In 2003, Chad Michael Murray landed the lead role of Lucas Scott in the hit WB TV series, ‘One Tree Hill’. The series was the network’s most popular and highest-rated series in its broadcasting history. For his role in One Tree Hill, Chad Michael Murray managed to collect plenty of accolades and even created a book series.
The American actor also secured a number of notable deals, like an endorsement contract for MasterCard, KMart, Cingular Wireless and the Chevy Cobalt. However, Murray failed to take full advantage of his popularity to elevate his celebrity status. As happens with all teen idols, Chad Michael Murray and his fan-base aged, the young fans lost interest and CMM faded from the spotlight.
Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates immediately went into acting after she decided to move on from modelling, and made her debut as an actress in May, 1981, in the film, Paradise. The movie had the same plot as The Blue Lagoon, and the former model, now turned actress, portrayed a number of nude scenes in it, even though she was still a minor (17 years old). Phoebe also had a talent for singing, and was the voice behind the main theme song of Paradise.
Eventually, in 1982, Phoebe Cates was cast in the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High, which Rolling Stone magazine called "the most memorable bikini-drop in cinema history." That one scene alone was more than enough to turn an entire generation of young male moviegoers into actual fans. The actress also made an appearance in a couple of Gremlins films. Sadly Cates became somewhat of a movie wallflower and eventually decided to retire from acting.
Dakota Fanning
Hannah Dakota Fanning became an established Hollywood star when she was seven years old, after playing the role of Lucy Dawson, in 'I am Sam'. For her performance, the young actress was awarded a SAG award nomination at just 8 years old, making her the youngest nominee in history. She also starred in numerous other films, like 'Uptown Girls', 'Man on Fire', and 'War of the Worlds'.
Dakota Fanning is a true prodigy, who shone at an age when most of us were still sitting in school learning how to read and write. However, transitioning your career towards more mature roles can be quite challenging, as made apparent in her subpar performance as Cherie Currie in The Runaways. The verdict is still out on whether the general audience will continue to portray more mature roles, but her acting in The Alienist wasn’t all that promising.
Sam Worthington
Sam Worthington gained world recognition after he was featured in numerous minor roles in Hollywood films, like 'The Great Raid'. He also auditioned to play the iconic role of James Bond in 'Casino Royale', but ultimately lost to fellow British man, Daniel Craig.
Sam Worthington enjoyed a breakout in his Hollywood career after he was cast as the main star in 'Avatar', one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. He followed that up with a couple more blockbuster appearances, as the leading man in 'Clash of the Titans' and 'Terminator Salvation'. Surprisingly, Worthington never became a staple name of the big screen.
Leelee Sobieski
Leelee Sobieski was once considered to be cast as the character Claudia, in the movie 'Interview with the Vampire', but ultimately lost to Kirsten Dunst. Later on, the American actress would be seen in various films, like 'The Reunion', 'A Horse for Danny' and 'Jungle 2 Jungle'.
During her mid-teens, she rose to prominence and was considered as an up and coming superstar following her performances in 'Deep Impact', 'Eyes Wide Shut' and TV’s 'Joan of Arc'. But over the years, she wasn’t able to fly any higher and was even nominated for a Razzie Award! Today, many don't even know who she is.