15 Actors Who Almost Quit Before Their Big Breaks
In the unpredictable world of Hollywood, perseverance often separates the stars from the dreamers. Many actors face rejection, financial struggles, and self-doubt before landing their defining roles. Here are 15 actors who nearly gave up on their dreams just before achieving fame, proving that success can be just one role away.
1. Chris Hemsworth
Before donning Thor’s hammer, Chris Hemsworth was ready to abandon acting. Struggling with small roles in Australian TV and facing constant rejections in Hollywood, he considered returning to Australia to work in construction. His persistence paid off when he landed the role of Thor in 2011, launching him into global stardom.
2. Viola Davis
Viola Davis, now an Oscar winner, almost quit acting due to financial hardship and lack of opportunities. Living in poverty and taking minor roles, she questioned her career choice. Her breakthrough came with Doubt (2008), earning her an Academy Award nomination and paving the way for roles in The Help and Fences.
3. Robert Downey Jr.
Before becoming Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr.’s career was derailed by personal struggles and substance abuse. In the early 2000s, he was deemed uninsurable and nearly quit acting. His comeback began with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), followed by Iron Man (2008), which redefined his career.
4. Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot was on the verge of quitting acting after years of auditions with no major success. Disheartened, she considered returning to law school. Then came her casting as Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), which made her a household name.
5. Harrison Ford
Before Star Wars, Harrison Ford worked as a carpenter to support his family, frustrated by minor roles and rejection. He nearly gave up acting until George Lucas cast him as Han Solo in 1977, turning him into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
6. Millie Bobby Brown
At 13, Millie Bobby Brown faced constant rejection and was told she wasn’t talented enough. She considered quitting before landing the role of Eleven in Stranger Things (2016), which skyrocketed her to fame and earned her critical acclaim.
7. Jon Hamm
Jon Hamm struggled for years with small TV roles and faced age-related rejections, nearly quitting in his 30s. His persistence led to Mad Men (2007), where his role as Don Draper earned him an Emmy and global recognition.
8. Diane Lane
Diane Lane, despite early success, faced a career slump in her 20s and considered leaving acting for good. Her role in Unfaithful (2002) revitalized her career, earning her an Oscar nomination and leading to more prominent projects.
9. Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo endured over 600 auditions and worked odd jobs, including bartending, before contemplating quitting. His breakthrough came with You Can Count on Me (2000), which led to roles in The Avengers and an Oscar-nominated career.
10. Hilary Swank
Hilary Swank faced financial struggles and lived in her car before her big break. She nearly quit acting but landed the role of Brandon Teena in Boys Don’t Cry (1999), earning her first of two Oscars.
11. Chris Evans
Before becoming Captain America, Chris Evans was frustrated by typecasting in comedic roles and considered quitting to pursue directing. His casting in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) transformed him into a Marvel icon.
12. Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston juggled small roles and odd jobs, nearly abandoning acting in his 30s. His role as Walter White in Breaking Bad (2008) turned him into a critically acclaimed star, earning him multiple Emmys.
13. Melissa McCarthy
Melissa McCarthy faced years of rejection and financial struggles, nearly giving up before landing Gilmore Girls. Her breakout role in Bridesmaids (2011) made her a comedy powerhouse and an Oscar nominee.
14. Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey, living in a van with his family as a teenager, almost quit acting after early stand-up comedy failures. His persistence led to Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994), launching his comedic career.
15. Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o was ready to abandon acting after graduating from Yale, discouraged by a lack of roles. Her debut in 12 Years a Slave (2013) won her an Oscar, proving her talent and resilience.
These stories remind us that even the biggest stars face moments of doubt. Their perseverance through rejection and hardship highlights the unpredictable nature of success in Hollywood, where the next audition could change everything.