In Hollywood, one role can make or break an actor’s career. For these stars, a single performance either skyrocketed them into fame or forever altered the direction of their journey in unexpected ways.
1. Shannen Doherty
Best known for Beverly Hills, 90210 and later Charmed, Shannen quickly gained fame. However, her behind-the-scenes reputation for being difficult made it hard for her to land consistent leading roles afterward.
2. Jennifer Grey
She became a worldwide star after Dirty Dancing (1987). But after a nose job that drastically changed her appearance, audiences and casting directors barely recognized her, which slowed her acting opportunities.
3. Mariah Carey
Known as the “Songbird Supreme,” Mariah ventured into acting with Glitter (2001). Unfortunately, the film bombed so badly it overshadowed her acting potential, and she focused solely on her music career afterward.
4. Sofia Coppola
She played Mary Corleone in The Godfather Part III (1990), but her performance was widely criticized. Instead of continuing as an actress, Sofia shifted to filmmaking — and went on to become an Oscar-winning director.
5. Kelly Clarkson
After winning the first season of American Idol, Kelly starred in From Justin to Kelly (2003). The film flopped, and she decided acting wasn’t her path — instead, she built a hugely successful music career.
6. Brandon Routh
He seemed destined for stardom after playing Superman in Superman Returns (2006). But the film didn’t lead to sequels, and Brandon’s career cooled off, though he later found steady work in TV (Legends of Tomorrow).
7. Noah Ringer
As Aang in The Last Airbender (2010), Noah was introduced to Hollywood in a high-profile role. But the film’s poor reception ended his acting career almost as quickly as it started.
8. Alicia Silverstone
Her performance in Clueless (1995) made her an icon of the ’90s. However, after starring in Batman & Robin (1997), which was heavily criticized, her career never quite reached the same heights again.
9. Jamie Kennedy
He gained popularity from the Scream movies, but his later project, Son of the Mask (2005), was such a failure that it hurt his momentum in Hollywood.
10. Mary-Kate Olsen
The Olsen twins were global child stars thanks to Full House and their direct-to-video empire. But Mary-Kate’s only major adult film role, Beastly (2011), didn’t spark an acting career — instead, she transitioned fully into fashion.
11. Frankie Muniz
He was one of the most recognizable young actors of the early 2000s thanks to Malcolm in the Middle and Agent Cody Banks. However, after his child-star years, Frankie stepped away from acting and pursued racing and other ventures.
Final Thought
These actors prove that one role can change everything. For some, it opened doors in unexpected directions, while for others, it marked the peak of their Hollywood journey.
Credit:brightside.me
