Hollywood stardom is a dream for most. Those who make it come true in both TV and movies have a special talent and a versatility that's hard to match.
Here are some of the modern-day actors and actresses who have successfully transitioned from TV to motion pictures and more (a separate list is provided for the “Saturday Night Live” crop):
Actors
- Clint Eastwood. His role in the 1960s TV western “Rawhide” spurred an audition for the Sergio Leone spaghetti westerns. From there, his star value took off in the “Dirty Harry” movies, and Eastwood has gone on to win Oscars for Best Director and producer of Best Picture.
- Tom Hanks. Slapstick TV comedy in “Bosom Buddies” led to comedic movies, which led to dramatic roles, which led to Best Actor Oscars, as well as success as a screenwriter, producer and director.
- Will Smith. Before starring in the TV sitcom “Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” Smith had moderate success as a rapper. Today, he is the top dog when it comes to action films and recently has shown his acting versatility in dramatic roles.
- Denzel Washington. The TV hospital drama “St. Elsewhere” helped vault Washington to the big screen, where he has turned in numerous Best Actor-worthy performances (finally won for his dirty cop portrayal in “Training Day”).
- Bruce Willis. Fans of TV’s “Moonlighting” will recall Willis’ charm and comedic talent opposite co-star Cybil Shepherd. But he catapulted to fame in the role of detective John McClane in the blockbuster action film “Die Hard” and its sequels.
Honorable mention: John Travolta (“Welcome Back Kotter”), Leonardo DiCaprio ("Growing Pains"), George Clooney ("Sisters," "ER"), Robin Williams (“Mork and Mindy”), Michael J. Fox (“Family Ties,” “Spin City”), Jim Carrey (“In Living Color”).
Actresses
- Goldie Hawn. Funny, cute, charming and just plain lovable on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” Hawn used those same characteristics to launch a successful and Oscar-winning movie acting, producing and directing career.
- Jennifer Aniston. The most successful of the “Friends” gang in terms of box office draw (all six have had their try on the big screen with mixed results), Aniston is now one of the most sought-after leading ladies in the romantic comedy genre.
- Sarah Jessica Parker. Not many remember her in the TV sitcom “Square Pegs” and blockbuster movie “Footloose,” but who can forget her “Sex in the City” character Carrie Bradshaw on both the small and big screens. Also much in demand these days for romantic comedies.
- Sally Field. Not long after her "Flying Nun" days, Sally Field was making her first Best Actess Oscar speech for "Norma Rae." She, of course, went on to win a second Oscar for "Places in the Heart" and is presently back on the small screen in "Brothers and Sisters."
- Helen Hunt. Her career began in the 1970s as a child actress playing bit parts on various TV shows before landing a regular role on “St. Elsewhere” and then a lead in the sitcom “Mad About You.” Hunt went on to win the Oscar for Best Actress in “As Good As It Gets.”
Honorable mention: Ashley Judd ("Sisters"), Courteney Cox (“Friends”), Sarah Michelle Gellar ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), Shelly Long (“Cheers”), Mary Tyler Moore ("The Dick Van Dyke Show," “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”)
The SNL Comic Farm
- Steve Martin. Comedian, actor, musician, producer, novelist and all-around talented wild and crazy guy. Best known films: “The Jerk,” “Roxanne,” “Shopgirl” (based on his novel).
- Adam Sandler. His SNL sketches were hit and miss, but almost all his movies have been on target. Best films: “Billy Madison,” “Happy Gilmore,” “Big Daddy.”
- Eddie Murphy. One of those comedians who didn’t have to utter a word to draw laughter – just ask his SNL cohorts. Best films: “48 Hours,” “Trading Places,” “Beverly Hills Cop."
- Chevy Chase. The original “Weekend Update” anchor. Best films: “Caddyshack,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Fletch.”
- Dan Akroyd. The other "wild and crazy guy" and half of "The Blues Brothers" has become a movie staple. Best films: "The Blues Brothers," "Trading Places."
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