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Whether on the big screen or the soccer field — all of PEOPLE’sSexiest Men Alivehad to start somewhere.FromTom CruiseandMichael B. JordantoBradley Cooperand beyond, look back at the first step that led these sexy men to stardom.
Whether on the big screen or the soccer field — all of PEOPLE’sSexiest Men Alivehad to start somewhere.
FromTom CruiseandMichael B. JordantoBradley Cooperand beyond, look back at the first step that led these sexy men to stardom.
01of 34Patrick Dempsey (2023)Touchstone/Kobal/ShutterstockThis year’s Sexiest Man Alive also has the gold standard of geeky-to-gorgeous onscreen transformations in his breakout role in 1985’sCan’t Buy Me Love.He played nerdy Ronald Miller, who offers to pay popular cheerleader Cindy Mancini $1,000 to pretend to be his girlfriend and get him an entrée into the popular crowd — which she agrees to do, as long as she can give him the makeover that made Dempsey a certified heartthrob offscreen too.
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Patrick Dempsey (2023)
Touchstone/Kobal/Shutterstock
This year’s Sexiest Man Alive also has the gold standard of geeky-to-gorgeous onscreen transformations in his breakout role in 1985’sCan’t Buy Me Love.He played nerdy Ronald Miller, who offers to pay popular cheerleader Cindy Mancini $1,000 to pretend to be his girlfriend and get him an entrée into the popular crowd — which she agrees to do, as long as she can give him the makeover that made Dempsey a certified heartthrob offscreen too.
02of 34Chris Evans (2022)Chris Evans on Opposite Sex.Chris Evansfirst started acting in the 2000 seriesOpposite Sex,a teen drama that followed his character (plus those ofMilo Ventimigliaand Kyle Howard) as they become the first male students at a formerly all-girls school. He’s since become one of the main stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the one and only Captain America.
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Chris Evans (2022)
Chris Evans on Opposite Sex.
Chris Evansfirst started acting in the 2000 seriesOpposite Sex,a teen drama that followed his character (plus those ofMilo Ventimigliaand Kyle Howard) as they become the first male students at a formerly all-girls school. He’s since become one of the main stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the one and only Captain America.
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Paul Rudd (2021)
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04of 34Michael B. Jordan (2020)David Lee/Hbo/Blown Deadline/Kobal/ShutterstockMichael B. Jordanis now a certified movie star, starring in films likeBlack PantherandCreed,but the actor started his career on the small screen. In what could be considered his breakout role, Jordan appeared on 13 episodes ofThe Wirein 2002.
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Michael B. Jordan (2020)
David Lee/Hbo/Blown Deadline/Kobal/Shutterstock
Michael B. Jordanis now a certified movie star, starring in films likeBlack PantherandCreed,but the actor started his career on the small screen. In what could be considered his breakout role, Jordan appeared on 13 episodes ofThe Wirein 2002.
05of 34John Legend (2019)Johnny Nunez/WireImageJohn Legend’s career in music spans nearly two decades. His first album,Get Lifted,proved that the singer-songwriter was here to say when it took home the 2006 Grammy for best R&B album. That year he also won best new artist and best male R&B vocal performance for his song, “Ordinary People.” Legend has now won a total of 12 Grammys — and is a certifiedEGOT.
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John Legend (2019)
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
John Legend’s career in music spans nearly two decades. His first album,Get Lifted,proved that the singer-songwriter was here to say when it took home the 2006 Grammy for best R&B album. That year he also won best new artist and best male R&B vocal performance for his song, “Ordinary People.” Legend has now won a total of 12 Grammys — and is a certifiedEGOT.
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Idris Elba (2018)
After appearing on various shows (mostly across the pond) earlier in his career,Idris Elbareally made a splash with his role of Russell “Stringer” Bell onThe Wire.He recently reprised his role as Heimdall in theThorfranchise and is set to star in the upcoming filmLutherbased on the television series of the same name.
07of 34Blake Shelton (2017)Paul Natkin/WireImageBlake Shelton’sdebut No. 1 single “Austin"celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021. Released in April 2001, the song was Shelton’s first No. 1 hit on theBillboardHot Country Songs chart and catapulted him to stardom. Shelton has been making music ever since and recently announced he would be stepping away from his role as coach onThe Voiceafter 23 seasons.
