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Leonardo DiCaprio ,‘Romper Room and Friends’ (1979) -

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most famous actors in Hollywood. In 1979, at the age of 5, he got his first television role in 'Romper Room and Friends'. After a few TV appearances, DiCaprio secured a small role in 'Critters 3' (1991), a story about furry aliens in Los Angeles.

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Zach Galifianakis, ‘Boston Common’ (1996) and ‘Flushed’ (1999) -

Comedian Zach Galifianakis played the role of Bobby in five episodes of 'Boston Common' in 1996, his first role on screen. He made his film debut in 1999 with the role of Pathetic Guy in 'Flushed', a movie set entirely in bathrooms.

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Robert De Niro, ‘Trois Chambres à Manhattan' (1965) -

The famous actor, who is known for his work in more than a hundred films, began his career in European cinema. In 1965, De Niro got his first role in 'Trois Chambres à Manhattan.' He played his second role in 1968 in the Danish film 'Greetings,' a satire on free love.

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Nicole Kidman, 'Bush Christmas' (1983) -

The A-list actress has been in the business for over 30 years. Kidman began her acting career in the film 'Bush Christmas,' which tells the story of an Australian family trying to save their farm from foreclosure.

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Heath Ledger, 'Ship to Shore' (1993) -

The renowned actor, who passed away at a young age, began his career in 1993 in the family comedy 'Ship to Shore.' He later played Snowy Bowles in the Australian television series 'Sweat' in 1996. Ledger had his breakthrough in 1999 when he starred in his debut films '10 Things I Hate About You' and 'Two Hands.'

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Tommy Lee Jones, 'Love Story' (1970) -

Tommy Lee Jones' career has matured like a fine wine. When he took on his remarkable role in 'No Country for Old Men' (2007), he had almost four decades of illustrious work behind him. His first role was in the movie 'Love Story' (1970), in which he played Oliver's roommate—a key male character in the romantic storyline. His breakthrough, however, came when he played a police investigator who helps a woman who has the eerie ability to see through the eyes of a murderer in the movie 'Eyes of Laura Mars' (1978)

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Cameron Diaz, 'The Mask' (1994) -

One of Hollywood's most famous actresses, Cameron Diaz made her debut as the villain and also the hero's love interest in the 1994 hit movie 'The Mask.'

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John Travolta, ‘Emergency!‘ (1972) -

This superstar actor got his first role in the TV series 'Emergency!' in 1972. He landed his first movie as a supporting character in 'The Devil's Rain' (1975), in which he plays a cult leader who rises from the dead.

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Denzel Washington, ‘Wilma' (1977) -

Denzel Washington has been a prominent Hollywood star since the late 1990s. He made his debut in a flashback scene in the TV movie 'Wilma' (1977), centered around track star Wilma Rudolph. In his first film role, Washington played the illegitimate son of a white man in the film 'Carbon Copy' (1981).

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Tom Cruise, ‘Endless Love’ (1981) -

The respected actor began his cinematic journey with the 1981 film 'Endless Love,' in which he took on a modest role in the story of a forbidden teen romance.

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Morgan Freeman, ‘New York Television Theatre' (1969) -

The famous actor has an extensive career with over 1,200 appearances. It all began in 1969 with an episode of 'New York Television Theatre.' His film debut was a small role in 'Who Says I Can't Ride a Rainbow!' (1971), about the last farm in Manhattan.

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Jack Nicholson, ‘Matinee Theatre’ (1956) -

Nicholson earned his first TV role as the son of a musician on 'Matinee Theatre' in 1956. Two years later, he graced the silver screen in his debut film 'The Cry Baby Killer', portraying a young man who holds people hostage because he's convinced he has unwittingly committed murder.

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Hugh Jackman, 'Paperback Hero' (1999) -

The famous 'X-Men' star began his career in the 1990s as a television actor. He made his film debut in 1999 with the role of Jack Willis in the movie 'Paperback Hero.' Jackman played a truck driver who cruises the harsh Australian outback and becomes famous as a successful paperback author.

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Meryl Streep, 'Julia' (1977) -

Meryl Streep, one of Hollywood's most esteemed actresses, has appeared in almost 90 films. Her debut was a small role in 'Julia' in 1977, a movie about a playwright who smuggles money into Nazi Germany.

