An actor’s big break can come at any stage of life. For some entertainers, landing a major role occurs early in their acting endeavors.
While for other artists, a life-changing professional moment may present itself after years of dedication, hard work and persistence.
Here are 11 actors whose fame came before their 20th birthday, along with 10 stars who got big career breaks after turning 40.
1.
A 14-year-old Matt Dillon was in class when he was spotted by a casting agent who was looking for kids at his school to act in Over the edge. He was then hired to play Richie in the 1979 film, which led to his 80s teen idol status.
3.
Hilary Duff was 13 then Lizzie McGuire began airing in 2001.
4.
Daniel Radcliffe was 11 when he was chosen to take on the lead role in Harry Potter franchise.
5.
River Phoenix got his big break portraying Chris Chambers in the 1986s Stand by me when he was 14.
6.
Jenna Ortega was 13 years old when she began portraying Harley Diaz in Stuck in the middle.
7.
Tyler James Williams was 12 years old when he first appeared as young Chris Rock in the Everyone hates Chris.
8.
Selena Gomez got her big break starring as Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place 15 in 2007.
9.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt was 14 during the debut in 1996 3. cut from the sunwhere he played Tommy Solomon.
10.
Dakota Fanning performed her breakthrough part of Lucy in I’m Sam when she was seven.
11.
Macaulay Culkin was nine then Home alone was filmed, after which his fame skyrocketed from playing Kevin McCallister in the 1990 family film.
And these actors broke through after they turned 40:
13.
Leslie Jones joined Saturday Night Live cast at age 47, making her the oldest person ever to join the series.
15.
Morgan Freeman got his breakthrough role in the 1987 crime thriller Street Smart at the age of 49 years.
16.
Billy Bob Thornton was 41 when Sling bladea film he wrote, directed and starred in, brought him great recognition.
18.
Estelle Getty was 62 when she appeared in her first episode of The Golden Girlswhere she was cast as Sophia Petrillo.
19.
Although she had some minor roles before, Lucille Ball started playing Lucy Ricardo I love Lucy at the age of 40.
Moral of the story – your victory could be just around the corner, and when it does, the timing will be just right!
Which of these memorable performances are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!