While many horror films don’t come with an all-star cast or a blockbuster budget, they often do well. In Hollywood, all actors begin their careers in some way, be it on television, in commercials or in film. In many cases, many A-list celebrities got their start in horror movies
Many of these actors have become world famous and have received numerous nominations and awards. While some actors might not embrace their horror roots, plenty of celebrities still party Your beginnings in the industry.
Johnny Depp – A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
A nightmare on Elm Street presented to the audience Johnny Deppwho later appeared in films such as Edward with the scissor hands and the Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise.
In the film, Depp played Glen, the boyfriend of Heide Langenkampis Nancy Thompson. Glen has one of the film’s most gruesome death scenes as he is pulled into his mattress in a dream where his blood rushes back into his room. This was accomplished by constructing a “rolling” set that allowed blood to flow through space.
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Kevin Bacon – Friday the 13th (1980)
Similar to Depp, Kevin bacon‘s death scene in Friday the 13th was downright iconic. Before he starred and became famous UnboundBacon played Jack, who was preparing to become one of Camp Crystal Lake’s summer camp counselors.
Bacon is killed by Mrs. Voorhees, she sticks a needle down Jack’s throat. This was achieved through Tom Saviniwho constructed the practical effect.
Jamie Lee Curtis – Halloween (1978)
The daughter of film legends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis was mostly shielded from horror movies by her mother. In 1978 Curtis was selected by John Zimmerman and Debra Huegel to play the role of Last Girl Laurie Strode Halloween.
After the release of Halloween, Curtis starred in a few Canadian horror films and eventually decided to move on to other genres. However, Curtis returned to the role at various points in her career. With the release of Halloween kills In 2021, Curtis has portrayed Laurie Strode over six different decades since the 1970s.
Jennifer Aniston – Leprechaun (1990)
The original leprechaun Film was released in 1990 and starred a then unknown Jennifer Aniston In the main role. Aniston played Tory Redding, who moves into a farmhouse in North Dakota with her father. Unbeknownst to them, a goblin is locked in a box in the basement and is accidentally freed.
The film received mostly negative reviews, and Aniston has maintained a poor perception of the film. In a 2019 interview, Aniston and her then-husband Justin Theroux had seen the film again, and that Aniston was “embarrassed” by it. However, Aniston admitted the film has its “cult following.”
Paul Rudd – Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
In 1995, Paul RuddThe first two films of were released. One was a hit cluelessand the other was Halloween 6: The Curse by Michael Myers. Rudd played Tommy Doyle, who was originally played by brian andrews in the 1978 film, which could not be found for this film. After watching the 1978 attack with Laurie Strode (Curtis) and Lindsey Wallace (Kyle Richards) Tommy became a recluse and possessed by Michael Myers.
Although it was assumed Rudd disliked the film, he has publicly stated that he views the film positively. In 2020, Rudd was asked to reprise his role as Tommy in Halloween Kills but was unable to sign on for the project due to scheduling conflicts Ghostbusters: Life After Death. However, Rudd gave his blessing Antony Michael Hallwho ended up with the role.
Patricia Arquette – A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
While the original A Nightmare on Elm Street launched Depp’s career, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors started the career of Patricia Arquette. Although Arquette’s most notable roles include appearances in true romance, Ed Woodand The actArquette starred in the film as Kristen Parker.
Kristen is committed to a psychiatric hospital, where she joins the other patients and Nancy to fight Freddy. In one notable scene, Kristen is nearly swallowed by Freddy as he transforms into a giant worm. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3 is considered one of Arquette’s best roles and the best film in the franchise.
Tom Hanks – He Knows You’re Alone (1980)
He knows you are alone marked the very first appearance for tom hanks in the movie. The film follows a serial killer known for murdering brides-to-be.
Although Hanks didn’t play a major role in the film, the producers decided to omit his death scene because they liked him so much. The film is said to be inspired by the success of Halloween (1978).
Renee Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey – Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994)
Even though Renee Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey previously acted in films Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation, the film launched the careers of both actors. Zellweger played Jenny, whose friends leave her prom and face Leatherface, and Vilmer, played by McConaughey.
The film’s release was delayed due to the upcoming release of Zellweger’s other film. Jerry Maguire, which became a hit. Meanwhile, rumor had it that McConaughey’s agent was pressuring the studio not to release the film theatrically. In 2016, Zellweger expressed how grateful she was to get the role.
Brad Pitt – Editing Class (1989)
cutting class was Brad Pitt‘s first big break in Hollywood. In the film, Pitt portrays a stereotypical “dumb jock” named Dwight, who is believed to be a rampant murderer at school. Pitt’s character is almost murdered, but he escapes.
The film received very negative reviews for its silliness. Although Pitt is only third in the film, other reviews noted his future A-list potential.
Leonardo DiCaprio-Critters 3 (1991)
Before he got worldwide acclaim for 90’s movies like What does Gilbert Grape eat? (even with Depp!), Romeo + Julietand titanic, Leonardo DiCaprio‘s first starring role was in living things 3. Dicaprio starred as Josh, part of a family of three who unknowingly transports critter eggs that hatch at their destination.
The film was released direct-to-video and received negative reviews. His only claim to fame was DiCaprio’s film debut.
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About the author
Omar Azimi
(7 published articles)
Omar Azimi is a writer from the Washington DC area with experience in journalistic writing. Mr. Azimi graduated from Old Dominion University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. In addition, Mr. Azimi spent time on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles, where he successfully completed courses in Reporting and Writing and Media Law & Ethics. Mr. Azimi’s passion is entertainment writing – television, the film industry and the industry as a whole.
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