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Benicio Del Toro, ‘Shell Game’ (1987) and ‘Licence to Kill’ (1989) -

Benicio Del Toro made his first TV appearance in 1987 in an episode of 'Shell Game' about a conning couple. He then lent his voice to a dog-faced boy in a Pee-Wee Herman movie. But it was his portrayal of a minor James Bond villain in 'Licence to Kill' (1989) that really attracted attention.

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Dan Aykroyd, 'Coming up Rosie' (1975) -

In 1975, Dan Aykroyd made his screen debut in the Canadian TV show 'Coming Up Rosie.' He then starred in his first film role as a blind man in 'Love at First Sight' (1977). Three years later, he became famous with the 'The Blues Brothers.'

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Johnny Depp, ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ (1984) -

in 1984, 21-year-old Johnny Depp made his debut as Glen Lantz in the original film 'A Nightmare on Elm Street.' This was Depp's first appearance on the big screen before he shot to fame with his role in 'Cry-Baby' (1990).

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Angelina Jolie, 'Lookin' to Get Out' (1982) -

The famous actress (pictured hugging her father) debuted in 1982 in a movie role alongside her father, Jon Voight. The movie follows two gamblers who flee New York.

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Russell Crowe, 'Spyforce' (1972) -

The 'Gladiator' began his acting career in 1972 at the age of 8, when he played an uncredited orphan in the TV series 'Spyforce', which was about Australian spies during the Second World War. Crowe also appeared in four episodes of the Australian series 'Neighbors' before landing his first American film role in 'Blood Oath' (1990) alongside George Takei.

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Jim Carrey, 'All in Good Taste' (1983) and ‘Once Bitten’ (1985) -

Jim Carrey began his career as a voice actor in 1980 in the Canadian television program 'The All-Night Show,' which was broadcast early in the morning. He made his film debut in 1983 in the Canadian movie 'All in Good Taste,' which is about a hijacked screenplay. He got his first Hollywood role in 1985 when he played a man who falls in love with a vampire in 'Once Bitten.'

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Matthew McConaughey, 'Dazed and Confused' (1993) -

After appearing in a TV show in 1992 and playing Guy #2 in 'My Boyfriend's Back' in 1993, Matthew McConaughey became famous for his role as the bad boy in 'Dazed and Confused' (1993).

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Don Cheadle, ‘Moving Violations’ (1985) -

Don Cheadle began his acting career with a role in a movie about a tutoring course for drivers, in which he played a fast food employee.

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Edward Norton, ‘Primal Fear’ (1996) -

The Hollywood actor, known for his striking performances in eye-catching films, began his career in a movie in which an altar boy kills a priest.

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Penélope Cruz, ‘Los mundos de Yupi’ (1990) and ‘Jamón, Jamón’ (1992) -

The Spanish bombshell made her debut in 1990 in an episode of the Spanish children's television series 'Los mundos de Yupi'. In 1992, in her first film 'Jamón, Jamón,' she played a working-class woman who has a relationship with an executive and has to face the disapproval of his family.

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Scarlett Johansson, 'North' (1994) -

The Hollywood star began her acting career at the age of 10 in 'North,' a movie starring Elijah Wood, Bruce Willis, and Jason Alexander. The film is about a child who travels around the world in search of new parents.

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Seth Rogen, ‘Freaks and Geeks’ (1999) -

Seth Rogen, known for his work in buddy and stoner comedies, began his acting career in 1999 in the series 'Freaks and Geeks.' He played Ken Miller for 18 episodes before landing a small role in the 2001 film 'Donnie Darko'

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Jennifer Lawrence, ‘Monk’ (2006) and 'The Poker House' (2008) -

Jennifer Lawrence had her first role as a mascot in the TV show 'Monk' in 2006. The actress then starred in the film 'The Poker House,' which tells the story of actress Lori Petty. Since then, Lawrence has been one of the first choices for Hollywood blockbusters.

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Donald Glover, ‘Winner Takes All’ (1998) -

Donald Glover, who is now a very popular actor and rapper, began his career in 1998 with minor roles in television films, including a portrayal of Peter Pan in 'Black Peter Pan' in 2006. He made his debut as an extra in the hip-hop crime movie 'Winner Takes All' (1998), but his breakthrough came in 2009 with the role of a child detective in 'Mystery Team.'

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Michael Cera, ‘Twice in a Lifetime’ (1999) and ‘Steal This Movie’ (2000) -

Michael Cera made his screen debut as a skateboarder in the Canadian series 'Twice in a Lifetime' in 1999. The show is about an angel who wants to earn his wings. Cera then starred in the American film 'Steal This Movie' (2000), which is about the lives of two activists.

