Many of the world’s most well-known actors all began somewhere, and simply didn’t just pop into existence one day and become popular. In fact, many of the actors that have become globally famous began their careers while working in the theatre, where they learned many of the acting skills that they would eventually take to the big screen.
People would likely be fairly surprised just to learn how many of these actors actually started out by working in theatres. Here we will look at some of the world’s most popular actors and actresses that initially ignited their careers by working in theatre plays.
1. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman has become a household name in recent years, having been the main character in a number of blockbusters, as well as a supporting actress as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Portman, however, began her career in 1992 when she was just 10 years old, where she worked as an understudy in Ruthless, which was a popular musical. She would take her career even further by starring as Anne Frank in the Broadway adaption of The Diary of Anne Frank.
32. Hugh Jackman
Australian Hugh Jackman is another actor whose career has skyrocketed over the last two decades, and he is perhaps most well-known for playing the Marvel character Wolverine, both as part of a series as well as in a number of independent films.
But before he became known as the face of Wolverine, Jackman was already a popular Australian musical performer, with his breakout performance being that of Gaston in the film adaption of Beauty and The Beast. From there, he would continue to gain fame before being cast as the popular Marvel character.
3. Morgan Freeman
There are few other actors quite as well-known as Morgan Freeman. With a unique voice and roles in some of the most highly praised films ever made, Freeman is a titan in the movie industry, and continues to occasionally appear here and there.
But like many others, Freeman actually started in Broadway, where he made his first appearance in “Hello, Dolly!” along with Cab Calloway. It wouldn’t be until 1989 before Freeman would begin working in big screen films, and by the end of the Shawshank Redemption, he was a certified superstar, and seeing the kind of popularity usually reserved for Bitcoin bets.
4. Gwyneth Paltrow
Today, Gwyneth Paltrow is known for many things, from starring in popular films to running her own youth and beauty business. But long before all of this, Paltrow first gained attention from being a part of the stage. In 1990 in the town of Williamstown, Paltrow appeared on stage for the Williamstown Theatre Festival, which took place in Massachusetts.
Her talent was immediately noticed, and just a year later she would debut in her very first film, which was Shout and Hook. From there, her popularity and fame continued to grow until she was acting in some of the biggest-budget Hollywood films of the last twenty years.
