As I delve into these tales of resilience and rebirth in Hollywood, I can’t help but feel inspired by the grit and determination displayed by these legendary actors.
Actors, even the most talented ones, experience periods of success and struggle in their professional journey. Some encounter more extreme fluctuations than others. For instance, John Travolta was virtually out of the spotlight until Quentin Tarantino chose him for “Pulp Fiction,” and Matthew McConaughey experienced a career resurgence during what’s known as the ‘McConaissance.’ These two aren’t unique in finding roles that rekindled their fame. Here, we present 32 roles that revitalized actors’ careers.
Pulp Fiction – John Travolta
1978 was my year, man. John Travolta was the shining star, thanks to his hit TV show “Welcome Back, Kotter,” and movies like “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease.” He ruled the world, then just as suddenly, he vanished. For 16 long years, only 11 films featured him, with many flopping. But then Quentin Tarantino arrived and cast Travolta in “Pulp Fiction,” and boom! He was back on top. Ever since, he’s never looked back.
Dallas Buyers Club – Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey initially gained recognition in the early ’90s with his standout performance in “Dazed And Confused,” which included memorable lines. Throughout the mid-’90s, he took on more serious roles in films like “A Time To Kill,” “Contact,” and “Amistad.” By the early 2000s, he became a well-known leading actor in romantic comedies. However, his popularity waned slightly towards the end of the 2000s as some of his films failed to leave a lasting impression. This trend reversed in 2013 when he starred in and won the Best Actor Oscar for “Dallas Buyers Club,” marking the beginning of what is now known as the McConaissance.
Stranger Things – Winona Ryder
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, movies such as “Beetlejuice,” “Heathers,” “The Age of Innocence,” and “Little Women” made Winona Ryder a major star. However, following some negative attention due to her shoplifting conviction in the early 2000s, her fame significantly decreased, and she briefly stepped away from acting. Although she remained somewhat active, it wasn’t until her role in “Stranger Things” beginning in 2016 that Ryder regained her former prominence.
Judy – Renée Zellweger
From 1996 with Jerry McGuire to Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason in 2005, Renée Zellweger was among the most celebrated and thriving actors in Hollywood. With a string of successes and accolades, Zellweger seemed unstoppable. However, after a series of less-than-favorable films, the industry demonstrated its capricious nature, and she found herself no longer on the A-list. This trend was broken in 2019 with Judy, and then again with the television show The Thing About Pam.
The Whale – Brendan Fraser
The 1990s represented Brendan Fraser’s prime time, as he enjoyed significant successes, including the blockbuster hit The Mummy in 1999. However, things seemed to slow down for him after that period, with fewer opportunities and a decline in his popularity. Despite continuing to work, his career appeared stagnant, leading many to wonder about his whereabouts. Fraser made a triumphant return to the spotlight with his outstanding performance in The Whale, earning the Best Actor Oscar and once again capturing everyone’s attention.
Birdman – Michael Keaton
During the 1980s, Michael Keaton made people laugh with some of the wittiest one-liners in several comedic films. However, his career took a slight dip in the mid-90s and early 2000s, although he remained active in the industry. Despite being a major star after landing the Batman role directed by Tim Burton, he wasn’t quite as prominent until his portrayal of an actor similar to himself in Birdman helped him regain his place at the peak of Hollywood’s A-list.
House Of Cards – Robin Wright
In “The Princess Bride,” Robin Wright made a spectacular entrance, opening up endless possibilities for her career. She scaled new peaks with her portrayal of Jenny in “Forrest Gump,” but her marriage to Sean Penn turned her into a regular in the gossip columns. However, it seems she achieved her greatest notoriety when she took on the role of Claire Underwood in Netflix’s “House of Cards.
Everything Everywhere All at Once – Ke Huy Quan
Has there been a heartwarming Hollywood comeback story quite like Ke Huy Quan’s, following his success after winning an Oscar for his role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once”? After spending nearly two decades out of the spotlight, having initially achieved fame as a child actor, Quan found himself once again the center of attention.
Halloween (2018) – Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis gained fame as the original “final girl” in the first Halloween movie, leading her to success in Hollywood. However, you might not recall that she declared retirement from acting in 2006. Although she partially stepped away, she was choosy about her roles and often played secondary characters. This changed dramatically in 2018 when she made a powerful comeback to the industry with the Halloween remake.
Sin City – Mickey Rourke
It’s amazing how easily people forget about Mickey Rourke’s massive popularity in the 80s. Back then, men aspired to be like him and women dreamed of being with him. As time went on, he chose to step away from acting and pursue boxing instead. Although he had a decent career as a boxer, he eventually returned to acting, and with films like “Sin City” and “The Wrestler,” Rourke once again became a major star in Hollywood.
Scream – Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore achieved massive stardom in the 1980s, thanks to movies like E.T. and Firestarter. However, some personal issues during her teenage years caused a slight setback. Yet, her role in Scream propelled her back to success and she’s been thriving ever since.
Wild – Reese Witherspoon
When Reese Witherspoon received the Academy Award for her role in 2005’s “Walk The Line,” she felt like she was on cloud nine. However, following a series of underperforming romantic films that Witherspoon referred to as her “love triangle phase,” her career experienced a downturn. This all changed with the release of “Wild,” not only revitalizing her acting career but also launching her into the role of major film producer.
Iron Man – Robert Downey, Jr
Without a doubt, few comeback tales are as well-known as that of Robert Downey Jr. After grappling with personal issues and addiction for many years, his career seemed destined for oblivion. However, he turned his life around, got sober, and was given the opportunity to play the role of a lifetime as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Since then, his success has been legendary.
Arrested Development – Jason Bateman
Jason Bateman experienced both highs and lows throughout his professional journey. In the 80s, he was on the brink of major stardom as a teen idol, but his career faced a significant decline afterward. However, it wasn’t until the acclaimed success of Arrested Development that Bateman regained his status as a must-watch TV personality again.
Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool
In the 90s, Ryan Reynolds became a household name with notable roles on TV shows like “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and “Two Guys And A Girl.” This set him up for significant success. However, his initial success seemed to dwindle in the late ’00s and early teens due to a series of unmemorable films, with “The Green Lantern” being one of the most notable flops. But then came the 2015 blockbuster “Deadpool,” which has since become a defining part of his career, potentially lasting until he’s 90.
Yellowjackets – Christina Ricci
Despite no personal mistakes on her part, Christina Ricci encountered a series of unlucky breaks in her career, as she excelled in various projects that unfortunately failed to resonate with viewers for reasons beyond her control. However, this trend was reversed, undeniably, when she starred in Yellowjackets, beginning in 2021.
The Godfather – Marlon Brando
At the time when Francis Ford Coppola chose Marlon Brando for the role of Vito Corleone, Brando was not particularly popular or sought-after in Hollywood. However, it’s widely acknowledged now that Coppola had to work hard to get the iconic actor for the film, and we’re all thankful he succeeded.
24 – Kiefer Sutherland
During the late ’80s and early ’90s, Kiefer Sutherland enjoyed significant success with roles in films like “Stand By Me,” “The Lost Boys,” and both “Young Guns” movies. However, the mid and late ’90s were less productive for him due to some box office flops. In 2001, he found renewed fame by starring as Jack Bauer in “24,” a series that gained immense popularity, boosting Sutherland’s stardom once more.
Orange Is The New Black – Natasha Lyonne
Natasha Lyonne’s burgeoning career faced significant challenges due to personal and legal issues in the 2000s. However, she managed to overcome these difficulties, seek help, and recover. Subsequently, she landed a role on the popular Netflix series Orange Is The New Black, and has since excelled in various other roles.
This Is Us – Mandy Moore
Towards the end of the millennium, Mandy Moore’s career was on fire, with appearances in blockbuster films and songs gracing the Top 40 charts. However, it wasn’t until she landed the role as the matriarch in This Is Us in 2016 that her stardom reached unprecedented heights.
The Town – Ben Affleck
In the ’90s, Ben Affleck gained significant fame, but during the ’00s, his notoriety was often associated with tabloids rather than his movie career. However, it took a few years for him to demonstrate his exceptional filmmaking skills to everyone, which he did with The Town in 2010. Since then, he has been consistently delivering impressive performances.
Monster-in-Law – Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda was a massive star in Hollywood during the ’70s and ’80s, with few actresses holding more sway. However, she surprised everyone by retiring from acting in 1991, around the time of her marriage to Ted Turner. To everyone’s joy, she made a comeback in 2005’s “Monster-In-Law” alongside Jennifer Lopez and has been enjoying success ever since.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle – Neil Patrick Harris
Similar to the character he played on “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” Neil Patrick Harris was a prodigy. Following the conclusion of the popular series, he encountered challenges when transitioning into more mature roles. Remarkably, it was his portrayal of a fictionalized self in “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” that re-ignited interest among viewers, eventually leading to his most renowned role on “How I Met Your Mother.
Bohemian Rhapsody – Mike Myers
Mike Myers was ubiquitous during the 1990s. He appeared on Saturday Night Live, starred in Wayne’s World (one of the most successful films spun off from an SNL character), voiced Shrek, and played Austin Powers. At the peak of his fame, he ruled the world. However, following a series of box office flops in 2010, he took a step back from the spotlight. He later reappeared with a stunning role in Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018.
John Wick – Keanu Reeves
For nearly two decades, Keanu Reeves shone brightly as box office success, but experienced a series of flops towards the end of the ’00s. However, when he collaborated with director Chad Stahelski on the 2014 film John Wick, he kick-started an entirely new franchise that has since consistently churned out box office smashes.
Unfaithful – Diane Lane
Diane Lane has consistently chosen her roles thoughtfully, dating back to her time in Hollywood during the ’80s. This careful selection has resulted in several professional resurgences, with one of the most memorable being her portrayal in the successful film “Unfaithful” released in 2002. This outstanding performance garnered her a Best Actress nomination at the Oscars in 2003.
Airplane! – Leslie Nielsen
For many viewers, Leslie Nielsen will always be synonymous with his iconic performances in comedies like “Airplane!” and “The Naked Gun.” However, prior to these roles, Nielsen made a name for himself as a serious actor. Although his career had taken a backseat before he found success in the original “Airplane!”, it was his dramatic acting that initially gained him recognition.
Striptease – Burt Reynolds
In the 1970s, Burt Reynolds was a towering figure in Hollywood, but a string of unsuccessful films in the ’80s caused him to lose his high position. Although some may argue that his role in Boogie Nights in 1997 helped resurrect his career, it was actually his amusing portrayal in the 1996 film Striptease that brought him back into the spotlight.
No Country For Old Men – Josh Brolin
Following a prosperous start in the ’80s films like “The Goonies”, Josh Brolin faced a career slump spanning over a decade, causing him to question if he would ever reclaim his initial fame. However, his outstanding performance in “No Country For Old Men” in 2007 marked a turning point, and since then, he has been consistently regarded as one of Hollywood’s top-tier actors.
Trading Places – Don Ameche
Don Ameche’s career took off in the 1930s, but bookings became scarce by the 1970s. Fortunately, he found success again when he was cast as one of the Duke Brothers in “Trading Places.” This time, he regained stardom and gained a new, younger fanbase.
Sea of Love – Al Pacino
Even legends like Al Pacino can experience dry spells in their careers. This was true for him in the mid-80s, following his impressive run in the ’70s. He discovered how unpredictable Hollywood could be, but it wasn’t until 1989’s “Sea of Love” that Pacino reclaimed his position among the top-tier actors once more.
Rocky Balboa – Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone is known for some of the most successful film series in Hollywood, yet even the best can trip up. In the late ’90s and early ’00s, Stallone experienced a string of less-than-stellar movies, but he regained his footing when he revisited his iconic role in 2006’s Rocky Balboa. Since then, he not only appeared in the revitalized Rambo, but also resurrected another major franchise. Furthermore, Stallone initiated a new franchise with The Expendables.
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2024-10-16 18:38