For years it seemed blondes were the only ones who could get recognition in Hollywood. For brunette actresses, it seemed as though minor roles or serious roles were the only parts offered. However, in recent years, brunettes are getting more recognition than ever before. Actresses such as Angelina Jolie, Mila Kunis, and Natalie Portman are giving other actresses extreme competition as they showcase their abilities to play a variety of roles in the film industry.
–Angelina Jolie–
Angelina Jolie was initially known for her ties to father Jon Voight. However, Jolie did not use her last name of Voight to launch her career. Like many aspiring actresses, Jolie went through the audition process and was often overlooked for parts. However, after performing in a few student films for her brother, as well as a few music videos, Jolie was finally cast in the film “Hackers” in 1995. Critics took notice of Jolie’s performance in “Hackers.” After starring in a few more independent and made-for-television films, Jolie starred in the HBO film “Gia,” a film about model Gia Carangi. Jolie won a Golden Globe for her role.
After filming “Gia,” Jolie decided to pursue film-making at New York University. In 1999, she appeared in the film “Girl, Interrupted.” Jolie eventually rose to international fame when she took the role of Lara Croft in the “Tomb Raider” films. Since her success, Jolie has become a force in Hollywood. While she has let her acting career take a backseat to her family, she is still one of the most sought-after, well-known actresses in Hollywood.
Jolie recently began experimenting with film directing instead of acting. While she has the ability to immerse herself in the role she is acting, Jolie has proven she is more than just an actress.
— Mila Kunis —
Known for her role as Jackie Burkhart on “That 70s Show,” Mila Kunis has become one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. She had a breakout role in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” opposite Jason Segel and gained international recognition for her role in “Black Swan.” Kunis has a broad acting range with the ability to play both serious and comedic roles.
Kunis was born in the former Soviet Union. At the age of seven, she moved to America with her parents. Due to her shyness and difficulty speaking English, Kunis was enrolled in acting classes at the age of nine. Kunis was first recognized when she played the younger version of Gia Carangi in the HBO film “Gia.” By 1998, Kunis had landed her breakout role as Jackie Burkhart in “That 70s Show.” Kunis also took on the voice role of Meg on “Family Guy.” Once “That 70s Show” ended in 2006, Kunis began to focus on developing her film career. In addition to her film career, Kunis also continues to voice the role of Meg on “Family Guy.”
For many people, it was surprising to see Kunis play such drastic roles in various films. However, she has proven that she is more than just a sitcom star thanks to her diverse film roles.
— Natalie Portman —
Natalie Portman was young when she achieved success. At the age of thirteen, Portman was cast in “Leon (aka The Professional).” The film was Portman’s first film role. Portman played in several other films until she was cast as Padma Amidala in the “Star Wars” prequel films. As Portman pursued her acting career, she also pursued her degree at Harvard University. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2003. Portman is known for her dedication to acting. However, in 2008 Portman made her directorial debut with the film “Eve.” In 2010, Portman won an Oscar for her role in “Black Swan” opposite Mila Kunis.
With her dedication to the film industry, as well as her beauty, and intelligence, Portman is on the path to creating a memorable and lasting career for herself.
What Brunettes are Bringing to Hollywood
Brunette actresses are bringing more than just acting to Hollywood. While Jolie, Kunis, and Portman are three of the most well-known actresses in Hollywood, they have also paved the way for more actresses who are serious about the art of film, and acting. Through performers such as Jolie, Kunis, and Portman, other actresses are realizing it is acceptable to break the stereotype that only blonde-haired women and redheads have a place in Hollywood. While all three women are entertainers, they each manage to set themselves apart from others in the industry. With role models such as these, hopefully other actresses will have what it takes to destroy the stereotypes in Hollywood.
