11 Audition Tapes That Made Now-Famous Actors’ Careers

2 minute read

Before they were famous, Hollywood’s A-list stars had to audition for their breakout roles. From Rachel McAdam’s infamous Notebook audition to the screen test for the role that made Matthew McConaughey a star, here are 10 famous audition tapes.

Warning: These videos may contain graphic language.

Miley Cyrus’ audition for Hannah Montana

Rachel McAdams’ audition for The Notebook

Aaron Paul’s audition for Breaking Bad

Matthew McConaughey’s audition for Dazed and Confused

Hugh Jackman’s audition for X-Men

Emma Stone’s audition for Easy A

Russell Brand’s (improvised!) audition for Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Rose Byrne’s audition for Get Him to the Greek

Steve Carell’s audition for Anchorman

Seth Rogen’s audition for Freaks & Geeks

Ellen Page’s audition for Juno

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Write to Eliana Dockterman at eliana.dockterman@time.com