Horrorfilms have always seemed to be a good starting point for actors when trying to find their big break in Hollywood. Traditionally, acting in horror films was looked down upon, particularly in the ’70s and ’80s by the Hollywood elite, as it was considered just one step above acting in pornography. However, as we’ve seen throughout history, the horror genre has been an important stepping stone in the careers of some of the most talented and famous actors of all time.
Several actors have made it from having tiny appearances as extras in horror films all the way to winning Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Check out these eight high-profile actors that got their start in horror films before getting their big breaks.
Updated April 14th, 2022: If you love a good horror flick and enjoy seeing movie stars before they were majorly famous, then you’ll be happy to know this article has been updated with additional content and actors.
8Jennifer Aniston - Leprechaun (1993)
Before Jennifer Aniston was making one-million dollars per episode in possibly the most successful TV show of all time,Friends, her first major feature film role was playing the lead protagonist in the 1993 filmLeprechaunat just 24 years old.Leprechaunhad a budget of just $1 million dollars, and followed an evil, sadistic leprechaun (Warwick Davis) as he goes on a killing rampage while searching for his pot of gold.
Though the film wasn’t a huge success on arrival, it became much more popular when Aniston went on to star inFriends, inspiring many viewers to go back and rent and purchase the actress' first feature film. Aniston would go on to win an Outstanding Actress Primetime Emmy for her role as Rachel inFriends, and have major roles in successful films likeBruce Almighty,Horrible Bosses, andWe’re the Millers.
7Tom Hanks - He Knows You’re Alone (1980)
Long before he became America’s dad and one of the most dynamic and phenomenal performers in cinematic history, Tom Hanks appeared in the low-budget 1980 slasherHe Knows You’re Alone, a small role that marked his feature film debut. In the often forgotten horror flick, Hanks portrays a student named Elliot who chastises the main character and her claims of being stalked by a mysterious presence. His short scene was just a stepping stone for the beloved actor, as he would find profound success throughout that decade and beyond in both movies and television.
Hanks went on to gain widespread attention when he starred alongside Peter Scolari in the short-lived sitcomBosom Buddies, before headlining some of society’s most treasured films likeSleepless in Seattle, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan,andthe lucrativeToy Storyfranchise. He has become a cherished cultural icon and his illustrious films have grossed over $9 billion worldwide.
6Jared Leto - Urban Legend (1998)
Although Jared Leto had a couple large roles in small films before his appearance inUrban Legend, his role in this 1998 slasher film showed off the ability and range that would land him in larger films throughout his career. InUrban Legend, Leto plays a college student that suspects a series of killings taking place are connected to a variety of different urban legends. He and his friend Natalie (Alicia Witt) must work together to solve the mystery before being killed themselves.
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Actor Jared Letowould continue his horror appearances inAmerican Psycho(2000), then go on to mostly act in sci-fi, drama, and thriller films. In 2014, Leto won an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance inDallas Buyers Club. He would also go on to be accused as agroomer and alleged predator.
5Matthew McConaughey - Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994)
In what is widely regarded as theworst in theTexas Chainsaw Massacreseries, Matthew McConaughey suits up as a crazed serial-killing family member of the iconic Leatherface. The film was severely panned by critics, and only made back $185K of its $600K budget. Even thoughThe Next Generationhad a limited release and mostly disliked by horror fans, the film spawned not one, but two Oscar-winning actors from its cast.
McConaughey won an Oscar for Best Leading Actor forDallas Buyer’s Club, and hisNext Generationco-star, Renée Zellweger, would go on to win two, one in 2002 for Best Supporting Actress inCold Mountainand again in 2020 for Best Leading Actress inJudy.
4Kevin Bacon - Friday the 13th (1980)
Before he charmed audiences across the world with his smooth dance skills inFootlooseand became an overnight sensation, Kevin Bacon appeared in a little movie known asFriday the 13th, with the epic 1980 slasher establishing a revered and wildly popular franchise that introduced the masses to the hockey-mask wearingvillain Jason Voorhees. In the iconic horror flick, Bacon portrays Jack, a counselor at Crystal Lake who alongside his fellow friends is terrorized by the ruthless killer. Though his appearance is short-lived, the seasoned actor did receive a memorable death in which his throat is pierced by an arrow courtesy of Jason.
Related:Kevin Bacon’s Long Lasting Love Affair With Horror
A few short years later, Bacon skyrocketed to stardom inFootlooseand continued to star in acclaimed films like AFew Good Men, Apollo 13,andMystic River.He has crafted a prolific career and has earned numerous accolades including a Golden Globe, Saturn Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
3Johnny Depp - A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Glen Lantz inA Nightmare on Elm Streetis probably the most memorable of this group. Not necessarily because of his performance in the role, but because his death scene was one of the goriest in horror movie history. In his famous death scene, Depp gets pulled down into his mattress, and a volcanic eruption of blood flows from his bed into the ceiling.
Depp went on to play countless iconic characters since his first film role, like Edward Scissorhands and Jack Sparrow, but has never brought home the gold from the Oscars, though being nominated three times throughout his career.
2George Clooney - Return to Horror High (1987)
In one of the smaller roles of this group, George Clooney took on the role of Oliver in his first feature film,Return to Horror High. In this low-budget 80s slasher, a film crew goes back to a high school where gruesome murders take place to film a horror movie. Clooney plays one of the leads in the film crew’s production, but unfortunately is the first to meet his demise when he quits the movie and becomes the first to be taken out by the killer.
Since then, Clooney has appeared in several memorable roles, including putting on the bat suit inBatman & Robin, and killing vampires inFrom Dusk Til Dawn. He’s won two Academy Awards. His first, for Best Actor in a Supporting Role inSyriana(2005), and his second in 2012 as a producer forArgo.
1Leonardo DiCaprio - Critters 3 (1991
Afterauditioning more than 100 times, at just 17-years-old Leonardo DiCaprio made his first feature film debut inCritters 3, the 1991 sequel to the popular 80s monster movies about space aliens that attempt to eat everything they see. DiCaprio was nominated for an Oscar just two years later at age 19 forWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grape?, and has been nominated another five times, taking home one win in 2016 forThe Revenant.
DiCaprio is also an environmentalist, creating the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which supports organizations and initiatives that dedicate themselves to a sustainable future for planet Earth. He most recently appeared in Netflix’s environmental satire,Don’t Look Up,and is set to collaborate with Martin Scorsese once again in the highly-anticipated Western crime dramaKillers of the Flower Moon.
