Their First Big Screen Roles Trivia Quiz

Answer: Harrison Ford

"Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" is a crime heist film directed by Bernard Girard. It follows a charismatic con man, played by James Coburn, who plans a series of robberies, culminating in a heist at the Los Angeles International Airport.

Harrison Ford's role as a bellhop was small and uncredited, marking his very first appearance in a feature film. His part is so brief that it almost went unnoticed. Ford was still a struggling actor in Hollywood at the time, landing bit parts here and there to gain experience in the industry.

Ford had initially signed with Columbia Pictures and was earning small roles in films like this. He wasn't yet considered a breakout talent, and at this point he often worked as a carpenter to support his family while he waited for bigger acting opportunities. His early career was marked by a lack of recognition and he often expressed frustration with the roles he was given.

Harrison Ford's career stagnated for several years after his brief appearance in "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round", but his carpentry work led to a fateful meeting with George Lucas, who hired him to build cabinets at his home. Lucas eventually cast Ford in a small but memorable role in "American Graffiti" (1973), which opened doors for him.

Ford's big break came in 1977 when Lucas cast him as Han Solo in "Star Wars" (see photo), a role that catapulted him to international stardom. His portrayal of the roguish space smuggler became iconic, and his collaboration with Lucas and Steven Spielberg continued with the "Indiana Jones" franchise, beginning with "Raiders of the Lost Ark" in 1981.

Ford went on to become one of Hollywood's biggest and most bankable stars, with acclaimed roles in films such as "Blade Runner" (1982), "The Fugitive" (1993) and many others.

Answer: Sean Connery

"Lilacs in the Spring" is a British musical comedy starring Anna Neagle and Errol Flynn. The film revolves around a young woman's career in the theatre and her romantic entanglements. Although a light-hearted and charming film, it is best remembered for its nostalgic musical numbers.

Sean Connery had a very small part as an extra, so small that it went completely uncredited. At the time, Connery was just beginning his acting career and was still a relative unknown, trying to make his way into the film industry after working various jobs including bodybuilder, milkman and coffin polisher.

Connery's good looks and athletic physique helped him land small, uncredited roles in films such as "Lilacs in the Spring". He had no formal acting training at the time, but began to take an interest in the profession. His early film career was based more on his physical presence than his acting skills, and he still struggled to find significant roles that would showcase his potential.

After a few more small and uncredited roles, Connery's big break came in 1962 when he was cast as James Bond in "Dr. No", the first film in the legendary spy franchise (see photo: a Martini - Bond's favourite drink). Connery's portrayal of 007 became iconic, defining the character for decades to come. The role of Bond catapulted Connery to international stardom, and he reprised the role in six more films, including classics such as "Goldfinger" (1964) and "From Russia With Love" (1963).

After Bond, Connery starred in acclaimed films such as "The Untouchables" (1987), for which he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989) and "The Hunt for Red October" (1990).

Answer: Meryl Streep

"Julia" is a period drama directed by Fred Zinnemann, based on a chapter from Lillian Hellman's memoir "Pentimento". The film stars Jane Fonda as Lillian Hellman and Vanessa Redgrave as her lifelong friend Julia. The plot follows Hellman's risky journey to Nazi-occupied Europe to help Julia, a resistance fighter. The film was well received for its gripping story and strong performances.

Meryl Streep played Anne Marie, a small role as one of Lillian Hellman's acquaintances. Although her screen time was limited, her appearance in "Julia" marked her entry into feature films. Streep's background at the time included a few television roles and notable theatre performances, which had earned her some early critical praise, but she was still an unknown in Hollywood.

By the time of "Julia", Streep had built a solid reputation on the stage, particularly with her work at the Public Theater and on Broadway. Her strong theatrical foundation and her classical training at the Yale School of Drama, made her an attractive choice for casting directors looking for fresh talent. Although her role in "Julia" was small, it was her first opportunity to make the transition from theatre and television to the big screen.

After "Julia", Meryl Streep's career took off. Just one year later, she received her first Oscar nomination for her performance in "The Deer Hunter" (1978). In 1979, she won her first Oscar (Best Supporting Actress) for "Kramer vs. Kramer", and in 1982, she won her second Oscar (Best Actress) for "Sophie's Choice", which remains one of her most iconic roles.

Over the decades, Streep has become one of the most respected and decorated actresses in film history, with a record number of Academy Award nominations and numerous wins. Known for her versatility and ability to slip into a variety of roles, Streep has starred in acclaimed films such as "Out of Africa" (1985), "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006) (see photo), "Doubt" (2008) and "The Iron Lady" (2011), where she won another Oscar for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher.

