Actors Who Became Famous Long After Their First Role

Many people think that famous actors get their big break overnight. They imagine a young person getting discovered and quickly becoming a star. However, the path to fame is often long and filled with small roles and years of hard work. Many actors spend decades in the industry before they land the role that makes them a household name. Their stories show that success can come at any age.

This list celebrates the actors who kept working and honing their craft for years before becoming famous. From taking on uncredited parts to working other jobs to make ends meet, these individuals prove that persistence is key in the entertainment world. Their journeys are a reminder that it is never too late to achieve your dreams.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford worked as a professional carpenter for years to support his family. He took small acting roles in the 1960s and 1970s but was not satisfied with the parts he was offered. He even did carpentry work for director George Lucas, which led to an audition for “American Graffiti” (1973). This role was a step forward, but it wasn’t his big break.

Ford’s life changed when he was cast as Han Solo in “Star Wars” (1977). George Lucas had him read lines with other actors and was so impressed that he gave him the part. The movie was a massive success and made Ford a star at the age of 35. He later became the face of another major franchise as the lead in the “Indiana Jones” series.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman began his acting career at a young age, performing in school plays. He acted on the PBS kids’ show “The Electric Company” and the soap opera “Another World” in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite this work, he was not a widely recognized actor for many years.

His breakthrough came in his 50s with the film “Street Smart” (1987), which earned him an Oscar nomination. Two years later, he starred in “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989), a role that further solidified his fame. Freeman continued to deliver powerful performances and won an Academy Award for “Million Dollar Baby” (2004).

Viola Davis

Viola Davis graduated from the prestigious Juilliard School in 1993 and began her career on the stage. She performed in both on-Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Her early on-screen work consisted of small parts in television shows like “NYPD Blue” and “New York Undercover.”

It took many years of consistent work before Davis became a leading lady. Her powerful performances in films like “Doubt” (2008) and “The Help” (2011) brought her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. She later won an Academy Award for her role in “Fences” (2016).

Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm spent years in Los Angeles as a struggling actor. He worked as a waiter to support himself while auditioning for roles. He eventually landed a part on the television series “Providence,” but major success was still out of reach.

Hamm’s big break came in 2007 when he was cast as Don Draper in the TV series “Mad Men.” He was chosen from over 80 actors for the role of the stylish advertising executive. The show became a huge hit and earned him a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy nominations.

Steve Carell

Steve Carell started his career in comedy, working with The Second City troupe in Chicago. He later became a correspondent on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” in the late 1990s, where he gained some recognition. However, he was not yet a leading man.

His career exploded in 2005 when he was 43 years old. That year, he starred in the hit comedy film “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and also began his iconic role as Michael Scott in the American version of “The Office.” These two projects launched him into stardom.

Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman was a trained stage actor and a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He had a successful career in the theater for many years. His first major film role did not come until he was 42 years old.

That role was the villain Hans Gruber in the action movie “Die Hard” (1988). His performance was so memorable that it instantly made him famous. He went on to have a long and successful film career, with notable roles in the “Harry Potter” series and “Love Actually” (2003).

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson was involved in acting from a young age and appeared in several stage plays. He worked for years in small film and television roles. He did not become a major star until he was in his 40s.

His breakthrough role came in 1994 when he played Jules Winnfield in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction.” The role made him a cultural icon and one of the most recognizable actors in Hollywood. Since then, he has become one of the highest-grossing actors in history.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston worked as an actor for many years, taking on various guest roles in television shows. Many people might remember him from his recurring role as the dentist Tim Whatley on “Seinfeld” in the 1990s. He later gained more recognition as the father, Hal, in the sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle” (2000).

However, his most famous role came in 2008 when he was cast as Walter White in the drama series “Breaking Bad.” This role completely transformed his career, earning him multiple Emmy Awards and making him a globally recognized star.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy began her career as a stand-up comedian and was a member of the comedy troupe The Groundlings. She had a long-running role as Sookie St. James on the television series “Gilmore Girls” from 2000 to 2007. While loved by fans of the show, she was not yet a major movie star.

