5 Hollywood A-Listers Who Started Out As Soap Opera Stars

Soap operas have been the target of criticism for many years now, as they gradually decline in viewership and popularity. Although there are currently only 4 major soap operas on the broadcast networks, it wasn’t always like this. A few decades ago, a juicy role on a popular soap could launch anyone’s career.

Here are 5 actors who are widely known for their Hollywood success, but will forever be grateful for their soapy start.

Julianne Moore (The Edge of Night)

The Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress who is known for her talent all around the world today, started out back in 1975, making her debut on-screen appearance in ABC’s The Edge of Night. Moore’s journey to Hollywood has also involved a 3-year role in As the World Turns that the actress took in the ‘80s.

Chadwick Boseman (All My Children)

Back in the day, when nobody even knew about Boseman’s upcoming buzzing Black Panther success, as he only started out, he was cast in All My Children to portray the role of Reggie Porter Montgomery. Unfortunately, the partnership didn’t last, as the actor refused to play into racial stereotypes, so he was present only for a week’s worth of episodes.

Michael B. Jordan (All My Children)

In an unexpected turn of events, the role of Reggie was picked up by none other than Michael B. Jordan, who would portray Killmonger against Boseman’s T’Challa, among many other great characters in high-budget Hollywood productions. He stuck around for 3.5 years and explored a lot of complex topics like race relations and teenage sexuality.

Brad Pitt (Another World)

Not many people would even remember Another World’s character named Chris, who was a high school basketball player. The role is truly notable only because it’s the first one that young Brad Pitt was ever credited for. It was definitely not the most iconic of his appearances but gave the young star a solid enough start to move on with his career.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Santa Barbara)

Although Santa Barbara is far from the longest soap opera among those that started back in the ’60s, it’s certainly one of the most popular ones. Prior to his Hollywood breakthrough, Leonardo DiCaprio was lucky enough to take over the role of a younger version of the charismatic male lead, Mason Capwell.