Hollywood has a reputation for chewing ’em up and spitting ’em out — but first, a few actors who make come-from-behind moves that revitalize their careers with knockout performances. These significant moments not only help refract their legacies, but serve to remind us, the viewers, why these stars captivated us in the first place. Below are some of Hollywood’s most memorable returns to form.
A national treasure in the making, Robert Downey Jr.’s career was thrown off course by drug and legal troubles. By the mid-2000s, many in Hollywood had written him off as a lost cause. Then came Iron Man, a role that appeared tailor-made for his wit, charm and emotional range. Downey’s performance as Tony Stark didn’t signal just a comeback — it was the cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one of the most successful franchises in movie history. Not only did this role rehabilitate Downey’s image, it also propelled him into superstardom, earning him universal acclaim.
John Travolta experienced meteoric success in the 1970s with *Saturday Night Fever* and *Grease*, but by the late 1980s, his career had stalled. Enter Quentin Tarantino’s *Pulp Fiction*, a film that showcased Travolta’s range and reintroduced him as a leading man. His performance as Vincent Vega, a smooth but slightly bumbling hitman, earned him an Oscar nomination and revitalized his career, leading to a string of hits like *Face/Off* and *Get Shorty*.
### 3. **Mickey Rourke in *The Wrestler* (2008)**
Mickey Rourke’s career in the 1980s was marked by critically acclaimed performances, but his transition to professional boxing in the 1990s left his career and body in tatters. Darren Aronofsky’s *The Wrestler* offered Rourke a chance to shine as a washed-up wrestler grappling with the aftermath of his fame. His raw, deeply personal performance resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning him a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. The role reestablished Rourke as one of Hollywood’s most compelling talents.
### 4. **Drew Barrymore in *Scream* (1996)**
Drew Barrymore’s early success as a child star in *E.T.* was overshadowed by struggles with addiction and personal turmoil in her teenage years. In the 1990s, she rebuilt her career with a series of strong roles, starting with Wes Craven’s *Scream*. Although her character was killed off early, her performance set the tone for the entire film and reminded audiences of her charisma and talent. This marked the beginning of a successful era for Barrymore, including hits like *The Wedding Singer* and *Charlie’s Angels*.
### 5. **Matthew McConaughey in *Dallas Buyers Club* (2013)**
Known primarily for his romantic comedies, Matthew McConaughey’s career seemed stuck in a rut until he embarked on a “McConaissance.” His transformative role in *Dallas Buyers Club*, where he played Ron Woodroof, a man battling AIDS and the medical establishment, earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The performance redefined his career, leading to more dramatic roles in films like *Interstellar* and the critically acclaimed series *True Detective*.
### 6. **Ben Affleck in *Argo* (2012)**
After a series of box office disappointments and personal controversies, Ben Affleck’s career seemed to be on shaky ground. With *Argo*, a film he directed and starred in, Affleck not only regained his footing but also cemented his place as a talented filmmaker. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Affleck’s understated performance as CIA operative Tony Mendez reminded audiences of his acting prowess.
### Conclusion
Hollywood loves a comeback story, and these performances prove that true talent never fades. With determination and the right opportunity, actors can overcome adversity and remind the world of their brilliance. These stars turned setbacks into stepping stones, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history.