Her breakout moment came with the comedy film “Bridesmaids” (2011). Her hilarious performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and launched her career as a leading lady in Hollywood comedies. She has since starred in numerous successful films.

Christoph Waltz

Christoph Waltz had a long and established acting career in Europe for decades. He worked steadily in German and Austrian film and television since his mid-20s. However, he was largely unknown to international audiences.

His big break came at the age of 53 when he was cast by Quentin Tarantino as Colonel Hans Landa in “Inglourious Basterds” (2009). The role earned him an Academy Award and introduced him to a global audience. He later won another Oscar for another Tarantino film, “Django Unchained” (2012).

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates began her career on the New York stage in the 1970s and received a Tony Award nomination in 1983. She also appeared in small roles in films and television shows, including “The Love Boat” and “St. Elsewhere.” For nearly two decades, she was a respected working actor but not a major star.

Her big break came in 1990 with the film “Misery.” Her terrifying performance as the obsessed fan Annie Wilkes earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. This role made her a household name at the age of 42.

Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner started his acting career in the mid-1990s, appearing in independent films and television shows. For over a decade, he took on a variety of supporting roles. He gained some critical notice for his role in the film “Dahmer” (2002).

His career reached a new level in 2008 with his leading role in the war film “The Hurt Locker.” His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination and widespread recognition. He later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hawkeye, cementing his status as a major actor.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch began her career in the Chicago theater scene, including a stint with The Second City comedy troupe. She spent many years playing small, often comedic, roles in films and television shows, such as “The Fugitive” (1993) and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” (2005).

Her breakthrough role came in 2009 when she was cast as the sharp-tongued cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in the musical TV series “Glee.” The role earned her an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe, making her a well-known star in her late 40s.

Billy Bob Thornton

Billy Bob Thornton moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s and initially struggled, working various odd jobs. He landed minor roles in films and television, including a part on the sitcom “Hearts Afire.” He also co-wrote and starred in the 1992 film “One False Move.”

His career skyrocketed in 1996 with “Sling Blade,” a film he wrote, directed, and starred in. His portrayal of Karl Childers earned him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and a nomination for Best Actor. This film established him as a major talent in Hollywood.

Kristen Wiig

Kristen Wiig got her start in comedy with the Los Angeles-based troupe The Groundlings. This led to her joining the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 2005, where she became a popular and recognizable performer for several years.

While she was well-known from “SNL,” her breakthrough as a film star came in 2011 with the comedy “Bridesmaids,” which she co-wrote and starred in. The film was a massive critical and commercial success and launched her career as a leading lady in Hollywood.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali began his acting career in the early 2000s with roles in television shows like “Crossing Jordan” and “The 4400.” He later gained more attention for his role as Remy Danton in the Netflix series “House of Cards.”

His major breakthrough came in 2016 with his performance in the film “Moonlight.” The role earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar. He won a second Oscar for “Green Book” (2018), solidifying his place as a top actor.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer’s film debut was a small role as a nurse in the 1996 film “A Time to Kill.” For over a decade, she worked consistently in brief roles in numerous films and television shows, including “Spider-Man” (2002) and “Bad Santa” (2003).

Her breakthrough came in 2011 when she played the outspoken maid Minny Jackson in “The Help.” The role won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and made her a star. She has since received two more Oscar nominations for her work.

J.K. Simmons

J.K. Simmons had a long career as a character actor on stage and in film and television. He was known for roles such as the psychiatrist Dr. Emil Skoda on “Law & Order” and the editor J. Jonah Jameson in the “Spider-Man” trilogy.

At the age of 59, he received widespread acclaim for his role as a ruthless music instructor in the 2014 film “Whiplash.” His intense performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and elevated his profile in Hollywood significantly.

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler was a prominent figure in the improv and sketch comedy scene, co-founding the Upright Citizens Brigade. She joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 2001, where she became a star and the co-anchor of “Weekend Update.”

While a well-known comedian, her transition to a leading role in a major sitcom came in 2009 with “Parks and Recreation.” Her portrayal of the optimistic and hardworking Leslie Knope was a huge success, running for seven seasons and cementing her status as a comedy icon.

Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais worked in various jobs, including as a manager for the band Suede, before finding success in comedy. He worked as a radio host in the late 1990s, where he met his creative partner, Stephen Merchant.

His breakthrough came in 2001 with the creation and starring role in the British sitcom “The Office.” He was 40 when the show first aired. The series became a global phenomenon, leading to an American remake and launching Gervais into international stardom.

Ty Burrell

Ty Burrell spent years working as a stage actor in New York City, appearing in several Broadway and off-Broadway productions. He also had supporting roles in films like “Black Hawk Down” (2001) and “Dawn of the Dead” (2004).

His big break came in 2009 when he was cast as the well-meaning but goofy dad Phil Dunphy in the hit sitcom “Modern Family.” The role made him a household name and earned him two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Jenna Fischer

Jenna Fischer spent years struggling as an actress in Los Angeles. She took on small roles in various films and television shows and even wrote and directed her own mockumentary film, “LolliLove” (2004).

Her life changed in 2005 when she landed the role of Pam Beesly in the American version of “The Office.” The show’s immense popularity and the beloved romance between her character and Jim Halpert made her a star.

Margo Martindale

Margo Martindale has been a working actress since the early 1990s, building a long resume of supporting roles in film and television. She was highly respected in the industry as a versatile character actress.

Her breakthrough in terms of wider recognition came in 2011 for her role as Mags Bennett in the second season of the TV series “Justified.” Her chilling performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award at the age of 60.

Kathryn Joosten

Kathryn Joosten began her acting career later in life, starting in community theater at the age of 42. She worked as a street performer at Disney World before moving to Hollywood in her mid-50s.

She gained recognition for her role as Mrs. Landingham, the president’s secretary, on “The West Wing” (1999-2002). Later, she became even more famous for playing the cantankerous neighbor Karen McCluskey on “Desperate Housewives,” a role that won her two Emmy Awards.

Betty White

Betty White’s career in television began in the late 1930s, making her a true pioneer of the medium. She became a household name with her role as the “Happy Homemaker” Sue Ann Nivens on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in the 1970s and as Rose Nylund on “The Golden Girls” in the 1980s.

While she was already famous, her career experienced a massive resurgence in her late 80s. A popular online campaign led to her hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 2010, and she starred in the sitcom “Hot in Cleveland” from 2010 to 2015, proving that fame can have many chapters.

Estelle Getty

Estelle Getty spent many years acting in the New York theater circuit while raising her two sons. She struggled to get noticed for her acting talent for a long time.

Her big break came in 1982, when she was nearly 60 years old, with her role in the Broadway play “Torch Song Trilogy.” This success led to her being cast as the witty grandmother Sophia Petrillo on “The Golden Girls” in 1985, a role that made her an icon.

Bea Arthur

Bea Arthur found success on the Broadway stage in the 1950s and 60s, winning a Tony Award for her role in “Mame” in 1966. She was a respected theater actress for years before becoming a television star.

Her television breakthrough came in the 1970s when she was cast as the title character in the sitcom “Maude,” a spin-off of “All in the Family.” She later achieved even greater fame as Dorothy Zbornak on the highly successful sitcom “The Golden Girls” (1985-1992).

George Clooney

George Clooney’s early career in the 1980s was filled with small parts in television shows like “The Facts of Life” and “Roseanne,” as well as roles in low-budget films. For more than a decade, he was a working actor but far from a star.

His breakthrough came at the age of 33 when he was cast as Dr. Doug Ross on the hit medical drama “ER” in 1994. The show made him a household name and launched a successful film career that includes hits like “From Dusk till Dawn” (1996) and the “Ocean’s” trilogy.

Connie Britton

Connie Britton began her acting career in the mid-1990s, with an early role in the independent film “The Brothers McMullen” (1995). She worked steadily in supporting film and television roles for over a decade.

Her breakthrough role came in 2006 as Tami Taylor in the critically acclaimed television series “Friday Night Lights.” Her portrayal of the coach’s wife earned her widespread recognition and two Emmy nominations, leading to starring roles in other successful shows like “Nashville” and “American Horror Story.”

