An actor's big break can show up at any stage of life. For some entertainers, getting a huge role occurs early on in their acting pursuits.
While for other performers, a life-changing professional moment may present itself after many years of dedication, hard work, and persistence.
Here are 11 actors whose fame occurred prior to their 20th birthdays, along with 10 stars who scored major career breaks after turning 40.
1.A 14-year-old Matt Dillon was cutting class when he was discovered by a casting agent looking for kids at his school to act in Over the Edge. He was then hired to play Richie in the 1979 film, which led to his '80s teen idol status.