Talent and awards aren’t the only factors that determine whether an actor will become a true star. There is no shortage of underrated actors who seemed to be on the brink of massively successful careers after starring in critically acclaimed TV shows and films but weren’t able to maintain that momentum. The entertainment industry is ever-changing, and despite their hugely successful roles, many actors did not get the opportunities they deserved afterward.
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While playing a notable character in a highly popular movie or TV show might seem like a guaranteed way to achieve recognition, recognition does not always lead to long-lasting success, and some such actors are still best known for their “breakout” roles. Despite thriving in the spotlight with recognizable and even award-winning roles, these actors struggled to turn their iconic breakout roles into overall successful careers and cement their status as pop culture icons.
You are watching: 10 Actors Who Didn’t Break Out Even After A Hugely Successful Role
10
Mena Massoud
From Aladdin (2019)
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The live-action adaption Aladdin starring Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, and Will Smith was a box office hit, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. A remake of the beloved 1992 Disney classic of the same name, the live-action film follows the titular Aladdin, played by Massoud, an orphaned street urchin who falls in love with Princess Jasmine (Scott) and embarks on a mission to take down the evil royal vizier Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) with the help of a genie (Smith).
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Aladdin
PG
Adventure
Fantasy
Romance
Family
Release Date
May 22, 2019
Runtime
127 minutes
Director
Guy Ritchie
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With such an important film role wherein Massoud showcased his acting, singing, and dancing abilities, it’s surprising that he didn’t become a household name. In a 2019 interview, Massoud revealed that he hadn’t received a single audition since Aladdin was released six months prior. Since then, the actor has appeared in the TV show Reprisal, and films like Run This Town, The Sacrifice Game, and most recently, the romance drama Wish You Were Here.
9
Nikki Blonsky
Hairspray (2007)
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The actor, singer, and dancer Nikki Blonsky is best known for starring in the musical romantic comedy Hairspray as Tracy Turnblad. Hairspray earned more than $200 million at the box office. Blonsky’s critically acclaimed performance won the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Young Actress for her role, and she was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in the Musical or Comedy film category.
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Hairspray revolves around the high school student Tracy, who dreams of achieving fame and stardom as a dancer on a local television dance show. Hairspray marked Blonsky’s film debut and she nailed the role as the movie’s heart. Blonsky’s singing, dancing, and acting prowess were proved in the film, but despite the stellar performance in her debut, her acting career did not reach the heights it deserved.
8
Nicole Eggert
Baywatch (1989-2001)
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Nicole Eggert starred in the sitcom Charles in Charge as Jamie Powell and was further thrust into the spotlight with her role on Baywatch as Summer Quinn in seasons 3 and 4. The rising star joined the ensemble drama series in Baywatch season 3 as an athlete and lifeguard who moves from Pennsylvania to California with her mother. In Baywatch season 4, Eggert’s portrayal of Summer’s struggle with bulimia and her heartwarming bond with C.J. Parker (Pamela Anderson) were highlights of the character’s arc.
After Eggert’s exit from Baywatch, she appeared in the reunion film Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding and episodes of popular TV shows like Boy Meets World, and Gilmore Girls and television films. Despite the exposure and success brought on by starring in Baywatch, Eggert’s career shifted towards smaller roles and appearances in reality TV.
7
T. R. Knight
Grey’s Anatomy (2005-Present)
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T. R. Knight became a household name starring in the long-running medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy. Knight’s character George O’Malley was a beloved member of the original cast and five-person intern team known as “MAGIC,” consisting of Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), George, Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl), and Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh). Knight starred in the medical drama for five seasons before his exit and was nominated for an Emmy Award for his gripping performance.
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Grey’s Anatomy
TV-14
Drama
Romance
9/10
91
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8.7/10
Release Date
March 27, 2005
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After Grey’s Anatomy, Knight appeared in shows like The Good Wife, The Catch, Will & Grace, Genius, and The Flight Attendant and movies like 42, A Year and Change, Hello Again, and Adam the First. However, despite the show’s popularity and Knight’s fan-favorite, compelling, and endearing performance, the actor has never had a role as popular and highly publicized as George O’Malley in Grey’s Anatomy.
6
Zach Galligan
Gremlins (1984)
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Zach Galligan is an actor who is best known for starring in the horror black comedy film Gremlins and its sequel film Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Gremlins marks Galligan’s first career-defining and major role in films, and to this day, his portrayal of the lead Billy Peltzer remains his most famous work. The horror film revolves around Billy, a young man and inventor who is gifted a Mogwai named Gizmo, voiced by Howie Mandel.
