Unearth The Voyage
It’s easy to associate Hollywood’s biggest stars with red carpets, awards, and blockbuster films, but that fame didn’t come overnight. Long before they were household names, many of these actors were taking whatever work they could get.
For some, that meant appearing in TV commercials, promoting everything from fast food to children’s toys. These early gigs were less about glamour and more about paying the bills, often passing by unnoticed at the time.
What makes it fascinating is seeing those familiar faces years later, frozen in ads most people barely remember. The contrast between then and now is striking.
Here are some of the most surprising commercials featuring future A-list actors before fame finally found them.
1. John Travolta
Long before he danced his way into our hearts in Saturday Night Fever, John Travolta was selling Safeguard soap. In a 1970s commercial that now feels like a time capsule, a fresh-faced Travolta tried to convince viewers that this particular bar of soap was the key to staying clean and confident.
He hadn’t yet become Danny Zuko or Vincent Vega, just a young actor looking for any opportunity to get on screen. The commercial shows just how far determination can take you.
Travolta wasn’t born famous; he worked his way up from the bottom, taking whatever gigs came his way. That Safeguard ad might seem silly now, but it was part of his journey to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment.
What’s remarkable is how his charisma was already evident even in a simple soap commercial. You can see hints of the star he’d become, that natural charm that would eventually make him perfect for roles ranging from musicals to crime dramas.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and for Travolta, that somewhere involved a lot of lather and a bright smile.
2. Meg Ryan
America’s sweetheart got her start hawking burgers for Burger King back in the early 1980s. Meg Ryan, who would later become famous for her romantic comedy roles, appeared in commercials for the fast food chain before anyone knew her name.
She brought the same girl-next-door energy that would later make her perfect for movies like When Harry Met Sally, but instead of falling in love on screen, she was just trying to make a Whopper look appetizing. The commercial work gave her valuable experience in front of cameras and helped her develop the timing that would serve her well in comedy.
Every actor needs practice, and commercials provided a low-pressure way to learn the craft while actually getting paid. Ryan used these opportunities to refine her skills and build her resume.
Looking back at these old ads, it’s funny to see how different her life would become. From selling fast food to starring opposite Tom Hanks in beloved films, Ryan’s journey shows that you never know where those early opportunities might lead.
The burger commercials were just the beginning of a career that would span decades.
3. Jeremy Renner
The future Hawkeye once sold computers in commercials for brands like Dell. Jeremy Renner appeared in various tech ads during the late 1990s and early 2000s, trying to make desktop computers seem exciting to potential buyers.
This was before he became an action star or earned Oscar nominations; he was just another working actor taking whatever jobs came his way to pay the bills. Tech commercials from that era feel incredibly dated now, with their bulky monitors and dial-up internet references.
But for Renner, they represented steady work and a chance to stay in the game. The entertainment industry is brutal, and actors often spend years doing commercials, bit parts, and background work before getting their big break.
Renner’s persistence paid off eventually, leading to roles in major franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Mission: Impossible. But those early commercial days taught him professionalism and helped him understand how to take direction.
Every job matters when you’re building a career, even if it’s just convincing people to buy a computer they probably don’t need. The path to superhero status often starts with much humbler beginnings than fans might expect.
4. Charlie Day
Before he was screaming about conspiracy theories on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Charlie Day was promoting McDonald’s. The actor appeared in commercials for the fast food giant in the early 2000s, showcasing the comedic energy that would later make him famous.
Even in a thirty-second spot about hamburgers, you could see he had something special, a manic enthusiasm that stood out. Day’s commercial work helped him develop his timing and learn how to make an impact quickly.
In advertising, you only have seconds to grab attention and deliver a message, skills that translate well to comedy. He took those lessons and applied them to his later work, creating one of television’s most memorable characters.
The McDonald’s commercials are a reminder that success rarely happens overnight. Day spent years working in commercials and small roles before It’s Always Sunny took off.
He kept showing up, kept working, and kept believing that eventually something would click. That persistence is what separates people who make it from people who give up too soon.
Those burger ads were just another step on a long journey to comedy stardom.
