11 actors who made it early and 9 who made it after 40
An actor’s big break can show up at any stage of life. For some entertainers, getting a big part is important early on in their acting pursuits.
While for other artists, after many years of dedication, hard work and perseverance, a life-changing professional moment can come.
Here are 11 actors whose fame came before they turned 20, along with 10 stars who took major career breaks after turning 40.
1.
A 14-year-old Matt Dillon was skipping class when he was spotted by a casting agent who was looking for kids at his school to play over the edge. He was then hired to play Richie in the 1979 film, leading to his status as an ’80s teen idol.
3.
Hilary Duff was 13 when Lizzie McGuire was broadcast in 2001.
4.
Daniel Radcliffe was 11 when he was chosen to star in the series Harry Potter Franchise.
5.
River Phoenix got his big break when he portrayed Chris Chambers in 1986 Stand by Me when he was 14.
6.
Jenna Ortega was 13 years old when she started playing Harley Diaz in Stuck in the middle.
7.
Tyler James Williams was 12 years old when he first appeared as a young Chris Rock Everyone hates Chris.
8th.
Selena Gomez got her big break as Alex Russo in the lead role Wizards of Waverly Place 2007 with 15.
9.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt was 14 when he debuted in 1996 3. Stone from the Sunin which he played Tommy Solomon.
10
Dakota Fanning played her seminal part of Lucy in i am sam when she was seven.
11.
Macaulay Culkin was nine at the time Home alone was filmed, after which his fame skyrocketed with the role of Kevin McCallister in the 1990 family film.
And these actors broke through after turning 40:
13.
Leslie Jones echoed this Saturday night live Cast at 47, making her the oldest person to ever become a member of the series cast.
15
Morgan Freeman got his breakthrough role in the 1987 crime thriller street smart at 49 years.
16
Billy Bob Thornton was 41 years old at the time slingshot bladea film he wrote, directed and starred in brought him wide recognition.
18
Estelle Getty was 62 when she appeared on her first episode of The golden girlsin which she was cast as Sophia Petrillo.
19
Although she previously had a few minor roles, Lucille Ball began playing Lucy Ricardo i love lucy at the age of 40.
Moral of the story – your victory could be right around the corner, and whenever it happens the timing is spot on!
Which of these memorable performances are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
