By Amy B. Chesler
It’s the first month of the year! Yay? Happy 2021… I think? Honestly, no matter your thoughts on this new year and the start to this decade, one thing is for certain to us movie lovers: some movies are timeless. And so are some performances. So, revisiting the theme of firsts, here is my list of Eight Fabulous Films That Feature Your Favorites First! Because what’s better than a go-to movie that gave us our on-screen gems their first role?
Trouble Along the Way is a 1953 classic about a man who’s lost his faith, but attempts to keep his dignity by fighting for the custody of his daughter. It is regarded as one of John Wayne’s only comedies, and stars film classic Charles Coburn. You also get a glimpse of James Dean! He is a football enthusiast and crowd-goer in this uncredited role.
Another early uncredited role for James Dean was 1952’s Has Anybody Seen My Gal? starring Rock Hudson. He never did receive credit for the soda jerk role, but we’ll never forget his charming smile. Plus, he died just three years later, after filming about thirteen other films. Can you imagine if he hadn’t had a ‘lil’ trouble along the way” or “anybody [hadn’t] seen” him?
Sidney Poitier was officially the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for his role in Lilies of the Field, but it was his character Dr. Luther Brooks in 1950 film noir No Way Out that introduced him to audiences for the first time. In the timeless classic, Sidney plays a physician doing his best to care for brothers that are raging bigots that have just been shot. The film touches on systemic racism, differences in healthcare, and so many more things that are still painfully pertinent now.
If there’s another film that strikes a chord right now, it’s Tootsie. Michael (Dustin Hoffman) is a New York actor who just can’t get a gig (probably too painfully apropos right now, actually). Until he dresses up as a woman in this modern day Pygmalion-like tale, that is. And as an extra bonus, we are given the gift of Geena Davis’s first film role, that of April Page, soap opera actress and heartthrob. Did we mention she strips to her skivvies? What’s not to love?
Another Hollywood gem that has proven to be a fabulous addition to the scene is Leonardo DiCaprio. He’s graced the screen in dozens of films, but his very first major film role was powerful and star-studded, too. Leo plays Toby—Ellen Barkin’s son—in This Boy’s Life. She and Toby experience their fair share of instability until Robert DeNiro takes them in and promises them a new beginning. Little do they know, Robert is not quite the future they had hoped for. Leo blows audiences away with his acting chops, and even goes on to further impress us that same year (1993) in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Talk about a film debut!
In recent years Jeff Goldblum may have become the film industry’s eccentric-yet-sexy gig musician, but before that (and all of his great film credits), he was a home invader/robber in 1974’s Death Wish. The movie may be gritty and raw, but it touts justice and working for what’s right... and it spawned three sequels and a reboot. Plus, it helped launch Jeff’s career, for which we are forever thankful.
Another very poignant film, Brubaker, also touches on social stratification and imbalances in our systems. It stars the fabulous Robert Redford, who often highlighted political injustice in his movies in the most eloquent of ways. Brubaker in particular is the story of a cop (Redford) who enters the prison system undercover. He soon finds himself amidst a scary truth about the relationship between police and inmates. And viewers are gifted with their first-ever credited movie debut of… Morgan Freeman! Freeman plays a convicted death row inmate who Redford attempts to help. Without giving away anymore, be sure to rent it ASAP.
Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever is a tough, comedic tale straight from the streets of New York. It touches on so much that is still prevalent in our society today, and it stars some of Hollywood’s biggest names: Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, John Turturro, Ruby Dee, Queen Latifah, Anthony Quinn, and so many more. But most importantly, it actually helped to launch the career of two all-time favorites: Wesley Snipes and Halle Berry. Wesley had had some film appearances under this belt, but this was Halle’s film debut. Eventually they went on to be Blade and Catwoman, but for now, we’re seriously crushing on Flipper and Vivian. Thank you Spike, for lending them the stage!
Daniel Day-Lewis has appeared on our screens in countless magnificent performances such as Gandhi, Gangs of New York, The Crucible, Lincoln, & There Will Be Blood. But he got his start on the rather erotically dark, Sunday Bloody Sunday. The film follows two divorcees as they fight for the affection of a sexy, young sculptor. I know what you’re thinking… a clay-covered Daniel Day-Lewis à la Ghost? Sign me up. However, he didn’t play the heartthrob. In fact, he was given a small role as a young vandal, damaging cars along the road. In an interview after the movie, he describes the role as “heaven” because of its destructive, creative nature. Thank god for small roles!
Amy B. Chesler is an author, content creator, blogger, and family woman from Los Angeles, California. Her most recent publications include four different contributions in six different Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, as well as her first solo children’s book, A Man and His Books. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, giveaways, and much more!