Movies are all about showcasing actors, putting their faces front and center for audiences to recognize. Yet, there are times when even the biggest stars prefer to take a backseat, slipping into roles where they’re barely noticed. Whether they’re early in their careers or just having a bit of fun, these hidden performances often go unnoticed by even the most attentive viewers. Here’s a look at ten famous actors who managed to stay under the radar in some of your favorite films.
10. Elijah Wood in Back to the Future Part II
Before Elijah Wood became a household name as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings, he made his movie debut in Back to the Future Part II. In a blink-and-you-miss-it role, young Elijah plays one of two kids in a café, amazed (and slightly disappointed) by Marty McFly’s arcade skills. Though it was a minor part, it was the starting point of what would become an impressive career in both blockbuster franchises and indie gems.
9. Jason Scott Lee in Back to the Future Part II
Another future star in Back to the Future Part II is Jason Scott Lee. He plays a member of Griff Tannen’s gang in the futuristic 2015 segment of the film. This small role contrasts sharply with the leading parts he would later land, including Bruce Lee in Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story and Mowgli in Disney’s live-action The Jungle Book (1994). It’s fascinating to see where these tiny roles led him in his career.
8. Salma Hayek in Four Rooms
Salma Hayek, known for her powerful performances in movies like Frida and From Dusk Till Dawn, once appeared in a rather unusual cameo in the movie Four Rooms. Directed by her frequent collaborator Robert Rodriguez, Hayek can be seen dancing on a television screen in the segment “The Misbehavers.” Although her face isn’t shown, her distinctive figure makes this one of her most unique and uncredited appearances.
7. Bruce Spence in The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Bruce Spence, a character actor known for his roles in Mad Max and Dark City, played the Mouth of Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. However, you’d be forgiven for not recognizing him. Hidden behind layers of makeup and a fearsome helmet, only Spence’s unsettling mouth and voice hint at his presence in this chilling, though brief, scene. Interestingly, this scene only appears in the extended edition of the movie, making it even more elusive.
6. Cate Blanchett in Hot Fuzz
Cate Blanchett, usually recognized for her serious and regal roles like Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings or Queen Elizabeth in Elizabeth, made a surprising cameo in Hot Fuzz. She plays Janine, Nicholas Angel’s ex-girlfriend, entirely covered in forensic gear. Only her eyes are visible, making this appearance more of an Easter egg for fans than a full-blown cameo. It’s a fun nod to her versatility as an actress, stepping into the world of absurd comedy.
5. Maude Hirst in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Before her historical drama roles in The Tudors and Vikings, Maude Hirst had a tiny part in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. She was one of the many nameless Hogwarts students in the film, blending into the background of the magical school. Coming from a family deeply involved in historical drama (her father is screenwriter Michael Hirst), it’s interesting to see her roots in this iconic fantasy franchise.
4. Daniel Webber in Mad Max: Fury Road
Daniel Webber, who gained recognition for roles in The Punisher and Billy the Kid, had a small and almost unrecognizable role in Mad Max: Fury Road. He played one of the War Boys, the fanatical followers of Immortan Joe. Given their uniform appearance—bald heads, pale skin, and tribal paint—it’s nearly impossible to pick him out from the crowd. Still, it’s a cool nod to his Australian roots, being part of such a legendary film series.
3. Garret Dillahunt in Deadwood: The Movie
Garret Dillahunt, known for his varied roles in shows like Raising Hope and Fear the Walking Dead, is particularly famous among Deadwood fans. In the original series, he played two separate characters: Jack McCall and Francis Wolcott. Dillahunt returned for a quick cameo in Deadwood: The Movie, where he’s seen as a drunk in the final scenes, which could be a fun inside joke referencing his multiple roles on the show.
2. Timothy Olyphant in Rango
In the animated film Rango, a tribute to classic Westerns, Timothy Olyphant lends his voice to the Spirit of the West, a character that’s clearly an homage to Clint Eastwood’s iconic roles. Given Olyphant’s own cowboy portrayals in Deadwood and Justified, this cameo serves as both a clever nod to his typecasting and a homage to one of the greatest Western actors of all time.
1. John Wayne in Star Wars
Perhaps the most surprising hidden actor on this list is John Wayne in Star Wars. You might be scratching your head at this one, but it’s true—sort of. The legendary Western star’s voice was used to create the alien sounds made by the character Garindan, the spy who reports the movements of Luke Skywalker to the Empire in the original Star Wars. Sound designer Ben Burtt manipulated unused audio of Wayne’s voice to create this effect, giving the Duke an unexpected posthumous role in one of the biggest sci-fi franchises ever.
