Before Hollywood, Ozzie-born Eric Bana starred in the Australian sketch comedy series Full Frontal. He started attracting Hollywood interest after his part in the war film Black Hawk Down in 2001 and the lead title in Hulk in 2003. Since then, he landed prominent roles in various movies like Troy in 2004, blockbusters like Munich, in 2005, Star Trek in 2009, and Deliver Us from Evil in 2013.
Following heavy disappointments with Hulk and Troy, critics were in doubt about Eric Bana’s bankability in high-profile films. The Hulk character concept, for one, was rebooted a number of times, although Eric’s performance was not at fault. Since the two big movie busts, Bana has made memorable supporting appearances in Star Trek and Hanna, although he deserves to be a prominent leading actor.
Armie Hammer
Armie Hammer became popular for his role in 'The Social Network' film and is best known for portraying lead character roles in the films The Lone Ranger', 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' and 'Mine'. He was nominated for a SAG award for his role in the biographical movie, 'J. Edgar'. The American actor also enjoyed acclaim from critics and several nominations for his part in the film, 'Call Me by Your Name'.
With his good looks and charm, Armie Hammer had the makings of a prominent lead actor in films, but, as it turned out, he was only best suited for supporting roles. He had his chance to be the main man but didn’t quite succeed, and it’s maybe safe to say that his window of opportunity has closed permanently at this point.
Clive Owen
Like a more suave Colin Farrel, and also with a similar narrative, Clive Owen shot to stardom as another British adonis in Hollywood. The actor was leading action-packed and critically acclaimed actions and dramas but then swiftly settled into smaller niche films. Instantly, he went from the next possible on the verge A-lister to hardly seen.
One's status can change ever so quickly and drastically in Hollywood. You never know where you're going to end up. This year he did land the role of Bill Clinton in American Crime Story, but we have yet to see that so our opinions are subject to change.
Bridget Fonda
The American actress is widely recognized for her performance in numerous films, like The Godfather Part III, Single White Female, Singles, Point of No Return, It Could Happen to You, and Jackie Brown. Bridget Fonda earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for performing Mandy Rice-Davies in the 1989 film, Scandal, and was the voice of Jenna in the 1995 animated film, Balto.
As the daughter of Peter Fonda, niece of Jane Fonda, and granddaughter of Henry Fonda, Bridget Fonda also comes from a line of film royalty. She eventually took a different route though, tying the knot with Danny Elfman and channeling all her time and energy on rearing her family. Today, the once-promising actress is retired and walks on the red carpet only when she’s around her husband Danny Elfman.
Thora Birch
Thora Birch became an instant star in her very first film appearance in the movie Purple People Eater in 1988, for which she garnered a Young Artist Award for "Best Young Actress Under Nine Years of Age". She would then reinforce her status as a child star with outstanding performances in a number of films, such as All I Want for Christmas, Patriot Games, Hocus Pocus, Monkey Trouble, Now and Then, and Alaska.
Hailed as an indie-film heroine for her performance in Ghost World and American Beauty. Thora Birch received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for her work in the former and a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the latter. Unfortunately, she didn’t go beyond that. And as it turned out, Ghost World supporting actress Scarlett Johansson became an even bigger star than her!