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10 Actors and Actresses That Were Surprising One Hit Wonders And Disappeared

Tami Stronach in The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Hollywood is the dreamland where aspiring actors and actresses come to make their mark on the world. Unfortunately, not everyone can have a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. Many talented performers have had just one Hollywood success before disappearing entirely.

Here are ten actors and actresses that fit this bill, with some background on their one-hit wonders.

1. Margaret Hamilton

Judy Garland and Margaret Hamilton in The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Image Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz is one of the most iconic performances in film history.

Despite her unique role, Hamilton only appeared in a handful of films after The Wizard of Oz. She mainly worked in television, including a recurring role on the soap opera General Hospital.

2. Kelly LeBrock

Kelly LeBrock in Weird Science (1985)
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Kelly LeBrock’s career took off after her role as Lisa in Weird Science. She was even considered one of the most beautiful actresses of her time. However, her career stalled because of personal issues. She made only a few appearances in film and television throughout the 1990s.

4. Phoebe Cates

Phoebe Cates at THE SQUID AND THE WHALE New York Film Festival Premiere, Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, New York, NY, September 26, 2005
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Phoebe Cates’ portrayal of Linda Barrett in Fast Times at Ridgemont High made her an instant sensation. However, she retired from acting in the early 1990s to focus on raising her family.

She briefly returned to the big screen in 2001’s The Anniversary Party.

5. Billy Zane

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 18: Actor Billy Zane attend the Indiana Jones premiere at the Palais des Festivals during the 61st Cannes International Film Festival on May 18, 2008 in Cannes, France
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Billy Zane’s role as Caledon Hockley in Titanic cemented him as a Hollywood heartthrob. Despite this, he has primarily worked in independent films and television since the release of the blockbuster hit.

6. Tami Stronach

Tami Stronach
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Tami Stronach’s role as the Childlike Empress in The NeverEnding Story was her only film credit. She later became a professional dancer and choreographer.

7. Jaye Davidson

Jaye Davidson in The Crying Game (1992)
Image Credit: Palace Pictures.

Jaye Davidson’s performance as Dil in The Crying Game was unforgettable. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Davidson was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.

However, despite the acclaim, Davidson never reappeared in another major Hollywood film.

8. Carrie Henn

Carrie Henn and Christopher Henn in Aliens (1986)
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Carrie Henn’s role as Rebecca “Newt” Jorden in Aliens was her only acting credit. She later became a teacher and has largely stayed out of the spotlight since her brief brush with fame.

9. Max Elliott Slade

Max Elliott Slade in 3 Ninjas (1992)
Image Credit: Touchstone Pictures.

Max Elliott Slade’s role as Colt in 3 Ninjas was his only major film credit. He continued to act in more minor roles throughout the 1990s but eventually left the industry to pursue other interests.

10. Dana Plato

Dana Plato in Diff'rent Strokes (1978)
Image Credit: Tandem Productions.

Dana Plato was a child star who achieved fame for her role as Kimberly Drummond in the TV series Diff’rent Strokes. However, after the series ended, Plato struggled to succeed in Hollywood.

She appeared in a few low-budget films, but personal struggles, including substance addiction and legal troubles, marred her career. Sadly, Plato passed away in 1999 at 34 from a drug overdose.

11. Rachael Leigh Cook

LOS ANGELES - DEC 14: Rachael Leigh Cook at the premiere of The Pale Blue Eye at the Directors Guild of America on December 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Rachael Leigh Cook’s breakout role was in the teen classic She’s All That. She played the character of Laney Boggs, the nerdy art student who gets a makeover and wins the heart of the famous guy. While Cook had a few other notable roles, none reached the success that She’s All That did.

Hollywood is a fickle industry that can make or break careers instantly. These actors and actresses were once the next big things before their careers fizzled out. However, they will always be remembered for their iconic roles and their impact on Hollywood.

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Image Credit: Gramercy Pictures.
 

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Image Credit: Shutterstock.
 

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Photo Credit: Castle Rock Entertainment
 

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Tropic Thunder Ben Stiller
Image Credit: Dreamworks.
 

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Source: Quora

Written by Boloere Seibidor

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