The American Beauty Cast: Their Journey from Unknown Actors to Hollywood Stars.
The American Beauty Cast: Their Journey from Unknown Actors to Hollywood Stars
In 1999, the movie American Beauty was released and it became an instant classic. This movie not only won five Oscars, including Best Picture, but it also launched the careers of several unknown actors who would go on to become Hollywood stars.
Kevin Spacey played the lead role in American Beauty as Lester Burnham, a middle-aged man who becomes disillusioned with his life and decides to change it dramatically. Spacey had already established himself as a talented actor before this movie, but American Beauty was the role that really put him on the map. He won an Oscar for Best Actor for this role, and went on to star in many other successful movies like The Usual Suspects, Se7en, and House of Cards.
Annette Bening played Lester’s wife, Carolyn Burnham. Bening had already been in a few movies before American Beauty, but this movie really showcased her acting abilities. She was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress for this role, and went on to star in movies like The Kids Are All Right, The Grifters, and Being Julia.
Thora Birch played the Burnham’s daughter, Jane. Birch was only 17 years old when she starred in American Beauty, but she held her own against some of Hollywood’s biggest names. She went on to star in movies like Ghost World, Dungeons & Dragons, and Patriot Games.
Wes Bentley played Ricky Fitts, the Burnham’s neighbor who becomes friends with Lester. Bentley was a relatively unknown actor before American Beauty, but his performance in this movie showed that he had serious talent. He went on to star in movies like The Hunger Games, Interstellar, and American Horror Story.
Mena Suvari played Angela Hayes, Jane’s best friend and the object of Lester’s affection. Suvari had a few small roles in movies before American Beauty, but this movie really put her on the map. She went on to star in movies like American Pie, Spun, and Six Feet Under.
Chris Cooper played Colonel Frank Fitts, Ricky’s strict and abusive father. Cooper had already been in a few movies before American Beauty, but this movie really showcased his acting abilities. He won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for this role, and went on to star in movies like Adaptation, August: Osage County, and The Bourne Identity.
These actors all had different paths to Hollywood stardom, but American Beauty was the movie that launched their careers. They all gave incredible performances in this movie, and they continue to be some of the most talented actors in Hollywood today.