Answer: Tom Cruise

"Endless Love" is a romantic drama directed by Franco Zeffirelli, based on the novel of the same name by Scott Spencer. The film focuses on the intense relationship between two teenagers, Jade (played by Brooke Shields) and David (played by Martin Hewitt), and the destructive consequences of their obsessive love. The film is remembered for its iconic theme song, performed by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, which became a huge hit.

Tom Cruise had a very small role as Billy, a friend of the male lead David. This was Cruise's first appearance in a feature film, and although the role was small, it marked the beginning of what would become a legendary acting career. At the time, Cruise was relatively unknown and just beginning to take acting seriously, having auditioned for small roles in both television and film.

Shortly after "Endless Love", Cruise appeared in "Taps" (1981), where he had a more significant supporting role as a cadet. His breakthrough came in 1983's "Risky Business", where his iconic dance scene in his underwear to Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll" propelled him to fame.

From there, Cruise's star continued to rise, leading to his role as Maverick in "Top Gun" (1986), which cemented him as one of the biggest action stars of the 1980s (see photo: an F-16 as used by the US Air Force). His versatility as an actor was demonstrated by his performances in "Rain Man" (1988), "Born on the Fourth of July" (1989) and "Jerry Maguire" (1996), which earned him critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations.

Today, Cruise is known for his long-running career as both an action hero, most notably in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, and as a dramatic actor in films such as "Magnolia" (1999) and "Collateral" (2004). He is one of Hollywood's most recognisable and successful actors.

Answer: Annette Bening

"The Great Outdoors" is a comedy film directed by Howard Deutch and written by John Hughes. It stars John Candy as Chet Ripley, a family man on holiday in the great outdoors, and Dan Aykroyd as his obnoxious brother-in-law Roman Craig who crashes the trip with his family. The film is a light-hearted clash of personalities as the two families struggle to enjoy their holiday amidst various comedic misadventures.

Annette Bening made her feature film debut in a relatively small role as Kate Craig, the sophisticated wife of Roman. At the time, Bening had a background in theatre and television, but this film marked her official entry into Hollywood cinema.

Annette Bening was cast for her elegance and ability to play a character that contrasted with the more comedic personalities of the leads. By this time, Bening had already honed her craft through stage performances, particularly with the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Her training and poise made her an appropriate choice for the role of Kate, even though it was her first film role.

After her debut, Bening quickly moved on to more prominent roles. Her breakthrough came in "The Grifters" (1990), where she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as the seductive con artist Myra Langtry. This critically acclaimed performance established her as a serious talent in Hollywood.

Her role in "Bugsy" (1991) opposite Warren Beatty further raised her profile, and the two became a high-profile couple, marrying in 1992. In the decades that followed, Bening received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for her performances in films such as "American Beauty" (1999), "Being Julia" (2004) and "The Kids Are All Right" (2010).

In 2018, Bening also starred in "The Seagull" (see photo), an adaptation of Anton Chekhov's classic play. In the film, she played Irina Arkadina, a fading actress, once again demonstrating her ability to handle complex dramatic roles. The role allowed her to draw on her extensive theatre background while continuing her stellar film career.

Answer: Danny DeVito

"Dreams of Glass" is a 1969 romantic drama film directed by Robert Clouse. The film revolves around a young couple from different social backgrounds and focuses on the challenges they face in their relationship. The film failed to make a significant impact at the box office and has largely faded from public memory.

Danny DeVito had a minor, uncredited role as a thug in his film debut. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, DeVito was just beginning his acting career and, like many aspiring actors, took whatever small roles were available. His distinctive looks and energetic performances made him a natural for the role. In the late 1960s, DeVito's early career was marked by similar small roles, allowing him to hone his craft and gradually establish himself in Hollywood.

Danny DeVito's rise to fame was gradual, but his big break came with his role as Louie De Palma in the television series "Taxi" (1978-1983) (see photo), for which he won a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award. His portrayal of the grumpy, scheming dispatcher made him a household name.

DeVito made a successful transition to film, with notable roles in films such as "Ruthless People" (1986), "Throw Momma from the Train" (1987) and "Romancing the Stone" (1984). He also made a name for himself as a director with films such as "The War of the Roses" (1989) and "Matilda" (1996).

Answer: Michael Douglas

"Cast a Giant Shadow" is a 1966 war drama directed by Melville Shavelson that tells the story of American Army officer Mickey Marcus (played by Kirk Douglas), who helps form and train Israel's military forces during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The film featured an all-star cast including John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Yul Brynner.

Michael Douglas had an uncredited role as a jeep driver in the film. This marked his first appearance in a feature film, and his casting came through his father Kirk Douglas, the star of the film. Michael was relatively unknown at the time, and the role gave him the opportunity to experience the filmmaking process first hand without stepping into the spotlight.

