Eight well-known actors who had their first roles in horror films and why these roles are perfect for performers who are starting out.
Horror films have a well-earned reputation for being valuable launch pads into the world of big-budget blockbusters. Alongside directors, producers, special effects artists and other film crew members, it’s pretty common to see a horror film or two listed somewhere towards the beginning of an actor’s credit history.
It’s a forgiving genre that tends to attract audiences that value intensity, originality, and authenticity over style factors such as big-name actors or the latest and greatest technical equipment. This makes it a natural home for fresh faces in the acting world.
With a certain amount of leeway afforded to these actors, it can be a perfect environment to showcase a wide range of technical skills while getting to grips with what it’s like to be on set.
Here are some of the big names that had (sometimes unexpectedly) humble horror beginnings.
1. Jennifer Aniston – Leprechaun (1993)
Two years before Friends hit our screens for the first time in 1995, Jennifer Aniston was doing battle with a murderous leprechaun (played by Warwick Davis) attempting to reclaim his stolen pot of gold. Seriously. It was filmed in just three weeks and had a modest budget of only $900,000.
Despite being a film that falls into the ‘so bad it’s good’ category, Aniston has since become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. She describes being very pleased at the time to have secured the role but says that she now cringes when revisiting the film.
2. Johnny Depp – A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Before he was ‘Captain Jack Sparrow’, Johnny Depp made his debut in this horror classic. And just as well, because if he hadn’t secured the role, it seems likely he would have instead pursued a career in music.
We would recommend watching it, so that you can witness one of the most memorable deaths in horror history. It involves (spoiler alert) being pulled into his bed before a geyser made up of 500 gallons of fake blood shoots out of it – a scene that required some interesting machinery.
3. Matthew McConaughey – Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994)
As a sequel to an indie film that had developed a cult following, Matthew McConaughey had his work cut out for him to deliver the perfect villain performance. The proof that he did is clear, though: A few years after he starred in this production, he landed major parts in big hits such as A Time to Kill and Boys on the Side.
Younger readers may be more familiar with his later performances in mega-productions such as Interstellar, The Wolf of Wall Street, Dallas Buyers Club and True Detective.
4. Renée Zellweger – Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994)
Probably known best for being the one and only ‘Bridget Jones’, Renée Zellweger starred alongside Matthew McConaughey as they both tried to break into the industry. She recalled her excitement at the time:
“I was so grateful, and I was so excited. I had done a little bit here, a little bit there, but nobody had ever trusted me with a role before to carry a film.”
The film ultimately led to her big break in Jerry Maguire not long afterwards. She has since won more than 50 awards for her acting performances as well as over 100 award nominations.
5. Eddie Redmayne – Like Minds (2006)
At just 24 years old, Redmayne took on this challenging role in a thriller-horror that dealt with some spooky and disturbing themes. The complexity required to play his character in this film undoubtedly helped him immensely in future roles.
He has gone on to win many awards for his performances in blockbuster films such as The Theory of Everything, the Fantastic Beasts franchise and The Danish Girl.
6. Nick Frost – Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Nick Frost has regularly described how the release of Shaun of the Dead changed his life – taking him from working in a warehouse to becoming one of Britain’s most high-profile acting talents.
He has since featured in Hot Fuzz, The World’s End and Snow White and the Huntsman, as well as TV series such as Into the Badlands and Why Women Kill.
7. Kate Winslet – Heavenly Creatures (1994)
This thriller by Peter Jackson featured a 19-year-old Kate Winslet in her film debut. It has been described by many as ‘disturbing’ and Winslet’s performances in it led to her being cast in Sense and Sensibility and Titanic not long after its release.
Winslet went on to have starring roles in The Reader, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Revolutionary Road.
8. Idris Elba – Daddy’s Little Girls (2007)
While not his acting debut, Idris Elba has credited his appearance in this psychological thriller with horror elements as a major stepping stone in his transition from television to film roles.
After his breakthrough in The Wire, a series of roles in American films including Daddy’s Little Girls helped him to build his audience there and he has since become a major Hollywood star. His latest roles have included major parts in Thor, Pacific Rim, Beasts of No Nation and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
Opportunities for Aspiring Actors
As these actor’s stories show, every role you can get when you’re just starting out could be an opportunity for exposure, development and experience-building. Horror films, in particular, offer some unique advantages for newcomers:
- Lower budgets: Horror films are often made on small budgets, which usually makes them more likely to take a chance on unknown actors.
- Technicality: Hitting your marks, working with practical effects and maintaining your energy and composure through multiple takes are all valuable acting skills that will come in handy on any film set you end up on in future.
- Intensity: Raw and intense emotional scenes feature in a lot of horror movies and they’re perfect for showcasing your range as an actor. Fear, panic and resilience are universal traits that allow for horror audiences to really connect with actors.
- Networking: Actors on horror productions can build relationships with directors, producers, crew members and other actors – all of whom could lead you to your next acting opportunity.
- Physicality: Running away in terror from a demon, killer or extra-terrestrial requires a lot of physical acting skills to convey the correct emotions with your body. Horror movies can be a great way to develop these skills.
As Halloween is now upon us, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for future Oscar winners when you get around to checking out some of the latest horror movies.
Even if horror movies are not top of your list when it comes to your dream roles, every opportunity you can get to develop your craft on set should be highly valued. Every role you secure allows you to build your experience, confidence and connections and the horror genre is no exception.
Take a look at our website for more news and advice for upcoming actors, including finding acting work in the UK and how to network as an actor.
