19 Movie And TV Stars Who Were Once Commercial Kids
Before they were walking red carpets and accepting awards, some of Hollywood’s biggest names were hawking bubble gum, burgers, and juice boxes on your TV screen.
These stars got their start as commercial kids, learning their craft between cartoon blocks and Saturday morning shows.
From fast food spots to toy ads, their early gigs prove that even Oscar winners had to start somewhere!
1. Jodie Foster
At just three years old, Foster appeared in a Coppertone sunscreen commercial that launched her into the entertainment world.
Her adorable presence caught the attention of casting directors everywhere.
This tiny beginning led to an incredible career spanning decades, including two Academy Awards and unforgettable roles that shaped cinema history.
2. Brooke Shields
Shields became an iconic face of Ivory Soap when she was just eleven months old!
Can you imagine being a model before you could even walk?
Her stunning features and camera-ready charm made her a natural, paving the way for modeling contracts and film roles that would define an entire generation of beauty standards.
3. Sarah Michelle Gellar
Long before slaying vampires, Gellar was slinging Whoppers as Burger King’s youngest spokesperson at age six.
Her commercial actually sparked a lawsuit because she dissed McDonald’s fries on camera.
Talk about bold moves for a first-grader!
That fearless attitude clearly served her well throughout her legendary TV career.
4. Mila Kunis
At twelve, Kunis starred in a Lisa Frank commercial, surrounded by rainbow unicorns and neon-bright school supplies.
If you grew up in the ’90s, you probably owned those same sparkly folders she was promoting!
Her bubbly energy in that spot hinted at the comedic timing that would later make her a Hollywood favorite.
5. Leonardo DiCaprio
DiCaprio’s adorable mug appeared in a Bubble Yum commercial during the late 1980s, chewing gum with that signature smile.
Even then, his charisma was undeniable.
Who knew that kid blowing bubbles would grow up to survive the Titanic, win an Oscar, and become one of cinema’s greatest leading men?
6. Kirsten Dunst
derivative work: – Begoon (Talk), licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
Dunst charmed audiences in commercials for brands like Barbie and Baby Guess before she hit kindergarten.
Her natural acting ability shone through even in thirty-second spots.
Those early experiences prepared her for blockbuster roles in Spider-Man and countless critically acclaimed films that showcased her incredible range and talent.
7. Drew Barrymore
Born into Hollywood royalty, Barrymore appeared in a dog food commercial at just eleven months old.
Apparently, she was upstaging puppies before she could form sentences!
Her infectious personality and famous last name opened doors, but her genuine talent kept them wide open throughout her remarkable journey from child star to producer.
8. Jason Bateman
Bateman hustled through numerous commercials as a kid, including spots for Golden Grahams cereal.
His boy-next-door appeal made him perfect for family-friendly products.
Those commercial gigs helped him land sitcom roles that eventually led to his brilliantly deadpan performance in Arrested Development and a thriving directing career.
9. Dakota Fanning
Fanning’s professional career kicked off with a Tide commercial when she was just five years old.
Her mature acting chops were evident even in laundry detergent ads!
That early start launched her into serious dramatic roles while still in elementary school, making her one of the most respected young actors of her generation.
10. Lindsay Lohan
Lohan became the face of Jell-O alongside Bill Cosby when she was just three years old.
Her red hair and freckles made her instantly memorable.
She appeared in many commercials before landing The Parent Trap, proving that persistence and talent can open Hollywood’s toughest doors.
11. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Gordon-Levitt appeared in commercials for Pop-Tarts and other kid-friendly brands during his childhood.
His expressive face and natural comedic timing made him a commercial director’s dream.
These early jobs segued perfectly into sitcom work on 3rd Rock from the Sun, then into indie films that showcased his serious artistic ambitions.
12. Tobey Maguire
In 1991, Maguire promoted Tropicana Twister juice drinks with youthful enthusiasm.
His shy smile and earnest delivery made him relatable to kids everywhere.
Though he seemed quiet and reserved, that commercial work built his confidence for bigger roles, eventually leading him to don the Spider-Man suit and become a superhero icon.
13. Elijah Wood
Wood’s big blue eyes landed him commercials for brands like Burger King and Kmart as a youngster.
His innocent appearance made him perfect for wholesome family advertising.
However, those same soulful eyes would later help him portray Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, cementing his place in cinematic history forever.
14. Christina Applegate
Applegate started appearing in commercials as a baby, including a memorable Playtex spot with her mother.
Growing up on camera came naturally since her parents were both in entertainment.
Those early gigs prepared her for sitcom stardom on Married… with Children, where her comedic genius became undeniable to millions of viewers.
15. Scarlett Johansson
Johansson hustled through commercials for food and household brands.
Her raspy voice was distinctive even as a kid.
Though she dreamed of Broadway, those commercial paychecks funded acting classes and auditions that eventually launched her into blockbuster superhero films and prestigious indie dramas.
16. Ben Affleck
Affleck appeared in a Burger King commercial as a kid, flashing that famous Boston smile.
He also did spots for other brands while growing up in Massachusetts.
These early acting experiences gave him the foundation to eventually write and star in Good Will Hunting, win Oscars, and become Batman himself!
17. Reese Witherspoon
Witherspoon’s Southern charm shone through in local commercials filmed in Nashville during her childhood.
Her sweet accent and natural confidence made her a standout.
Though she started small, her ambition was huge, leading to roles that ranged from Legally Blonde’s bubbly Elle Woods to serious dramatic performances that earned critical acclaim.
18. Keira Knightley
Knightley appeared in British commercials as a child, including spots that showcased her posh accent and striking features.
Her parents were both actors, so the camera felt like home.
Those early experiences prepared her for period dramas like Pride & Prejudice and swashbuckling adventures in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
19. Zendaya
Zendaya appeared in commercials for Macy’s and Sears before her Disney days.
Her talent for singing and dancing made her a triple threat even as a youngster.
From commercials to Shake It Up to Euphoria, her evolution into a fashion icon and Emmy-winning actress has been absolutely spectacular to witness!
