There are lots of different ways that famous stars get their big break. But it's not always through movies or TV shows. In a highly competitive industry where aspiring actors dream of becoming big stars, many celebs explore various poorly paid ventures before making a name for themselves, from waiting tables to brief appearances in ads.
Everyone's got to start somewhere and for many celebs it's through stints in commercials. Some of Hollywood's biggest stars made their first appearances on our screens via TV commercials. While many of these ads are fairly respectable, a number of them are a tad embarrassing. Keep reading to find out which celebs got their break in TV commercials.
10 Aaron Paul
Before he almost blew his audition for Breaking Bad, Aaron Paul starred in a number of commercials. The fresh-faced star, who was in his late teens and early 20s at the time, can be spotted in ads for Juicy Fruit Gum and Corn Pops cereal.
This feels like the most appropriate start for the future Jesse Pinkman, as Paul does seem to exhibit many of the mannerisms of his soon to be iconic TV character.
9 Paul Rudd
It took a while for Paul Rudd to reach the immense celebrity status that he enjoys now. Like many others, his career began in commercials, before he secured his role in Clueless as Cher Horowitz's stepbrother. A young Rudd can be seen in a commercial for Super Nintendo and we can confirm: he hasn't aged a day in 30 years.
8 Tina Fey
You probably wouldn't recognize the 30 Rock star and creator in this clip, but all the way back in 1995 Tina Fey appeared in a commercial for Mutual Savings bank. Although she now cuts a glam figure, the then 25-year-old Fey sports typically baggy '90s attire and a cropped hair cut.
Thankfully it wouldn't be long before she impressed both fans and critics with her movie and TV roles.
7 Keanu Reeves
All round Mr. Nice Guy Keanu Reeves was known for his unique brand of stoner humor in late '80s/early '90s movie series Bill & Ted. Considering that his, erm, herb of choice causes the "munchies", it kind of makes sense that he appeared in a Corn Flakes commercial in 1987, just two years before the first Bill & Ted flick. Fittingly, Keanu does look admittedly high in the commercial...
6 Jack Black
You'd struggle to recognize funny man Jack Black in this commercial for the video game Pitfall for Atari in 1982. Aged just 13, this was Black's first ever acting job and he does impress.
Everyone's got to start somewhere and, judging by his enthusiasm in this ad, we can see why he went on to great things.
5 Meg Ryan
Before finding fame in When Harry Met Sally..., Meg Ryan featured in a 1982 ad for Burger King. Aged just 20 at the time, we can't believe how much the glamorous movie star would change in a few short years.
Seven years later, Ryan would become a huge romcom star, so persevering with commercials, as demoralizing as they may have felt at the time, certainly paid off.
4 Sarah Michelle Gellar
Another celeb who launched their career via Burger King commercials, Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar was absolutely adorable in this ad from 1981.
A mere 5-years-old at the time, Gellar looks quite different with her natural dark hair, but her likeable persona is evident from the outset. Soon enough, she would become an A-list celeb.
3 Bryan Cranston
Like his Breaking Bad co-star Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston appeared in numerous TV commercials before becoming a household name. A young Cranston can be seen in commercials for everything from cotton shirts to haemorrhoids, and Mars chocolate bars, among many others.
These commercials are pretty goofy in retrospect, but they got him to where he is today, which is all that matters.
2 Channing Tatum
Before he wowed audiences with Magic Mike, Channing Tatum appeared in a Mountain Dew commercial. His charismatic star power is evident from this brief ad, so we're not surprised that Hollywood quickly came calling.
The aspiring actor also worked as a stripper for a while, which inspired him to write Magic Mike. Now boasting a $60 million net worth, Tatum is proof that people should never give up on their dreams.
1 Mila Kunis
In one of the most '90s things you've ever seen, Mila Kunis first got her big break in a Lisa Frank commercial. A 13-year-old - and rather high-pitched - Kunis exudes enthusiasm as she shows us around the tie dye-filled Lisa Frank store, complete with plushies, toys, and colorful school supplies.
With this level of zeal, we're not surprised that she would shortly become a celeb via her role in That '70s Show.