25 Famous Actors Who Previously Had Roles in Soap Operas

For many famous actors, starring in soap operas was their launchpad into the entertainment industry. Despite their humble beginnings, these artists honed their craft and gained invaluable experience, eventually rising to achieve remarkable success. Let’s look at 25 of these extraordinary celebrities.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore’s acting journey began in the 1980s when she played the half-sisters Frannie and Sabrina Hughes in the soap As The World Turns. Born in 1960, her dedication to her craft soon led to a successful film career, where she portrayed complex characters in films like Boogie Nights.

Demi Moore

She began her career in the early 1980s on a soap opera called General Hospital as Jackie Templeton. Despite a challenging upbringing, she achieved stardom in the 1990s with iconic films like Ghost and Indecent Proposal, ultimately becoming one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses and a cultural icon.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

The actress first gained recognition in the world of soap operas when she won a Daytime Emmy for her role as Kendall Hart on All My Children. Gellar’s breakout moment came with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a role that transformed her into a pop culture icon. She has since had roles in films such as Do Revenge and Southland Tales.

Meg Ryan

At first, Meg Ryan made her mark in the early 1980s soap opera As the World Turns. She became a Hollywood icon in the late 1980s and 1990s, starring in popular films like What Happens Later, When Harry Met Sally, and Sleepless in Seattle. These earned her the title “America’s Sweetheart.”

Tommy Lee

In 1971, Tommy Lee Jones made his acting debut in One Life to Live. This was long before his roles in The Fugitive and No Country for Old Men. Lee was born in Texas, and his early work in soap operas helped him hone his acting skills. With his gruff charm, he can fit into almost any genre, and he’s beloved by all audiences.

Marisa Tomei

Marisa Tomei also began her acting journey on As the World Turns as Marcy Thompson. The actress became famous after her Academy Award-winning role in My Cousin Vinny and has since starred in acclaimed films like The Wrestler and the Spider-Man series. Her dynamic performances continue to earn critical acclaim.

Ryan Phillippe

The actor’s career began with a groundbreaking role on One Life to Live, where he played Billy Douglas. Born in Delaware, Phillippe’s bold portrayal opened doors in Hollywood, and he soon began featuring in films like Cruel Intentions and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Kelly Ripa

Kelly Ripa is famously known for her role as Hayley Vaughan on the popular soap opera All My Children from 1990 to 2002. Starting as Hayley on the long-running series allowed her to show her versatility as an actress. Ripa eventually began co-hosting the syndicated morning talk show Live! in 2001.

Justin Hartley

Justin Hartley’s breakthrough came after he played Fox Crane on Passions. This role showcased his acting chops and set the foundation for a successful television career. Justin also gained more exposure through shows like Smallville and The Young and the Restless, which earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination.

Josh Duhamel

In 1999, Josh Duhamel landed the role of Leo du Pres on All My Children. Playing the role earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Duhamel later moved to primetime TV and film, where he starred in the Transformers franchise and the television series Las Vegas.

Eva Longoria

Not much was known about Eva Longoria until her role as Isabella Braña on The Young and the Restless. Still, it was her portrayal of Gabrielle Solis on Desperate Housewives that made her a superstar. It also earned her several awards, like the 2006 Person of the Year Award.

John Stamos

John Stamos began his illustrious career as Blackie Parrish on General Hospital, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination that marked his entry into stardom. Later, he wowed audiences as Uncle Jesse on Full House and with diversified roles in ER and Scream Queens. John is also into music and movie production.

Hayden Panettiere

She began acting at the age of 7 months when she appeared in commercials. Later, she landed her first soap opera role as Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live before moving on to Guiding Light. Hayden’s big break came after she starred as Claire Bennet in the sci-fi series Heroes, which led to a role in Nashville.

Nathan Fillion

Nathan Fillion’s role as Joey Buchanan in One Life to Live earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination. His career skyrocketed after he took on the lead role in Joss Whedon’s Firefly, which gained a cult following despite its short run. He further also the title character in Castle.

Jensen Ackles

The first time Jensen Ackles appeared on screen was in the soap opera Days of Our Lives, where he won several Soap Opera Digest Awards for portraying Eric Brady. Ackles later found lasting success as Dean Winchester in the series Supernatural, a role that made him a fan favorite.

Jesse Metcalfe

Jesse Metcalfe’s acting journey began in 1999 when he starred as Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald on Passions. His character as the charming gardener John Rowland in Desperate Housewives helped solidify his fame. Then, he switched to film, displaying his comedic flair in John Tucker Must Die.

Susan Lucci

Best known for her portrayal of Erica Kane in All My Children, Susan Lucci has built a remarkable career of over four decades. Born in New York, her iconic role made her one of television’s most recognized stars, which earned her a Daytime Emmy Award in 1999.

Judith Light

Actress Judith Light debuted on One Life to Live as Karen Wolek, a role that earned her two Daytime. She also found success in primetime television with Who’s the Boss?, playing Angela Bower. Judith’s film and theater career have been equally impressive, with notable performances in Broadway productions.

Lindsay Lohan

Born and raised in New York City, Lindsay Lohan made her first appearance in the soap opera Another World, where she briefly acted as Ally Fowler. Lohan’s breakout role came in 1998 with Disney’s The Parent Trap and continued with films like Freaky Friday (2003) and Mean Girls (2004).

Robin Wright

Playing Kelly Capwell in Santa Barbara earned Robin Wright multiple Daytime Emmy nominations. Born in Texas, the actor later turned to film with a career-defining performance in The Princess Bride. Today, she is celebrated for her powerful performances, notably winning a Golden Globe for her work in House of Cards.

Allison Janney

Though Allison Janney is best known for starting C.J. Cregg on The West Wing, she kicked off her career on Guiding Light. By putting her talent to work, she propelled herself to stardom, winning four Primetime Emmy Awards and an Academy Award for her role in I, Tonya.

Kim Delaney

Kim Delaney featured as Jenny Gardner on All My Children from 1981 to 1984. Hailing from Philadelphia, she later achieved acclaim as Detective Diane Russell on NYPD Blue, earning an Emmy Award in 1997. Delaney’s versatility shines through her performances in Army Wives and Chicago Fire.

Lisa Rinna

A New Jersey native born in 1970, Lisa Rinna is an accomplished actress and talk show host. She rose to prominence, portraying Hayley Vaughan on All My Children from 1990 to 2002. Since 2001, Ripa has co-hosted the popular morning talk show Live! with Kelly and Ryan.

Brad Pitt

William Bradley Pitt became famous with Thelma & Louise in 1991. Roles in Fight Club and Moneyball gave him more opportunities to shine. Notably, he won an Oscar for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in 2019 and also co-founded Plan B Entertainment, producing films like 12 Years a Slave.

Cynthia Watros

She commenced her career in soap operas and later gained recognition for her role as Annie Dutton on Guiding Light from 1994 to 1997. In 1998, Cynthia Watros received a Daytime Emmy Award for being an Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her part on Guiding Light.