We know them as Oscar winners, box office legends, and some of the most famous faces on the planet. But before the red carpets and the multi-million dollar paychecks, they were just struggling actors trying to pay the bills. And sometimes, that meant starring in a commercial.
These vintage ads are time capsules, offering a glimpse of the raw talent and undeniable charisma that would one day make them superstars. They are also, in many cases, absolutely hilarious to watch today. Here are five of the biggest actors in the world, appearing in commercials long before fame found them.
1. Brad Pitt: A California Kid with a Pringles Can (1989)
Long before he was a two-time Oscar winner and one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, Brad Pitt was a young, blonde, and impossibly handsome guy from Missouri trying to make it in Hollywood. In 1989, that meant landing a gig in a commercial for Pringles.
The ad is a perfect slice of late-80s nostalgia. It features a group of young, attractive friends hanging out, having fun, and, of course, enjoying Pringles. Brad, with his flowing blonde hair and a smile that would soon conquer the world, is right in the middle of it all. He's not the star of the spot, just one of the gang, but his charisma is already undeniable. He moves with an easy confidence, and the camera, even then, seems to find him naturally.
Watch a very young Brad Pitt:
Young Brad Pitt Pringles Commercial (1989):
Watch YouTube video
This commercial is a delightful reminder that even the biggest stars had to start somewhere. It's a fun, innocent peek at a legend in the making, long before the fame, the awards, and the global recognition.
2. Leonardo DiCaprio: Chewing Gum and Showing Charisma (1988)
A year before Brad Pitt was selling chips, a 14-year-old Leonardo DiCaprio was already demonstrating the magnetic screen presence that would define his career. This 1988 commercial for Bubble Yum bubble gum features a young Leo, all teenage awkwardness and undeniable charm.
The ad is classic late-80s teen marketing. It shows a group of kids at a party, with Leo as one of the cool ones, enjoying his gum. Even at this young age, DiCaprio had a natural, unforced quality on camera. He's not trying too hard; he's just being a kid, and that authenticity is what makes it so watchable. You can see the glimmers of the intense, charismatic actor he would soon become.
See Leo's early charisma:
Leonardo DiCaprio Bubble Yum Commercial (1988):
Watch YouTube video
It's fascinating to watch this ad now, knowing the incredible career that lay ahead. It's a testament to his natural talent that even in a simple gum commercial, he manages to stand out.
3. Bryan Cranston: The Serious Face of Hemorrhoid Relief (1980s)
This is arguably the most jarring pre-fame commercial on the list. Before he was Walter White, the terrifying and complex antihero of Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston was a working actor taking any job he could get. In the 1980s, that included being the earnest, professional spokesperson for Preparation H.
Yes, the man who would later become one of the most celebrated dramatic actors in television history spent his early career calmly and sincerely discussing the benefits of hemorrhoid relief. The ad is a masterpiece of deadpan seriousness. Cranston looks directly into the camera, his face a mask of professional concern, as he explains how Preparation H can help with "swelling and pain."
Witness the future Walter White:
Bryan Cranston Preparation H Commercial (1980s):
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This commercial is a favorite among fans for its sheer incongruity. It's impossible to watch it without thinking of Heisenberg, and the contrast is absolutely hilarious. It's a perfect reminder that every actor's journey has its humble, and sometimes funny, beginnings.
4. Keanu Reeves: An Enthusiastic Waiter for Kellogg's (1987)
Before he was Neo, John Wick, or the internet's eternal boyfriend, Keanu Reeves was a young actor in a delightfully wholesome commercial for Kellogg's Corn Flakes. The 1987 ad features Keanu as a waiter in a bustling diner, and his energy is infectious.
The commercial is set to a catchy, upbeat jingle, and Keanu, in his early 20s, is fully committed. He dances and sways as he serves plates of breakfast, a huge smile on his face. It's a far cry from the stoic, action-hero persona he would later become famous for. Here, he is pure, unadulterated joy.
See Keanu's dancing waiter:
Kellogg's Corn Flakes Commercial (1987) ft. Keanu Reeves:
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This ad is a treasure for Keanu fans. It shows a side of him we rarely see: goofy, carefree, and genuinely happy. It's a beautiful, nostalgic glimpse of a young man on the cusp of stardom, just having fun with a silly commercial.
5. Paul Rudd: A Gamer in a Futuristic World for Super Nintendo (1991)
Paul Rudd has built a career on his timeless looks and his everyman charm. He's been a beloved comedic actor for decades, but before all that, he was a young actor in a very 90s commercial for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) .
The 1991 commercial is a perfect example of early 90s advertising: a "futuristic" set, kids talking about "blast processing," and a young, enthusiastic Paul Rudd as one of the gamers. He's playing classic titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and his excitement is palpable. He even has a slightly goofy, sci-fi inspired outfit.
Watch a young Paul Rudd game:
Super Nintendo 1991 Launch Commercial ft. Paul Rudd:
Watch YouTube video
This commercial is a double dose of nostalgia. It's a reminder of a beloved gaming console and a chance to see a young Paul Rudd before he became the star we know and love. His natural charm is already on display, making him the perfect guide to the exciting world of 16-bit gaming.
Conclusion: From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Royalty
These five commercials are more than just funny artifacts. They are a testament to the journey that every actor takes. Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bryan Cranston, Keanu Reeves, and Paul Rudd all started where every actor starts: taking whatever job comes along, hoping for a big break.
Watching these ads now, we get to see the raw talent and charisma that would eventually make them legends. It's a reminder that even the biggest stars were once just hopeful faces in a commercial, waiting for their moment to shine.
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