7 Hollywood Stars Who Started in Horror Films

The horror film industry doesn't always get the credit that it deserves in Hollywood. The horror genre often goes unrecognized during awards season, even though some of the biggest movie stars got their first acting gigs in scary movies. Here is a look at the most famous celebrities who began their acting careers in horror flicks.

Johnny Depp

Long before he was Captain Jack Sparrow, a young Johnny Depp appeared in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street.' Depp allegedly got the role in the film because a daughter of one of the producers thought that the young actor was handsome. His good looks landed him a role on '21 Jump Street' not long after his horror film debut, and cemented his spot in Hollywood.

Jamie Lee Curtis

She may be the daughter of famous parents, but Jamie Lee Curtis worked her way up the Hollywood ladder like most other actresses. She appeared in her first film in 1978, which just happened to be 'Halloween.' Appeared in two more installments of the film series and starred in other horror films, including 'Prom Night.' Today she is keeping herself busy with yogurt commercials.

Renee Zellweger

The star of 'Bridget Jones's Diary' got her first big role in 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation.' The Texas native played one of the leads alongside another future star. The movie was a flop at the box office, but it is considered to be a cult classic today, in part because of her presence in the film.

Matthew McConaughey

One of Matthew McConaughey's first starring roles in a film was in 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation' alongside Renee Zellweger. It was to be his only appearance in a horror film. He quickly went on to bigger projects like 'Amistad' and 'A Time to Kill.'

Jennifer Aniston

'Friends' star and ex-wife of Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston got her big break in the movie 'Leprechaun.' Aniston had already appeared in several small television roles, but had not received any time on the big screen. Her film about an angry leprechaun searching for his pot of gold became a cult classic, and helped Aniston launch a successful Hollywood career.

John Travolta

Shortly before he played Tony Manero and Danny Zuko, John Travolta scored a role in the horror classic 'Carrie.' It was his first role in a major motion picture. 'Saturday Night Fever' came out the following year, earning Travolta heartthrob status with women everywhere.

Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon has appeared in nearly every type of movie imaginable. His filmography dates back to 1978, when he appeared in 'Animal House.' His first starring role in a major motion picture came in 1980, when he appeared in 'Friday the 13th.' Since then, Bacon has appeared in so many films that a party game was named for him. 'Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon' operates on the principle that every actor in Hollywood can be connected to him through no more than six film titles. The game is so popular that Google has created an algorithm to help people play the game.

Horror films may be underrated, but the people who work in the genre can spot talent. There are many more film and television stars who paid their dues in scary movies before they hit the big time, and chances are there are future stars appearing in today's horror films as well.