Actors Who Started Out in Horror Movies

So you think you know your favorite actor's resumé?  Maybe you think you've seen all his films.  Well, maybe not.  Some of today's most famous actors started in horror films.  Johnny Depp made his debut in 1984's A Nightmare on Elm Street, which was followed by several sequels, including Patricia Arquette's start in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors in 1987.  After Animal House, a popular debut, Kevin Bacon got stabbed in the throat in 1980's Friday the 13th.  Dana Carvey appeared briefly in 1981's Halloween II.  At least these were pretty successful movies.

Long before Angela  Bassett lit up the screen as Tina Turner, she fought aliens in outer space in 1991's Critters 4. Yes, there were 4.  Critters 3 in 1991 boasted a 17-year-old Leonardo DiCaprio. George Clooney often makes a joke of his role in Return of the Killer Tomatoes.  But did you know he died in 1987's Return to Horror High?  The first of Patrick Dempsey's teenage nerd roles was in a satire, The Stuff in 1985, about a gooey food he sold.  Ugh.  Matthew Fox debuted as a bully in 1993's My Boyfriend's Back, about a zombie in high school.

Let's go way back.  1955's Revenge of the Creature had an uncredited Clint Eastwood.  He was 22, and the film was a sequel to Creature from the Black Lagoon.  Did you see C.H.U.D. in 1984?  They're Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers, and they attacked John Goodman.  How about a real superstar?  Tom Hanks had a bit part in the 1980 slasher He Knows You're Alone.  They all had to start somewhere.  Wonder whether these early roles keep actors humble.