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox began her career appearing on reality television, including “I Want to Work for Diddy,” and took on various guest roles in shows like “Law & Order: SVU.” She advocated for transgender representation while building her acting resume.

Her major breakthrough came in 2013 with her role as Sophia Burset in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” The role brought her mainstream attention and she became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown, a graduate of Stanford University and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, spent years working in theater and television. He had a recurring role on the series “Army Wives” and appeared in numerous other shows.

His career exploded in 2016 with two high-profile roles. He won an Emmy for his portrayal of prosecutor Christopher Darden in “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” That same year, he began his role as Randall Pearson in the hit drama “This Is Us,” for which he has won numerous awards.

Bob Odenkirk

Bob Odenkirk started his career as a comedy writer, most notably for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Ben Stiller Show.” He later co-created and starred in the HBO sketch comedy series “Mr. Show with Bob and David” in the mid-1990s.

Despite success in the comedy world, his breakthrough as a dramatic actor came much later. In 2009, he was cast as the sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman on “Breaking Bad.” This role led to his own critically acclaimed prequel series, “Better Call Saul,” which premiered in 2015.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal began his acting career in the late 1990s, appearing in numerous television shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Law & Order.” He spent nearly two decades as a working actor, taking on various supporting roles on stage and screen.

His rise to global fame began in 2014 with his memorable role as Oberyn Martell in “Game of Thrones.” This led to leading roles as Javier Peña in “Narcos” and the title character in the “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian,” making him a major international star.

Oscar Isaac

A graduate of the Juilliard School, Oscar Isaac began his career in the mid-2000s with roles in films like “The Nativity Story” (2006). He appeared in supporting roles in movies such as “Robin Hood” (2010) and “Drive” (2011).

His breakthrough came in 2013 with the lead role in the Coen brothers’ film “Inside Llewyn Davis.” His performance as the struggling folk singer garnered critical acclaim and launched him into more prominent roles, including Poe Dameron in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain, a Juilliard graduate, spent her early career working primarily in television, with guest appearances on shows like “ER” and “Veronica Mars.” She also performed in several stage productions.

Her film career had a massive breakthrough in 2011 when she appeared in six major films, including “The Tree of Life,” “The Help,” and “Take Shelter.” This incredible year established her as a major new talent in Hollywood at the age of 34.

Michael Emerson

Michael Emerson worked as a magazine illustrator and taught before pursuing acting more seriously. He appeared in off-Broadway plays and had his Broadway debut in 1999. He gained some notice for a guest role as a serial killer on “The Practice” in 2000, for which he won an Emmy.

His major breakthrough into mainstream fame came when he was cast as the manipulative and compelling villain Benjamin Linus on the hit show “Lost” (2006-2010). The role, for which he won another Emmy, made him one of the most recognized and acclaimed actors on television.

Walton Goggins

Walton Goggins began his acting career in the early 1990s. He spent many years playing supporting roles in a wide variety of films and television shows.

He gained significant recognition for his role as Detective Shane Vendrell on the gritty police drama “The Shield” (2002-2008). His fame grew even more with his critically acclaimed performance as the complex criminal Boyd Crowder in the series “Justified,” which began in 2010.

Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo’s life before acting was difficult, involving time in and out of prison. While working as a youth drug counselor, he was asked to visit a film set, which led to him being cast as an extra and boxing trainer for the film “Runaway Train” (1985).

His tough appearance and authenticity led to a long career playing villains and henchmen in numerous films. He became a cult icon over the decades, eventually landing his first leading role at the age of 66 in Robert Rodriguez’s “Machete” (2010).

Luis Guzmán

Luis Guzmán began his career as a social worker before becoming an actor. He started with small parts in the 1980s, often playing tough guys or sidekicks in films like “Crocodile Dundee 2” (1988).

Over the decades, he became one of the most recognizable and respected character actors in Hollywood, known for his work with directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and Steven Soderbergh. He has appeared in acclaimed films such as “Boogie Nights” (1997), “Traffic” (2000), and “Punch-Drunk Love” (2002).

Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins had a long and steady career as a character actor for more than 30 years. He was a familiar face in many films and was a series regular on the HBO drama “Six Feet Under” from 2001 to 2005.

His leading man breakthrough came in 2007 with the film “The Visitor,” where he played a lonely professor whose life is changed by two immigrants. The role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and brought him a new level of recognition.

David Harbour

David Harbour began his professional career on Broadway in 1999 and received a Tony nomination for his role in a 2005 revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” He also had supporting roles in films like “Brokeback Mountain” (2005) and “Quantum of Solace” (2008).

His worldwide fame came in 2016 when he was cast as Police Chief Jim Hopper in the Netflix science fiction series “Stranger Things.” The show became a massive cultural phenomenon, and his role made him an international star.

Brian Tyree Henry

A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Brian Tyree Henry began his career on the stage, including a role in the original Broadway cast of “The Book of Mormon.” He also appeared in guest roles on television shows like “Law & Order” and “The Good Wife.”

His breakthrough came in 2016 with his role as the rapper Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles in the critically acclaimed FX series “Atlanta.” His performance earned him widespread praise and an Emmy nomination, launching a successful film career.

Sam Rockwell

Sam Rockwell began his career in the late 1980s with small roles. He gained significant attention for his performance in the indie film “Lawn Dogs” (1997) and later in “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” (2002), where he played host Chuck Barris.

While he was a respected actor for decades, his career reached a new peak with his role as a troubled police officer in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017). His powerful performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

John Mahoney

John Mahoney started his acting career relatively late, beginning on the Chicago stage in his late 30s. He won a Tony Award for his work in “The House of Blue Leaves” in 1986.

He became a household name at the age of 53 when he was cast as the cantankerous but lovable father, Martin Crane, on the sitcom “Frasier” in 1993. He played the role for 11 seasons, earning two Emmy nominations and becoming one of television’s most beloved dads.

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage began his film career in 1995 and refused to take roles that typecast him based on his height. His breakthrough role came in the 2003 film “The Station Agent,” which was written specifically for him and earned him critical acclaim.

However, he achieved global superstardom with his role as the witty and cunning Tyrion Lannister in the HBO series “Game of Thrones,” which premiered in 2011. The role made him one of the most famous and celebrated actors in the world, earning him four Emmy Awards.

Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt began his career as a stand-up comedian in the late 1980s. He became a recognizable face through his own comedy specials and his role as Spence Olchin on the sitcom “The King of Queens” from 1998 to 2007.

His breakout as a leading man and acclaimed actor came in 2007 when he voiced the main character, Remy, in the Pixar animated film “Ratatouille.” Two years later, he received critical praise for his dramatic leading role in the film “Big Fan” (2009).

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone spent his early years in New York City as a struggling actor, taking on any small role he could find. He also worked as a writer to create his own opportunities.

His life changed forever in 1976 when he wrote and starred in the film “Rocky.” The movie was a massive success, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture and making Stallone, at age 30, one of the biggest stars in the world.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first film was “Hercules in New York” (1970), where his accent was so strong that his lines were dubbed by another actor. After a few small parts, his acting career began to take off with the documentary “Pumping Iron” (1977) and the film “Conan the Barbarian” (1982).

His status as an international superstar was cemented with his role in “The Terminator” (1984). The film’s iconic lines and his powerful presence made him one of the biggest action stars in history.

Ken Jeong

Ken Jeong worked as a licensed physician for many years while also performing stand-up comedy at night. He took on small roles in film and television, including a part as a doctor in “Knocked Up” (2007).

His breakout role came in 2009 with the comedy film “The Hangover.” His scene-stealing performance as the eccentric gangster Mr. Chow made him a comedy star and allowed him to leave his medical career behind to focus on acting full-time.

Betty Gilpin

A graduate of Fordham University, Betty Gilpin began her career with guest roles on television shows like “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and a four-season run on the series “Nurse Jackie.”

Her major breakthrough came in 2017 when she was cast as Debbie “Liberty Belle” Eagan in the Netflix series “GLOW.” Her performance as a former soap opera star turned wrestler earned her critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations, showcasing her talents to a much wider audience.