20 Actors We Thought Would Achieve Greater Success
Big breakouts can make it feel like an actor is set for a long run at the very top. Early leads, festival buzz, and chart topping openings often point to a big future that does not always arrive the way people expect. Careers move in waves and sometimes the next chapter looks different from the script people imagined.
This list looks at performers who drew big attention with early roles and then shifted into smaller projects, long gaps, or new lanes entirely. You will find quick snapshots of what launched them, what came next, and where they focused their energy afterward so you can see the full arc without the hype.
Taylor Kitsch
Taylor Kitsch earned wide attention on TV with ‘Friday Night Lights’ and then headlined films like ‘John Carter’ and ‘Battleship’. Those projects brought significant visibility and placed him in effects heavy productions and historical dramas such as ‘Lone Survivor’ and ‘Waco’.
After that period he moved toward character work in limited series and ensemble films. He took roles in projects like ‘True Detective’ season two and ‘Only The Brave’ and has continued to appear in streaming series and mid budget features rather than tentpole franchises.
Sam Worthington
Sam Worthington broke out with ‘Avatar’ after earlier work in Australian cinema and supporting parts in ‘Terminator Salvation’. He also led mythic adventures such as ‘Clash of the Titans’ and its sequel which placed him in large scale action.
In the years that followed he concentrated on thrillers and dramas including ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ and ‘Manhunt’. He returned to Pandora with the ‘Avatar’ sequels while also balancing television roles and independent features that emphasize ensemble casts.
Alex Pettyfer
Alex Pettyfer came on the scene with ‘Stormbreaker’ and teen driven titles like ‘Wild Child’. He moved into mainstream leads with ‘I Am Number Four’ which pushed him into the young adult science fiction space.
Later he split time between supporting parts in ‘Magic Mike’ and smaller independent releases. He also directed and produced select projects while continuing to book roles in crime dramas and thrillers outside the studio spotlight.
Brandon Routh
Brandon Routh stepped into an iconic cape with ‘Superman Returns’. That high profile start connected him to a long running character universe and opened doors to genre work.
He shifted to television with recurring appearances in ‘Arrow’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ as Ray Palmer. He has continued to work steadily in TV movies, voice roles, and guest arcs while engaging with fan communities at conventions and special events.
Josh Hartnett
Josh Hartnett moved quickly from teen ensembles like ‘The Faculty’ to major titles such as ‘Pearl Harbor’ and ‘Black Hawk Down’. His early filmography placed him in romantic dramas and war epics with strong box office interest.
He later chose indie films and international productions and then found a fresh audience with ‘Penny Dreadful’. Recent years brought more prestige projects including ‘Oppenheimer’ while he continues to select a mix of festival oriented work and selective studio collaborations.
Emile Hirsch
Emile Hirsch earned critical notice with ‘Into the Wild’ following earlier roles in ‘Lords of Dogtown’ and ‘Alpha Dog’. He then took parts in studio releases like ‘Speed Racer’ and ‘Lone Survivor’.
He remained active through independent films and television movies and also added voice work. His later projects often premiered at regional and international festivals where he continued to focus on character driven stories.
Garrett Hedlund
Garrett Hedlund began with ‘Troy’ and then starred in ‘Tron Legacy’ which positioned him within a major effects franchise. He followed with ‘Country Strong’ and literary adaptations such as ‘On the Road’.
After that stretch he worked across ensemble dramas like ‘Mudbound’ and action adventures including ‘Triple Frontier’. He also released music and appeared in streaming series while keeping a steady presence in mid range film productions.
Taylor Lautner
Taylor Lautner became widely known through the ‘Twilight’ series where he played a central role across multiple films. He used that momentum to lead action titles like ‘Abduction’.
In the years after the franchise he appeared in comedies and television guest roles and later joined the cast of ‘Scream Queens’. He has also focused on live appearances and special events while keeping selective acting projects on his schedule.
Hayden Christensen
Hayden Christensen gained global attention with ‘Star Wars’ Episodes II and III after acclaimed work in ‘Life as a House’. The space saga brought massive visibility and led to films such as ‘Jumper’.
He later stepped away from constant on screen work and pursued producing and other interests. He has since returned to the ‘Star Wars’ world in ‘Obi Wan Kenobi’ and ‘Ahsoka’ and continues to appear at franchise events while considering new roles.
