13 Stars That Struck It Rich With Just One Role - A Look At The Before & After
Some people only need one shot to succeed...
In life, opportunities can often be few and far between. We may only get one chance to make a good impression, take advantage of a unique opportunity, or make a life-changing decision.
It is important to recognize when these moments present themselves and to make the most of them. When faced with a single opportunity, it is crucial to take the time to consider all the potential benefits and risks.
Weighing the pros and cons can help us make informed decisions. Hollywood is a dream for many, a place full of talented actors and actresses.
Some of these celebrities have been put on the map by their families or parents, while others have worked hard and gone to numerous auditions to reach the top.
It is often said that it takes dozens of films to become a Hollywood legend, but sometimes it just takes one iconic role to become a star. For instance, Macaulay Culkin's character, Kevin McCallister, in "Home Alone" is still a favorite of many, who regularly rewatch the movie on Christmas Day.
Ultimately, when faced with a single opportunity, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure we are making the best decision for ourselves. These actors have achieved legendary status due to one iconic performance in a single role.
1. Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha in “Bewitched”
Elizabeth Montgomery was widely known for her iconic portrayal of Samantha in the hit series Bewitched. Her character often used magic to navigate tricky scenarios, and she became famous for her signature nose twitch that always accompanied her spells.
Sadly, Elizabeth passed away at the age of 62, but her memory lives on through her beloved character.
IMDb2. Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins in “Mary Poppins”
In 1964, Julie Andrews won the Oscar for Best Actress for her impressive performance as Mary Poppins in the movie of the same name.
IMDb3. Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell in “The Mummy”
In 1999, Brendan Fraser rose to fame with his portrayal of Rick O'Connell in The Mummy, which became a smash hit. Following the film's success, Fraser found himself with multiple offers for various projects.
For several years, he was part of numerous TV series, and in 2019, he made his return to the big screen.
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4. Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira in “Scarface”
In "Scarface," Michelle Pfeiffer delivered a memorable performance as Elvira, securing her place as one of the most prominent actresses in Hollywood. To this day, she continues to thrive as an actress.
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5. Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly in “Back to the Future”
The time-travel trilogy "Back to the Future" is a classic in film history, featuring the iconic scene where protagonist Marty McFly travels to the past in a DeLorean car-turned-time machine. The star of the movie, Michael J. Fox, went on to have a successful film career following the release of the project.
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6. Lindsay Wagner as Jaime Sommers in “The Bionic Woman”
Lindsay Wagner, as Jaime Sommers in “The Bionic Woman,” captured the hearts of millions of viewers. Despite her untimely death in an episode, the outcry from fans was so great that the directors had to bring her back to life and give her her own series.
Wagner has continued her hard work since then, appearing as Helen Karev in Grey's Anatomy between 2018 and 2019.
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7. Barbara Eden as Jeannie in “I Dream of Jeannie”
At the age of 34, Barbara Eden became a worldwide sensation when she starred as Jeannie in the show "I Dream of Jeannie." Jeannie, who lived in a bottle, found love with Colonel Anthony Nelson. From this role, Barbara was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award.
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8. Geena Davis as Thelma Dickinson in “Thelma & Louise”
Geena Davis earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1989 for her role as Thelma Dickinson in the beloved film “Thelma & Louise.” In more recent years, the award-winning actress has become especially known for her roles in several television series.
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9. David Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon in “Baywatch”
David Hasselhoff achieved international fame through his portrayal of Mitch Buchannon in the hit show "Baywatch." This role solidified his status as a television star, and in recent years, he has made cameos in films such as SpongeBob SquarePants the Movie.
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10. Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in “The Godfather”
In 1972, the role of Michael Corleone, the youngest son of the notorious mob boss Vito Corleone, was highly sought after. Al Pacino was eventually cast, and his performance earned him an Oscar nomination.
Even at the age of 81, Pacino continues to remain active in the film industry.
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11. Molly Ringwald as Andie Walsh in “Pretty in Pink”
Molly Ringwald earned her iconic status as the star of the classic teen movie, "Pretty in Pink," directed by John Hughes. Since then, she has appeared in numerous film and television productions, with her most recent role being in the 2018 hit movie "Kissing Booth."
Ringwald continues to bring her talent to the screen and is sure to capture hearts yet again.
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12. Cameron Diaz as Tina in “The Mask”
Cameron Diaz made a name for herself by portraying Tina, a singer and the girlfriend of the antagonist, in the movie “The Mask.” In 2014, she decided to take a break from her career to focus on her family. Three years later, in 2017, she announced her official retirement from acting.
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13. Lynda Carter as Diana Prince in “Wonder Woman”
At a young age, Lynda Carter's career was propelled by her portrayal of Diana Prince in the television series "Wonder Woman" (1975-1979). Reflecting on her role, the actress famously quipped, "I can't do anymore; I'm not Wonder Woman."
Fast forward to 2020: at 69 years old, Carter made a cameo in the movie "Wonder Woman" (1984).
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Actors' careers are often judged by one role they play. This is especially true for actors who are just starting out in the industry.
For instance, if an actor is cast in a breakout role, they can become instantly famous and be sought after for future projects. On the flip side, if an actor is in a role that bombs at the box office, it can be difficult for them to recover from the bad press and negative reviews.
