s and 1990s. His U.S. breakthrough came with ‘Rumble in the Bronx’ followed by the buddy cop pairing that turned him into a stateside headliner. He continued to balance work in Hong Kong productions with Hollywood sequels and family films.

Chow Yun-fat

Chow Yun-fat rose to fame in Hong Kong with John Woo collaborations such as ‘A Better Tomorrow’ and ‘The Killer’. His suave antiheroes made him one of the region’s top box office draws. International attention grew after the global success of ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, which brought him to wider audiences. Hollywood roles followed in ‘Anna and the King’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Tony Leung built his reputation through Hong Kong television and films like ‘In the Mood for Love’ and ‘Infernal Affairs’. He earned multiple best actor awards in Asia and became closely associated with the work of director Wong Kar Wai. His Hollywood debut arrived later with ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. The role introduced him to viewers who had not followed his earlier Cantonese and Mandarin language films.

Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen established himself in Hong Kong action cinema with titles like ‘SPL’ and the ‘Ip Man’ series. He also worked as a fight choreographer and brought mixed martial arts techniques into his screen style. Hollywood audiences saw him in ‘Blade II’ and later in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. He continued the momentum with a key role in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’.

Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe was already a star in Japan through television dramas and films including ‘Tampopo’ and ‘Space Travelers’. He transitioned to Hollywood with ‘The Last Samurai’, which earned him award nominations and wide recognition. Subsequent American studio projects placed him in ‘Batman Begins’ and ‘Inception’. He also appeared in the modern ‘Godzilla’ films while continuing to work in Japan.

Hiroyuki Sanada

Hiroyuki Sanada built a long career in Japanese cinema with works such as ‘The Twilight Samurai’ and ‘Ringu’. Trained in theater and action, he often performed his own swordplay on screen. His international profile expanded with roles in ‘The Last Samurai’ and ‘Sunshine’. Hollywood viewers later saw him in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ and ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’.

Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan was a leading figure in Indian cinema with credits like ‘Maqbool’ and ‘Paan Singh Tomar’. He gained attention at international festivals and frequently worked across Hindi and independent productions. Hollywood audiences came to know him through ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’, and ‘Life of Pi’. He also played supporting roles in ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘Inferno’.

Daniel Brühl

Daniel Brühl became a star in Germany with ‘Good Bye, Lenin!’ and appeared in Spanish and European co-productions early in his career. His multilingual background helped him move across markets with ease. Hollywood visibility grew after ‘Inglourious Basterds’ and ‘Rush’. He later portrayed Helmut Zemo in Marvel projects and headlined series work in the U.S.

Mads Mikkelsen

Mads Mikkelsen first drew Danish audiences with the ‘Pusher’ films and dramas like ‘After the Wedding’. He combined art-house roles with mainstream Scandinavian hits. Hollywood opportunities followed with ‘Casino Royale’, where he played Le Chiffre. He continued with ‘Doctor Strange’, ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’, and later joined ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau starred in Danish features such as ‘Nightwatch’ and worked steadily across Nordic film and television. Early international roles included European-U.S. co-productions that showcased his range. His Hollywood profile rose sharply when he joined ‘Game of Thrones’ as Jaime Lannister. Film roles in ‘Oblivion’ and ‘Shot Caller’ kept him active on the big screen.

Jean Dujardin

Jean Dujardin became a major French box office name through comedies and the ‘OSS 117’ spy spoofs. His performance in ‘The Artist’ won awards worldwide and brought him to the attention of American studios. He then appeared in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ and ‘The Monuments Men’. He continues to lead French films while taking select English-language parts.

Omar Sy

Omar Sy broke out in France with ‘The Intouchables’, which became a massive hit across Europe. The success opened doors to international casting. In Hollywood he joined ensembles in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ and ‘Jurassic World’. He also appeared in ‘Inferno’ and continued to headline French projects alongside global work.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal rose through Mexican cinema with ‘Amores Perros’ and ‘Y Tu Mamá También’. He worked with prominent Latin American and European directors throughout the 2000s. Hollywood and U.S. television recognized his versatility with roles in ‘Babel’ and the series ‘Mozart in the Jungle’. He later joined the Marvel universe with ‘Werewolf by Night’.

Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas became a star in Spain through collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar like ‘Matador’ and ‘Tie Me Up Tie Me Down’. He moved to U.S. films after an English-language debut that showcased his screen presence. Hollywood audiences embraced him in ‘Desperado’ and ‘The Mask of Zorro’. He also voiced Puss in Boots in the ‘Shrek’ franchise while continuing to work in Spanish cinema.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman gained early attention in Australia with television roles such as ‘Correlli’ and stage performances in musicals like ‘Oklahoma!’. His theater success established him as a versatile performer before Hollywood called. He became internationally famous after being cast as Wolverine in ‘X-Men’. Since then, he’s balanced major franchises with musical and dramatic projects across continents.

Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler built his acting foundation in the United Kingdom after leaving a law career. He appeared in British films and television shows, including ‘Mrs Brown’ alongside Judi Dench. His Hollywood breakout came when he starred as King Leonidas in ‘300’. The role made him a global action star while he continued working in both European and American productions.

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem rose to prominence in Spain through films like ‘Jamón Jamón’ and ‘Before Night Falls’. His intense performances earned critical acclaim and festival recognition across Europe. His Hollywood breakthrough came with ‘No Country for Old Men’, which won him international awards. Bardem has since appeared in major franchises including ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’.

Clive Owen

Clive Owen was a familiar face on British television before breaking into global film. He earned acclaim for his role in ‘Croupier’, which attracted attention from Hollywood casting directors. Major parts followed in ‘Closer’ and ‘Children of Men’. His steady filmography shows his smooth transition from U.K. productions to U.S. cinema.

Joel Kinnaman

Joel Kinnaman gained fame in Sweden for his work in the ‘Easy Money’ trilogy. The films made him one of Scandinavia’s most recognizable actors. His first Hollywood appearance came with ‘The Killing’, followed by leading roles in ‘RoboCop’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. He continues to alternate between Swedish and international productions.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya began acting in the U.K. with appearances on ‘Skins’ and stage work with the Royal Court Theatre. His British performances showcased his range long before his American breakthrough. He became widely known through ‘Get Out’, which launched his Hollywood career. Since then, he has starred in major projects including ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed started in British independent films like ‘The Road to Guantanamo’ and ‘Four Lions’. He was known for politically charged and socially aware performances in the U.K. His Hollywood rise came through ‘Nightcrawler’ and ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. He later won acclaim for ‘Sound of Metal’, solidifying his global reputation.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel’s first major role was on the British series ‘Skins’, where he quickly became a breakout talent. His film debut in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ earned global attention and industry recognition. He transitioned into Hollywood with roles in ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ and ‘Lion’. Patel continues to act and direct in both British and international projects.

Matthias Schoenaerts

Matthias Schoenaerts became a well-known Belgian actor through films like ‘Bullhead’ and ‘Loft’. His powerful performances attracted festival acclaim in Europe. Hollywood noticed, leading to roles in ‘Rust and Bone’, ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’, and ‘The Danish Girl’. He remains active in both European cinema and English-language productions.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy started on the Irish stage and gained early film recognition in ‘Disco Pigs’. His haunting roles in Irish and British cinema drew praise before he joined Christopher Nolan’s ‘Batman Begins’. Hollywood soon embraced him with key parts in ‘Inception’ and ‘Oppenheimer’. He continues to work closely with Nolan while maintaining Irish film roots.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans launched his career on London’s West End, performing in major stage musicals. His strong stage presence helped him transition into film with early U.K. roles. Hollywood success arrived with ‘Clash of the Titans’ and ‘Fast & Furious 6’. He later gained more recognition in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and other big-budget productions.

Andy Serkis

Andy Serkis built his acting experience in British theater and television long before motion-capture fame. His Hollywood debut came with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, where he transformed digital performance standards as Gollum. He later worked in ‘King Kong’ and ‘The Planet of the Apes’ series. Serkis also directs and produces, balancing his U.K. roots with U.S. projects.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal spent years working in Chilean and U.S. television before fame found him. He appeared in series like ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Law & Order’ after training in New York. His breakthrough came with ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Narcos’. He later became a household name with ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’.

Alexander Skarsgård

Alexander Skarsgård became a known face in Sweden with shows like ‘Hundtricket’ and other national productions. His family’s acting legacy and early Scandinavian success paved his path to international work. He entered Hollywood with ‘Generation Kill’ and became widely recognized for ‘True Blood’. Skarsgård has since led major roles in both film and television worldwide.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen was raised in Argentina and Denmark, building a multilingual background before his Hollywood years. He started acting in European theater and small films. His career in America took off with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Mortensen has since worked in numerous international co-productions, often blending languages and cultures in his performances.

Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender began his acting journey in Ireland and the U.K., appearing in television shows such as ‘Band of Brothers’ and ‘Hex’. His early stage work in London helped him refine his craft. International audiences first noticed him in ‘Hunger’, which led to bigger opportunities in Hollywood. He later became a major figure through ‘X-Men: First Class’ and ’12 Years a Slave’.

Ben Mendelsohn

Ben Mendelsohn was a well-established actor in Australia with hits like ‘The Year My Voice Broke’ and ‘Animal Kingdom’. His intense performances earned critical acclaim at home. Hollywood noticed his talent, bringing him into films like ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ and ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. He also became a familiar face in television with ‘Bloodline’.

Karl Urban

Karl Urban was already a known name in New Zealand thanks to work on shows like ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ and ‘Hercules: The Legendary Journeys’. His transition to Hollywood came with roles in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Bourne Supremacy’. Later, he became a fan favorite in ‘Star Trek’ and ‘The Boys’. His career continues to span both sides of the Pacific.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor built his early career in Scotland and the U.K. with ‘Shallow Grave’ and ‘Trainspotting’. Those films established him as one of Britain’s most promising young actors. His Hollywood break came when he was cast as Obi-Wan Kenobi in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’. Since then, he’s alternated between independent films and major studio projects.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor was already respected in the British theater scene and on television before Hollywood took notice. His film debut in ‘Amistad’ opened doors, but he had built much of his reputation in U.K. dramas. His breakthrough came with ‘Dirty Pretty Things’, followed by acclaimed roles in ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘Doctor Strange’. He continues to balance stage and screen work internationally.

John Boyega

John Boyega first gained attention in the British sci-fi film ‘Attack the Block’. Before that, he appeared in stage productions and short films in London. His breakout in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ made him globally recognizable. He has since starred in both Hollywood blockbusters and smaller British dramas.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo started his acting path with the Royal Shakespeare Company and British television. His portrayal of Henry VI on stage won him significant acclaim in the U.K. He gained Hollywood traction through ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and ‘Selma’. Oyelowo continues to take on meaningful roles across both British and American productions.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna became a star in Mexico through telenovelas and films like ‘Y Tu Mamá También’ alongside Gael García Bernal. His early work made him one of Latin America’s brightest talents. Hollywood noticed, leading to roles in ‘Frida’ and ‘The Terminal’. He later joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe with ‘Rogue One’ and the series ‘Andor’.

Lee Byung-hun

Lee Byung-hun was already one of South Korea’s top actors, known for roles in ‘Joint Security Area’ and ‘A Bittersweet Life’. His popularity across Asia was well established before Hollywood came calling. He made his American debut in ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’ and continued with ‘Red 2’ and ‘The Magnificent Seven’. He remains active in both Korean and U.S. projects.

Henry Golding

Henry Golding gained regional fame in Malaysia and Singapore as a television host and presenter. His natural charisma and on-screen ease made him a recognizable media figure in Asia. His Hollywood career took off with ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. Since then, he has starred in ‘Last Christmas’ and ‘Snake Eyes’.

Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi began in New Zealand’s film scene as an actor and director, earning attention for indie comedies like ‘Eagle vs Shark’ and ‘Boy’. His work with the New Zealand Film Commission brought him national recognition. Hollywood took notice with ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. He now moves fluidly between Hollywood blockbusters and New Zealand projects.

Omar Sharif

Omar Sharif achieved stardom in Egyptian cinema through hits like ‘The Blazing Sun’ and ‘Struggle in the Valley’. His charm and versatility made him a regional icon. Hollywood discovered him through ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, which turned him into an international legend. He followed with ‘Doctor Zhivago’ and a long global career.

Haing S. Ngor

Haing S. Ngor lived in Cambodia before escaping the Khmer Rouge and later beginning an acting career. He had never worked professionally in film before starring in ‘The Killing Fields’, which depicted events from his homeland. His performance earned worldwide acclaim and an Academy Award. He became an inspiring symbol of resilience and talent recognized far beyond borders.

Song Kang-ho

Song Kang-ho was already a household name in South Korea with films like ‘Memories of Murder’ and ‘The Host’. His long collaboration with director Bong Joon-ho made him one of Asia’s most respected actors. His global recognition soared after ‘Parasite’ became a worldwide hit. Though still based in Korea, his influence now reaches Hollywood circles.

Share which actor’s pre-Hollywood work you discovered first in the comments.