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Blake Shelton (2017)
Paul Natkin/WireImage
Blake Shelton’sdebut No. 1 single “Austin"celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021. Released in April 2001, the song was Shelton’s first No. 1 hit on theBillboardHot Country Songs chart and catapulted him to stardom. Shelton has been making music ever since and recently announced he would be stepping away from his role as coach onThe Voiceafter 23 seasons.
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Dwyane ‘The Rock’ Johnson (2016)
Dwyane Johnsonstarted his career in professional wrestling, and appeared as part of the World Wrestling Federation from 1996 to 2004 — hence the nickname. In 2001, though, Johnson made his debut on the big screen inThe Mummy ReturnswithBrendan Fraser. He recently starred as the titular character in DC’sBlack Adam.
09of 34David Beckham (2015)Neal Simpson/EMPICS via Getty ImagesAfter a few years of playing in their youth program,David Beckhambegan his illustrious career as a professional footballer, suiting up for Manchester United in the 1990s. Beckham retired from the sport in 2013 after a 21-year career.
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David Beckham (2015)
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After a few years of playing in their youth program,David Beckhambegan his illustrious career as a professional footballer, suiting up for Manchester United in the 1990s. Beckham retired from the sport in 2013 after a 21-year career.
10of 34Chris Hemsworth (2014)Alamy Stock PhotoAfter appearing on the long-running Australian soap operaHome and Awayfrom 2004-2007,Chris Hemsworthmade his debut as Thor in 2011.
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Chris Hemsworth (2014)
Alamy Stock Photo
After appearing on the long-running Australian soap operaHome and Awayfrom 2004-2007,Chris Hemsworthmade his debut as Thor in 2011.
11of 34Adam Levine (2013)L. Cohen/WireImageBefore Maroon 5, there was Kara’s Flowers.Adam Levineand some of his current band’s members were in another band that broke up after just one album. Maroon 5’s first album,Songs About Jane,was released in 2002 and in 2005 the band would win best new artist at theGrammy Awards.
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Adam Levine (2013)
L. Cohen/WireImage
Before Maroon 5, there was Kara’s Flowers.Adam Levineand some of his current band’s members were in another band that broke up after just one album. Maroon 5’s first album,Songs About Jane,was released in 2002 and in 2005 the band would win best new artist at theGrammy Awards.
12of 34Channing Tatum (2012)Alamy Stock PhotoWith appearances in films likeCoach Carter,Supercross,A Guide to Recognizing Your SaintsandHavoc,Channing Tatumwould become a household name (at least among teenagers) when he appeared in 2006’sShe’s the ManasAmanda Bynes' love interest. Later that year he starred inStep UpalongsideJenna Dewan, whomhe eventually married(and divorced) and with whom he sharesdaughter Everly.
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Channing Tatum (2012)
With appearances in films likeCoach Carter,Supercross,A Guide to Recognizing Your SaintsandHavoc,Channing Tatumwould become a household name (at least among teenagers) when he appeared in 2006’sShe’s the ManasAmanda Bynes' love interest. Later that year he starred inStep UpalongsideJenna Dewan, whomhe eventually married(and divorced) and with whom he sharesdaughter Everly.
13of 34Bradley Cooper (2011)Scott Garfield /Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty ImagesAfter appearing in 2001’sWet Hot American Summerin a small role,Bradley Cooperwould slowly rise to Oscar-winning success. That same year he would land a recurring role onAliasstarring alongsideJennifer Garnerand beginning a long career on both big and small screens. Cooper is next starring inMaestro, a film he wrote and directed about Leonard Bernstein’s life, which isexpected to debut in 2023.
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Bradley Cooper (2011)
Scott Garfield /Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
After appearing in 2001’sWet Hot American Summerin a small role,Bradley Cooperwould slowly rise to Oscar-winning success. That same year he would land a recurring role onAliasstarring alongsideJennifer Garnerand beginning a long career on both big and small screens. Cooper is next starring inMaestro, a film he wrote and directed about Leonard Bernstein’s life, which isexpected to debut in 2023.
