15 Celebrities Who Started As Background Actors
Fun fact: I've been an extra in Ginny & Georgia and What We Do In The Shadows. Not to make this all about me, but I know a thing or two when it comes to being an extra.
Yup, that's me!!
It brought me to the thought — how many celebrities have started their careers as extras? Turns out...a lot more than you'd think. Here are 15 celebs that were hidden in the background before reaching the spotlight.
Brad Pitt: No Man's Land (1987)
Before he became Hollywood Royalty, Brad Pitt was just another waiter in No Man's Land (1987). In an interview with W Magazine, Pitt admitted he tried to sneak in a line to steal the scene — classic rookie move (I would NEVER do that). And yes, he still somehow looked like a movie star.
Ben Affleck: The Good Mother (1988)
Not only is Ben Affleck pictured in this film, but also Affleck's film bestie Matt Damon is too! Before their Good Will Hunting glory, the two Boston BFFs were just two random teens going for a stroll down the street. Ben cheekily stated "These guys are going somewhere!" after watching their 5-seconds of fame in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel.
Matt Damon: Mystic Pizza (1988)
Speaking of Matt Damon, in the same year as his appearance in The Good Mother, Matt was able to snag a background role in Donald Petrie's Mystic Pizza. If we care about the technical, he did get oneeeee line, which was: "Mom, do you want my green stuff?"
Dan Levy: "Behind These Hazel Eyes" music video (2004)
Yep, Schitt's Creek's very own David Rose once played a background wedding guest in Kelly Clarkson's "Behind These Hazel Eyes" music video. Dan confirmed it on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and honestly, this makes me love both of them even more.
Bruce Willis: The First Deadly Sin (1980)
Bruce Willis walks past a diner in The First Deadly Sin. That's it. That's the scene. From "man walking on a sidewalk" to Die Hard legend. That's a true Hollywood Arc.
Alexis Bledel: Rushmore (1998)
I can't believe my eyes, is that Rory Gilmore?! Long before her star-studded roles in Gilmore Girls and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Alexis Bledel was simply a student in class. How real of her.
Nicolas Cage: Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)
This was wayyyyy back when Nicolas Cage went as Nicolas Coppola (yes, he is a nepo baby — are you new here?). Cage plays a burger joint employee in this scene. Not even a single line, but his eyebrows were already working overtime.
Charlize Theron: Children of the Corn 3: Urban Harvest (1995)
Considering the film was mass-hated by critics (and most audiences), you probably haven't had a chance to set your eyes on this one. In a veryyyy brief moment, Charlize Theron can be seen in Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest, and is credited as being 'Eli's Follower.' Less than 10 years after this, she won Best Actress at the 76th Academy Awards, not too shabby...
Kristen Stewart: The Thirteenth Year (1999)
Remember The Thirteenth Year — that movie about the teenage boy turning into a merman? Alright, maybe just me...Here's Kristen Stewart as a baby-faced student at school. How cute!
Jennifer Lawrence: Monk (2006)
One of Jennifer Lawrence's earliest on-screen roles was as a student mascot on Monk. Her character even got the name "Jen." They must've sensed she was destined for Oscar stardom even then.
Daniel Day-Lewis: Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)
One of the most intense actors of his generation made his film debut as...a rascal vandalizing cars? I will admit, his outfit looks pretty snazzy to me. Honestly, take out the bandana on his neck and that honestly looks a bit like me (including the hair, my bangs need some work atm).
Jeff Goldblum: Death Wish (1974)
Jeff Goldblum's film debut was as "Freak #1" in Michael Winner's Death Wish. In the scene, Goldblum's character and his friends cause some ruckus in a grocery store. It's hard to picture him as someone mean, he's just such a nice guy!
Evangeline Lily: Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
Before you knew her as Kate on Lost, Evangeline was a high schooler in Freddy vs. Jason, a slasher sequel. No screams, no deaths, but she most definitely is putting on an intense resting *redacted* face.
Adam Brody: American Pie 2 (2001)
You probably didn't spot him the first time, but yes, Seth Cohen himself is in a brief scene in this iconic sequel. Honestly, it tracks.
Tobey Maguire: The Wizard (1989)
And last but not least, a baby-faced, mullet-rocking Tobey Maguire in The Wizard! Who would've guessed that "background gamer boy" would one day become the iconic Spider-Man?
It's insane to think that some of Hollywood's most iconic faces played roles like "Freak #1." But everyone's gotta start somewhere, and these are proof that even a few seconds of screen time can eventually lead to a successful acting career.
So next time you're watching a film, keep your eyes peeled — you may just spot the next A-lister! Maybe that's what they'll say about me one day...
Did we miss any celebs you think belong in this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🌟🎬
And don't forget to check out our Instagram and TikTok for more nostalgic celeb content like this!
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