Jason Speakman, Katie Dupere

Leonardo DiCaprio Now: Almost three decades after his first role, DiCaprio is one of the biggest names in Hollywoodand <a href="https://variety.com/2019/film/news/celebrity-salaries-leonardo-dicaprio-margot-robbie-dwayne-johnson-will-smith-1203200508/" id="3066b6cc-d6c1-3782-adae-2a3e3f75d637"> one of the highest paid actors </a> in the industry. He holds an Academy Award and three Golden Globes. Christopher Jue - Getty Images

Johnny Depp First movie: <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087800/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_90" id="e3a86e4d-a730-362a-a9ca-90cbeb37bd6e"> Johnny Depps first film </a> was Nightmare on Elm Street, where he starred as Glen. An impressive first film and role by any account, Depp was only 21-years-old during filming. Michael Ochs Archives - Getty Images

Johnny Depp Now: Depp has been acting since 1984, and is one of the most well-known names in film. With roles in everything from Whats Eating Gilbert Grape? to the Pirates of the Carribean franchise to every Tim Burton film known to man, Depp is a certified leading actor in Hollywood. Francois G. Durand - Getty Images

Hugh Jackman First movie: Paperback Hero was <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0180037/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_52" id="a5081059-443d-3fd0-a6ea-1fbe1d815dda"> Hugh Jackmans first film </a> , with the actor cinching the lead role of Jack Willis, an Australian truck driver with a talent for writing romance novels. The 1999 film came off the heels of a few television roles for the actor, which he had been dabbling in since 1994. Newspix - Getty Images

Hugh Jackman Now: Jackman has played Wolverine, Van Helsing, Jean Valjean, P.T. Barnum, and every seemingly random role in between. With a <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0413168/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm" id="43e50083-7dc6-36b0-a94a-07c101af1df4"> vast array of films and roles </a> in his career, Jackman is truly a multi-talented and unpredictable actor. Tracey Nearmy - Getty Images

Neil Patrick Harris First movie: Neil Patrick Harris may be mostly known for his television work, but his first ever role was in a film. Harris starred alongside Whoppie Goldberg in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094882/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl" id="07e8ddf1-577e-3553-a7d8-bd63b7685bf3"> Claras Heart </a> , a 1988 movie following a family healing from an infants death and their new housekeeper. Harris was 13 years old in the film. Michael Ochs Archives - Getty Images

Neil Patrick Harris Now: From Count Olaf in A Series of Unfortunate Events to Barney Stintson in How I Met Your Mother to Doogie Howser, M.D., Harris has had quite a career. Even though television is his most popular medium, the actor has peppered <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000439/" id="888493ea-238d-3e71-a081-2c0c98785d4d"> film roles </a> throughout his 30 year career. And lets not forget his impressive musical theater roster. Amy Sussman - Getty Images

Christian Bale First movie: After some small television roles, 12-year-old Christian Bale landed a supporting role in the 1987 fantasy-adventure film <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093543/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_50" id="61340f09-704e-3e2a-abfb-ff4d8c7a56e0"> Mio in the Land of Faraway </a> . Mirrorpix - Getty Images

Christian Bale Now: Bale has had a vast career, winning an Academy Award and two Golden Globes for his work. He is particularly known for going through intense physical transformations for his roles, which can be seen when comparing his physique in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000288/mediaviewer/rm673615105" id="a43892d2-3284-341a-aa36-6aea74634087"> 2004s The Machinist </a> to his appearance as <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000288/mediaviewer/rm2455005440" id="9bf564f2-9006-3529-af05-c8b29a700f49"> Dick Cheney in Vice </a> . Frazer Harrison - Getty Images

Colin Firth First movie: <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086904/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_86" id="7789e545-0625-3451-a222-60d6cd661d80"> Colin Firths first movie </a> was Another Country in 1984. The actor, who was 23 years old when the film was released, played the role of a Marxist schoolboy named Judd. The play-turned-film explores the early life a gay spy, whom Judd is close friends. Eric CATARINA - Getty Images

Colin Firth Now: With an estimated <a href="https://money.com/bridget-jones-baby-stars-net-worth/" id="b07021fa-4da3-35ad-af69-dacc5191c23c"> net worth of $25 million </a> , Firth is a powerhouse actorand he has the bank account to prove it. The leading actor holds an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, two BAFTA Awards, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards for his film work. Samir Hussein - Getty Images