14of 34Ryan Reynolds (2010)20th Century Fox Film/Courtesy Everett CollectionRyan Reynoldshad a few screen credits in the early 1990s as a young actor before landing a role onTwo Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place,which he starred on for four seasons from 1998-2001. Now, the father of three is the co-chairman ofWrexham A.F.C.and is set to star inDeadpool 3in 2024.
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Ryan Reynolds (2010)
20th Century Fox Film/Courtesy Everett Collection
Ryan Reynoldshad a few screen credits in the early 1990s as a young actor before landing a role onTwo Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place,which he starred on for four seasons from 1998-2001. Now, the father of three is the co-chairman ofWrexham A.F.C.and is set to star inDeadpool 3in 2024.
15of 34Johnny Depp (2009 and 2003)Fox/Getty ImagesAfter making a few appearances on screen in the early-mid 1980s,Johnny Depp’s big break came when he landed the role of Officer Tom Hanson on21 Jump Streetin 1987.
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Johnny Depp (2009 and 2003)
Fox/Getty Images
After making a few appearances on screen in the early-mid 1980s,Johnny Depp’s big break came when he landed the role of Officer Tom Hanson on21 Jump Streetin 1987.
16of 34Hugh Jackman (2008)X-MEN, Hugh Jackman, 2000, TM and Copyright (c)20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved.WhileHugh Jackmanbegan his career on stage and in television, he would become a household name as Wolverine inX-Menin 2000. Jackman returned to the stage once again in 2022 oppositeSutton FosterinThe Music Manon Broadway.
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Hugh Jackman (2008)
X-MEN, Hugh Jackman, 2000, TM and Copyright (c)20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved.
WhileHugh Jackmanbegan his career on stage and in television, he would become a household name as Wolverine inX-Menin 2000. Jackman returned to the stage once again in 2022 oppositeSutton FosterinThe Music Manon Broadway.
17of 34Matt Damon (2007)Miramax/Kobal/ShutterstockAfter appearing inMystic Pizza,Courage Under FireandRainmaker,Matt Damon’s first big role came inGood Will Hunting– a movie he and friend (and fellow Sexiest Man Alive)Ben Affleckwrote together, which would win the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for best screenplay. The actor has gone on to star in numerous films including theOcean’sfilms andBournefranchise.
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Matt Damon (2007)
Miramax/Kobal/Shutterstock
After appearing inMystic Pizza,Courage Under FireandRainmaker,Matt Damon’s first big role came inGood Will Hunting– a movie he and friend (and fellow Sexiest Man Alive)Ben Affleckwrote together, which would win the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for best screenplay. The actor has gone on to star in numerous films including theOcean’sfilms andBournefranchise.
18of 34George Clooney (2006 and 1997)George Clooney onER.getty imagesGeorge Clooneyhad recurring roles on shows likeThe Facts of Life, Bodies of EvidenceandRoseanneand even a show called E/R (not to be confused withER)before appearing on television screens across the US from 1994 to 2009 as Dr. Doug Ross onER. Clooney is now a certifiable Hollywood star, having won two Oscars including one forArgo,starring Affleck,which he produced.
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George Clooney (2006 and 1997)
George Clooney onER.getty images
George Clooneyhad recurring roles on shows likeThe Facts of Life, Bodies of EvidenceandRoseanneand even a show called E/R (not to be confused withER)before appearing on television screens across the US from 1994 to 2009 as Dr. Doug Ross onER. Clooney is now a certifiable Hollywood star, having won two Oscars including one forArgo,starring Affleck,which he produced.
19of 34Matthew McConaughey (2005)Matthew McConaughey in Dazed and Confused.Universal/Gramercy/Kobal/ShutterstockAudiences first learned aboutMatthew McConaugheyfrom his breakout supporting role in 1993’sDazed and Confused.Since, McConaughey’s career has spanned genres and in 2014 he won an Academy Award for his performance inDallas Buyers Club.
