VIDEOS: Stars Before They Were Famous

By Nana-Adwoa Ofori Posted Jan 7th 2010 12:05PM

Who doesn't love to hear stories about how a struggling actor landed a big break? Every famous person got to the pinnacle of celebrity status by starting somewhere small -- even Brad Pitt. Here is a look at some of Hollywood's most famous celebrities before they were famous, starring in commercials and game shows, selling everything from Heinz Ketchup to pizza in the hopes of making it on the big screen. It is the small gigs that eventually land an aspiring actor the opportunity of a lifetime. Watch >>

1. Brad Pitt Had The Fever for Pringles

Eating junk food has never looked so good. Brad Pitt must have aided Pringles sales through the roof during his early days as he devoured a can of Pringles with his sun kissed bleach blond hair flowing. Advertisers knew back then as well as they do now that sexy people can sell anything.

2. Matt LeBlanc's Pick-up Line: Ketchup

Matt LeBlanc used ketchup to catch the ladies before he landed the role of Joey Tribiani on 'Friends.' This Heinz Ketchup commercial did wonders for LeBlanc as it set the precendt for his cool "ladies man" vibe that he portrayed as his character Joey. Any man that goes to these lengths to impress a girl deserves to star in a hit sitcom.

3. Keanu Reeves For Corn Flakes

Keanu Reeves will be forever famous for his contributions to such films as the 'Matrix' movies and 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.' Who knew that before he made it to the silver screen that he was also a poster boy for Kellogg's. The ultimate moment in this 20-second commercial is when Keanu makes a last-minute check to make sure the coast is clear before guiltily indulging in a spoonful of dry cereal. Priceless footage.

4. Elijah Wood Loves Pizza

Elijah Wood has been working the beat since he was practically in diapers. As a quintessential child star, he had landed major roles in 'The Good Son' and 'The Adventures of Huck Finn' almost ten years before the first 'Lord of the Rings' movie ever debuted. With those adorable cheeks, Elijah could sell anything.

5. Kirstie Alley Knows Your Password

Before Kirstie Alley landed her role on 'Cheers,' she was really into game shows. She was once on 'Match Game' in 1979, winning $6,000 (so says Wikipedia) alongside Betty White and Jamie Lee Curtis (video here). She also made her presence known on 'Password Plus' in 1980, sharing the stage with Lucille Ball among other Hollywood royalty.

6. Steve Martin's Pre-Silver Fox Days

Before Steve Martin became a household name, he was a writer for the famous 'Smothers Brothers'. In 1968, Martin stepped into the game show lime light and starred on 'The Dating Game'. Check out this clip as he uses his comedic flare to win the heart of his date and eventually the world.

7. Vanna White Is Serious

Vanna White is known as the beautiful face of the 'Wheel of Fortune,' but who knew that before she was known world wide for displaying vowels, she was one of the lucky contestants on 'The Price is Right.' That day she wore a tee-shirt with the words "Get Serious". Those words could not have been more true because her career took off and continues to soar as one of the most recognizable faces in game show history.

8. Farrah Fawcett Makes A Match

Farrah Fawcett embodied the American beauty unlike any other actress. Her iconic smile and charm caught the eye of Lee Majors, Ryan O'Neal and eventually the world. Before her rise to fame, Farrah had the opportunity to showcase her wit and grace for three bachelors to try and win her heart on 'The Dating Game' in 1969.

Tags: brad pitt, BradPitt, Elijah Wood, elijah woodl, ElijahWood, ElijahWoodl, farrah fawcett, FarrahFawcett, keanu reeves, KeanuReeves, Kirstie Alley, Kirstie-Alley, KirstieAlley, matt leblanc, MattLeblanc, steve martin, SteveMartin, vanna white, VannaWhite

Comments

(29)

Saturday 23 January

By fred

Vote down Vote up Report this

wow......she got fat huh? thats too bad dude. i'm sure if she didn't get fat that she would be laying on the ground to get a hunk like you. i'm suprised she hasn't killed herself knowing she ruined her chances at a stud muffin like you. i'm guessing you still live in your mommys basement? stud.

Sunday 24 January

By msasko

GUESSING YOU HAD A CRUSH ON HER BODY NOT HER!!! iF SHE HAD NOT HAVE GOTTEN FAT AS YOU SAY, YOU WOULD SAY SHE WAS TO WRINKLY OR OLD OR SOMETHING. sORRY FOR YOUR WIFE.

By Patrick Maguire

What do you mean she was "just" an interior designer?

By Barbara Rachelson

I meant not an actress. I like interior designers and have a great deal of respect for them. Sorry.

By David

Kirstie sure was lovely. It is amazing what overweight will do to a person.

By tteacherpet

Hey she looks like Rocky Balboa

By Zippertheslipper

Seeing Kirstie in those days brings back good memories of the 1970's. She is from Wichita, Kansas and I too was stationed at Mc Connell AFB in Wichita back in the mid 1970's. I used to go to the Pogo's disco downtown in 1975-1976 and cruise on Douglas Blvd in my Cutlass Supreme trying to pick up some hot chicks. Anyways, Wichita was cool and Kirstie was a hottie from that time, wish her the best. nuff said. ;)

By reiki650

Here is another to look for:
In the old TV detective show "Ellery Queen," A bellhop lets a rival detective into a hotel room with his pass key. The bellhop: John Larroquet.

By getreal13

Hey Fred, I did'nt mean to strike a fat nerve buddy so I apologize to the over weight sensitive. But I refuse to apologize for exercising, eating right, and looking good. I think I'll change my name from getreal13 to studmuffin13. LMFAO!!

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