Actresses Whose Careers Became Surprisingly Big

Many of Hollywood’s most celebrated stars began their journeys in unexpected places before achieving global fame. Some started in soap operas or commercials while others struggled with typecasting for years before finding their breakout roles. It is fascinating to trace these trajectories from humble beginnings to Academy Awards and blockbuster franchises. The following list highlights talented women who defied the odds to build massive careers in the entertainment industry.

Sydney Sweeney

This actress began with small guest spots on television shows like ‘Heroes’ and ‘Pretty Little Liars’ before her massive breakout. She transformed a supporting role in ‘Euphoria’ into a launchpad for a major film career. Sweeney had a busy 2025 with the release of the thriller ‘Echo Valley’ and the psychological horror ‘The Housemaid’. Her production company also released the boxing biopic ‘Christy’ to critical acclaim during the fall festival circuit.

Jenna Ortega

Ortega worked as a child actor on the Disney Channel series ‘Stuck in the Middle’ before becoming a modern horror icon. She successfully transitioned to mature roles with her portrayal of Wednesday Addams and her performance in the ‘Scream’ franchise. Her career momentum continued in 2025 with a role in the A24 film ‘Death of a Unicorn’ alongside Paul Rudd. She also faced the challenge of the polarizing reception to the thriller ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ released earlier in the year.

Florence Pugh

Her early work in the independent drama ‘Lady Macbeth’ hinted at her immense talent but few predicted her rapid ascent to superstardom. Pugh has effortlessly moved between indie films and massive blockbusters like ‘Dune: Part Two’ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She reprised her role as Yelena Belova in the 2025 ensemble film ‘Thunderbolts*’ and performed her own stunts. Audiences also saw her softer side in the romantic drama ‘We Live in Time’ opposite Andrew Garfield.

Ana de Armas

De Armas started her career in Spanish television boarding school dramas before making the difficult transition to Hollywood. She learned English phonetically for her early roles and eventually earned an Oscar nomination for playing Marilyn Monroe. The actress led the ‘John Wick’ spinoff ‘Ballerina’ which hit theaters in June 2025. She also starred in the survival thriller ‘Eden’ which featured a star-studded cast including Sydney Sweeney and Jude Law.

Anya Taylor-Joy

This actress was known as a scream queen after ‘The Witch’ but quickly proved her versatility in period dramas and action films. Her performance in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ made her a household name and led to major film offers. She starred in the 2025 action romance ‘The Gorge’ alongside Miles Teller on Apple TV+. Taylor-Joy also continued to ride the wave of her intense performance in the ‘Mad Max’ saga prequel ‘Furiosa’ from the previous year.

Lady Gaga

Stefani Germanotta conquered the pop music world before pivoting to a surprisingly acclaimed acting career. She silenced skeptics with her Oscar-nominated performance in ‘A Star Is Born’ and continued to take on challenging roles. Gaga addressed the mixed reception to her role as Lee Quinzel in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ in early 2025. She balanced her acting ambitions with music by releasing her new album ‘Mayhem’ in the spring of that same year.

Michelle Yeoh

Yeoh was already a legend in Hong Kong action cinema but her career reached new heights in Hollywood during her sixties. Her historic Oscar win for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ opened doors to massive franchise roles. She played Madame Morrible in the 2025 musical adaptation ‘Wicked: For Good’ alongside Ariana Grande. Yeoh also returned to the ‘Star Trek’ universe in the highly anticipated streaming movie ‘Section 31’.

Olivia Colman

Colman spent years working in British sketch comedy and sitcoms like ‘Peep Show’ before becoming an Academy Award winner. Her ability to switch between hilarious comedy and devastating drama has made her one of the most in-demand actresses today. She starred in the 2025 family adventure ‘Paddington in Peru’ which delighted audiences worldwide. Additionally she teamed up with Benedict Cumberbatch for the dark comedy ‘The Roses’ which reimagines a classic war of the sexes.

Viola Davis

Davis worked for decades in theater and supporting film roles before achieving EGOT status and mainstream recognition. She is now one of the few actors who can greenlight a project simply by attaching her name to it. In April 2025 she starred as the President of the United States in the action thriller ‘G20’. The film showcased her commanding screen presence as she defended the summit from a terrorist attack.

