Best 5 Actors Who Started Their Career In Theater

Actors who started their career in theater have been a prominent feature of the film industry for decades. Many of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, including Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, and Viola Davis, began their careers in theater, honing their craft and gaining invaluable experience before making the transition to film and television.

This trend continues today, with many up-and-coming actors starting out in theater productions before breaking into the world of Hollywood. In this blog, let’s explore with Thecentralcinemas.com 5 actors who started their career in theater.

1. Meryl Streep – Actors who started their career in theater

Meryl Streep is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time, with a career that spans over four decades. Streep began her career in theater, graduating from the Yale School of Drama in 1975 and appearing in numerous productions both on and off-Broadway.

Over the years, Streep has received a staggering number of awards and accolades for her work, including three Academy Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. She has also been nominated for more Academy Awards than any other actor or actress in history, with a total of 21 nominations.

Despite her enormous success in film, Streep has remained committed to the theater throughout her career, and has continued to appear in stage productions in between her film and television work. Her notable stage credits include “The Cherry Orchard,” “Mother Courage and Her Children,” and “August: Osage County.”

2. Denzel Washington is one of 5 actors who started their career in theater

Denzel Washington is a highly respected actor, director, and producer, known for his powerful performances and commitment to his craft. Washington’s career began in the theater, where he honed his acting skills and gained valuable experience that would later serve him well in the film industry.

After studying drama at Fordham University, Washington made his professional stage debut in the off-Broadway production of “Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.” He went on to appear in a number of other theater productions, including “A Soldier’s Play,” which earned him an Obie Award in 1982.

Washington made his film debut in the 1981 drama “Carbon Copy,” and quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile actor. He went on to appear in a number of successful films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “Glory,” “Malcolm X,” and “The Hurricane.”

In addition to his film work, Washington has remained committed to the theater throughout his career, and has appeared in numerous stage productions over the years. He won a Tony Award in 2010 for his role in the Broadway revival of “Fences,” and has also directed several productions, including “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson.”

3. One of 5 actors who started their career in theater

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is a highly acclaimed actress who has made a name for herself in both theater and film. Davis began her career in the theater, where she gained a reputation as a talented and versatile performer.

After graduating from Juilliard, Davis began her professional acting career in the theater, appearing in numerous productions both on and off-Broadway. She earned critical acclaim for her performances in plays like “Seven Guitars,” “King Hedley II,” and “Fences,” for which she won a Tony Award in 2010.

Davis has also had a successful career in television, starring in the hit ABC drama “How to Get Away with Murder,” for which she won an Emmy Award in 2015.

4. Hugh Jackman – One of 5 actors who started their career in theater

Hugh Jackman is a multi-talented actor, singer, and producer, known for his charismatic performances both on stage and on screen. Jackman began his career in theater, where he gained valuable experience and honed his skills as a performer.

After graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Jackman began his professional acting career in the theater, appearing in numerous productions in Australia and the UK. He gained international recognition for his portrayal of Curly McLain in the 1998 West End revival of “Oklahoma!”

Jackman made his film debut in the 1999 Australian drama “Erskineville Kings,” and went on to appear in a number of successful films over the years, including the “X-Men” film franchise, “The Prestige,” and “Les Misérables,” for which he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

5. One of 5 actors who started their career in theater is Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston is an award-winning actor, director, and producer, who is known for his dynamic performances on both stage and screen. Cranston began his career in theater, where he gained valuable experience and developed his skills as an actor.

Cranston came to California after graduating from college and began working as a voiceover artist and commercial actor. In the early 1990s, he received his first significant television role on the iconic sitcom “Seinfeld.” But, it was his portrayal as Hal, the bumbling father on the TV show “Malcolm in the Middle,” that made him famous.

Despite his success on television, Cranston remained committed to the theater throughout his career. He has appeared in numerous stage productions, including “The God of Hell” and “All the Way,” for which he won a Tony Award in 2014.

Cranston’s career reached new heights in 2008 when he was cast as Walter White, the lead character on the critically acclaimed television series “Breaking Bad.” His performance on the show was widely praised, and he went on to win multiple Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the complex and conflicted character.

Since the end of “Breaking Bad,” Cranston has continued to be a sought-after actor in both film and television. He has also pursued directing and producing, and has worked on a number of successful projects in those capacities.

In conclusion, the world of theater has been a fertile training ground for some of the most popular actors of all time. From Meryl Streep to Denzel Washington, Viola Davis to Hugh Jackman, and Bryan Cranston to countless others, the contributions of these talented actors to the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. Their work on stage and on screen has entertained, inspired, and challenged audiences around the world, and their legacy will continue to shape the future of acting for generations to come.