Morgan Freeman First movie: After a few uncredited film roles and a couple television roles, Morgan Freeman received his first credited film role in 1971. The film was called <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067982/" id="365ce1aa-9fa4-3dd3-a78c-689aa3623ba1"> Who Says I Cant Ride a Rainbow! </a> , and follows the story of the last working farm in Manhattan. Freeman was 34-years-old at the time of the films release. Getty Images

Morgan Freeman Now: Though his <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000151/" id="39b826f0-f2ef-3cc1-a754-ccfbdf8df9ab"> acting career </a> started later than many, Freeman quickly became a sought after talent in Hollywood. He holds both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his work. In 2017, Freeman was given the <a href="https://www.sagawards.org/nominees/life-achievement-award-recipient/54th" id="675a4f74-4eb1-300c-ab50-8a7914503b94"> Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement award </a> for his impressive career and humanitarian work. Getty Images

Ryan Gosling First movie: After a few television roles and a standing spot on The All Mickey Mouse Club, 15-year-old Ryan Gosling nabbed a supporting role in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116356/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_39" id="a0158e63-6641-3079-aedb-20d27c57ed9d"> Frankenstein and Me </a> . Gosling plays Kenny in the 1996 film, the friend of a teen who brings Frankenstein back to life. Randall Michelson - Getty Images

Ryan Gosling Now: From The Notebook to Gangster Squad to La La Land, Gosling has had a <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0331516/?ref_=tt_cl_t7" id="7004b20f-89dc-3f51-abbc-a6dc1d07d430"> varied and vast film career </a> that spans almost 25 years. He is a Golden Globe winner with more than 20 acting awards under his belt, and has been named one of the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/pictures/599b0ba431358e60d7768f66/14-ryan-gosling/#ef7376517638" id="ef4b93b2-484a-370b-a9fd-c68454401721"> highest-paid actors in the world </a> . Rodin Eckenroth - Getty Images

Tom Hanks First movie: Surprisingly, Tom Hanks first movie was a thriller. In 1980, 24-year-old Hanks had his first film role in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080850/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_91" id="e423c156-3443-37dc-a17a-2081afa9732d"> He Knows Youre Alone </a> , which follows a bride-to-be who is stalked by a serial killer. ABC Photo Archives - Getty Images

Tom Hanks Now: Hanks career needs no introduction. The actor has dominated Hollywood, with more than <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000158/" id="cd224473-22b4-38a3-ade3-415b59414f94"> 90 acting credits </a> and too many massive box office wins to name. Hanks has two Academy Awards, eight Emmys, four Golden Globes, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He received two consecutive Oscar nominations for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. Samir Hussein - Getty Images

Will Smith First movie: Will Smiths first movie was <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105810/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_70" id="f29faac1-257e-3674-af28-5ae6f3e6ae48"> Where the Day Takes You </a> , a 1992 film about teenage runaways on the streets of LA. The role was a departure from Smiths The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air roots, which debuted two years prior when Smith was 21-years-old. Harry Langdon - Getty Images

Will Smith Now: From the Bad Boys franchise to I, Robot and The Pursuit of Happyness to Aladdian, Smith has had an <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000226/" id="208b3f6f-8f6a-3bc8-ad3e-949283e606e9"> unpredictable career </a> of unpredictable roles. Hes been nominated for five Golden Globes and two Academy Awards. With an impressive music career, Smith has won four Grammys and six American Music Awards. NurPhoto - Getty Images

George Clooney First movie: George Clooney had a series of television roles and background acting gigs before landing the made-for-TV movie <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090865/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_82" id="f311d4a4-66e3-3819-a810-112f679bf720"> Combat Academy </a> , which was released when he was 25 years old. The film follows the hijinks of two jokers in military school. Harry Langdon - Getty Images

George Clooney Now: Clooney has had one of the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000123/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" id="adc405e5-6ffb-308d-ae93-b17f611b8056"> most impressive film careers </a> in history, thanks to his old Hollywood charm. He holds three Golden Globes, two Academy Awards, and the American Film Institutes Lifetime Achievement Awards. Clooney has an estimated net worth of <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/george-clooney/#397261455087" id="0b1a5e6a-6bc6-3525-a0ac-a202473bd4de"> $239 million </a> , making him the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2018/08/22/the-worlds-highest-paid-actors-2018-george-clooney-tops-list-with-239-million/#1a2366c37dfd" id="d5663c36-3c4c-3f00-a4df-62e22eb23900"> highest-paid actor in the world </a> . HEIKKI SAUKKOMAA - Getty Images