Emma Stone

Stone started her career on a reality competition show before becoming one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation. She has developed a fruitful creative partnership with director Yorgos Lanthimos that has yielded multiple awards. They reunited once again for the 2025 science fiction comedy ‘Bugonia’ which features her in a bald look. Her production company also continues to champion unique independent films like ‘I Saw the TV Glow’.

Jennifer Lawrence

Lawrence went from an unknown actress in independent dramas to the highest-paid star in the world in record time. She took a brief hiatus from acting but returned with a more curated selection of projects. In 2025 she starred in the psychological drama ‘Die, My Love’ directed by Lynne Ramsay. The film features Lawrence as a mother struggling with her mental health in rural America.

Rosamund Pike

Pike was often cast as the cool blonde in blockbusters until ‘Gone Girl’ revealed her darker range. She has since embraced twisted and complex characters that allow her to display her biting wit. She starred in the 2025 psychological thriller ‘Hallow Road’ as a mother covering up a crime. Pike also returned to the world of magic and illusion in the ensemble sequel ‘Now You See Me 3’.

Jessica Chastain

Chastain worked in television guest spots for years before bursting onto the scene with multiple film releases in 2011. She has since become a powerhouse producer and actress known for portraying strong women. She starred in the 2025 drama ‘Dreams’ which was directed by Michel Franco. Chastain also led the cast of the Apple TV+ limited series ‘The Savant’ based on a true story about infiltrating online hate groups.

Amy Adams

Adams worked in dinner theater and low-budget films before her breakout role in ‘Junebug’ earned her the first of six Oscar nominations. She has consistently delivered incredible performances across genres from musicals to gritty thrillers. Audiences finally saw her in the dark comedy ‘Nightbitch’ which began streaming in early 2025. She also worked on the drama ‘At the Sea’ which reunited her with director Kornél Mundruczó.

Brie Larson

Larson had a pop music career and acted in sitcoms before winning an Oscar for ‘Room’ and joining the Marvel universe. She has successfully balanced massive blockbuster responsibilities with smaller character-driven projects. In 2025 she took to the London stage to star in a new production of the Greek tragedy ‘Elektra’. She also signed on to star in the creature feature ‘Fail-Safe’ produced by J.J. Abrams.

Margot Robbie

Robbie began her career on the Australian soap opera ‘Neighbours’ before becoming a Hollywood power player. She now produces huge hits through her LuckyChap Entertainment banner while starring in diverse films. She starred opposite Colin Farrell in the 2025 romantic fantasy ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’. The film marked her return to the screen after the cultural phenomenon of ‘Barbie’.

Kristen Stewart

Stewart became a global superstar through the ‘Twilight’ franchise but reinvented herself as an indie darling. She has spent the last decade working with prestigious directors and earning critical respect. In 2025 she made her feature directorial debut with the film ‘The Chronology of Water’. She also starred in the vampire thriller ‘Flesh of the Gods’ alongside Oscar Isaac.

Zendaya

This former Disney Channel star has seamlessly transitioned into one of the most respected dramatic actresses in Hollywood. Her performances in ‘Euphoria’ and the ‘Dune’ franchise have cemented her status as a generational talent. She spent much of 2025 filming the romance ‘The Drama’ with Robert Pattinson. She remains a fashion icon and a highly sought-after collaborator for top directors like Luca Guadagnino.

Gal Gadot

Gadot was a law student and combat instructor before landing her role in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. She nearly quit acting before being cast as Wonder Woman and becoming a global superstar. In March 2025 she played the Evil Queen in Disney’s live-action ‘Snow White’ remake. The role allowed her to show a villainous side that audiences had not seen from her before.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza was famous for her deadpan comedy in ‘Parks and Recreation’ but has surprisingly evolved into a dramatic force. She earned critical acclaim for ‘The White Lotus’ and has taken on increasingly dark and experimental film roles. She starred in the 2025 R-rated live-action movie ‘Animal Friends’ alongside Ryan Reynolds. Plaza also reunited with director Ethan Coen for the comedy ‘Honey Don’t!’ released later in the year.

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