Most of the A-list stars we know today made their blockbuster debut to fame somewhere — from all the parts they played, they had that one lucky role that landed them a ticket to superstardom. It only takes one amazing and unforgettable performance to earn your spot as one of Hollywood’s biggest names and here are some of the break out roles that can be credited for making these celebrities the famous stars they are today!
1. Hugh Jack Man as Logan — “The Wolverine”
If Deadpool was here he would constantly remind you that Hugh Jackman was once named the “Sexiest Man Alive” — but how exactly did he make it to Hollywood’s radar? The famous Aussie earned his degree from the Western Australian Academy Of Performing Arts and one of his first projects was portraying Kevin Jones in the TV show Corelli. But it was not until he took the reins as Wolverine in the X-men movie that he earned a massive following — and it’s like he didn’t even try. Jackman supposedly went to the audition at the last minute, after Dougray Scott somehow forfeited the role due to clashing schedules and prior commitments. But hey, can you imagine the Wolverine being played by anyone else?
2. Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward – “Pretty Woman”
“Big mistake. Big. Huge!” It would have been if Julia Roberts was not cast for the starring role in the movie, Pretty Woman. But before her big break, she started with screen appearances alongside Liam Neeson in the film Satisfaction and even acted with her brother, Eric Anthony Roberts, a very well known face in Hollywood. You might have seen him in Mariah Carey’s music video, We Belong Together. Anyhoo, Julia was meant to be a star in her own right, and who knew the degree of fame she would get her hands on? She played the bubbly, lovable and gorgeous Vivian Ward, opposite her on-screen romantic interest, Richard Gere, who played the rich businessman Edward Lewis. Little did Julia know that the role would catapult her to fame — and we think her breathtaking smile can take credit, too! No one could take their eyes off of her!
3. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen – “The Hunger Games”
Before she was the darling of district 12, her start at Hollywood had already been quite impressive. She was given a Young Artist Award for her performance in The New York Daily News TV series. It was not until she played the fiery Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, however, that she gained international fame. Playing the girl on fire can literally take credit for blowing up her career, giving her endless opportunities and title roles, leading her to where she is today. Now she is an Oscar winner who has played many versatile roles.
4. Kristen Dunst as Claudia – “Interview with the Vampire”
Before Twilight’s on screen attempt at introducing immortal children, Kristen Dunst killed the part of Claudia in the film Interview with the Vampire. Starting out as pretty young actress was already impressive to a certain degree, but acting alongside Hollywood’s most famous men at the time (Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise) most definitely threw her in the loop of actresses to watch out for. She was even nominated for the role, and on the same year, she was able to land a role alongside a powerful female cast in the film Little Women. During her adult years, she became more known for her role as Mary Jane in the first Spiderman movie, where she starred opposite Tobey Maguire — and to this day, she can take credit for the best on-screen kiss ever!
5. Bradley Cooper as Phil Wenneck – “The Hangover”
Way before he was the leading man — and way before he became the multi-nominated actor that he is, he was best know for playing supporting roles such as “the best friend” or “the hot one”. Fortunately, this turned out to be a good thing in the film The Hangover, which made him a household name in Hollywood. His performance in the movie can take credit for opening new doors for him and enabling him to star in numerous films, breaking his streak as just another journeyman.