It was Wednesday that turned Jenna Ortega into a star. Her sharp, deadpan take on the Addams Family character made the show one of Netflix’s most-watched hits and put her at the center of pop culture. Add in her role on You Season 2, and Ortega has firmly established herself as one of Netflix’s biggest young talents. | © Netflix
Jacob Elordi first grabbed attention with Netflix’s The Kissing Booth movies, which quickly made him a favorite among teen audiences. Even if critics weren’t sold on the trilogy, it gave him the visibility to land bigger roles and high-profile brand partnerships. That early Netflix exposure paved the way for his shift into more challenging projects. | © Netflix
Jonathan Bailey really broke through when he stepped into the spotlight as Anthony in Bridgerton’s second season. Viewers connected with his sharp performance and the slow-burning romance he built with Simone Ashley’s character. While he’d been working for years, this role made him one of Netflix’s most talked-about actors in the period drama space. | © Netflix
Sofia Carson made the leap from Disney Channel to global recognition with her lead role in Netflix’s Purple Hearts. The film showcased not just her acting but also her musical talent, striking a chord with Gen Z viewers. By 2022, she was one of the most streamed actresses on the platform, securing her spot as a Netflix favorite. | © Netflix
Ben Mendelsohn had been a respected character actor in Australia, but Netflix gave him the role that changed everything. His performance as Danny Rayburn in Bloodline won him an Emmy and drew Hollywood’s attention. That success led straight to major films, including his turn as Orson Krennic in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. | © Netflix
Madelyn Cline shot to fame playing Sarah Cameron in Netflix’s hit Outer Banks. Her mix of charm and on-screen presence quickly made her a fan favorite, especially among younger audiences. Since then, she’s stepped into film roles and signed major brand deals, proving her career is only growing bigger. | © Netflix
Ellie Kemper was already familiar to fans of The Office and Bridesmaids, but Netflix took her career to the next level. Playing the endlessly upbeat title role in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt made her a household name and earned her an Emmy nomination. With Tina Fey behind the show and multiple seasons of success, Kemper cemented herself as one of Netflix’s biggest comedy stars. | © Netflix
HoYeon Jung was already known in fashion, but Squid Game made her a star around the world. Her turn as Kang Sae-byeok earned instant praise, with fans drawn to both her emotional depth and magnetic screen presence. The role not only launched her acting career but also led to major film projects and global deals with top luxury brands. | © Netflix
Krysten Ritter had been a familiar face on shows like Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls, but she was rarely the lead. That changed when she took on the title role in Jessica Jones, a part that earned awards for both her and the series itself. The show’s success pushed her into the spotlight, with more seasons and crossover projects making her one of Netflix’s standout stars. | © Netflix
Jim Jefferies had been grinding in comedy for years, but it was Netflix that finally brought his style to a wider audience. Specials like Bare and Freedumb clicked with viewers, turning him from a club comic into a name that sells out big venues. He’s since credited Netflix for the boost, while continuing to release new specials and headline festivals worldwide. | © Netflix
Phoebe Dynevor went from relative unknown to international star when she played Daphne Bridgerton in Bridgerton’s first season. Her performance struck a balance of innocence and strength, helping the show become one of Netflix’s biggest hits. Since then, she’s moved into acclaimed films and high-profile fashion work, proving her career is only gaining momentum. | © Netflix
Jon Bernthal had been around for a while, with roles in The Wolf of Wall Street, Sicario, and a run on The Walking Dead, but he was never the main attraction. That changed when he showed up as Frank Castle on Daredevil, stealing scenes and winning fans. The performance was so strong that Netflix built an entire Punisher series around him, cementing his place as one of the platform’s breakout stars. | © Netflix
Steven Avery isn’t an actor, but Netflix made him a household name with Making a Murderer. The documentary pulled viewers into his long, messy legal battles – first wrongfully convicted, then later back in prison for murder. The series sparked petitions, debates, and even a jailhouse romance, turning Avery into one of Netflix’s most talked-about subjects. | © Netflix
Mike Colter spent years taking small roles in films and TV shows before Netflix gave him his big break. Playing Luke Cage turned him from a supporting character into the star of his own series, while also landing him spots in Jessica Jones and The Defenders. The role not only boosted his career but also earned him an Image Award nomination and a wave of new fans. | © Netflix
Stranger Things was the show that made Netflix explode in 2016, and it was the kids who stole the spotlight. Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Gaten Matarazzo went from unknowns to instantly recognizable faces thanks to the mix of sci-fi scares and 80s vibes. The success opened doors to movie roles and other TV gigs, making them some of the most in-demand young actors around. | © Netflix
Some of today’s biggest names didn’t hit it big until Netflix gave them the spotlight. From breakout actors in hit series to comedians and real-life figures turned household names, these are the celebrities whose careers took off thanks to the streaming giant.