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Channing Tatum, 'CSI: Miami' (2004) -

To be precise, Channing Tatum made his debut in the entertainment industry in 2000 as a backup dancer in Ricky Martin's music video 'She Bangs.' His career continued with a guest appearance in 'CSI Miami' in 2004 and the portrayal of Jason Lyle in 'Coach Carter' in 2005.

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Cuba Gooding Jr., ‘Better Days’ (1986) -

Cuba Gooding Jr. made his debut in 1986 as Wooly Bully in the TV series 'Better Days.' In 1988, he appeared in a scene in the movie 'Coming to America.'

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Jake Gyllenhaal, ‘City Slickers’ (1991) -

Jake Gyllenhaal became famous for his role in 'Donnie Darko' (2001), but his career began in 1991 with a small role in Billy Crystal's comedy 'City Slickers'.

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Idris Elba, ‘2point4 Children’ (1994) -

Idris Elba is a respected actor in the UK and America. He made his TV debut in 1994 in the show '2point4 Children' as a skydiving instructor. He later played the lead role in the French film 'Belle Maman' in 1999, which marked the beginning of his successful television and cinema career.

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Sandra Oh, ‘Denim Blues’ (1989) -

Sandra Oh, who is best known for her roles in shows like 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Killing Eve,' began her acting career in 1989 with a role in the Canadian TV series 'Denim Blues.' She made her film debut in 'Double Happiness' (1994), a movie about the challenges a first-generation Chinese Canadian woman faces in her love life.

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Eddie Murphy, ‘48 Hrs.’ (1982) -

Eddie Murphy's first film was the crime movie '48 Hrs.' (1982), in which he plays a criminal who teams up with a policeman to hunt down a murderer. His second film was the comedy classic 'Trading Places' with Dan Aykroyd in 1983.

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Joaquin Phoenix, ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' (1982) -

Joaquin Phoenix made his television debut in 1982 in 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,' based on the classic musical. In the midst of his TV career, he also starred in his first movie, 'SpaceCamp' (1986), a story about four teenagers who are accidentally sent into space.

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Sean Penn, 'Little House on the Prairie' (1974) -

Penn began his acting career at the age of 14 with an uncredited role as a kid in 'Little House on the Prairie' in 1974. After a few more TV appearances, he rose to fame as Jeff Spicoli in 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' (1982).

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Mila Kunis, ‘Days of Our Lives’ (1994) -

Mila Kunis, known for her roles in 'That '70s Show' (1998) and 'Black Swan' (2010), made her first screen appearance in 1994 in an episode of 'Days of Our Lives.' In 1995, she landed a small role in the horror film 'Piranha'

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Ryan Reynolds, 'Hillside' (1991) -

Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds began his acting career at the age of 15 with a role in the television series 'Hillside' (1991), which was about high school challenges. In 1993, he starred in the Canadian film 'Ordinary Magic,' in which he portrayed an activist teenager from India.

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Viola Davis, ‘The Substance of Fire’ (1996) -

Viola Davis is known today for her roles in 'How to Get Away with Murder' (2014-2020) and 'Fences' (2016), but she made her debut in the 1996 film 'The Substance of Fire.'

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Ben Stiller, 'Kate & Allie’ (1987) -

Ben Stiller's debut acting gig was in the 1987 TV show 'Kate & Allie,' depicting two single moms raising their children. In the same year, he landed a recurring role on 'Saturday Night Live' and made his film debut alongside John Cusack in the romantic comedy 'Hot Pursuit.'

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Liam Hemsworth, 'Home and Away' (2007) -

Before he became famous in 'Hunger Games' (2012), Hemsworth appeared in the Australian series 'Home and Away' and 'McLeod's Daughters' in 2007. He also played Josh Taylor in 'Neighbours' from 2007 to 2008. The actor had his breakthrough with his first movie 'Knowing' (2009).

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Geoffrey Rush, 'Dad and Dave: On Our Selection' (1995) -

The legendary pirate of the Caribbean Hector Barbossa first appeared in 1980 in the television series 'Menotti,' which only ran for one season. Rush had a number of smaller roles in film and television before he got his first feature film with a role in 'Dad and Dave: On Our Selection' about an Australian bushman who contests an election against corrupt politicians.

