16 Stars You (Probably) Forgot Were in Sitcoms

Some big stars got their starts on sitcoms -- not that everyone necessarily remembers (or ever saw) these shows on their resumés.

Michelle Pfeiffer, 'Delta House' (1979)

Even before "Scarface" and "Grease 2," Michelle Pfeiffer starred as “The Bombshell” in this short-lived TV version of "Animal House." The watered-down version of the R-rated movie didn't last long: Just 1 season of 13 episodes.

George Clooney, 'The Facts of Life' (1985-1987)

Okay, this one you probably remember. Before he hit the big time as a sexy doc on "ER," Clooney costarred on the 7th and 8th seasons of “The Facts of Life” as handyman George.

Regina King, '227' (1985-1990)

Lots of people grew up watching Regina King as Brenda Jenkins. But some people didn't tune into her until, say, her brilliant turn on the drama "Southland." Or her winning multiple Emmys. Or winning an Oscar. Missed this whole series? It's on Sony Crackle.

Patrick Dempsey, 'Fast Times' (1986)

Ray Walston (cranky Mr. Hand) was one of the few cast members who reprised his role from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” for the TV series, which ran only 7 episodes. Patrick Dempsey took over the role of bad boy Mike Damon, aka, the jerk who knocks up Jennifer Jason-Leigh in the movie. That's Wallace Langham (of "Veronica's Closet" and "CSI") as dweeby Ratner.

Hugh Laurie, 'Black Adder The Third' (1987)

If you only knew Hugh Laurie from "House," you might not have known that A) he's British and B) he began his career as a comedian. He played the phenomenally slow-witted Prince George, who's too easily manipulated by his butler, Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson) in the show's third series. He was later the equally dim Bertie Wooster, who continually needs his valet, Jeeves, to bail him out of awkward situations, in the delightful “Jeeves and Wooster.”

Sandra Bullock, 'Working Girl' (1990)

Starring in the TV version of "Working Girl"? That's a big break, right? Except that this midseason show was pulled after only 8 episodes (4 were never aired.) Luckily, a mere 4 years later, "Speed" rocketed Sandy to stardom.

Leonardo DiCaprio, 'Growing Pains' (1991-1992)

You're probably also aware that long before "Titanic,” Leo played Luke Brower in 24 episodes on this Alan Thicke-fronted series. And hey (on the right) that's future "Walking Dead" star Michael Cudlitz, who appeared in two episodes as "Chucksteak."

Don Cheadle, 'The Golden Palace' (1992-1993)

Before joining the crew of "Ocean's 11" and the MCU, Don Cheadle costarred in this "Golden Girls" spinoff where he played the straight man to Rose, Blanche and Sophia, who have invested in his failing hotel. And yes, that's Cheech Marin as the chef.

Ryan Reynolds, 'Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place' (1998-2001)

Ryan Reynolds as a mischievous prankster? Naw, we can't buy that. The future Deadpool starred in this ABC sitcom (later shortened to just “Two Guys and a Girl”) for 4 seasons, until it was given the Friday night death slot. Nathan Fillion joined the show in the second season. His next TV gigs: “Firefly” and “Castle.” So that worked out okay.

Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, 'Caroline in the City' (1998-1999)

The duo that would go on to direct "The Lego Movie" and "21 Jump Street" (and some of “Solo: A Star Wars Story”) appeared as animators Bill and Cliff in three episodes of this Lea Thompson sitcom.

Charlie Hunnam, 'Undeclared' (2001-2003)

Before he was badass Jax Teller on "Sons of Anarchy," Hunnam costarred as ladies man Lloyd on “Undeclared," Judd Apatow's follow-up to “Freaks and Geeks. The cast of this college-set sitcom also included Jay Baruchel, Carla Gallo and Seth Rogen.

Olivia Colman, 'Peep Show' (2003-2015)

It's so much fun rediscovering Colman's work before her Oscar-winning role in "The Favourite." That includes her hilarious turn as a cop in "Hot Fuzz" and this BAFTA-winning, beloved British cult show, where she played unstable Sophie. It includes one of the funniest, unhappiest wedding scenes of all time.

Megan Fox, 'Hope & Faith' (2004-2006)

Before breaking out in the first "Transformers" movie, Megan Fox played Sydney, daughter of Hope (Faith Ford), who prefers hanging out with her ditzy aunt Faith (Kelly Ripa) in this sitcom. Fox replaced Nicole Peggi, who had played Sydney in the first season. And – what? – Brie Larson (Captain Marvel herself) played the character in the unaired pilot!

Ethan Peck, '10 Things I Hate About You,' 'That '70s Show' (2009-2010)

Before becoming young Spock on "Star Trek: Discovery," Peck's roles included Patrick Verona in the “10 Things” TV series that (rather bizarrely) happened 10 years after the hit film. Except this time Kat (now played by Lindsey Shaw) is the new girl in town. The show lated 20 episodes. Peck also played young Kelso in a few eps of "That '70s Show."

Michael B. Jordan, 'The Assistants' (2009)

Sure, you know that "Creed" star Michael B. Jordan was on "The Wire" and soap opera "All My Children." But did you know he was also on this short-lived Teen Nick show? He played a college student competing to be the assistant to an eccentric Hollywood producer – whose company is called Kinky Bunny Pictures. Good thing this only lasted 13 episodes.