First Time Charm: These Actors Played the Lead in Their First Roles!

By Sirjan Chetri Last updated Mar 25, 2023

Getting the lead role in a big production can be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for an actor. Many actors have worked hard and trained for years to get to this point. But some actors have been lucky enough to get the lead role in their first acting job.

In this article, we’ll look at a few of these actors who were able to win over audiences with their first performances.

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These Actors Played the Lead in Their First Roles

Here, we talk about some of the most famous actors who started out as the main character.

1. Zendaya

Zendaya had initially planned to pursue a career in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), but she ultimately opted to pursue acting instead. Her first appearance on screen was in the Disney Channel series Shake It Up, where she played the character of Rocky Blue.

In an interview with Seventeen, she explained that her true passion for performing arts was sparked during her time spent at the California Shakespeare Theater while growing up.

2. Emma Watson

When Emma Watson played Hermione Granger in the first Harry Potter film, fans all over the world loved it right away. Even though Watson had never acted before, she was able to capture Hermione’s character perfectly. She went on to play Hermione in all eight Harry Potter movies, where she became one of the most popular characters. How old was Emma Watson in Harry Potter Film?

3. Timothee Chalamet

In the romantic drama Call Me by Your Name, which came out in 2017, Timothee Chalamet made his big-screen debut as Elio Perlman. Critics and audiences both liked what Chalamet did as the young and sensitive Elio. He went on to get a nomination for Best Actor at the Academy Awards for his work in the film.

4. Rupert Grint

During his audition for the role of Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 10-year-old Rupert Grint employed rapping to make himself stand out. He created a rap song with lyrics that included “Hello there, my name is Rupert Grint.”

In an interview on Live with Regis and Kelly, Rupert mentioned that he hoped the song would provide information about him and that the audience would not think poorly of his performance.

5. Maisie Williams

Maisie Williams, known for her role as Arya in Game of Thrones, showcased her impressive development as an actress in the series. However, she is not letting her association with the popular franchise restrict her from exploring new opportunities. In 2020, she played the character of Mary in The Owners, and in 2021, she appeared as Cammie MacCloud in Gen: Lock.

Apart from her acting career, Maisie also founded Daisy Chain Productions, collaborated on the Daisie app, and serves as Contact’s advisor and creative strategist. In 2019, she gave a TEDx talk about her experiences of growing up in the public eye and as an actress.

6. Auli’i Cravalho

Auli’i is the only individual on this list who made her debut in animation rather than a live-action film or television show. Despite lacking any prior professional acting or voice-over experience, she landed the role of Moana in the film of the same name. Auli’i also reprised her role as Moana in The Little Mermaid Live and Ralph Breaks the Internet.

Later on, she appeared in several television programs, including Rise on NBC, Crush on Hulu, and All Together Now on Netflix. Moreover, she has upcoming roles in The Power and Hailey’s On It!

7. Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler was chosen for the role of Maria Vasquez in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story after competing against 30,000 other performers.

The audition process was arduous and prolonged, lasting almost a year, which is unusual for such a role. Rachel applied to the team several times before finally being offered a role. She spent most of January 2018 and January 2019 attending auditions. “It was an incredibly stressful and drawn-out process,” she remarked.

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Conclusion

It is remarkable to observe how many successful actors began their careers with starring roles in their debut films. These actors were able to make a lasting impression and lay the path for future chances despite the difficulties and uncertainties inherent in getting into the industry. Their ability to launch their careers with such unforgettable performances is a credit to their talent and commitment. As followers and supporters of their work, it is exciting to reflect on these early roles and recognize the path that led them to where they are now.

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