We know them as superstars, the names that light up a movie poster. We’ve watched them for decades, growing up or growing older right alongside them. But every single one of them had a first day on the job. Before the Oscars and the magazine covers, they were taking any role they could get, often in movies you’ve either forgotten or never saw. Looking back at these early parts is like finding an old photo of a friend from long before you knew them.
#1: Leonardo DiCaprio — Critters 3
Years before he was the king of the world in Titanic (1997), a teenage Leonardo DiCaprio was battling furry space aliens. His film debut came in the direct-to-video horror sequel Critters 3 (1991). He played Josh, the stepson of a greedy landlord who finds his apartment building under attack by the little monsters. DiCaprio had a few TV credits before this, but seeing the future Oscar winner in a low-budget creature feature is a jarring, funny reminder that even the biggest stars had humble beginnings.