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Kirsten Dunst, 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' (1990) -

At the age of eight, the actress landed her first film: 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' (1990) alongside Tom Hanks and Bruce Willis. The movie is about a Wall Street bigwig who loses his luxurious life after his mistress kills a teenager in a car accident. Afterward, in 1994, she played her famous role in 'Interview with a Vampire.' Her co-star was none other than Brad Pitt.

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Eric Bana, 'Eric' (1996) -

Eric Bana began his acting career in 1996 with his television film debut 'Eric'—what a coincidence! A year later he got a small role in 'The Castle.' Between '93 and 2000, Bana was Australian television's best-kept secret. In 2000, he starred in 'Chopper,' making a name for himself in Hollywood.

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Anthony Hopkins, ‘A Matter of Degree’ (1960) -

The legendary actor began his acting journey with a role in ‘A Matter of Degree,’ a television series from the 1960s, before making his film debut in 'The White Bus' (1967), a bizarrely dark British movie.

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Natalie Portman, 'Léon: The Professional' (1994) -

Natalie Portman was 13 years old when she appeared in her first film, 'Léon: The Professional,' in which she plays a little girl who is adopted by a killer after her family is murdered.

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Matt Damon, ‘Mystic Pizza’ (1988) -

Matt Damon's first break was a minor role as Steamer Windsor in the 1988 movie 'Mystic Pizza.' The plot revolves around the coming of age of three young Portuguese-American friends who work in a pizzeria in a seaside town in Connecticut.

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Mickey Rourke, '1941' (1979) -

The actor had his first role in 1979 in the film '1941,' directed by Stephen Spielberg. In 1980, Rourke was part of the cast of 'Fade to Black,' a film about a movie aficionado who goes on a killing spree.

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Willem Dafoe, ‘The Loveless’ (1981) -

Willem Dafoe (right) has appeared in more than 100 films to date. He made his debut in the Swedish film 'The Loveless' (1981), which tells the story of a motorcycle gang in a small town.

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Cate Blanchett, 'Kaboria' (1990) -

The actress made her debut in 1990 as a cheerleader in the film 'Kaboria.' Throughout the 1990s, Blanchett appeared in various Australian television series such as 'Police Rescue,' 'Heartland,' and 'Bordertown.' Her roles in 'Parklands' (1996), 'Oscar and Lucinda' (1997) and 'Elizabeth' (1998) helped her to make a name for herself in Hollywood.

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Jackie Chan, ‘Big and Little Wong Tin Bar’ (1962) -

The kung fu star made his debut at the age of eight with the leading role in the 1962 Hong Kong film 'Big and Little Wong Tin Bar.' In this black-and-white film, he played a child learning kung fu, marking the beginning of his successful career.

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Naomi Watts, ‘For Love Alone’ (1986) -

Naomi Watts made her debut in the Australian series 'Return to Eden' (1983), in which she played a small role as an uncredited model. Her film career began with a part as an unnamed girlfriend in 'For Love Alone' (1986), set in 1930s Australia.

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Julia Roberts, ‘Crime Story’ (1987) -

Roberts began her career in 1987 when she appeared as Tracy in an episode of the Chicago TV series 'Crime Story.' The following year, she landed her first film credit in 'Satisfaction,' a movie about a teenage band going on tour. That same year, she played a lead role in 'Mystic Pizza' (pictured).

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Christian Bale, ‘Empire of the Sun’ (1987) -

Bale, who became famous for his starring roles in 'American Psycho' (2000) and 'The Dark Knight' (2008), starred in the classic film 'Empire of the Sun' in 1987 when he was only 13. Before that, he had already been in a TV miniseries, a TV movie, and a film in 1986 and 1987.

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Drew Barrymore, 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ (1982) -

Barrymore starred in Stephen Spielberg's 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial' when she was just seven years old. Before that, the 90s superstar had already appeared in two TV movies and one film role.

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Jay Chou, ‘Initial D’ (2005) -

Famous for his role in 'The Green Hornet' (2011), Chou was first seen in the 2005 film 'Initial D.'

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Adam Sandler, 'The Cosby Show' (1987) -

It may surprise you to know that Adam Sandler first appeared on screen in 1987 on 'The Cosby Show' as Smitty, a character he played for four episodes. His debut film was 'Going Overboard' (1989), a story about a struggling comedian, but his big break came in 1994 with 'Airheads.'

Sources: (Cosmopolitan) (Bored Panda)

See also: Why watching movies is actually good for you

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