Clarence Maclin From Sing Sing and 4 Other Nonprofessional Actors Who Outshined A-List Stars

Acting requires certain skills, innate talents, and, of course, special training. However, even in Hollywood, there are exceptions when people who have nothing to do with this art and the world of show business become real screen stars.

1. Clarence Maclin – Sing Sing (2024)

Drama Sing Sing follows a group of inmates who participate in a social program called Rehabilitation Through the Arts and spontaneously form an entire theater troupe.

The film is based on the real-life rehabilitation program. In addition to Colman Domingo, the film stars participants in that very program: Clarence Maclin and Jon-Adrian Velasquez.

The former was particularly memorable to viewers and critics for his penetrating performance.

2. Darlene Cates – What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

It's no easy task to fit in with Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio, but Darlene Cates has done it.

Cates has struggled with various chronic illnesses and weight loss her entire life. In the early 90's, she participated in a TV show where she spoke openly about her weight problems.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape director Lasse Hallström happened to see the show and became interested in Darlene's story – the woman was perfect for his new movie. Cates practically played herself – a woman suffering from pathological depression.

3. Vinnie Jones – Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Former soccer player Vinnie Jones owes his movie career to Guy Ritchie, who invited him to star in his 1998 debut, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Jones got the role of the criminal for a reason – by the end of the last century, he had firmly established himself as a villain in the English sports media. Thanks to his colorful image, Jones quickly became a star whose appearance on camera is always accompanied by applause.

4. Katy O'Brian – Love Lies Bleeding (2004)

Early last year saw the release of Rose Glass' indie horror film Love Lies Bleeding, which tells the story of two women and their confrontation with provincial mobsters.

Unlike Kristen Stewart, Katy O'Brian is a complete newcomer to the film industry, with the exception of small roles in The Mandalorian and Z Nation. At a young age, O'Brian became interested in sports and later became a martial arts master.

She competed in bodybuilding competitions twice and even worked as a police officer. In Love Lies Bleeding, O'Brian plays an athlete preparing for an important bodybuilding competition.

5. Ronald Lee Ermey – Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Retired infantry instructor and Vietnam War veteran Ronald Lee Ermey came to the big screen by accident, largely because of his profession. Ermey was usually offered supporting roles directly related to the military.

Stanley Kubrick noticed Ermey in the film The Boys in Company C, his acting debut. A few years later, Ermey appeared in Francis Ford Coppola's war drama Apocalypse Now, where he had a cameo role as a helicopter pilot.

Ermey first came on Full Metal Jacket as a consultant, but Kubrick later offered him the role of Hartman.