From Mark Ruffalo in pimple ad to Emma Stone in rock band: 7 Oscar nominees before they became stars
Here's a look at the humble beginnings of these 7 Oscar nominees
Even the biggest celebrities in Hollywood had to apply for small roles in films and television series while struggling to make ends meet. Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo got his start in a 1989 commercial for Clearasil before becoming a four-time Oscar nominee. And who knew Emma Stone made her screen debut as a teenage contestant on a VH1 competition series? Here are the Academy Award nominees who started their careers in the entertainment world with humble beginnings before stepping onto the red carpet of the 2024 Oscars on Sunday, March 10.
1. Mark Ruffalo
Before becoming a four-time Oscar nominee, Mark Ruffalo—who has been nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in the film 'Poor Things'—made his debut in a Clearasil commercial in 1989, per ABC7 News. The 'Poor Things' actor "vaguely" recalled appearing in the 1989 Clearasil commercial after Jimmy Fallon brought it up previously in a 'Tonight Show' episode. The street-set commercial for the brand's face-cleansing pads features Ruffalo grinning and smoldering.
2. Paul Giamatti
Paul Giamatti—who has been nominated for Best Actor in the film 'The Holdovers'—claimed that the Howard Stern film 'Private Parts' was the catalyst for his career success. There he played the sour-tempered head of WNBC, Kenny 'Pig Vomit' Rushton. Giamatti was so good in the role that Stern questioned if he had researched the real-life individual who served as the inspiration for the role. Giamatti's villainous part in 'Big Fat Liar'—where Frankie Munoz and Amanda Bynes painted him blue—is another noteworthy early performance.
3. America Ferrera
America Ferrera grew up as a Disney Channel star before 'Barbie' or 'Ugly Betty' happened. Ferrera—who has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress in the 2023 hit 'Barbie'—played Yolanda in the 2002 movie 'Gotta Kick it Up!' This 2002 Disney Channel Original might not have been as popular as other classic DCOMs from the golden age like 'High School Musical' or 'Cheetah Girls,' but it certainly left a lasting impression on many people, particularly young girls.
4. Emma Stone
Ruffalo's 'Poor Things' co-star Emma Stone began her acting career as a teenage competitor on the VH1 talent show 'In Search of the Partridge Family'. Stone—who has been nominated for Best Actress in 'Poor Things'—was cast in a one-shot 'Partridge Family' revival, playing Laurie Partridge. Stone gained popularity on the show, performing onstage to hits like Pat Benatar's 'We Belong' and Meredith Brooks’ 'Bitch'. Though Stone succeeded in securing a role on the show, her portrayal of Laurie Partridge was never made public as the show never got picked up.
5. Ryan Gosling
Actor Ryan Gosling is another Disney Channel star. Gosling—who has been nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in the film 'Barbie'—co-starred in 'The All New Mickey Mouse Club!' alongside Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. Going into the role of a Mouseketeer, Gosling claimed that he did not receive much screen time since the show's producers "realized that I wasn't really up to snuff in comparison with what some of the other kids were able to do," per Entertainment Weekly.
6. Jeffrey Wright
Actor Jeffrey Wright made his screen debut as artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in the 1996 biopic 'Basquiat.' Almost 30 years later, he has been nominated for the first time for Best Actor in 'American Fiction.' Wright has played an array of roles, including Jean-Michel Basquiat in the biographical film, a PTSD sufferer in 'The Manchurian Candidate', and a troubled programmer in 'Westworld'. However, he has evolved more against his choice as a character in the recently released film 'American Fiction'.
7. Bradley Cooper
Best Actor nominee 'Maestro' star Bradley Cooper made his screen debut in 'Sex and the City' where had a passionate makeout scene with the character Carrie (portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker) in a pub. While receiving the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award at the 39th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the 'Maestro' star and director told the audience how "terrified" he was to play the party boy driving a sports car in the second season of the popular show. "I couldn't drive a stick shift, so they sent me to Models Driving School and I was just terrified," Cooper recalled, per Entertainment Weekly.
