25 Stars You Saw in Commercials Before They Made It Big

Before they became household names and Hollywood legends, many celebrities got their start in some unexpected places. One common stepping stone was appearing in commercials, often showcasing products that seem trivial compared to their later achievements. These early roles not only paid the bills but also provided valuable experience in front of the camera. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stars who appeared in commercials before they hit it big.

Brad Pitt

Before becoming an A-list actor, Brad Pitt was the face of Pringles in the late 1980s. His youthful charm and good looks made him a perfect fit for the brand’s fun and energetic image. This appearance helped him land more commercial gigs, including Levi’s and Pepsi. These early roles paved the way for his successful film career, starting with a breakout role in Thelma & Louise.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio’s first commercial was for Matchbox cars in the late 1980s. As a child actor, he also appeared in ads for Bubble Yum and Kraft Singles. His natural charisma and boyish good looks quickly caught the attention of casting directors. These commercials were stepping stones that led to his iconic roles in movies like Titanic and Inception.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence’s early career included a commercial for MTV’s My Super Sweet 16. She appeared in this ad before landing roles in television and film. Lawrence also did commercials for brands like Burger King and promoting products with her relatable, girl-next-door appeal. These appearances helped her build a foundation that led to her breakout role in Winter’s Bone.

Steve Carell

Steve Carell’s first commercial was for Brown’s Chicken in the early 1990s. He portrayed a fast-food employee in a humorous, yet unremarkable ad. Carell also appeared in ads for FedEx and the restaurant chain, Little Caesars. These small roles showcased his comedic talent, leading to his starring role in The Office.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck’s commercial debut was for Burger King in the early 1980s. He played a young man ordering from the fast-food chain’s drive-thru. Affleck also appeared in other commercials, including one for the iconic Apple Macintosh. These early experiences helped him develop his acting chops, eventually leading to his success with Good Will Hunting.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker appeared in a commercial for the board game, The Memory Game, in the late 1970s. As a child actress, she also did ads for brands like Seagram’s Wine Coolers and Bounty paper towels. Her youthful exuberance and talent caught the eye of television producers. These roles helped her transition into iconic television roles, including Sex and the City.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt began his career with a commercial for Pop-Tarts in the early 1990s. He also appeared in ads for Cocoa Puffs and Kinney Shoes. His early commercial work showcased his natural acting ability and charm. These roles were stepping stones to his breakout role on 3rd Rock from the Sun.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis’s first commercial was for Lisa Frank, the colorful school supplies brand, in the mid-1990s. She also appeared in ads for Barbie and Telephone Tammy. These early roles highlighted her charismatic presence and versatility as a young actress. Kunis’s commercial work eventually led to her role on That ’70s Show.

Elijah Wood

Elijah Wood appeared in a commercial for Pizza Hut in the late 1980s. He also did ads for brands like Kraft Cheese and Coca-Cola. His cute, boy-next-door appeal made him a popular choice for commercials. These early roles helped him land his iconic role as Frodo in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Tobey Maguire

Tobey Maguire’s first commercial was for Doritos in the late 1980s. He also appeared in ads for brands like Atari and McDonald’s. His boyish looks and engaging presence made him a natural fit for these roles. Maguire’s commercial work helped him transition to film, culminating in his role as Spider-Man.

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst appeared in a commercial for Campbell’s Soup in the late 1980s. She also did ads for brands like Barbie and Baby Alive dolls. Her youthful charm and natural talent made her a standout in these commercials. These early roles paved the way for her breakout performance in Interview with the Vampire.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston’s first commercial was for Preparation H in the late 1980s. He also appeared in ads for brands like Excedrin and JCPenney. These early roles showcased his versatility and comedic timing. Cranston’s commercial work laid the groundwork for his success on shows like Malcolm in the Middle and Breaking Bad.

Courteney Cox

Courteney Cox gained early recognition in a commercial for Tampax in the early 1980s. She also appeared in ads for brands like Maybelline and Noxzema. Her fresh-faced appeal and relatable persona made her a popular choice for these commercials. These roles helped her land the role of Monica Geller on Friends.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman’s early commercial work included an ad for Listerine in the late 1970s. He also appeared in ads for brands like Polaroid and the U.S. Air Force. Freeman’s authoritative voice and commanding presence made him a standout in these commercials. These early roles were precursors to his legendary film career.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves’s first commercial was for Coca-Cola in the early 1980s. He played a young cyclist in an emotionally charged ad. Reeves also appeared in ads for Cornflakes and Levi’s. These early roles showcased his unique screen presence, leading to his breakout role in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Fawcett appeared in a commercial for Ultra Brite toothpaste in the late 1960s. She also did ads for brands like Noxzema and Wella Balsam shampoo. Fawcett’s radiant smile and stunning looks made her a popular choice for these commercials. These early roles helped her transition to her iconic role on Charlie’s Angels.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan’s commercial debut was for Jell-O in the early 1990s. She also appeared in ads for brands like Wendy’s and The Gap. Her youthful exuberance and natural talent made her a standout in these roles. Lohan’s commercial work led to her breakout role in Disney’s The Parent Trap.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller appeared in a commercial for Honey Nut Cheerios in the early 1980s. He also did ads for brands like Levi’s and the iconic beverage Tab. Stiller’s comedic talent and energetic presence made him a natural fit for these roles. His commercial work laid the foundation for his successful career in comedy films.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore’s first commercial was for Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies in the late 1970s. She also appeared in ads for brands like Rice Krispies and Wonder Bread. Barrymore’s adorable charm and acting talent made her a favorite in these commercials. These early roles helped her transition to film, including her iconic role in E.T.

Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis’s commercial debut was for Levi’s 501 jeans in the early 1980s. He also appeared in ads for brands like Seagram’s Golden Wine Coolers and Maxwell House coffee. Willis’s rugged good looks and charismatic presence made him a standout in these roles. These commercials helped him transition to his iconic role in Die Hard.

Matt LeBlanc

Matt LeBlanc’s first commercial was for Heinz ketchup in the late 1980s. He also did ads for brands like Coca-Cola and Doritos. LeBlanc’s charming smile and boy-next-door appeal made him a popular choice for these roles. His commercial work led to his breakout role as Joey Tribbiani on Friends.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union appeared in a commercial for Payless Shoes in the early 1990s. She also did ads for brands like AT&T and Secret deodorant. Union’s natural beauty and engaging presence made her a standout in these commercials. These early roles paved the way for her successful career in film and television.

Aaron Paul

Aaron Paul’s first commercial was for Corn Pops cereal in the late 1990s. He also appeared in ads for brands like Juicy Fruit and Vanilla Coke. Paul’s youthful energy and charisma made him a favorite in these roles. His commercial work helped him land the iconic role of Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox’s commercial debut was for a brand of sunscreen in the early 2000s. She also appeared in ads for brands like Doritos and Sharper Image. Fox’s stunning looks and captivating presence made her a standout in these commercials. These early roles helped her transition to film, including her breakout role in “Transformers.”

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart appeared in a commercial for Porsche in the early 2000s. She also did ads for brands like Volkswagen and Neutrogena. Stewart’s natural acting ability and unique look made her a favorite in these roles. These commercials were stepping stones to her breakout role in the “Twilight” series.

These celebrities’ early commercial roles gave them valuable experience that shaped their careers. From fast food ads to toy promotions, their journeys show the power of humble beginnings and hard work. Next time you see a familiar face in an old commercial, remember that everyone starts somewhere. The next big star might be in a commercial you watch today.

This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.

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