From Extras to Stars: Stories of Actors Who Rose from the Background
From Extras to Stars: Stories of Actors Who Rose from the Background
Many of the most famous actors in the film industry started their careers as background actors or extras. These unsung heroes were often the faceless crowd in the movies we love, only to become the stars in their own right. This article explores some notable examples of actors who began as extras and worked their way up to superstardom.
Clark Gable and Carole Lombard in "The Johnstown Flood"
The silent 1926 disaster movie "The Johnstown Flood" featured future superstars Clark Gable and Carole Lombard as extras in the background. Interestingly, Lombard, known for her golden days, was also in the cast at the time, though she was no longer the shining star she would become. This film showcases the potential for even the most obscure roles to reveal future greatness.
Kevin Costner in "Night Shift"
Kevin Costner's journey from extra to leading man began when he appeared in Night Shift, a 1982 comedy directed by Ron Howard. In one of his earliest film roles, Costner played a frat boy at a morgue party scene. To this day, his quick glimpse in the background of the film remains one of his most memorable early appearances. Similar stories abound in the film industry, illustrating the endless possibilities that lie in even the smallest roles.
Shannen Doherty, Henry Winkler, and the "Night Shift" Phantom
Other notable extras include Shannen Doherty and Henry Winkler. In "Night Shift," Doherty played a Bluebell who reported a false alarm of a mugger, while Winkler, the man she mistook, reprised his role as Arthur Fonzarelli from The sitcom Happy Days. These scenes, while brief, often serve as memorable moments for fans and future stars.
A Personal Encounter with the Extra Life
My friend, a lesser-known actor, also started his career as an extra. One day, I accompanied him to a gig where he was set to play a car crash victim. Due to a shortage of extras, the director invited me to participate as well. The experience was immersive and intense, as we both underwent makeup and wardrobe for the scene.
Our characters were pulled from the wreckage and transported to the hospital, making the scene highly realistic. However, the fake doctors and nurses took it too seriously, stripping us nearly naked. Thankfully, my friend’s modesty was preserved, but mine was barely covered. This fake emergency setup involved IV tubes, tape, and fake blood, making the scene look shockingly real.
Tragically, my character did not survive the scene. I was covered up with a toe tag on my big toe, while my friend's character pulled through, causing distress upon seeing my #8220;dead body.#8221; A series of retakes ensued, with my friend's character inadvertently tickling my toe, causing further frustration and requiring more retakes.
The most bizarre aspect of the scene was that my bare foot had more screen time than me. My character had more screen time for my toe tag than for any part of my body! This experience, while challenging, provided my friend with minor roles in other projects, which he eventually left to pursue other interests.
Conclusion
The journey from an extra to a star is a testament to the transformative power of the film industry. These stories remind us that even the smallest roles can lead to greatness, and the path to success is often filled with unexpected challenges and memorable experiences.