Before They Were Famous: Mila Kunis, Samuel L. Jackson & Keri Russell

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Welcome to “Before They Were Famous“, where we take a look at some of the past exploits of today’s biggest stars, be it from movies, television, Broadway, competitions, etc.! The more embarrassing, the better. Our memories are long, but the internet’s memory is forever, so jump back in time with us to witness some of our favorite stars before they were marquee names.

Mila Kunis (JUPITER ASCENDING)

Screw being (maybe) married to Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis lived out a more important childhood fantasy of mine, getting to star in a Lisa Frank commercial (1996). Lisa Frank was a staple of many young girls’ (and boys’) childhoods. The rainbow-colored unicorns, kittens and puppies littered every trapper keeper I could get my hands on. And the stickers… OH the stickers. If I had been a young actress with the opportunity to act in a Lisa Frank commercial, you better believe I would be BLACK SWAN’ing other auditioners to get that role. I mean, just look at that swagged out bedroom?! I wonder if Mila got to take any of that home. Also, this commercial gave me the shocking realization that there were apparently Lisa Frank stores?!  My parents must have hidden this from me.

Keri Russell (THE AMERICANS)

Oh Keri Russell, with your beautiful Mufasa-style mane, who knew that you were such a burgeoning rap star? I don’t know what I enjoy more about this clip from Keri’s days on the Mickey Mouse Club (1992), the weird song choice in “You Showed Me” by The Turtles, the spirit finger choreography, the suspenders, or the amazing headband. Either way, I have come to the realization that if THE AMERICANS doesn’t feature a dance scene for Keri to show off her moves this season, I will have to make a complaint to FX.

Samuel L. Jackson (KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE)

One of Samuel L. Jackson’s most memorable early roles was in COMING TO AMERICA (1988), starring Eddie Murphy as an African prince who is sick of being pampered. He decides to leave his life of luxury and see what it is like to be an independent man living in New York City. In a quick but memorable scene, Jackson holds up a fast food restaurant and attempts to steal from the cash register. Murphy is forced to step in and settle the situation himself using a mop handle, while Arsenio Hall tells Jackson to, “Freeze, you diseased rhinoceros pizzle.” Of course Jackson is angry and of course he says f*ck . Wouldn’t you be disappointed if he didn’t? Maybe Jackson’s character would’ve benefitted from McDowell’s…errrrr… McDonald’s new “Pay With Love” campaign.

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