13 Celebrities Who Were in Ads Before Anyone Knew Their Name

13 Celebrities Who Were in Ads Before Anyone Knew Their Name

Before they walked red carpets or won major awards, many famous actors appeared in commercials that most people have completely forgotten about. These early advertising gigs helped pay the bills while they chased their Hollywood dreams. Watching these throwback ads today feels like discovering hidden treasure, seeing future superstars selling everything from cereal to cars before the world knew their names.

1. Peter Billingsley

Long before Ralphie became a Christmas classic character, Peter Billingsley was already a commercial superstar. He appeared in over 120 advertisements as a kid, hawking everything from toys to snacks. His friendly face and natural acting ability made him a favorite among advertisers looking for that perfect all-American kid.

One of his most memorable early spots was for Messy Marvin, a character he played in Hershey’s chocolate syrup commercials. The messy-eating kid became so popular that the campaign ran for years. Peter’s commercial success gave him the experience and confidence that later helped him land the iconic role in A Christmas Story.

Today, he’s transitioned into directing and producing, but those early commercials remain a fascinating glimpse into his beginnings.

2. Leonardo DiCaprio

Everyone knows Leo as the king of blockbusters now, but his first appearances on screen were far less glamorous. Starting around age 14, he landed commercial work that helped him break into the entertainment industry. His youthful charm and expressive eyes caught the attention of casting directors early on.

He famously appeared in a Bubble Yum commercial, enthusiastically chewing gum and showing off his natural charisma. There was also a memorable Matchbox cars spot where young Leo played with toy vehicles. These brief moments on screen were just the beginning of an incredible journey.

His commercial experience taught him valuable lessons about hitting marks and taking direction. Those skills translated perfectly when he moved into television and eventually became one of cinema’s greatest actors.

3. Mila Kunis

Fresh off the boat from Ukraine, Mila Kunis barely spoke English when she started auditioning for commercials. Her family had immigrated to Los Angeles when she was seven, and acting became her way of learning the language. Barbie dolls gave her one of her first big breaks in advertising.

She appeared in a Barbie commercial that showcased her natural ability to connect with the camera. Even with her thick accent at the time, directors saw something special in her performance. The commercial work helped her family financially while she attended acting classes and improved her English skills.

From those humble beginnings selling toys, she eventually landed That ’70s Show and became a household name. Her journey from immigrant kid to Hollywood star is truly inspiring.

4. Ben Affleck

Boston-born Ben Affleck got his start in the entertainment world through local commercials and small acting gigs. As a kid, he appeared in a Burger King commercial that showed off his boy-next-door appeal. His natural confidence in front of the camera made him stand out even at a young age.

The fast-food commercial was just one of several advertising spots he booked during his childhood years. He also did work for local businesses and regional campaigns. These early experiences taught him the discipline required for professional acting, something that would serve him throughout his career.

Years later, after winning Oscars and directing major films, Ben rarely talks about his commercial days. But those early gigs were essential stepping stones that helped launch his remarkable Hollywood journey.

5. Samuel L. Jackson

Before becoming the coolest action star in cinema, Samuel L. Jackson struggled to find consistent acting work. He took whatever jobs came his way, including commercial spots that paid the rent. His distinctive voice and commanding presence were evident even in brief advertising appearances.

One lesser-known fact is that he appeared in various local and regional commercials throughout the 1970s. Though specific details of these early ads are hard to track down, they represented crucial income during his lean years. He was honing his craft in theater while picking up commercial work on the side.

His perseverance through those difficult decades eventually paid off spectacularly. Today, he’s one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, proving that everyone starts somewhere, even legends.

6. Brad Pitt

With just $325 to his name, Missouri native Brad Pitt moved to Los Angeles to chase a career in acting. He supported himself with odd jobs before booking commercials that paid for his acting training. His sharp features quickly caught the attention of casting directors in the ad world.

He famously appeared in a Pringles commercial where he played a character on a date at a bowling alley. The awkward charm he displayed in that spot hinted at the leading man qualities that would soon make him famous. He also did commercials for Levi’s jeans that showcased his All-American appeal.

These advertising gigs kept him afloat during the struggle years before Thelma & Louise changed everything. Looking back, those commercials captured a hungry young actor on the verge of superstardom.

7. Paul Rudd

After studying theater, Kansas City-born Paul Rudd relocated to Los Angeles with his sights set on an acting career. To support himself between auditions, he turned to commercial work, which offered reliable pay and helped him build confidence in front of the camera.

