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How
Stars Were Discovered
1.
Janet Leigh
MGM star Norma Shearer saw a photo of Janet at a
Northern Californian Ski Lodge, where her parents were
employed. She took it to the studio and Leigh was
subsequently offered a role in The Romance of Rosy Ridge
.
2.
Fatty Arbuckle
Was offered a job in the Keystone Kops comedies by Mack
Sennett after turning up to unblock his drain. Fatty was
working as a plumber's assistant at the time.
3.
John Wayne
Marion Morrison was a studio prop man, loading a truck until
he was spotted by director Raoul Walsh. He changed his name
to John Wayne and the rest is history.
4.
Charlize Theron
Theron was discovered by veteran talent manager John
Crosby in Hollywood Boulevard Bank. She caught his attention
as she threw a tantrum as the teller refused to cash an out
of town cheque for her.
5.
Mae Marsh
Marsh was in Biograph studios to see her sister when she
was spotted by director D. W. Griffith. None of his contract
players were willing to play the lead in Man's Genesis with
bared legs. Marsh had no such inhibitions and Griffith
offered the 17 year old salesgirl the role.
6.
Lana Turner
Was drinking a coke in Currie's Ice Cream Parlour when she
was approached by Billy Wilkerson, editor of the Hollywood
Reporter.
7.
Gina Lollobrigida
When stopped in the street by director Mario Costa,
Lollobrigida let out a torrent of abuse about men stopping
defenceless girls before he was able to mention that he
wanted to screen test her for Elisir d'Amore. She won the
part.
8.
Walter Brennan
Got his first break when he did a voice over for a donkey
who wouldn't bray on time!
9.
Ellen Burstyn
She was cast in the Tropic of Cancer on the basis of a
political speech that director Joseph Strick had seen her
deliver.
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