Actors and actresses are known for their ability to portray vastly different characters in different productions. Some celebrities become known for their roles in certain movies and TV shows and are always thought of as those characters. And while it’s clear that actors and actresses evolve in their careers, it’s always interesting to think: “where did these people get their start?”. It might surprise you, but these are the roles that got these celebrities to where they are today:

Gwyneth Paltrow, Emma
Gwyneth Paltrow is known for her many starring roles and her lifestyle brand, Goop. But she actually got her big break in 1996 when she starred in a movie adaption of the Jane Austen novel, Emma.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, Good Will Hunting
Both Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have come a long way since their first big roles, but the two Boston natives first starred together in the famous movie, Good Will Hunting. But not only did they star in the film, both Affleck and Damon wrote the story, which really got the ball rolling for their careers.

Cameron Diaz, The Mask
Cameron Diaz initially started her career off as a model, but at only 21 years old, she played the Jim Carrey’s love interest in the 1994 comedy, The Mask.

Emma Stone, Superbad
Emma Stone has come a long way from playing Jonah Hill’s crush in the 2007 movie, Superbad. From there, Emma Stone has played the lead character in many movies, such as in La La Land and The Help.

Matthew McConaughey, Dazed and Confused
Are we really surprised that Matthew McConaughey’s breakout role is from something as iconic as Dazed and Confused? That role is what really got his name out there and his career has been smooth sailing ever since.

Brad Pitt, Thelma & Louise
Brad Pitt had several supporting roles in movies before this, but his talent in Thelma & Louise is what really set him off from others. He was 26 years old at that time and has skyrocketed in success since.

Drew Barrymore, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Drew Barrymore was just destined to be successful as a child. She had her first big role at the young age of seven and has continued a career in the limelight.

Angelina Jolie, Girl, Interrupted
Although Angelina Jolie had starred in several other films before, Girl, Interrupted is where she really started to make a name for herself. She won a Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Academy Award for her role.