Many people from Generation X have fond memories of ABC Afterschool Specials. This captivating series, which began in 1972 and aired for 25 years, transported viewers into a world of excitement and intrigue. Despite their modest budgets, these educational programs tackled important and sometimes taboo subjects like love and adventure, using gripping and relatable stories. These episodes from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s showcased a remarkable array of young talent, many of whom went on to become Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Back then, aspiring teen actors often kick-started their careers through their appearances in these specials. This incredible opportunity not only opened doors for them but also catapulted them into the spotlight, giving them the recognition they deserved. It’s fascinating to discover the surprising journey of actors who made their debut in these afternoon gems. Brace yourself for a delightful revelation as you uncover the hidden gems that emerged from these specials.
1. Ben Affleck Played A 13-Year-Old Who Tries To Find Companionship For His Lonely Single Mom In ‘Wanted: The Perfect Guy’
Ben Affleck, together with his buddy Matt Damon, snagged an Academy Award for their writing chops in the 1997 dramedy Good Will Hunting. Affleck has had a solid and diverse career in the entertainment industry, wearing multiple hats as an actor, writer, and director. He’s tackled everything from gripping biographical dramas like Argo to taking on the iconic role of Batman in the DCEU.
Back in the day, one of Affleck’s earliest gigs was in the 1986 Afterschool Special called “Wanted: The Perfect Guy.” In this flick, he played the role of Danny Coleman, a smart and sassy teenager who sets out on a mission to find the ideal romantic partner for his single mom, portrayed by the talented Madeline Kahn. To achieve this, the 13-year-old Danny boldly places a personal ad on behalf of his mother, in the quest for “the perfect guy.”
2. Lauryn Hill Had A Supporting Role In ‘Daddy’s Girl’ Before Her Massive Singing Career Took Off
In the 1990s, Lauryn Hill made a significant impact in the rap world by showing that females could dominate the scene. She was the lead singer of the R&B/hip-hop group The Fugees. However, Hill decided to venture into a solo career and released her highly successful album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, in 1998. This album not only earned her five Grammy Awards but also sold over 20 million records worldwide.
Before breaking the gender barriers in hip hop, Hill tried her hand at acting. She got her first professional acting role in an Afterschool Special called “Daddy’s Girl.” In this special, Hill played the role of the best friend to a teenager, played by Elise Neal, who reconnects with her father after he had left the family years earlier.
3. Marisa Tomei’s Character In ‘Supermom’s Daughter’ Preferred To Study To Be A Nursery School Teacher Rather Than Go To MIT For College
Marisa Tomei began her journey in the entertainment industry with a role in the spin-off of The Cosby Show, called A Different World. It didn’t take long for Tomei to receive the highest recognition in the film industry – an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She earned this prestigious award for her remarkable portrayal of Mona Lisa Vito in the 1992 comedy My Cousin Vinny, where she brilliantly depicted the struggles of a woman facing the pressures of her biological clock.
In addition to these notable achievements, Tomei had the opportunity to showcase her talent in the 1987 Afterschool Special titled “Supermom’s Daughter.” In this production, she played the role of Noelle, a bright high school senior who gains acceptance into MIT. However, instead of pursuing a prestigious education, Noelle aspires to become a nursery school teacher and prefers to attend a local state college. This choice creates a significant conflict between her and her ambitious single mom, portrayed by Barbara Bosson, who works as a news anchor.
Marisa Tomei’s early career is marked by diverse roles that allowed her to display her versatility and skill as an actress. From her start in A Different World to her Oscar-winning performance in My Cousin Vinny, she has consistently captivated audiences with her talent.
4. A 27 Year Old Viggo Mortensen Played A High School Dealer Who Got Busted In ‘High School Narc’
Viggo Mortensen, who’s been nominated for an Academy Award three times, is widely recognized for his exceptional portrayal of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and his memorable performance in David Cronenberg’s A History Of Violence.
But before achieving tremendous fame in the film industry, Mortensen actually played the role of a high school stoner and dealer who ends up getting caught by an undercover cop, portrayed by Michael E. Knight, in the 1985 movie “High School Narc.” It’s worth noting that Mortensen was already 27 years old at the time, yet he convincingly portrayed a teenager, showcasing his impressive acting skills.
5. Jessica Alba And Freddie Prinze Jr.’s Characters Learned The Consequences Of Not Wearing A Condom In ‘Too Soon For Jeff’
In 1996, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jessica Alba made their first appearances in the Afterschool Special. They played Jeff and Christy, a high school couple, in the episode titled “Too Soon for Jeff.” Jeff, being a bit careless, thinks it’s no big deal if he doesn’t use a condom. Well, Christy ends up getting pregnant, and that’s when the reality hits them hard – becoming a parent means giving up your whole life.
The next year, Prinze Jr. stepped into the limelight with the popular teen slasher film, I Know What You Did Last Summer. He then ventured into the realm of high school romance in the 1999 movie She’s All That. Meanwhile, Alba took on the lead role in the TV series Dark Angel when she was just 19 years old. Later on, she also co-starred in Fantastic Four and Sin City.
6. Rob Lowe Played A Teen Who Gets A Girl Pregnant At Summer Camp In ‘Schoolboy Father’
In the 1980s, Rob Lowe gained immense popularity as a heartthrob and member of the Brat Pack. He captured the hearts of many as a teen idol. However, Lowe’s talent goes beyond his good looks. He has showcased his impressive acting skills in both serious and comedic roles, such as his remarkable performance in The West Wing and his impeccable comic timing in Parks & Recreation.
