Famous Stars in Their Most Embarrassing Roles [PHOTOS]

 

Before they were the A-list stars they are today, many actors had to take some not-so-ideal roles just to put themselves on the map.
Tom Cruise in "Legend"

om Cruise and Mia Sarah in Legend

Before he was jumping on couches and preaching about Scientology, Tom Cruise was a well respected actor known for his badass roles in films such as "Mission Impossible" and "Top gun". What Tom doesn't usually mention is one of his earlier roles in this rather cheesy 1985 fantasy film about a forest boy and his elven friends as they try to save his fairy princess and prevent the Lord of Darkness from destroying daylight.

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Jennifer Aniston in "Leprechaun"

Jennifer Aniston in a scene from 'Leprechaun'

Jen gained worldwide recognition for her role as Rachel Green in the hit sitcom, "Friends". She's best known as one of the best dressed in Hollywood, as well as for having famously gorgeous locks that created a "Rachel Hair" frenzy back in the 90's. Still deemed as one of the hottest women in Hollywood, Jen Aniston always maintains a flawless look and demeanour. However, back in 1993 Jen was found in a not-so-flattering role in a not-so-well-received horror movie about a deranged leprechaun on a killing spree in attempts to get back his gold. Nevertheless, the movie DID manage to put her on the map and may have been a good stepping stone for her career.

Arnold Schwartzenegger in "Hercules in New York"

Arnold Schwarzenegger in a scene from his earlier films 'Hercules in New York'

Arnold has indeed gone a long way from bodybuilding to serving as the 38th governor of California. He's certainly the type who knows how to direct his energies to fulfil his passions as he has been successful in almost everything he's dabbled at. However his first lead role as an actor was one that Arnold himself admittedly regrets. In the 1969 fantasy film, "Hercules in New York", he plays Hercules who comes to earth and eventually starts a career in bodybuilding.

Michelle Pfeiffer in "Grease 2"
After the resounding success of the first Grease, the sequel was quickly created to ride on the excitement caused by its predecessor. However, Grease 2 was poorly received and considered a box office failure. It was Michelle Pfeiffer's first major role which had her singing and dancing showy tunes in a pink leather jacket and tight pants. It was undeniably a regret of Pfeiffer's because she reportedly did not correct reporters in an interview for "The Fabulous Baker Boys", when they posited that it was her first time singing for a movie. Fortunately for Pfeiffer, her career was not affected by Grease 2's failure. Her co-star, Maxwell Caulfield, was not so lucky.

Promotional poster for 'Grease 2'

Sarah Jessica Parker in "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"
Best known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in the sexy HBO series, "Sex and the City", Sarah Jessica Parker has made herself into a style icon. She epitomizes a strong and independent woman with class. Back in the 80's however, Parker epitomized a completely different type of female. In "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", she plays a spunky, rebellious kid with a passion for gaudy dance moves.

Sarah Jessica Parker in "Girl just wanna have fun"

Johnny Depp in "Private Resort"

Clip from Private Resort, Johnny Depp

Depp has been famous for choosing dark and often eccentric roles throughout his career. A favourite of Tim Burton's since they first worked together in "Edward Scissorhands", Johnny Depp is not known to sell out to a film he didn't like. However, he did happen to play a rather embarrassing role early in his career in this 1985 comedy "Private Resort". Unlike his usual more-serious roles, Depp plays a teenager at a Florida resort set on scoring with rich beautiful women.

Can you think of any other stars in their most embarrassing roles?
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(Photo: Reuters / )

Actress Jennifer Aniston poses at Elle's 18th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute in Los Angeles October 17, 2011.