Entertainment
If you're like me, you like to spend rainy days getting nostalgic and watching your favorite movies from childhood. Aside from feeling like I'm a kid again, my favorite part of this rainy day ritual is spotting all the massive celebrities that are sneakily in the backgrounds of some of my favorite flicks. There are so many '90s movies that starred huge celebrities before they were famous. Some of them are questionable, some of them are hilarious, some of them you'll miss if you blink, and some of them are down right impressive.
It's fun to see where some of your favorite stars began. Not to mention it's kind of nice to see that not every celebrity you worship has experienced overnight success, and that yes, everybody has to pay their dues. Even Jessica Alba. Even Gwyneth Paltrow. Yes, the queen mothers of Hollywood took on less than glamorous roles before they created their empires.
Whether your '90s favorites were childhood classics, or films that grew with you into your adult years, there's a shocking (and entertaining) cameo in plenty of films. Try to hold back any judgmental laughter as you sift through the clips below, beceause everybody has to get their start somewhere, right?
1
Mischa Barton, 'The Sixth Sense'
Maybe my all time favorite '90s cameo is Mischa Barton, covered in vomit, creeping underneath the bed in The Sixth Sense.
2
Gwyneth Paltrow, 'Hook'
Good ole' Gwynnie plays young Wendy in Hook, and you can tell from her short scene that the girl had star potential. The above clip also showcases the fact that Phil Collins and Glenn Close also had cameos in the film — though you might not recognize Close in her full beard.
3
James Franco, 'Never Been Kissed'
Ah yes, James Franco's first ever movie role. Where it all began. Makes you wish you could start over again, doesn't it?
4
Christina Ricci in 'Mermaids'
Before her smash hits like The Addams Family, Casper, and Now and Then, Christina Ricci shimmied around in the kitchen with Winona and Cher in Mermaids.
5
Owen Wilson And Leslie Mann, 'The Cable Guy'
Owen Wilson plays smarmy a little too well as Robin's date in The Cable Man, doesn't he? And before Leslie Mann became the rom-com queen of our dreams, she starred in this gem with the boys.
6
Scarlett Johansson, 'Home Alone 3'
Not exactly a smash hit, Home Alone 3 was a stretch for the franchise, but it was a stepping stone for Ms. Johansson.
7
Kenan Thompson, 'Heavyweights'
SNL star Kenan Thompson was also a child star. He had way too much fun at fat camp with Ben Stiller in the epic movie Heavyweights.
8
Kirsten Dunst, 'Jumanji'
Although Jumanji came after her success in Interview With A Vampire, it somehow always slips beyond my radar. (Or maybe I just always get the girl from Jurassic Park confused with Kiki.)
9
Alexis Bledel, 'Rushmore'
Alexis Bledel has prime screen time as an uncredited extra in Wes Anderson's Rushmore.
10
Jessica Alba, 'P.U.N.K.S.'
Did anyone see this movie besides me? A classic and terrible '90s flick, Alba plays a tomboy who becomes part of a club called, you guessed it, P.U.N.K.S. Around the same time, she had a small role in the '90s classic Camp Nowhere.
11
Amy Adams, 'Drop Dead Gorgeous'
This cult classic has an all star cast. Between Kirsten Dunst, Kirstie Alley, Brittany Murphy, and Denise Richards, you wouldn't think there'd be any more room for star power. But Amy Adams shines while playing the dumb cheerleader trope.
12
Jason Segel, 'Can't Hardly Wait'
Credited as Watermelon Guy, Jason Segel has a crush on Velma in Can't Hardly Wait. (Watch the entire video for a good dose of irony.)
13
Jake Gyllenhaal, 'City Slickers'
Jake Gyllenhaal wasn't always a total babe. Once upon a time, he was a tiny babe, who lies to his class about what his dad does. But can you blame him? Who wouldn't want to introduce their dad to their class as a submarine commander? You can see this precious baby angel at around 1:20.
