14 Celebrities Who Were in Commercials Before They Got Famous
Here's a fun and revealing look at movie and TV stars who got their break by appearing in ads.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Many of today’s biggest stars first appeared not on the big screen but in 30-second commercials. This list highlights 14 famous actors — hovering from Brad Pitt to Jennifer Lawrence — who once hawked everything from fast food to bubble gum. It’s a surprising and heartwarming journey through celebrity origins.
1. Young Ben Affleck
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Before Good Will Hunting, Ben Affleck starred in a Burger King commercial, humorously delivering a salad to a stranger’s doorstep as a charming act of kindness. It shows how even future stars begin with oddball ads — and how practice for the big screen starts small.
2. Brad Pitt
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Long before his Hollywood spotlight, Brad Pitt appeared in a Pringles spot, showcasing the relaxed, surfer vibe that became his signature. That commercial foreshadowed the cool persona that would later take the world by storm.
3. Keanu Reeves
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Future Matrix icon Keanu Reeves once starred in a corn flakes commercial, casually navigating breakfast spills. It’s surprising how seamless his early charm translated from cereal ads to sci-fi stardom.
4. Steve Carell
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Years before The Office, Steve Carell convinced customers to try Brown’s Chicken with his trademark humor. The ad hinted at his comedic instincts — just waiting for a bigger stage.
5. Courteney Cox
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Before becoming a “Friend,” Courteney Cox sold Tampax in an enduring ’80s spot. Her confident on-camera presence revealed her knack for blending warmth with authority long before Central Perk.
6. A pre-Walter White Bryan Cranston smiling
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Well before Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston pitched Preparation H with earnest sincerity. This wholesome early gig contrasted sharply with the dark character he would later master.
7. Leonardo DiCaprio
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A pre-Titanic Leonardo DiCaprio chewed bubble gum in a Bubble Yum commercial, already hosting that youthful charisma. It hinted at the star power that would soon break hearts worldwide.
8. Morgan Freeman
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Long before narrating epic films, Morgan Freeman used his deep voice to sell Listerine. It illustrates how even iconic speakers began with humble mouthwash spots.
9. Jennifer Lawrence
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Jennifer Lawrence had her early debut in an MTV “Super Sweet 16” promo, playfully stumbling in front of the camera. That candid charm paved the way for her Oscar-winning roles.
10. Young Paul Rudd
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Even Ant-Man started in gaming ads — Paul Rudd starred in a Super Nintendo commercial, already acting like the quintessential everyman. His friendly, relatable style was in place long before superhero suits.
11. Joseph Gordon Levitt
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A teenaged Joseph Gordon-Levitt appeared in a Pop-Tarts spot, charming viewers with ease. That comfort in front of the lens foretold the acclaimed actor he would become.
12. Young Mila Kunis
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A youthful Mila Kunis happily showcased Lisa Frank gear, her excitement genuine and infectious. It hints at the down-to-earth star we know from That ’70s Show.
13. Bruce Willis
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Before becoming an action hero, Bruce Willis sang and promoted Seagram’s Coolers in a laid-back ad. That effortless cool became his trademark through Die Hard and more.
14. Young Tom Selleck
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Tom Selleck, future Magnum P.I. icon, appeared in multiple early commercials, including Right Guard and Revlon. These sleek ads foreshadowed his suave leading-man status.