5. Aaron Paul
Breaking Bad’s Jesse Pinkman once tried to sell you breakfast cereal. Aaron Paul appeared in a Corn Pops commercial in the early 2000s, years before he would become famous for playing a meth cook on one of television’s greatest dramas.
The commercial is almost painfully wholesome, a stark contrast to the dark, complex character he would later portray. Paul has spoken openly about his struggles as a young actor, auditioning constantly and taking whatever work he could find.
Commercials provided income during lean times and kept him active in the industry. Every audition was practice, every job was experience, even if it was just enthusiastically eating cereal for the camera.
The contrast between selling Corn Pops and winning Emmy Awards shows how unpredictable acting careers can be. Paul went from obscurity to critical acclaim, but it took years of grinding through commercials and small roles.
He never gave up, even when success seemed far away. Those cereal commercials are now a funny footnote in an impressive career, proof that everyone has to start somewhere, even future Emmy winners who would go on to deliver some of television’s most powerful performances.
6. Kristen Stewart
The Twilight star appeared in a Porsche commercial as a child, showing early signs of the screen presence that would later make her famous. Kristen Stewart’s career started young, and she took various commercial gigs before landing movie roles.
The Porsche ad featured her as a kid fascinated by the luxury car, a far cry from the moody vampire films that would define her teenage years. Child actors often start in commercials because they provide good training and reasonable pay.
Stewart learned how to hit marks, take direction, and perform naturally in front of cameras, all crucial skills for a future film career. These early experiences shaped her understanding of the industry and prepared her for bigger opportunities.
What’s interesting is how Stewart eventually became known for her understated, naturalistic acting style, something that might have roots in those early commercial days. She learned to be genuine on camera rather than overly theatrical.
The Porsche commercial is just a small piece of her journey from child actor to indie film darling and major franchise star. Everyone’s path is different, but for Stewart, it started with selling cars before she could even drive them herself, building a foundation for decades of work.
7. Jane Lynch
Glee’s Sue Sylvester once promoted Frosted Flakes with considerably less menace than she’d later bring to television. Jane Lynch appeared in commercials for the cereal brand in the 1990s, long before she became known for playing intimidating authority figures.
The ads showcased her comedic abilities, though in a much gentler way than the sharp-tongued characters she’d later perfect. Lynch spent decades working steadily in commercials, television, and film before achieving major fame.
Her persistence is remarkable; she kept working, kept improving, and kept believing in her talent even when stardom seemed elusive. Commercials helped pay the bills while she built her career one small role at a time.
The Frosted Flakes ads are a testament to her versatility. She could sell cereal with warmth and humor, then later play characters who would probably mock anyone eating sugary breakfast food.
That range is what makes great actors valuable. Lynch’s journey shows that success can come at any age if you keep working and stay ready for opportunities.
Those cereal commercials were just another chapter in a long, successful career that eventually led to Emmy Awards and iconic roles.
8. Mark Hamill
Luke Skywalker sold Big Macs before he ever picked up a lightsaber. Mark Hamill appeared in McDonald’s commercials as a teenager in the late 1960s, working as a young actor trying to break into the business.
He had no idea that within a few years he’d be starring in one of the most successful film franchises in history, changing cinema forever. The McDonald’s ads show a fresh-faced kid with dreams of acting success.
Hamill took whatever work he could find, building experience and earning money while waiting for his big break. That break came with Star Wars, but it might never have happened if he’d given up during those early commercial days.
Looking at those old McDonald’s spots now feels surreal, knowing what would come next. The same person selling hamburgers would soon be battling the Empire and becoming a cultural icon.
Hamill’s early commercial work is a reminder that even the biggest stars had to start small. They worked hard, stayed persistent, and trusted that their moment would come.
Those burger commercials were just the launching pad for an incredible career that would span decades and multiple generations of fans.
9. Anne Hathaway
Before winning an Oscar, Anne Hathaway was selling Get Real Girl dolls on television. The future Princess Diaries star appeared in toy commercials as a teenager, promoting dolls that were meant to be more realistic alternatives to Barbie.
She brought enthusiasm and authenticity to the ads, qualities that would serve her well in her acting career. Hathaway’s commercial work came during her teen years when she was actively pursuing acting.
