Before They Were Famous: Shailene Woodley, Will Ferrell & Alison Brie

March 20th 2015, 12:03am

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.

Shailene Woodley (INSURGENT)

Before she was breaking our hearts in THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, Shailene Woodley was breaking her TV dad’s heart in this commercial for the ridiculously named, “high-tech” educational tool, the “Quantum Pad” from LeapFrog. Who needs books when you can learn about Germany and JFK with the touch of your pen?! While this technology may be completely obsolete now, thanks to the advent of the iPad, the concept of buying your child’s love is never outdated.

Alison Brie (COMMUNITY)

COMMUNITY, our favorite “six seasons and a movie” show, has found a new home at Yahoo. To celebrate, check out this clip of Alison Brie playing “Muffy the Vampire Slayer” in the failed Comedy Central pilot NOT ANOTHER HIGH SCHOOL SHOW. When she’s not talking about her lack of grooming :ahem: down there or stabbing helpless janitors, Muffy maneuvers through the halls of her high school as television tropes (and jokes about DAWSON’S CREEK) fly by. And yes, that is Jennifer Lawrence making a quick cameo appearance and getting called “sweet tits” by the dying janitor. Wow, I wonder why this show didn’t get a season order?

Will Ferrell (GET HARD)

Is it really a surprise that Will Ferrell’s audition for SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE was as funny as it was weird? In his first sketch, Will plays an annoyed father at a barbecue, yelling at his kids to get off the shed. When the kids don’t listen, Will gets more and more agitated. Will finished out the audition by playing a grown man, who enjoys playing with toys like a cat.

Apparently Lorne Michaels liked both ideas so much, full sketches appeared on SNL during Will’s seven-year run. The “Get Off The Shed” bit first aired in 1995 (with host Mariel Hemingway) and the second in 1996 (with host Christine Baranksi). A revamped “Cat Toy” sketch appeared in 1998 (with host Vince Vaughn). Be a buddy and check them out below!

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