But before becoming the irresistible dreamboat of Generation X, Lowe started his career by starring in two ABC Afterschool Specials. One of these specials, called “Schoolboy Father,” aired in the 1980s. Lowe portrays a 16-year-old named Charles who finds out that a fling he had at summer camp has resulted in the birth of a child. The mother of the baby wants to put the child up for adoption, but Charles has other plans. He decides he wants to take custody of the baby. However, Charles soon discovers that juggling the responsibilities of high school life and being a single dad is far more challenging than he ever imagined.
In 1981, Lowe also had a supporting role in another ABC Afterschool Special titled “A Matter of Time.” This special revolves around a teenage girl whose mother is battling cancer. Lowe’s character plays a significant role in this emotionally charged story.
These Afterschool Specials were among Lowe’s early acting endeavors, showcasing his talent even at a young age. They provided him with opportunities to explore different characters and showcase his range as an actor.
7. Val Kilmer’s Character In ‘One Too Many’ Made The Tragic Decision To Drive Drunk
Val Kilmer quickly rose to fame as a movie star in the 80s. Starting with comedies like Top Secret! and Real Genius, Kilmer’s talent shone through. However, it was his role as Ice, Maverick’s rival turned co-pilot in Top Gun, that really propelled his career.
Just before his Hollywood breakthrough, Kilmer showcased his acting prowess in the 1985 Afterschool Special “One Too Many,” which addressed the serious issue of drunk driving. In the film, Kilmer portrayed Eric, a teenager who tragically decides to drive after consuming too much alcohol. The Afterschool Special also featured future stars Michelle Pfeiffer and Mare Winningham.
8. Helen Hunt’s Character In ‘Desperate Lives’ Took Angel Dust Then Jumped Through A Window
Helen Hunt, known for her incredible acting talent, achieved great success in both television and film. She won four Primetime Emmy Awards for her role as Jamie Buchman in the long-running NBC comedy Mad About You. In 1997, she took her skills to the big screen and starred alongside Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets, for which she received an Academy Award.
Hunt’s TV career began with smaller roles, but she soon landed a significant part in the 1982 movie “Desperate Lives.” Her character faced peer pressure and ended up taking PCP, leading her to believe she could fly and ultimately jumping out a window. Hunt humorously referenced this made-for-TV movie during her monologue as the host of Saturday Night Live in 1993, calling it a turning point in her acting career and highlighting its focus on the dangers of angel dust.
9. Sarah Jessica Parker Became A Princess In ‘The Almost Royal Family’
Sarah Jessica Parker is widely known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw on the popular HBO series Sex and the City. She gained recognition for her portrayal of the fashion-forward sex columnist. In addition to her successful television career, Parker has also appeared in various movies. Some notable films she has co-starred in include Honeymoon in Vegas, Hocus Pocus, and The First Wives Club.
Parker’s acting journey started with a role in the 1984 Afterschool Special called “The Almost Royal Family.” This particular episode, part of Season 13, revolves around a teenager named Suzanne Henderson, played by Parker. Suzanne, a New York City resident, is infatuated with Princess Diana and her glamorous life. Unexpectedly, Suzanne’s family inherits a small island in the remote St. Lawrence River. However, this island becomes the center of a border dispute between Canada and the United States. To make things interesting, the Hendersons decide to declare themselves a sovereign state and create their own unique brand of royalty.
10. Michelle Pfeiffer’s Character In ‘One Too Many’ Was In The Car During A Fatal Accident Caused By Teen Drunk Driving
Michelle Pfeiffer made a name for herself in Hollywood by delivering outstanding performances in movies like Dangerous Liaisons and The Fabulous Baker Boys, which even earned her an Academy Award nomination. But even before her rise to A-list status, she had already made her mark with two notable films, Grease 2 and Scarface. It was during this time that she also appeared in the 1985 Afterschool Special called “One Too Many” alongside Val Kilmer.
In “One Too Many,” Pfeiffer portrays the character of Annie, who finds herself in a car with Eric (played by Val Kilmer) after he has consumed an excessive amount of alcohol. Unfortunately, Eric’s reckless decision leads to a tragic accident with fatal consequences.
11. Jodie Foster Starred In Three Afterschool Specials In The 1970s
Jodie Foster, known for her successful career in show business, began her journey at a very young age. At just three years old, she made her debut in the TV sitcom Mayberry R.F.D. and continued to work steadily in television for the next decade. However, it was her role as a teenage prostitute in Martin Scorsese’s neo-noir film Taxi Driver in 1976 that truly catapulted her into the big screen.
Remarkably, this breakthrough happened only a year after her third appearance in an ABC Afterschool Special. Foster’s controversial performance in Taxi Driver earned her an Oscar nomination, showcasing her immense talent and versatility.
Prior to her transition into more mature acting roles, Foster honed her skills in three ABC Afterschool Specials: “Alexander” (1973), “Rookie of the Year” (1973), and “The Secret Life of T.K.” (1975). Among these, “Rookie of the Year” garnered the most acclaim, where Foster portrayed a young girl with a strong desire to join her brother’s Little League team. This particular episode received recognition and won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Special, further highlighting Foster’s ability to captivate audiences with her performances.