He appeared in a Super Nintendo commercial that perfectly captured his youthful energy and comedic timing. His ability to deliver lines naturally made him a favorite among commercial directors. There were also spots for various other products that showcased his versatility and likability.

What makes Paul unique is how little he’s aged since those early commercials. Watching them now feels like time travel, seeing the same boyish face that still graces movie screens today. His commercial beginnings were just the start of a career defined by charm and humor.

8. Jodie Foster

Child prodigy Jodie Foster started appearing in commercials when she was just three years old. Her mother recognized her daughter’s natural talent and helped her break into the industry through advertising work. By age seven, she had already filmed dozens of commercials for major brands.

She appeared in spots for Coppertone sunscreen, becoming one of the recognizable faces of the brand during the early 1970s. Her professionalism and ability to take direction at such a young age impressed everyone on set. These early experiences prepared her for the demanding film roles that would come later.

From commercials to Oscar winner, Jodie’s career trajectory shows the value of starting young and working consistently. Those early advertising gigs built the foundation for one of Hollywood’s most respected careers.

9. John Travolta

Hailing from New Jersey, John Travolta moved to New York as a teenager to follow his passion for acting. Prior to becoming a household name on Welcome Back, Kotter, he built experience through commercials, where his natural charisma and dance skills made him a strong fit.

He appeared in a Safeguard soap commercial that highlighted his clean-cut image and boy-next-door appeal. The spot was simple but effective, showing John’s ability to connect with audiences even in brief moments. He also did other advertising work during his struggling actor phase in New York.

Those commercial paychecks kept him going until television came calling. Within a few years, he went from selling soap to becoming a disco icon in Saturday Night Fever.

10. Meg Ryan

Connecticut native Meg Ryan started acting while attending New York University, using commercial work to pay her tuition. Her girl-next-door beauty and infectious smile made her a natural fit for advertising campaigns. She quickly became a sought-after face in the commercial world during the early 1980s.

She appeared in a memorable Aim toothpaste commercial where her bright smile was the perfect selling point. Her bubbly personality shone through even in these brief spots. She also did commercials for other products, building her resume and gaining valuable experience in front of cameras.

These early advertising jobs helped her transition into television and eventually romantic comedy stardom. Her commercial work proved that sometimes the smallest opportunities can lead to the biggest careers.

11. Henry Winkler

After graduating from Yale Drama School, Henry Winkler faced a tough start in Hollywood during the early 1970s. Auditions were especially difficult due to his dyslexia, but he remained determined. In the meantime, commercial work helped pay the bills until his big break on TV arrived.

He appeared in various commercials before landing the role of Fonzie, including spots that showcased his comedic timing. Though specific commercials are hard to document, these early advertising gigs were part of his journey. His persistence through rejection and financial difficulty eventually paid off when Happy Days changed his life forever.

The Fonz became a cultural icon, but Henry never forgot his humble beginnings. Those commercial days taught him resilience and the importance of taking every opportunity seriously, lessons he still shares with young actors today.

12. Farrah Fawcett

Texas beauty Farrah Fawcett moved to Hollywood after college, quickly catching the attention of commercial casting directors. Her stunning looks and radiant smile made her perfect for advertising campaigns. She appeared in dozens of commercials before becoming a television icon.

She was featured in commercials for Noxzema shaving cream, Ultra Brite toothpaste, and Wella Balsam shampoo, among others. Her golden hair and megawatt smile sold products effortlessly. These spots made her face familiar to millions of Americans before Charlie’s Angels even existed.

The commercial work established her as a recognizable personality and opened doors to acting opportunities. When she finally landed her breakthrough role, audiences already felt like they knew her from years of seeing her sell products on television.

14. Kim Basinger

Starting out as a model in Georgia, Kim Basinger moved into acting through commercial work. Her eye-catching beauty landed her roles in numerous advertising campaigns during the 1970s, allowing her to build her presence on screen and develop her acting career.

She was featured in commercials for various beauty and lifestyle products, using her modeling experience to excel in front of cameras. Her ability to convey emotion and personality in brief moments caught the attention of Hollywood casting directors. The commercial work provided steady income while she took acting classes and auditioned for roles.

Eventually, her persistence led to television appearances and then film roles that showcased her dramatic abilities. Those early advertising spots were just the beginning of a career that would include an Academy Award.