14 Celebrities Who Got Only one Chance to Show How Good Their Acting Skills Are
Almost all famous actors can boast a long filmography. On the other hand, there are those who’ve played only in 1 or 2 movies, and this was enough for them to prove themselves as talented actors, or ruin their acting career for good. Today, we would like to tell you about some celebrities who got only one chance to try their hand in the movie industry, and not all of them managed to achieve success there.
Britney Spears, Crossroads
In the early 2000s, Britney Spears conquered the planet: her songs were loved almost by everyone in the world, and she was a pop idol and adored by millions of fans. All her albums would become super popular almost immediately. So, she decided that it was time for her to try herself in movies. In 2002, she made a cameo appearance in the movie Longshot. She also played small parts in some TV shows.
But the lack of acting experience didn’t stop her from playing the starring role in the movie Crossroads. The flick raised great interest among the public because everyone wanted to see Britney on the big screen. Unfortunately, the movie was a disappointment and received very bad reviews from critics. It was even nominated for a Golden Raspberry award in 7 categories. It’s also worth mentioning that Britney was named the worst actress of 2003. Since then, she hasn’t tried to act in movies anymore. She’s just made a few cameo appearances in TV shows and lent her voice to some animated characters.
Carrie Henn, Aliens
You may consider yourself extremely lucky if your first movie is a blockbuster and you’re starring alongside famous actors. And Carrie Henn was that lucky person. She was discovered by James Cameron himself who invited her to play in the movie Aliens. The young actress was so convincing in this role that even won the 1987 Saturn Award.
However, it was Carrie’s first and last experience in movies because she chose a different career. She got her degree at California State University and became a school teacher. But she and Sigourney Weaver still keep in touch.
Pink, Thanks for Sharing
“Of all the cast here, the least experienced is the pop singer Pink, yet she does the best acting in the film: natural, a little harsh, a little unstable,” this was how one critic described Pink’s performance in the movie Thanks for Sharing where she played a starring role. By the way, her real name, Alecia Moore, was used for the movie credits. Unfortunately, Pink decided not to pursue her acting career. After gaining recognition as an actress, she focused her energy on music again.
Katie Jarvis, Fish Tank
Katie Jarvis’ filmography includes about a dozen of projects, but the vast majority of them are TV series and short films. And there is only one starring role in a feature film. This is a 2009 movie, Fish Tank, where Katie played a troubled teenager, Mia. By the way, she had never acted before and got a role in this movie by chance. She was spotted by the casting director while she was having a fight with her boyfriend at a train station, and was offered this role.
Gwen Stefani, The Aviator
Gwen Stefani played in movies and TV series many times, but those were only cameo appearances. She managed to reveal her dramatic potential only in 2004 when she played Jean Harlow in the movie The Aviator. Interestingly, Martin Scorsese got the idea to offer her the role after he saw her on the cover of Teen Vogue. Later, Gwen confessed that it was her long-time dream to act in a movie, and she was happy that her dream came true.
Tami Stronach, The NeverEnding Story
A sensational success that came to 12-year-old Tami Stronach after the movie The NeverEnding Story was released became a heavy burden to her. Her house and phone were stalked, and she received multiple offers from Hollywood to play in doubtful projects. This is why, when Tami was offered to play in the sequel of the story, her parents said no. Nevertheless, Tami became a successful theater actress in adulthood. She also followed in her father’s footsteps and became a university professor.
Taylor Swift, Amsterdam
Taylor Swift can hardly be called a newbie in acting. She’s filmed dozens of music videos, taken part in TV shows and short films, and voiced animated characters. She also played in the musical Cats, but she performed more like a singer than an actress there.
Everything changed in 2022 when Swift landed a role in David O. Russell’s comedy thriller Amsterdam where she played alongside Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, Zoe Saldaña, and other famous actors. Who knows, maybe this movie will put a start to the singer’s acting career.
Emmanuel Schotté, Humanity
Emmanuel Schotté’s first-time-ever role in the movie Humanity earned him the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999. However, many people were unhappy with this choice because Emmanuel wasn’t a professional actor. Schotté didn’t want to become a subject of ridicule again, so he decided to quit his career in movies.
He agreed to appear on-screen again only once when the same film director invited him to take part in the miniseries Coincoin et les z’inhumains 20 years after Humanity was released.
Christina Aguilera, Burlesque
Christina Aguilera had only voiced animated characters before she landed a starring role in the 2010 musical Burlesque. Critics, audience, and even her co-stars were all happy with her work. Cher said about her, “She was keeping up, and she was hot. I mean, it was, like, she was really up there. Her game is good.” Christina was nominated for an ALMA Award as Favorite Film Leading Actress — Comedy or Musical for her performance.
Robert Tsai, School of Rock
In the movie School of Rock, Robert Tsai played a shy pianist. In real life, Robert was also focused on music just like his movie character, so when filming wrapped up, he chose a music career. He entered Dartmouth College where he continued performing as a pianist.
Amber Scott, Hook
Almost all children who appeared in the picture Hook continued their careers in movies. But Amber Scott who played Peter Banning’s daughter and who was loved by the audience chose a different path in life. Hook’s become her only project in the movie industry.
Demi Lovato, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Demi is another singer who decided to try herself in the movie industry. It’s worth mentioning that she used to appear in Disney TV projects when she was a child, but later she focused on her music career. She would just make some cameo appearances from time to time. So, the audience got a chance to assess her acting talent only in 2020 when she played the role of Katiana Lindsdóttir in the Netflix movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
In the movie, she starred alongside Rachel McAdams, Pierce Brosnan, and Will Ferrell. The production budget was $35 million, but the flick wasn’t successful. Critics called this comedy overlong. And after this flop, Lovato hasn’t appeared in movies anymore.
Jaye Davidson, The Crying Game
Jaye Davidson won the hearts of the audience and critics as soon as they saw him on screen. In 1992, he starred in the movie The Crying Game, portraying a transgender woman. His performance was praised by critics, and he was nominated for an Oscar and BAFTA Award. Shortly after it, he was offered a role in Stargate. However, Jaye “hated the fame” he was receiving. So, he abandoned his acting career right after his second and last movie was released.
Eminem, 8 Mile
Eminem has appeared in short films, TV shows, and music videos many times throughout his career. But he got a chance to reveal his dramatic potential only once. In 2002, Curtis Hanson began the production of the drama 8 Mile and offered the starring role to Eminem.
The movie was a huge commercial success. It was also nominated for more than 30 different awards and won a few MTV Movie Awards and Grammys. And Eminem won an Oscar for Best Original Song — Lose Yourself. By the way, he is the first hip-hop artist ever to win an Academy Award.
Which of these actors should have continued their acting career? Share your opinion in the comments below.