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Matthew McConaughey (2005)
Matthew McConaughey in Dazed and Confused.Universal/Gramercy/Kobal/Shutterstock
Audiences first learned aboutMatthew McConaugheyfrom his breakout supporting role in 1993’sDazed and Confused.Since, McConaughey’s career has spanned genres and in 2014 he won an Academy Award for his performance inDallas Buyers Club.
20of 34Jude Law (2004)Catherine McGann/Getty ImagesJude Lawbegan his career on stage in London inIndiscretions,which was brought to Broadway in 1995. In 1997 he moved to the big screen in the filmGattacaalongside Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. Law has had a vast career on the big and small screen, including roles inSherlock HolmesandFantastic Beastsfilms.
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Jude Law (2004)
Catherine McGann/Getty Images
Jude Lawbegan his career on stage in London inIndiscretions,which was brought to Broadway in 1995. In 1997 he moved to the big screen in the filmGattacaalongside Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. Law has had a vast career on the big and small screen, including roles inSherlock HolmesandFantastic Beastsfilms.
21of 34Ben Affleck (2002)Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in Good Will Hunting.Miramax/Kobal/ShutterstockAfter appearing in a series of small parts, Affleck would land his breakout role in 1997’sChasing Amybefore appearing in (and writing)Good Will Huntingwith Damon. Affleck has gone on the act, direct and write dozens of films and is set to appear in an upcominguntitled project he’s been working on with Damonabout Nike.
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Ben Affleck (2002)
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in Good Will Hunting.Miramax/Kobal/Shutterstock
After appearing in a series of small parts, Affleck would land his breakout role in 1997’sChasing Amybefore appearing in (and writing)Good Will Huntingwith Damon. Affleck has gone on the act, direct and write dozens of films and is set to appear in an upcominguntitled project he’s been working on with Damonabout Nike.
22of 34Pierce Brosnan (2001)Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesAfter beginning his career on stage as well,Pierce Brosnan’s popularity expanded when he appeared on the seriesRemington Steelewhich ran from 1982 to 1987. He would go on to star asJames Bondin four films and as one of Sophie’s three possible dads inMamma Mia!andMamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
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Pierce Brosnan (2001)
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After beginning his career on stage as well,Pierce Brosnan’s popularity expanded when he appeared on the seriesRemington Steelewhich ran from 1982 to 1987. He would go on to star asJames Bondin four films and as one of Sophie’s three possible dads inMamma Mia!andMamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
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Brad Pitt (2000 and 1995)
Though he appeared on screen numerous times in the late 1980s and early 1990s,Brad Pitt’s breakout came in 1991’sThelma & Louise. While his part was small, it caught audiences' attention and would catapult his career. In addition to his expansive career as an actor, Pitt has also gone on produce numerous films as well.
24of 34Richard Gere (1999 and 1993)Paramount/Getty ImagesRichard Gere’s first big role on screen was in 1977’sLooking for Mr. Goodbar,though his career on stage had begun before that. Gere made his Broadway debut in the musicalSoonin 1971 before appearing inGreasein New York City and London. He went on to star in numerous films including 1980’sAmerican Gigoloand 1990’sPretty Woman.
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Richard Gere (1999 and 1993)
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Richard Gere’s first big role on screen was in 1977’sLooking for Mr. Goodbar,though his career on stage had begun before that. Gere made his Broadway debut in the musicalSoonin 1971 before appearing inGreasein New York City and London. He went on to star in numerous films including 1980’sAmerican Gigoloand 1990’sPretty Woman.
25of 34Harrison Ford (1998)Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty ImagesBy the timeHarrison Fordappeared as Han Solo in 1977’sStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, he had appeared on screen numerous times, but never as out of his world as the captain of the Millennium Falcon. He would reprise that role numerous times and step into other iconic roles, such as Indiana Jones.
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Harrison Ford (1998)
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By the timeHarrison Fordappeared as Han Solo in 1977’sStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, he had appeared on screen numerous times, but never as out of his world as the captain of the Millennium Falcon. He would reprise that role numerous times and step into other iconic roles, such as Indiana Jones.