Like many young performers, she took commercial gigs to gain experience and build her resume. These jobs taught her professionalism and helped her understand how the entertainment industry worked before she landed major film roles.
The Get Real Girl commercials feel like a lifetime ago now that Hathaway has starred in everything from musicals to superhero films. But they represent an important stepping stone in her journey.
She didn’t start at the top; she worked her way up through commercials, television, and smaller films before becoming a major star. Those doll commercials were part of paying her dues, learning her craft, and preparing for the opportunities that would eventually come her way and lead to critical acclaim.
10. Wesley Snipes
Blade once sold blue jeans with the same intensity he’d later bring to vampire hunting. Wesley Snipes appeared in Levi’s commercials in the 1980s, showcasing the athleticism and charisma that would make him an action star.
The ads featured him looking cool and confident, traits that would define many of his future roles. Snipes used commercial work as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities.
He was building his brand, showing casting directors that he had screen presence and could connect with audiences. Every commercial was another chance to prove himself and get noticed by people who could offer film roles.
The Levi’s ads capture Snipes before he became a martial arts action hero. He was just a young actor with talent and ambition, working hard to make it in a competitive industry.
Those commercials helped him develop the confidence and screen presence that would later make him perfect for action films. From selling jeans to fighting vampires might seem like a strange journey, but in Hollywood, you never know where your early work will lead.
Snipes took every opportunity seriously and built a career that would span decades.
11. Leonardo DiCaprio
One of the greatest actors of his generation started by chewing gum on camera. Leonardo DiCaprio appeared in commercials for Bubble Yum and other products as a child in the late 1980s.
He was just a kid trying to break into acting, taking whatever jobs came along while dreaming of bigger things. Nobody watching those gum commercials could have predicted he’d become one of cinema’s biggest stars.
DiCaprio’s early commercial work taught him how to perform naturally and take direction. These skills would prove invaluable as his career progressed from commercials to television to eventually major films.
He started young and worked consistently, building experience with every job. The Bubble Yum commercials are almost impossible to watch now without laughing at how far he’s come.
From selling chewing gum to winning Oscars and working with legendary directors, DiCaprio’s journey is remarkable. But it all started with those humble commercial gigs, the unglamorous work that so many actors do before they make it big.
He never forgot where he came from, using those early lessons throughout his career as he became one of Hollywood’s most respected and successful actors.
12. Courteney Cox
Friends’ Monica Geller made history by being the first person to say the word period in a television commercial. Courteney Cox appeared in a groundbreaking Tampax ad in 1984 that broke taboos about discussing menstruation on television.
It was controversial at the time but showed Cox’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries, even in commercial work. The Tampax commercial came early in Cox’s career when she was modeling and acting in New York.
She took the job seriously, helping normalize conversations about women’s health on television. It might seem like a small thing now, but at the time it was genuinely groundbreaking and showed courage on Cox’s part.
Years later, Cox would become one of television’s most beloved actresses on Friends, but that Tampax commercial was an important early step. It got her noticed, gave her experience, and showed she wasn’t afraid of challenging material.
Every job matters when you’re building a career, even the controversial ones. Cox’s willingness to take that commercial helped pave the way for more honest advertising and demonstrated the professionalism that would define her long, successful career in entertainment.
13. Mark Ruffalo
The Incredible Hulk once fought acne instead of supervillains. Mark Ruffalo appeared in Clearasil commercials in the 1990s, promoting skincare products long before he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The ads showcased his everyman appeal, the same quality that would later make him perfect for playing Bruce Banner. Ruffalo spent years working in commercials and small roles before achieving major success.
His career didn’t take off immediately; he had to work hard and stay persistent through many lean years. The Clearasil commercials were just one of many jobs he took to support himself while pursuing his acting dreams.
What’s remarkable about Ruffalo’s journey is how long it took for him to become a star. He didn’t give up during those difficult years of commercial work and minor roles.
He kept improving his craft and waiting for the right opportunity. Those Clearasil ads might seem embarrassing in retrospect, but they were part of a journey that eventually led to Oscar nominations and blockbuster films.
Every actor’s path is different, and Ruffalo’s proves that persistence and talent eventually pay off, even if it takes longer than expected.
14. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
The star of Inception started his career selling toaster pastries. Joseph Gordon-Levitt appeared in Pop-Tarts commercials as a child in the late 1980s, showing early signs of the talent that would carry him through decades in entertainment.
He was adorable and natural on camera, qualities that helped him transition from child actor to adult star, a notoriously difficult feat. Gordon-Levitt’s commercial work came during his childhood acting days when he was also appearing on television shows.
He took every opportunity to perform, building skills and experience that would serve him throughout his career. Those Pop-Tarts ads were just part of a consistent work ethic that started young.
What makes Gordon-Levitt’s career impressive is how he successfully navigated the transition from child star to respected adult actor. Many child actors struggle with this, but he kept working and kept improving.
The Pop-Tarts commercials were an early chapter in a story that would include hit television shows, critically acclaimed films, and even directing. He took every job seriously, learning and growing with each experience.
Those breakfast commercials helped launch a career that’s still going strong decades later, proving that early success can be sustained with talent and dedication.
15. Mila Kunis
That ’70s Show’s Jackie Burkhart once promoted Barbie dolls with the same enthusiasm she’d later bring to sitcom comedy. Mila Kunis appeared in toy commercials as a young teenager, working as a child actress while also landing her breakthrough television role.
The Barbie ads showcased her youthful energy and natural charm. Kunis immigrated to the United States from Ukraine as a child and quickly began pursuing acting.
Commercials provided early opportunities to work in English and develop her skills. She took every job seriously, using each experience to improve and prepare for bigger opportunities that would come her way.
The Barbie commercials feel like ancient history now that Kunis has starred in major films and become a household name. But they represent an important part of her journey as a young immigrant making it in Hollywood.
She worked hard, stayed focused, and built a successful career through persistence and talent. Those toy commercials were just the beginning of a career that would include comedy, drama, and voice acting.
Kunis proved that with determination and skill, you can go from selling dolls to becoming one of entertainment’s most versatile and successful actresses.
16. Ben Affleck
Batman once flipped burgers for Burger King, or at least pretended to in commercials. Ben Affleck appeared in fast food ads as a teenager in the mid-1980s, working as a young actor in Boston before moving to Los Angeles to pursue bigger opportunities.
The commercials showed a kid with ambition, willing to take any job to break into the business. Affleck’s commercial work came during his early acting days when he was also doing local theater and small television roles.
He and childhood friend Matt Damon were both working actors trying to make it, taking whatever jobs came along. Those Burger King commercials helped pay the bills while Affleck developed his craft.
Looking back, it’s wild to think the same person selling Whoppers would go on to win Oscars and play iconic superheroes. But that’s how careers are built, one small job at a time.
Affleck never gave up during those early years of commercials and bit parts. He kept working, kept writing with Damon, and eventually their persistence paid off in a massive way.
Those burger commercials were just the first step on a long journey to Hollywood success and critical acclaim.
17. Sarah Michelle Gellar
Buffy the Vampire Slayer started slaying in commercials long before she fought demons. Sarah Michelle Gellar appeared in a famous Burger King commercial as a young child in the early 1980s, an ad that actually led to a lawsuit from McDonald’s because it directly compared the two chains.
The commercial made waves and got Gellar noticed, even at such a young age. Gellar began acting as a small child and worked consistently in commercials throughout her youth.
She was a professional from the start, learning the business early and building a strong work ethic. Those commercial jobs taught her discipline and helped her develop the skills that would make her a television star.
The Burger King commercial is now a fun piece of trivia about Gellar’s career, but at the time it was controversial and got significant attention. She handled the pressure well, continuing to work steadily until landing the role that would define her career.
From selling burgers to slaying vampires might seem like an odd progression, but in Hollywood, every experience matters. Gellar’s early commercial work laid the foundation for a successful career that would span television and film.
18. Elisabeth Shue
The Karate Kid’s Ali Mills apparently loved fast food as much as she loved Daniel LaRusso. Elisabeth Shue appeared in Burger King commercials in the late 1970s and early 1980s, working as a young actress before landing her breakout film role.
She brought natural charm to the ads, the same quality that would make her perfect for playing the girl next door in movies. Shue’s commercial work helped support her while she pursued acting and attended college.
