This article was originally published on Lizanest.com
Every Hollywood icon begins somewhere, often in roles that seem small compared to the careers that follow. Some first appeared in forgotten indies, others launched with blockbuster debuts, and a few got their start in quirky, low-budget projects. What unites them all is how those early appearances hinted at the star power that would one day make them household names. From Disney Channel favorites to gritty dramas and cult horror flicks, here are 50 unforgettable first movie roles that shaped legendary careers.
#1: Zendaya – Frenemies (2012)
Long before she became an Emmy-winning actress and fashion icon, Zendaya made her screen debut in Disney Channel’s Frenemies. The TV movie cast her as a young magazine editor facing off against her best friend, played by Bella Thorne.
Though the role was small compared to her later work, it introduced audiences to her sharp charisma and natural ability to command a scene. Viewers who only knew her from Shake It Up saw a different side of her talents. The project hinted at her versatility, planting the seeds of a career that would quickly explode far beyond Disney productions.