Michael Douglas began to follow in his father's footsteps in the entertainment industry. Although his early roles were small and often uncredited, they allowed him to learn about acting and filmmaking as he gradually built his career.

Michael Douglas's early film career involved working in television and behind the scenes as a producer. His breakthrough as an actor came in the 1970s with the television series "The Streets of San Francisco" (1972-1976), which helped him gain widespread recognition.

As a producer, Douglas won acclaim for his work on "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His leading man career took off in the 1980s with roles in films such as "Romancing the Stone" (1984) and "Fatal Attraction" (1987). His performance as ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko in "Wall Street" (1987) (see photo) won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Other iconic roles include the leads in "Basic Instinct" (1992), "The Game" (1997) and "Traffic (2000)".

Answer: Glenn Close

"The World According to Garp" is a drama-comedy film directed by George Roy Hill, based on the novel by John Irving. It stars Robin Williams as T.S. Garp, a writer facing life's challenges and dealing with a cast of eccentric characters. The film explores themes of feminism, family and the unpredictability of life.

Glenn Close made her film debut as Jenny Fields, Garp's independent and unconventional mother, who becomes a feminist icon. At the heart of the story, Jenny's strong, no-nonsense demeanour contrasts well with the more humorous and chaotic elements of the film. Close's performance received widespread attention and critical acclaim.

Glenn Close had worked primarily in the theatre before landing this role, and her strong stage presence and acting chops probably made her an attractive choice for the role of Jenny Fields. Although Close was in her mid-30s when she was cast, her ability to portray both maternal warmth and feminist strength made her a natural fit for the role.

"The World According to Garp" was a defining moment in Glenn Close's career, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The role introduced her to Hollywood and set the stage for a long and illustrious career.

Close quickly followed with more Oscar-nominated performances in films such as "The Big Chill" (1983) and "The Natural" (1984). Her versatility as an actress became evident as she took on a wide range of roles from manipulative women like Alex Forrest in "Fatal Attraction" (1987) to the villainous Cruella De Vil in "101 Dalmatians" (1996) (see photo).

Answer: Woody Allen

"What's New Pussycat?" is a madcap comedy directed by Clive Donner and written by Woody Allen, who also appears in the film. It is a satirical take on love, romance and psychiatry, with an ensemble cast including Peter Sellers, Peter O'Toole, Romy Schneider and Ursula Andress. The title song, sung by Tom Jones, became a huge hit and is still associated with the film.

Woody Allen made his screen debut as Victor Skakapopulis, a neurotic and awkward character. Victor is a friend of the film's protagonist, Michael James (played by Peter O'Toole). Allen's role allowed him to showcase his signature comedic style, full of self-deprecating humour, witty dialogue and neurotic charm. Although this was his first feature film role, Allen had already established a reputation as a stand-up comedian and television writer.

"What's New Pussycat?" marked the beginning of Woody Allen's film career, both as a writer and an actor. After this debut, he went on to write, direct and star in his own films, developing a distinctive cinematic voice. His breakthrough as a director came with "Annie Hall" (1977), which won four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Allen. He also won Best Original Screenplay.

Over the decades, Allen established himself as one of the most influential filmmakers of his time, with a long list of critically acclaimed films including "Bananas" (1971) (see photo), "Manhattan" (1979), "Hannah and Her Sisters" (1986) and "Midnight in Paris" (2011). His blend of humour, introspection and unique storytelling has made him a staple of American cinema.

Answer: Leonardo DiCaprio

"Critters 3" is a direct-to-video horror-comedy film that is part of the "Critters" franchise. The film focuses on small alien creatures known as Crites, who cause havoc and terror wherever they go. In this third installment, the Crites infest an apartment building, where the residents must band together to fight them off.

Leonardo DiCaprio made his film debut as Josh, the stepson of a greedy landlord. Though the movie itself didn't receive much attention, DiCaprio's performance as a young boy caught in the middle of a Crite invasion was one of his first steps into acting.

DiCaprio was only 16 when he was cast in "Critters 3". He had previously worked on TV shows such as "Growing Pains" and was beginning to make a name for himself as a young actor. The film offered him a chance to break into film, even though it was a modest, low-profile project. His early work showed his talent and potential for more serious roles.

After "Critters 3", Leonardo DiCaprio quickly moved on to more significant roles. His breakthrough came in "This Boy's Life" (1993), opposite Robert De Niro, where his performance attracted widespread attention. This was followed by a critically acclaimed role in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993), for which he received his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

DiCaprio's career took off with roles in "Romeo + Juliet" (1996) and "Titanic" (1997) (see photo). Since then, he has become one of the most respected actors of his generation, with a long list of acclaimed performances in films such as "Inception" (2010), "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013) and "The Revenant" (2015), for which he eventually won his first Academy Award for Best Actor.