Brad Pitt First movie: After several uncredited roles and TV spots, Brad Pitt had his big break in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118930/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_74" id="493f57bb-a43f-38ad-aa5a-29710c51ed26"> The Dark Side of The Sun </a> at age 25. The 1988 love story follows a man trying to find a cure for a rare skin condition and experiencing life along the way. Michael Putland - Getty Images

Brad Pitt Now: <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000093/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" id="cd3e4a8e-9f64-3631-a98a-ebddd9694116"> Pitt is an acting legend </a> with a career many in Hollywood can only dream to rival. He holds an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, two Golden Globes, an Emmy, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and countless other recognitions. From Fight Club to Benjamin Button to 12 Years a Slave, Pitt has spent more than three decades becoming a master of his craft. Daniele Venturelli - Getty Images

Hugh Grant First movie: <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084539/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_67" id="76ee19e6-0aeb-39d6-a866-42fba769eac3"> Hugh Grants first film role </a> was in the 1982 movie Privileged, which follows a group of Oxford acting students throughout a dramatic play production. Grant was 22 years old at the time of filming. Byron Newman - Getty Images

Hugh Grant Now: As the official romantic comedy golden boy, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000424/" id="dd954b37-1e7b-3127-af93-ecfbbd814001"> Grant is known for roles </a> in Love, Actually, Notting Hill, Sense and Sensibility, and the Bridget Jones franchise. Grant has received a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for his work, having been in the industry for almost four decades. Isabel Infantes - PA Images - Getty Images

Jason Momoa First movie: Jason Momoas first movie was made-for-television. After a three year stint on <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337851/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_33" id="5e0a8e0e-7884-3d61-af6b-cea9be082516"> Baywatch: Hawaii </a> between 1999 and 2001, Momoa starred in a wedding-themed Baywatch film. He was 24 years old at the time. Jon Kopaloff - Getty Images

Jason Momoa Now: Momoa has taken the acting world by storm with roles as Aquaman and Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones. With his buff physique and intimidating height, Momoa is known for starring as <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0597388/?ref_=nmawd_awd_nm" id="c10c457b-2ed6-3993-a6aa-c924b5a1a681"> warriors and tough figures in films </a> . JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX - Getty Images

Denzel Washington First movie: Denzel Washingtons first role was in the 1977 television movie, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076923/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_58" id="27843ac9-1005-3fe1-a4ec-fac68e538e51"> Wilma </a> . The film told the true story of American track sprinter and Olympian Wilma Rudolph. Washington was 23 at the time of the movies release. Aaron Rapoport - Getty Images

Denzel Washington Now: Denzel Washington has had an <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000243/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" id="b12fd3d6-42e8-37e8-a41e-714c207f1737"> impressive career </a> spanning more than four decades. He has three Golden Globes, one Tony Award, one Screen Actors Guild Award and two Academy Awards. Washington is known for his portrayal of real people, like Malcolm X and Herman Boone in Remember the Titans, and military or law enforcement personnel. Kevin Winter - Getty Images

Liam Neeson First movie: Liam Neesons first role was in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0359836/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_132" id="41ebe3c8-971d-3da1-a145-fc7b555bdb58"> Pilgrims Progress </a> , a 1978 film based on the first novel ever written in English. Neeson was 25 years old at the time of the films release. Radio Times - Getty Images

Liam Neeson Now: Neeson is known for roles in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0936501/?ref_=ttls_li_tt" id="3ecbeb67-3ccf-3af1-af91-8ffc62194cfc"> the Taken franchise </a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108052/?ref_=ttls_li_tt" id="ef26b4fa-333f-35fd-a6a3-45c828da91c7"> Schindlers List </a> . He has an estimated <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/actors/liam-neeson-net-worth/" id="2448480c-6cef-389a-a13c-fea2abbe96ba"> net worth of $85 million </a> and a series of top award nominations to further prove his acting skill. Carlos R. Alvarez - Getty Images

Nicolas Cage First movie: Before Nicolas Cage was Nicolas Cage, he was credited for a small role in 1982s <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083929/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_102" id="28d5e514-d22c-3438-a34d-b72922c8c516"> Fast Times at Ridgemont High </a> as Nicolas Coppola. He was 18-years-old when the iconic film was released. Getty Images

Nicolas Cage Now: With both memorable performances and memeable moments throughout his film work, Nicolas Cage has had quite a career over almost four decades. Hes known for playing <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000115/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm" id="6389b2df-f111-382a-a115-9e8c94c34adc"> eccentric characters </a> and taking on off-beat films. Steve Granitz - Getty Images