She balanced education with her career, taking jobs when they came along and staying ready for bigger opportunities. The Burger King commercials were steady work that kept her active in the industry during her formative years.
What’s interesting about Shue’s career is how she balanced commercial success with artistic credibility. She went from fast food commercials to beloved films to eventually earning an Oscar nomination.
Her journey shows that doing commercials doesn’t limit your future opportunities; they’re just another tool for learning and surviving in a tough industry. Those Burger King ads were an early chapter in a long, varied career that proved Shue’s talent and versatility as an actress across multiple decades.
19. Lea Thompson
Back to the Future’s Lorraine Baines McFly sold burgers before she traveled through time. Lea Thompson appeared in multiple Burger King commercials in the early 1980s, working as a young actress and dancer trying to break into film.
She brought energy and personality to the ads, standing out even in simple fast food spots. Thompson had trained as a ballet dancer before transitioning to acting, and that discipline showed in her professional approach to commercial work.
She took every job seriously, using each opportunity to improve and get noticed. The Burger King commercials helped her build a resume and gain experience in front of cameras.
Those fast food ads were just a stepping stone to bigger things. Thompson would soon land film roles that made her a star, but she never forgot the hard work that got her there.
Every actor has to start somewhere, and for Thompson, that somewhere involved selling Whoppers with a smile. Her journey from commercials to iconic film roles shows that persistence and talent eventually pay off.
Those early commercial gigs were part of a foundation that supported a successful career spanning decades in entertainment.
20. Patrick Duffy
Dallas’ Bobby Ewing once sold chewing gum with the same earnestness he’d bring to oil industry drama. Patrick Duffy appeared in Wrigley’s commercials in the early 1970s, working as a young actor trying to establish himself.
The ads showcased his all-American good looks and friendly demeanor, qualities that would serve him well in his television career. Duffy’s commercial work came during his early acting days when he was taking whatever jobs he could find.
He was building experience and learning the business, using each opportunity to improve his craft. Those gum commercials might seem insignificant, but they were part of paying his dues and staying active in the industry.
The path from Wrigley’s commercials to becoming a television icon on one of the most popular shows of the 1980s shows how unpredictable careers can be. Duffy worked hard, stayed professional, and was ready when the right opportunity came along.
Those early commercial gigs taught him discipline and helped him develop the reliability that made him valuable to producers. Every job was a stepping stone to something bigger, and Duffy made the most of each one on his journey to television stardom.
21. Michael J. Fox
Marty McFly sold soda before he ever climbed into a DeLorean. Michael J.
Fox appeared in commercials for Pepsi and other brands as a teenager in the late 1970s, working as a young Canadian actor trying to make it. His natural charisma and comedic timing were already evident, even in simple product advertisements.
Fox moved from Canada to Los Angeles as a teenager to pursue acting, and commercials provided crucial income during those early struggling years. He’s spoken about how difficult those times were, but he never gave up.
The commercial work kept him going while he auditioned for bigger roles that would eventually change his life. Those Pepsi commercials capture Fox before he became a household name.
He was just a talented kid with big dreams, working hard and hoping for a break. That break came with Family Ties and then Back to the Future, but it might never have happened if he’d given up during those lean commercial years.
Fox’s journey is a reminder that success requires persistence and faith in yourself, even when things seem hopeless. Those soda ads were just the beginning of an incredible career that would make him one of the most beloved actors of his generation.
22. Corey Feldman
The Goonies star was selling Happy Meals before he was hunting for pirate treasure. Corey Feldman appeared in numerous commercials as a child actor in the early 1980s, including memorable spots for McDonald’s.
He was one of the busiest child actors of his era, working constantly in commercials, television, and film. Feldman’s commercial work was extensive, covering everything from fast food to toys.
These jobs provided steady income and kept him working while he built his film career. He brought natural energy to every commercial, a quality that made him popular with advertisers and helped him stand out in auditions for bigger roles.
The McDonald’s commercials are just a small part of Feldman’s prolific child acting career. He worked more than most adult actors, appearing in countless projects throughout the 1980s.
