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.
Mark Wahlberg (TED 2)
POW! Mark Wahlberg is having a busy June. This month is book-ended by his TV show turned film, ENTOURAGE, and the upcoming TED 2. Maybe it’s the “form, focus, and determination” he learned from starring in his own workout video (1993) that helped Marky Mark take his career to the next level. Whatever it was, unfortunately for him (and fortunately for us) the internet doesn’t let you forget when you make a cheesy/douchey workout video… especially when you have a thick Boston accent and go around calling women “fly sistas”. Thanks for the memories, Mark! I’m out! 5g’s! Peace!
Rachel McAdams (TRUE DETECTIVE)
Remember when Disney Channel TV series (e.g. SO WEIRD and LIZZIE MCGUIRE) were on your radar? How about TV movies like SMART HOUSE, BRINK!, and ZENON: GIRL OF THE 21ST CENTURY? Well, believe it or not, Rachel McAdams, who will be starring in the upcoming second season of TRUE DETECTIVE, once appearance on the Disney Channel series THE FAMOUS JETT JACKSON (2001). McAdams played the role of Hannah, sister to Jett’s co-star Riley. In typical Disney fashion, the episode focuses on a lesson and McAdams is at the forefront. Her character Hannah has an eating disorder, specifically binge-eating and bulimia. With the help of her sister, she is finally able to get the help she needs. Hard to believe that in only a few more years, McAdams would be eating her fair share of Kälteen bars in her breakout role as Regina George in MEAN GIRLS.
Joel McHale (COMMUNITY)
COMMUNITY’s sixth season just ended. But before he was Jeff Winger, or even the host of THE SOUP, Joel McHale boosted his hosting chops by headlining telethons on a PBS channel in the Pacific Northwest area during the late 1990s! You know when you’re watching a movie, Broadway show, or other program on PBS and you’re forced to watch a host ask for money with a call center behind him? Yep, at one point in his career, that was McHale. He made sure audiences knew PBS was their one-stop shop for such programming as MR. BEAN and RED DWARF. I would love to see a COMMUNITY episode make a reference to this and have Jeff host his own telethon. Six seasons and a telethon!
Have a suggestion for Before They Were Famous?
E-mail us at: beforetheywerefamous@joblo.com with anyone you'd like to see featured in future columns!