Jack Nicholson First movie: Jack Nicholsons first role was in the 1958 movie <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051500/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_77" id="529d5c5a-6f46-37c5-af96-3a0271c39857"> The Cry Baby Killer </a> . He played a panicked teenage boy who takes hostages when he belives he has committed murder. Nicholson was 19 years old when the film was released. Allied Artist Pictures

Jack Nicholson Now: Nicholson has had a <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000197/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm" id="61f6acc4-874e-3462-a9dc-8b65eb69c093"> massively successful career </a> filled with movies like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Shining, Batman and The Departed. He has three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, six Golden Globes, one Grammy and one Screen Actors Guild Award. Allen Berezovsky - Getty Images

John Travolta First movie: After a handful of television roles, John Travolas first movie role was in the 1975 film <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072869/" id="76d0ecef-bc20-3536-a3b4-94ec330cb776"> The Devils Rain </a> . A horror film, The Devils Rain follows the revenge of a deceased satanist cult leader. Travolta was 21 years old when the film was released. Michael Ochs Archives - Getty Images

John Travolta Now: Travolta has had a <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000237/" id="1bbd326e-62da-3310-a9c8-f541da40c9b6"> 45-year career </a> with countless hits, like Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Pulp Fiction, and even Hairspray. With countless roles showcasing his dancing skill and trademark cleft chin, Travolta is one of the most recognized actors in Hollywood. Amanda Edwards - Getty Images

Arnold Schwarzenegger First movie: Arnold Schwarzeneggers first film was in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065832/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_75" id="79e36a33-0b95-39b1-af91-08a05f3f3f10"> Hercules in New York </a> , with the actor credited as Arnold Strong Mr. Universe. He was 23 years old when he played the title role. Filmpartners

Arnold Schwarzenegger Now: He may have gained popularity as a bodybuilder, but Schwarzenegger has created a <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000216/" id="d2d5ffc7-cfbc-3cfc-a9b1-82a3c189a735"> blockbuster career </a> as an actor. As the Terminator and Conan the Barbarian, Schwarzenegger even extended into politics in his infamous stint as California governor. Jun Sato - Getty Images

Robert De Niro First movie: After a few uncredited roles, De Niros first break was in the 1968 film <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063036/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_117" id="0b8b76a5-2d18-3085-a7fd-db75316d2318"> Greetings </a> . The film was released when De Niro was 25 years old. The actor played Jon, an aspiring filmmaker and peeping tom. West End Films

Robert De Niro Now: De Niro has had one of the most noted acting careers of all time, acting in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000134/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" id="0b8442cc-5aa5-38ec-a9ed-ffb063051ea3"> roles that are emotionally and mentally complex </a> . From The Godfather Part II to Goodfellas to Taxi Driver, De Niro has created too many hits to count. De Niro holds two Academy Awards and two Golden Globes. Jon Kopaloff - Getty Images

Harrison Ford First movie: After a few uncredited roles, Harrison Ford clinched a role in 1967s <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062373/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_81" id="e01f19c4-da9c-3e79-a59b-cab9ace30e23"> A Time for Killing </a> . Ford was 25 years old when the Western war film was released. Sunset Boulevard - Getty Images

Harrison Ford Now: Best known for playing roles like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, Fords career is noted and vast. Ford holds a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, among <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000148/awards" id="345bb0f9-6166-3be0-accd-b8baa7a1d048"> countless other awards </a> . Hes truly one of Hollywoods greats. Rodin Eckenroth - Getty Images

Samuel L. Jackson First Movie: Samuel L. Jacksons first role was in the 1973 film <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0202001/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_190" id="c80515b1-06f5-3663-a28f-975a0f357498"> Together for Days </a> , which follows a Black activist and a white womans relationship in the complex social and political climate of the 1970s. He was 25 years old during the films release. Ron Galella - Getty Images

Samuel L. Jackson Now: With almost 200 acting credits in his prolific career, Jackson is the <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/655480/all-time-top-grossing-actors-box-office/" id="18bb89fc-0255-374e-abac-f9a0f50408fb"> highest grossing actor of all time </a> . A Golden Globe winner, Jackson has played notable characters like Nick Fury, and has starred in films like Goodfellas, Jurassic Park, Pulp Fiction, and Django Unchained. Jacopo Raule - Getty Images

What 20 Famous Actors Looked Like in Their First Movie Roles

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Pulse Kenya is the most followed news and entertainment platform in Kenya. It informs and engages young Kenyans around the clock and provides updates by the hour.

Jason Speakman, Katie Dupere

Articles written by the author

What 20 Famous Actors Looked Like in Their First Movie Roles