26of 34Denzel Washington (1996)Jack Hamilton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesDenzel Washingtonmade his big screen debut inCarbon Copybut reached a larger audience when he booked his recurring role onSt. Elsewhere —which he appeared in for all of its six seasons from 1982 to 1988. He has been nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning twice, and his performance in Broadway’sFenceswon him a Tony Award in 2010.
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Denzel Washington (1996)
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Denzel Washingtonmade his big screen debut inCarbon Copybut reached a larger audience when he booked his recurring role onSt. Elsewhere —which he appeared in for all of its six seasons from 1982 to 1988. He has been nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning twice, and his performance in Broadway’sFenceswon him a Tony Award in 2010.
27of 34Nick Nolte (1992)ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty ImagesAfter various minor acting gigs on screen, Nick Nolte landed his big break on the mini-seriesRich Man, Poor Man,which earned him an Emmy nomination in 1976. His career has spanned decades and he is set to appear inRittenhouse Squareexpected out later this year.
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Nick Nolte (1992)
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After various minor acting gigs on screen, Nick Nolte landed his big break on the mini-seriesRich Man, Poor Man,which earned him an Emmy nomination in 1976. His career has spanned decades and he is set to appear inRittenhouse Squareexpected out later this year.
28of 34Patrick Swayze (1991)Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey inDirty Dancing(1987).Snap/ShutterstockAfter appearing in various roles on screen in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the world would swoon overPatrick Swayzeas dance instructor Johnny in 1987’sDirty Dancing. Swayze appeared in numerous films following, including 1990’sGhost.Before hisdeath in 2009 at the age of 57, his last appearance on screen was inBlue Powder.
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Patrick Swayze (1991)
Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey inDirty Dancing(1987).Snap/Shutterstock
After appearing in various roles on screen in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the world would swoon overPatrick Swayzeas dance instructor Johnny in 1987’sDirty Dancing. Swayze appeared in numerous films following, including 1990’sGhost.Before hisdeath in 2009 at the age of 57, his last appearance on screen was inBlue Powder.
29of 34Tom Cruise (1990)Warner Brothers/GettyAfter landing a few roles as a young actor in the early 1980s — including 1983’sThe Outsidersalongside Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe and fellow Sexiest Man Alive Patrick Swayze —Tom Cruisecemented his status as a movie star withRisky Business. Recently, Cruise reprised another one of his iconic roles as Maverick inTop Gun:Maverick.
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Tom Cruise (1990)
Warner Brothers/Getty
After landing a few roles as a young actor in the early 1980s — including 1983’sThe Outsidersalongside Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe and fellow Sexiest Man Alive Patrick Swayze —Tom Cruisecemented his status as a movie star withRisky Business. Recently, Cruise reprised another one of his iconic roles as Maverick inTop Gun:Maverick.
30of 34Sean Connery (1989)United Artist/Getty ImagesWhileSean Conneryhad numerous roles throughout the 1950s and into the 1960s, none would catapult him to stardom like 1962’sDr. Noas James Bond. He would go on to star as 007 himself in six more films.
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Sean Connery (1989)
United Artist/Getty Images
WhileSean Conneryhad numerous roles throughout the 1950s and into the 1960s, none would catapult him to stardom like 1962’sDr. Noas James Bond. He would go on to star as 007 himself in six more films.
31of 34John F. Kennedy Jr. (1988)In addition to his work as a lawyer, journalist and magazine publisher, JFK Jr. was a pop culture icon as one of PresidentJohn F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis' three children. A year after being crowned PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1989, he became an assistant district attorney in Manhattan.
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John F. Kennedy Jr. (1988)
In addition to his work as a lawyer, journalist and magazine publisher, JFK Jr. was a pop culture icon as one of PresidentJohn F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis' three children. A year after being crowned PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1989, he became an assistant district attorney in Manhattan.
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Harry Hamlin (1987)
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Mark Harmon (1986)
34of 34Mel Gibson (1985)Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty ImagesMel Gibsonhad been in show business for just a few years before landing what would become his breakout role inMad Maxas the titular character.
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Mel Gibson (1985)
Mel Gibsonhad been in show business for just a few years before landing what would become his breakout role inMad Maxas the titular character.
source: people.com