That work ethic, learned early through commercial work, helped him become one of the most recognizable child stars of his generation. While his career had ups and downs, those early commercial days taught him professionalism and gave him opportunities that many young actors never get.
The fast food ads were training ground for a career that would include iconic films and cult classics.
23. Matt LeBlanc
Joey Tribbiani sold condiments before he perfected his signature How you doin’? Matt LeBlanc appeared in a famous Heinz ketchup commercial in the late 1980s, playing a young man so mesmerized by ketchup that he licks it off a girl’s hand.
The ad was memorable and slightly weird, but it got LeBlanc noticed and showed his willingness to commit fully to even the strangest material. LeBlanc worked steadily in commercials before landing Friends, taking whatever jobs came along to support himself.
He was just another struggling actor in Los Angeles, going to auditions and hoping for a break. The Heinz commercial paid the bills and gave him screen time, both valuable when you’re trying to build a career.
Looking back at that ketchup commercial after Friends became a cultural phenomenon is surreal. LeBlanc went from licking condiments to becoming one of television’s most beloved characters.
But he earned that success through years of hard work and persistence. Those commercial days taught him resilience and professionalism.
Every actor has embarrassing early work, and LeBlanc’s ketchup-licking moment is a perfect example. But it was all part of the journey to becoming a star on one of the most successful sitcoms ever made.
24. Bryan Cranston
Walter White was selling soap decades before he started cooking meth. Bryan Cranston appeared in countless commercials throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including ads for Shield soap and many other products.
He was a working actor taking whatever jobs came along, building experience while waiting for opportunities that would showcase his dramatic abilities. Cranston has spoken openly about his commercial work, viewing it as valuable training that helped him develop his craft.
He learned to take direction, hit marks, and deliver performances quickly and efficiently. These skills would prove invaluable throughout his career, especially when he finally got the role that would change everything.
The Shield soap commercials capture Cranston during his years as a journeyman actor. He worked constantly but wasn’t famous, just another reliable professional doing his job.
That changed dramatically with Malcolm in the Middle and then Breaking Bad, but those commercial years were crucial to his development. They taught him patience, professionalism, and the importance of treating every job seriously.
From selling soap to winning Emmy Awards shows that persistence pays off, even if it takes decades. Cranston never gave up, and eventually his talent was recognized in a massive way.
25. Morgan Freeman
That legendary voice once sold mouthwash instead of narrating documentaries. Morgan Freeman appeared in Listerine commercials in the 1970s, working as a stage and television actor before his film career took off.
Even in a simple mouthwash ad, his distinctive voice and commanding presence were evident, hints of the gravitas that would make him one of cinema’s most respected actors. Freeman spent decades working in theater, television, and commercials before achieving major film success.
His journey is a testament to persistence; he didn’t become a movie star until his fifties, but he never stopped working or improving. Those Listerine commercials were just part of a long career of steady, professional work.
The commercials feel almost surreal now, knowing what Freeman would become. From selling mouthwash to playing God and presidents and winning Oscars shows how careers can evolve over time.
Freeman’s path wasn’t quick or easy, but his talent and persistence eventually paid off in a major way. Those early commercial days taught him discipline and helped him survive as a working actor during lean years.
Every job mattered, even the ones that seemed small at the time. Freeman’s career proves that it’s never too late for success if you keep working and believing in yourself.
26. Brad Pitt
One of Hollywood’s biggest heartthrobs once dressed as a chicken to sell potato chips. Brad Pitt appeared in a Pringles commercial in the late 1980s, wearing a ridiculous chicken costume and demonstrating the lengths struggling actors will go to for work.
The ad is hilarious in retrospect, but at the time it was just another job for a young actor trying to make it in Los Angeles. Pitt moved to Hollywood with dreams of stardom but spent years doing commercials and bit parts before getting noticed.
He took every job seriously, even the embarrassing ones, using each opportunity to learn and improve. The Pringles commercial paid his rent and kept him in the game during difficult times.
From chicken costumes to leading man status seems like an impossible journey, but Pitt made it happen through talent and persistence. He never gave up during those lean years when success seemed far away.