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Gremlins
PG
Comedy
Fantasy
Horror
8/10
6.9/10
Release Date
June 7, 1984
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Gremlins was released to positive reviews and commercial success, earning over $200 million at the box office. The box office and Galligan’s enthralling portrayal of Billy meant that the talented young actor seemed destined to become a Hollywood star. While he maintained a steady career, Galligan was unable to truly capitalize on the film’s and his own popularity. However, fans of Gremlins can rejoice as Galligan is still involved in the Gremlins franchise.
5
Charisma Carpenter
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
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Charisma Carpenter won hearts with her portrayal of the shallow Cordelia Chase in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff series Angel. Carpenter’s comedic timing lends itself to her remarkable depiction of the vain and self-absorbed high school student’s transformation into a compassionate and reliable heroine, without losing her charm and snark. Despite Carpenter’s well-earned fame for her memorable performance and Cordelia’s popularity, she was written off Angel, and her character Cordelia was killed off.
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Following Carpenter’s departure from the Buffyverse, she has made guest appearances and had recurring roles in popular TV shows like Charmed, Veronica Mars, Supernatural, and Greek. While Carpenter has also maintained a steady acting career, the star deserves to be massively successful after her iconic breakout role. Hopefully, Charisma Carpenter will grace our screens again as Cordelia Chase in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival.
4
Rachael Leigh Cook
She’s All That (1999)
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Racheal Leigh Cook cemented herself as a romantic teen movie icon with her delightful portrayal of Laney Boggs in She’s All That. The scene where Laney angrily asks Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.) if she’s a bet is still one of the most emotionally charged moments in teen romantic comedies. The “Am I a bet?” scene highlights Cook’s acting range and her ability to bring characters and their emotions to life.
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However, despite She’s All That being a popular hit and Cook’s performance winning the hearts of the audience, her career soon came to a standstill. Cook revealed in an interview that Josie and the Pussycats flopping sent her to “movie jail” and killed her career’s initial momentum (via Collider). She was able to bounce back from the “movie jail” but has done voice acting alongside movie and TV show appearances.
3
Gabourey Sidibe
Precious (2009)
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The award-winning film Precious marked Gabourey Sidibe’s acting debut and her incredibly powerful portrayal of the teen Precious Jones garnered critical acclaim. The star was set to make her mark in entertainment, with a Best Actress nomination to boot, despite being a newcomer to the fast-paced and high-stakes industry. Precious follows the titular character as she strives to complete her education, create a better life for herself and her children, and escape her abusive parents.
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Precious
R
Drama
Release Date
November 6, 2009
Runtime
110 Minutes
Director
Lee Daniels
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Sidibe’s heart-wrenching and enthralling performance solidified her status as an extremely talented young artist who could deliver intense and emotionally heavy scenes. Despite the Oscar-nominated star being in the spotlight for her role in Precious, Sidibe’s breakout role wasn’t the huge breakthrough that audiences expected. Since Precious, Sidibe has appeared in TV shows like Empire, several seasons of the anthology series American Horror Story, and films like Antebellum.
2
Josh Holloway
Lost (2004-2010)
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The groundbreaking TV show Lost was a pop culture phenomenon and Josh Holloway’s portrayal of the anti-hero turned heroic leader Sawyer Ford captivated audiences. Holloway’s acting made Sawyer’s transformation work, from a selfish one-dimensional character into a complex and lovable fan favorite. During Lost’s six-season run, Holloway became a television star. With Lost’s popularity and Holloway’s award-winning performance and rising fame, it’s surprising that the actor didn’t turn into an international phenomenon and star in another movie or show as popular and prominent in pop culture as Lost.
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Lost
TV-14
Adventure
Drama
Mystery
Sci-Fi
Supernatural
9/10
88
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8.7/10
Release Date
2004 – 2009
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Since Lost, Holloway has appeared in films like Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Paranoia, and Sabotage. Additionally, Holloway made appearances in shows like Community and Cougar Town, and held the lead roles in the TV shows Intelligence, which was canceled after the first season, and Colony, which was canceled after three seasons.
1
Parminder Nagra
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
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Parminder Nagra should have become a major star after leading the beloved romantic comedy film Bend It Like Beckham. Nagra portrays Jesminder Bhamra, a British Indian Punjabi Sikh living in London who is a passionate football player and goes against her parents’ wishes and plans for her by joining a local football team. While Nagra’s co-star Keira Knightley quickly became an A-lister after Bend It Like Beckham, Nagra’s career did not follow the same path.
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Bend It Like Beckham
Release Date
April 12, 2002
Runtime
112 min
Director
Gurinder Chadha
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Parminder Nagra later joined the cast of the medical drama ER as Dr. Neela Rasgotra and most recently starred as the titular character of the series D.I. Ray. While she has led a successful career, and I enjoyed Nagra’s recurring roles in shows like Psych and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., she deserved to have her breakthrough role to lead to more widespread fame.
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment