32 Stars Who Really Got Famous After Landing A Role On Netflix

As I delve into the vibrant and captivating lives of these talented individuals, I am simply astounded by their resilience, creativity, and sheer talent that has propelled them to stardom. Each of them brings something unique to the table, whether it’s their acting chops, writing prowess, or the ability to transform a harrowing personal experience into something comedic yet deeply moving.

Initially starting out as a convenient method for viewers to enjoy theatrical releases without leaving their homes, streaming giant Netflix soon transformed into a powerful studio, producing some of the most financially successful and critically praised media of the streaming era. As more original content is released by Netflix, it appears to be doing so at an exponential rate, catapulting previously unknown actors into unprecedented levels of fame. Here are 32 stars who have experienced significant success after being cast in a Netflix production.

Millie Bobby Brown

At just eleven years old, Millie Bobby Brown made a significant entrance into the spotlight with her portrayal of Eleven, a secretive girl exhibiting psychic powers, in the highly successful series “Stranger Things.” The character of Eleven was so well-liked that her distinctive style became a widely imitated Halloween costume. Since then, Brown has taken on various roles, such as playing Enola Holmes in the movie bearing her name and its sequel, as well as Elodie in the 2024 Netflix original film “Damsel,” all of which are Netflix productions.

Drew Starkey

Known primarily for portraying the complex character Rafe Cameron, a young man battling anger problems and addiction, in the teen series “Outer Banks,” Drew Starkey has gained widespread recognition. This show follows a diverse group of adolescents from various socioeconomic backgrounds residing on the North Carolina barrier islands. Starkey’s convincing portrayal of Rafe, particularly on TikTok, has even gone viral, and he has since secured roles in notable films such as “Queer.

Cooper Koch

Actor Cooper Koch garnered fame and recognition for his performance as Erik Menendez in season 2 of “Monsters,” a true-crime anthology series produced by Ryan Murphy. In this season, the tale of Erik and his brother Lyle Menendez unfolds, who were found guilty and sentenced to prison for murdering their affluent parents during the early ’90s. Several instances from Koch’s interviews during the “Monsters” press tour became popular online, such as his appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

Chance Perdomo

In early 2024, Chance Perdomo sadly passed away. Prior to this unfortunate event, he was gaining recognition as one of Hollywood’s rising stars, particularly for his captivating performances. One of his latest roles was that of metal-bending character Andre Anderson in the The Boys spinoff series, Gen Z. Earlier in his career, it was his portrayal of the charming and funny Ambrose Spellman, cousin to the main witch in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, that really put him on the acting map.

Tom Sturridge

As a devoted admirer, I’ve often noticed that stardom for celebrities doesn’t always extend beyond their niche in the entertainment world. For instance, Tom Sturridge, despite earning two Best Actor Tony nominations prior, didn’t garner widespread attention until his chilling and powerful performance as Dream/Morpheus in the fantasy drama The Sandman. That’s when the Internet began abuzz with conversations about him.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega distinguishes herself among her Gen Z Disney peers by opting for an acting career over pop music, a decision that has proved shrewd for her. Her debut on Netflix was as a supporting actress in the popular psychological thriller “You“, which demonstrated her ability to handle mature roles. Yet it was her starring role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s adaptation of “Wednesday” that made her a familiar name and garnered her an Emmy nomination, rightfully so.

Louis Partridge

Louis Partridge gained notability for portraying Viscount Tewkesbury, the romantic lead opposite Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola in the movie and its sequel, “Enola Holmes.” Subsequently, he has taken on roles such as reinterpreting Peter Pan in the production “The Lost Girls” and collaborating with Alfonso Cuaron on his suspenseful miniseries titled “Disclaimer.

Victoria Pedretti

The eccentricities of Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley, were unprecedented until he encountered Love Quinn in Season 2, brilliantly brought to the screen by Victoria Pedretti. Pedretti’s skill in keeping pace with, and often surpassing, Badgley’s Joe’s madness through her chilling acting and dramatic breakdowns is truly remarkable. Her performance is so captivating that, even in a series featuring a constantly changing ensemble of characters, she ranks second only to Badgley in terms of the popularity of her character.

Phoebe Dynevor

In the popular Bridgerton series, Daphne Bridgerton, from the prominent Bridgerton family, earned widespread recognition and became a familiar name in households everywhere. The first season of this show, featuring Phoebe Dynevor as a leading character, rapidly climbed to become one of the top 10 most-watched Netflix series ever when it was initially released. Following her success with Bridgerton, Dynevor has continued to win praise in movies like Fair Play.

Madelyn Cline

Noteworthy among the cast of Outer Banks is Madelyn Cline, who brilliantly brings Sarah, Rafe’s younger sister, to life. Sarah navigates her position within a wealthy social circle while developing a bond with the head of the local working-class group. Since her breakout role in Outer Banks, Cline has expanded her acting portfolio, landing roles such as a supporting character in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and the 2025 reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Nicholas Alexander Chavez

Prior to landing the role of Lyle Menendez in the series “Monsters”, Nicholas Alexander Chavez had already garnered a significant fanbase for his portrayal of Prince Spencer Cassadine on ABC’s “General Hospital”. His powerful performance during “Monsters” generated numerous viral videos and memes, earning him the title of Internet Boyfriend in late 2024. After “Monsters”, Chavez has continued to appear on television with a role in another Ryan Murphy project called “Grotesquerie”, and he made his big-screen debut in the 2025 remake of “I Know What You Did Last Summer”.

Simone Ashley

For Season 2 of Bridgerton, Simone Ashley takes over as the main female love interest, portraying the character Kate Sharma. She brings to life a determined and protective elder sister who has intricate emotions towards Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, who is engaged to her younger sibling. Following her triumph in Bridgerton, Ashley has left an impression with her multiple high-profile red carpet events and has featured in major films such as the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid.

Glen Powell

Glen Powell swiftly emerged as a contemporary leading man in Hollywood, showcasing his comedic flair in the romantic comedy “Anyone But You” and his action skills in the disaster movie “Twisters.” However, it was Netflix’s “Hit Man” that sparked both audiences and critics to acknowledge Powell as a multi-faceted actor. In this film, Powell delved into an unconventional role, where he portrayed a college professor pretending to be a phony hitman. This part demanded Powell to assume various eccentric personas, which he executed with finesse.

Walker Scobell

At twelve years old, it’s understandable that most actors would feel intimidated acting alongside the esteemed Ryan Reynolds in Hollywood. However, Walker Scobell showcased an impressive amount of talent for his age by performing so capably under such circumstances. After stealing hearts as the younger version of Reynold’s character in The Adam Project, Hollywood couldn’t ignore his talent anymore, and within a year he was chosen to headline the Disney+ adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Aidan Gallagher

Unlike most child actors who disappear after growing out of their breakout roles, Aidan Gallagher distinguishes himself by demonstrating that he’s not just another Nickelodeon star. He showed remarkable acting skills when he acted alongside heavyweights like Elliot Page and Emmy Rossum in “The Umbrella Academy.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox skillfully walked the tightrope between tender and comical in her role as Sophia Burset on “Orange Is the New Black,” making history by becoming the first transgender actress to receive an Emmy nomination for acting. Following the recognition and fame she gained from this show, Cox has made significant advancements for transgender individuals within Hollywood and continues to be a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Lana Condor

In an endearing portrayal, Lana Condor breathed life into one of the most beloved young adult fiction heroines in the movie version of “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before“. The fashionable appearances, her balanced mix of confidence and kindness, and numerous adorable scenes with Peter resonated deeply with viewers, sparking a following for the series that surpassed the fanbase of its original content.

Jonathan Bailey

Among numerous promising candidates vying for the title of the next big Hollywood Heartthrob, Jonathan Bailey’s performance as Viscount Anthony Bridgerton in ‘Bridgerton’, with his portrayal of hidden longing and dedication, is truly worthy of praise. Bailey has consistently managed to win over both male and female audiences, creating captivating characters such as Tim Laughlin from ‘Fellow Travelers’ and Prince Fiyero in ‘Wicked’.

Charlie Cox

Initially airing as a gritty, violent Netflix show, Daredevil, starring Charlie Cox, portrayed the life of one of Marvel’s most intriguing vigilantes before finding its home on Disney+ and becoming part of the MCU. Cox’s acting skills were particularly praised, as he convincingly played a blind character despite being sighted in real life. His performance was highly appreciated for its sensitivity and accuracy, making it evident on screen. Additionally, his physical prowess was showcased through numerous action sequences, which have been widely shared online due to their impressive execution.

Jaz Sinclair

Previously, Jaz Sinclair shared the screen with Chance Perdomo on “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”. In this series, she played Roz, one of Sabrina’s closest friends. Jaz’s portrayal of Roz’s emotional struggles as she grappled with her magical powers provided a strong foundation for her to convincingly portray the complex character of Marie Moreau in “Gen V”.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba’s extraordinary portrayal of Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange Is the New Black is remarkable because she was one of a select few to win Emmys in both Drama and Comedy categories for the same role. Since then, Aduba has garnered numerous honors on-stage and off, including a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Play.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor gained widespread recognition when he played schoolboy Nick Nelson in the hit, queer teen romance “Heartstopper.” His exceptional acting earned him the first-ever Outstanding Lead Performance Emmy at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. Since then, he has contributed his voice to the beloved animated film “The Wild Robot” and brought Romeo to life in the Broadway musical adaptation of “Romeo & Juliet.

Jacob Elordi

As a gamer, I’d say: Among all actors out there, Jacob Elordi truly stands out due to his incredible versatility. While many may know him as Nate Jacobs from Euphoria, he initially gained widespread recognition for his role as Noah Flynn in The Kissing Booth. Despite both roles being set in high school, they couldn’t be more contrasting in tone. The success of The Kissing Booth series played a significant part in Elordi’s rise to A-list fame, and ever since, he’s been consistently busy with new projects.

Joseph Quinn

Among the memorable characters from Stranger Things, Eddie Munson from Season 4 stands out as one who leaves a particularly lasting impression, portrayed skillfully by Joseph Quinn. Eddie is vibrant and captivating, yet he also carries an air of mystery and sensitivity that draws viewers in. It’s this unique blend that makes audiences grow fond of him. Following Stranger Things, Quinn has secured several prominent roles, including a significant part in A Quiet Place: Day One and Gladiator 2.

Ho-Yeon Jung

Ho-Yeon Jung delivers an exceptional, supporting role as Sae-Byeok Kang, the North Korean defector in “Squid Game.” Witnessing Sae-Byeok’s initially cold and reserved character soften around a genuine friend is incredibly engaging, intensifying the emotional impact of her storyline. Jung skillfully portrays this transformation on screen, which undoubtedly left a deep impression on the show’s massive viewership.

Noah Centineo

In 2018, Noah Centineo won hearts worldwide with his endearing portrayal of Peter Kavinsky, the beloved schoolmate, earning him the title of Internet’s Crush. This success prompted Centineo to continue choosing roles that mirrored Kavinsky’s character, such as playing Sierra Burgess’s love interest in “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser” and leading the romantic comedy “The Perfect Date.

Maya Hawke

Being the child of renowned actors like Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman undeniably provides an advantage in Hollywood, yet it takes exceptional skill to surpass being a “nepotism kid” and be appreciated for one’s individual talent. Maya Hawke has achieved this feat with her role in Stranger Things, where her character Robin Buckley is so amusing and relatable that you can’t help but adore her – and by extension, Maya herself.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke became well-known for his heartfelt performance as love-struck teenager Charlie Spring in “Heartstoppers,” which earned him a nomination for the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. Following this, he took on roles such as Tobias Ragg in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” on Broadway and William Kaplan in “Agatha All Along.

Richard Gadd

As a gamer, I’d say: I, Richard Gadd, had a rocky debut in the screenwriting world, but I transformed those tough beginnings into a darkly humorous and heart-wrenching limited series titled “Baby Reindeer.” This show, inspired by my own life events, has captivated audiences worldwide and even earned me several Emmy nominations for both writing and acting.

Emma Myers

In a delightful twist, Emma Myers’ lively, vibrant character Enid Sinclair serves as an ideal canine companion to Wednesday Addams’ aloof, dark-hued energy, even going so far as to be a werewolf herself in the series. The Internet adores the charm of opposites attracting, and Emma Myers’ cheerful persona and bright color scheme soon gained her widespread popularity.

Noah Schnapp

In numerous aspects, the character of Will Byers, brilliantly portrayed by actor Noah Schnapp, serves as the emotional core of “Stranger Things.” The narrative’s progression is largely fueled by the quest to find Will, rescue him from the clutches of the monster, and reestablish contact with him. Moreover, Schnapp’s acting skills have given Will a rich complexity, encompassing his fear, suspicion, geekiness, and profound affection for his friends. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that he has become a beloved character among fans.

Jessica Gunning

In the role of Martha in “Baby Reindeer,” Jessica Gunning demonstrated exceptional talent by convincingly portraying a stalker in a way that kept viewers captivated rather than repelled. Her remarkable performance was so striking, in fact, that it led to her winning her first Emmy award.

2024-12-03 21:38