The Pringles commercial is now a funny footnote in an incredible career, but it represents the hard work and humility that helped build that career. Every actor has embarrassing early work, and Pitt’s chicken costume is a perfect reminder that everyone starts somewhere, usually somewhere much less glamorous than red carpets and magazine covers.
27. Jodie Foster
An Oscar winner before she could drive started her career selling sunscreen. Jodie Foster appeared in Coppertone commercials as a young child in the late 1960s, beginning a career that would span decades and earn critical acclaim.
She was a natural performer from the start, comfortable in front of cameras and able to deliver exactly what directors wanted. Foster worked extensively in commercials as a child, using them as training for her acting career.
She appeared in dozens of ads for various products, building skills and experience that would serve her throughout her life. Those commercial jobs taught her professionalism and discipline at a very young age.
The Coppertone commercials capture Foster at the very beginning of an extraordinary career. She would go on to become one of the most respected actresses and directors in Hollywood, but it all started with selling sunscreen and other products.
Foster’s journey shows that early commercial work doesn’t limit future success; it can actually provide crucial training and opportunities. She took every job seriously, learned from every experience, and built a career that would include multiple Oscars and decades of acclaimed work.
Those sunscreen ads were just the first step on an incredible journey.
28. Keanu Reeves
Neo was selling soda long before he discovered the Matrix. Keanu Reeves appeared in Coca-Cola commercials as a teenager in the early 1980s, working as a young Canadian actor trying to break into the business.
The ads showcased his good looks and easy charm, qualities that would help him transition from commercials to film work. Reeves worked steadily in commercials and small television roles before landing bigger opportunities.
He moved from Canada to Los Angeles to pursue acting, taking whatever work came along to support himself. Those Coca-Cola commercials were part of paying his dues and learning the craft during his formative years.
The commercials feel like ancient history now that Reeves has become an action icon and beloved cultural figure. But they represent an important part of his journey, the early work that kept him going while he waited for his big break.
Reeves never forgot those struggling years, maintaining humility and kindness even as his fame grew. Those soda commercials were just the beginning of a career that would include iconic roles and massive success.
Every job was a stepping stone, and Reeves treated each one with the professionalism that would define his long, successful career in entertainment.
29. Steve Carell
Michael Scott was selling fried chicken in Chicago before he managed Dunder Mifflin. Steve Carell appeared in local commercials for Brown’s Chicken in the early 1990s, working as a member of the Second City comedy troupe and taking whatever paid work he could find.
The ads showcased his comedic abilities, even in the limited format of fast food advertising. Carell spent years doing comedy in Chicago before moving to television and film.
Commercial work helped pay the bills while he developed his skills in improv and sketch comedy. He took every job seriously, using each opportunity to refine his timing and learn what worked with audiences.
Those Brown’s Chicken commercials are a fun reminder of Carell’s pre-fame days. He was just a talented comedian working hard and hoping for a break.
That break eventually came with The Daily Show and then The Office, but it took years of grinding through commercials and small roles. Carell’s journey shows that overnight success is a myth; most careers are built slowly through consistent work and improvement.
Those chicken commercials were part of a foundation that would eventually support one of the most successful comedy careers in modern entertainment, proving that persistence and talent eventually pay off.
30. Paul Rudd
Ant-Man was selling video games before he ever put on the suit. Paul Rudd appeared in Super Nintendo commercials in the early 1990s, promoting gaming systems with the boyish enthusiasm that would become his trademark.
The ads captured his natural likability, the quality that would make him perfect for comedic roles and eventually superhero films. Rudd worked in commercials while establishing himself as an actor, taking jobs that would keep him working and visible.
He brought genuine energy to every commercial, making even product advertisements entertaining. That professionalism and charm helped him stand out and land bigger opportunities as his career progressed.
The Super Nintendo commercials are a perfect snapshot of early-nineties Rudd, before Clueless or Anchorman or the Marvel films. He was just a young actor with talent and ambition, working hard to build a career.
Those gaming commercials were part of the journey, small jobs that kept him going while he waited for roles that would showcase his abilities. Rudd’s career shows that nice guys can finish first if they work hard and stay persistent.
From selling video games to becoming a beloved comedy star and superhero proves that every job matters when you’re building something lasting in entertainment.
