Before They Were Famous: Jennifer Lawrence, Steve Carell & Kerry Washington

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Welcome to “Before They Were Famous“, where we take a look at some of the past exploits of today's biggest stars, be it from movies, television, Broadway, competitions, etc.! The more embarrassing, the better. Our memories are long, but the internet's memory is forever, so jump back in time with us to witness some of our favorite stars before they were marquee names.

Jennifer Lawrence (THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY- PART 1)

Of course Jennifer Lawrence has a weird and hilarious early gig for me to include in the “Before They Were Famous” column. See that actor dancing around and accosting Tony Shalhoub in a cougar mascot costume? Yep, that is Jennifer in one of her first on-screen gigs for the TV show MONK, “Mr. Monk and the Big Game” (2006). If you don’t believe me, fast forward to the end of the clip for definitive proof. 

Jennifer talked about her “humiliating” mascot experience on Conan, “So for the MONK episode there was Emily J. and Emily C. I thought I was going to be playing Emily C. This one girl [that was in my] church goes “I’m going to be playing Emily J. in MONK!” And I was like “Oh my god! I’m going to be playing Emily C. This is great!” And so everybody’s like “oh we can’t wait to watch it!” I find out I’m not playing that part; I am the mascot. And so everybody watched it after I just told them I’m going to have this great, huge part, and I was just the mascot. I’ve never been back to church since.” So, let this be a lesson to you – the next time you see a mascot at your favorite sport’s game just think… the person stuffed inside may one day be an Academy Award winning actor!

Steve Carell (FOXCATCHER)

Although he may not be getting many laughs for his performance in the new drama FOXCATCHER, it’s obvious that Steve Carell’s comedic roots run deep. While working in Chicago, at the famous improv group The Second City, Steve starred in this hilarious commercial for the fried chicken restaurant, Brown’s Chicken (1989). I love that we get a glimpse of that Michael Scott obliviousness Steve has perfected over the years. Is it just me or has Steve not aged a day since this commercial was originally filmed? Maybe it’s the cholesterol-free chicken.

Kerry Washington (SCANDAL)

Before the gorgeous Olivia Pope pantsuits, Kerry Washington had some interesting fashion choices in the popular dance film SAVE THE LAST DANCE (2001). Do I spy a hoodie-dress? Regardless, even in this early role, Kerry’s SCANDALous sass shined through. In the film, Kerry plays Chenille, a single teen mother who introduces Sara (Julia Stiles) to the hip-hop dance scene… and to her handsome brother, Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas). Derek and Sara quickly develop a romantic relationship, and through their shared love of dancing, Sara is able to overcome her difficult past.

While you may not have remembered Kerry's role in SAVE THE LAST DANCE, you certainly can't forget about her now. She can sing, she can dance, she can do a killer Oprah impression… is there anything Kerry Washington can’t do? Let's see how she fairs in a mascot costume!

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