Rachael Leigh Cook
Rachael Leigh Cook became a late nineties staple with ‘She is All That’ and ‘Josie and the Pussycats’. She followed with a mix of studio and indie projects that kept her in young adult and romantic comedy spaces.
She then concentrated on television movies and voice acting including ‘Robot Chicken’. In recent years she produced and starred in streaming rom coms and continues to develop projects that give her creative control.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar reached worldwide fame with ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ while also leading films like ‘Cruel Intentions’ and ‘The Grudge’. This run anchored her as a key figure in genre TV and horror cinema.
She later prioritized voice roles in ‘Star Wars Rebels’ and ‘Masters of the Universe Revelation’ and family life. She returned to live action TV with ‘Wolf Pack’ and continues to explore executive producing and brand partnerships alongside acting.
Mischa Barton
Mischa Barton became a pop culture fixture with ‘The O.C.’ which propelled her into fashion and film opportunities. She also appeared in art house projects and independent dramas.
Following that period she worked in international productions and reality TV appearances. She joined later seasons of ‘Neighbours’ and booked roles in indie thrillers while maintaining a presence at festivals and fan events.
Jesse Metcalfe
Jesse Metcalfe broke out on TV with ‘Desperate Housewives’ and headlined ‘John Tucker Must Die’. These roles built a base in prime time drama and teen focused comedy.
He then led ‘Dallas’ on television and became a regular in holiday and romantic TV movies. He has also competed on reality series and continues to star in made for television franchises with loyal audiences.
Elisha Cuthbert
Elisha Cuthbert drew attention with ’24’ and cult favorite comedy ‘Happy Endings’. She balanced action drama with ensemble sitcom work that showcased range.
She later led the Canadian series ‘Jann’ and appeared in streaming comedies. Her film roles continued in smaller productions while she remained a familiar face on television panels and special episodes.
Katherine Heigl
Katherine Heigl rose to prominence with ‘Grey is Anatomy’ and then starred in romantic comedies like ‘Knocked Up’ and ’27 Dresses’. She also served as a producer on several projects during that period.
She returned to television with ‘Suits’ and ‘Firefly Lane’ and has worked behind the scenes with her production company. Her portfolio now blends TV ensembles, limited series, and advocacy work related to animal welfare.
Kellan Lutz
Kellan Lutz became widely recognized through the ‘Twilight’ films and moved into action with ‘The Legend of Hercules’ and ‘The Expendables 3’. He also took parts in thrillers and faith based dramas.
He later joined network television with ‘FBI Most Wanted’ and continued voice roles in animation. He has participated in charity initiatives and fitness ventures while keeping acting roles in the mix.
Shannyn Sossamon
Shannyn Sossamon stood out in ‘A Knight is Tale’ and ’40 Days and 40 Nights’. She followed with horror entries such as ‘One Missed Call’ and indie dramas.
She then appeared in television series including ‘Wayward Pines’ and ‘Sleepy Hollow’. Her later career includes short films, art projects, and selective features that premiere at smaller festivals.
Mena Suvari
Mena Suvari gained rapid recognition with ‘American Beauty’ and the ‘American Pie’ series. She moved between studio comedies and dramas while collaborating with established directors.
In later years she took roles in independent films and guest spots on TV shows like ‘American Horror Story’. She has published a memoir and continues to appear in festival releases and television movies.
Freddie Prinze Jr.
Freddie Prinze Jr. led teen hits like ‘She is All That’ and ‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer’. He anchored romantic comedies and thrillers across a busy early run.
He later shifted focus to voice acting in ‘Star Wars Rebels’ and work behind the scenes in wrestling creative. He has also hosted podcasts and returned for occasional on screen roles in holiday and streaming projects.
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba became a star with ‘Dark Angel’ and films like ‘Fantastic Four’ and ‘Sin City’. She worked across action, sci fi, and comedy while building a strong public profile.
She then co founded The Honest Company and invested significant time in business leadership. On screen she returned with ‘LA s Finest’ and select features while maintaining entrepreneurship and philanthropy as core priorities.
Share your own picks in the comments and tell us which careers surprised you the most.