Favorite Early Role By A Well-Known Actor?

You know, when you're watching a movie from 20-30 years ago and see an actor who is well-known today but pops up in that film when they were first starting out.

I'd have to say Jeff Goldblum as Tricycle Man in NASHVILLE. Hilarious character.

Updated On: 8/2/07 at 11:32 PM

I loved Christopher Walken in The Dead Zone.

Chris Sarandon in "Dog day Afternoon"

everyone in "the outsiders"

Viggo MOrtensen in "Crimson tide"

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Updated On: 8/3/07 at 11:04 AM

I respectfully take issue with "Well-Known."

It's as though one would try to imply that any certain performer is somehow validated or placed above other performers simply for the fact that they have been exploited by popular media (mostly for being white and attractive -- unless they're a man, in which case they only have to be white).

What really defines "Well-Known," and what about it makes it a desirable category to be placed in? Does it have to do with climbing the Hollywood ladder by sleeping with the right people, marrying a man 25 years your senior and as a result being given an opportunity at "stardom" and popular awards recognition, having your personal life plastered all over trashy magazines and somehow as a result being envied by the mainstream public who are made to feel mediocre by the glamour of your exploitation?

(Just a thought. Didn't intend to threadjack. And please do not take this as an attack on you, Cruel, or anyone else in this thread. The title just got me thinking.)

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I loved Cary Grant in "Arsenic and Old Lace." That was before superstardom turned him into a one-character actor who was mostly boring to watch.

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Sandy Suncan playing the Miller's Wife in the musical THE CANTERBURY TALES.

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Sorry, folks, but I don't think that ARSENIC AND OLD LACE can be considered an early role of Cary Grant's. He'd already appeared in over 40 movies by time he made it, and what might be his best performance ever (in NOTORIOUS) was still to come.

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John Cusack in STAND BY ME. It's not exactly the biggest role, but it certainly caught my eye and turned me into a massive fan for most of the '90s.

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John Malkovich in Dangerous Liasons

Jack Nicholson in The Witches of Eastwick and As Good As It Gets.

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Marcia Cross on Melrose Place.

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I thought of Viggo, as well, but it was WITNESS that crossed my mind. When he came up the hill as the young Amish farmer to help with the barn-raising, I could NOT take my eyes off of him.

I'll do you one better, Matt.

Joan Cusack in SIXTEEN CANDLES as the girl with the headgear.

I could go even further back to MY BODYGUARD, but that performance defines the phrase "awkward phase."

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Updated On: 8/3/07 at 03:24 PM

Johnny Depp- Platoon.

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