Before they were famous

The humble beginnings of Australia's superstars

Everybody had to start somewhere. Before the Oscars, before the Grammys, the likes of Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, Geoffrey Rush and Kylie Minogue were just aspiring young talents looking for an opportunity... and they got it! These are not necessarily the first appearances by these now famous actors and singers, but they certainly capture the early talent, charm, hopes and dreams that would ultimately take them to the top.

Manager On The Case

A baby-faced Russell Crowe plays Norman Courtney, the 'injured employee' in this short film about the Commonwealth Agency rehabilitation program.

Nicole Kidman, wearing her school trackies, in a scene from Winners (episode Room to Move)

Winners: Room to Move (1985)

Nicole Kidman, in the tradermark curls of her early years as an actress, stars in a telemovie which was criticised at the time for 'undermining parental authority'.

A young Kylie Minogue leaning on Bradley Kilpatrick's shoulder, in an episode of The Henderson Kids

The Henderson Kids, series 1 episode 2

Kylie Minogue in her first lead role as Charlotte 'Char' Kernow.

Geoffrey Rush, looking angry and wearing a headset microphone on the stage of the Sydney Opera House

Geoffrey Rush in Starstruck

In a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance, Geoffrey Rush plays the stage manager during the Sydney Opera House finale of Gillian Armstrong's Starstruck.

Jacki Weaver, smiling and holding a box of 'Rice Krinkles', featuring her face on the front. In the box, Jacqui is seen eating the product.

Jacki Weaver advertising Rice Krinkles

In the early days of advertising corporate brands identified the teenage market as a growing business opportunity, and recurred to pop stars as a way to enter the world of youth culture.

David Wenham, wearing a singlet, working in a kitchen manufacturing workshop

Don't Touch Wood!

David Wenham plays a tradie with no sense of professionalism or customer service, bringing down his mate's struggling kitchen manufacturing business.

Noise

Bryan Brown stars as a factory worker and aspiring foreman who must make a decision between being bullied at work, or risk losing his hearing.

Zoe Carides and Ben Mendelhson stare at each other at the entrance of a night club. There are blue neon signs reading 'S Club' on both sides of the door. Paul Gleeson stands behind them.

The Insiders - A Journey Through Form S

Zoe Carides and Ben Mendelsohn star in an instructional video for high school kids, teaching them why they should do their tax return, and how to fill out the corresponding form.

Out Of Control

This dramatised film features Noah Taylor in one of his first roles, as a teenage drug dealer.

Jack Thompson in an office, wearing a tie

Case Histories in Supervision, episode 2: By-Pass

One of Jack Thompsons earliest roles, as a young designer frustrated at a manager who refuses to recognise his good ideas.

One Good Reason

Bill Hunter features as Major Tom Archer in this film about the dilemma of an army major who is considering resigning to take a job in private enterprise.

Before they were famous