Web Series Actors Who Became Hollywood Stars

The digital landscape has irrevocably changed the entertainment industry. No longer are aspiring actors solely reliant on traditional routes like drama school or endless auditions for network television. The rise of web series, fueled by platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and later streaming services, has provided a fertile ground for talent to blossom. These platforms offer unprecedented creative control, low barriers to entry, and a direct line to audiences, allowing actors to hone their skills, build a following, and ultimately, launch successful Hollywood careers. This article explores several compelling examples of web series actors who leveraged their online fame into mainstream Hollywood stardom.

1. Issa Rae: The Awkward Black Girl Who Rewrote the Rules

Issa Rae’s journey is arguably the most iconic example of a web series actor transitioning into a Hollywood power player. Her groundbreaking web series, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, which debuted on YouTube in 2011, resonated deeply with audiences craving authentic representation. Rae wrote, directed, and starred in the series, portraying the relatable struggles of a young, introverted Black woman navigating work, relationships, and self-discovery. Awkward Black Girl garnered critical acclaim for its sharp wit, nuanced characters, and refreshing perspective.

The series’ success caught the attention of HBO, leading to the creation of Insecure, a critically acclaimed and commercially successful television series co-created by Rae and Larry Wilmore. Insecure built upon the themes and sensibilities of Awkward Black Girl, further solidifying Rae’s position as a leading voice in contemporary television. Beyond Insecure, Rae has starred in films like The Hate U Give, Little, and The Photograph, and has become a prolific producer through her company, Hoorae, championing diverse voices and stories. Her story is a testament to the power of creating your own opportunities and using the internet to bypass traditional gatekeepers.

2. Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer: Broad City’s Brooklyn Takeover

Before they were headlining Comedy Central, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer were the creators and stars of Broad City, a web series that captured the chaotic and hilarious lives of two young women navigating their twenties in New York City. The web series, which began in 2009, was characterized by its improvisational humor, relatable storylines, and unflinching portrayal of female friendship.

Broad City‘s online success led to a television adaptation on Comedy Central, executive produced by Amy Poehler. The television version retained the spirit of the web series while expanding its scope and production value. Broad City became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its originality, its feminist perspective, and its authentic depiction of millennial life. Since Broad City concluded, Jacobson and Glazer have pursued individual projects. Jacobson co-created and starred in the animated fantasy series Disenchantment on Netflix and has appeared in films like 6 Balloons. Glazer has starred in films like Rough Night and False Positive and continues to develop new television projects. Their success highlights the potential for web series to serve as a launching pad for comedic talent.

3. Bo Burnham: From YouTube Satire to Directorial Acclaim

Bo Burnham initially gained fame through his YouTube videos, which featured satirical songs and comedic sketches. His self-aware humor and insightful commentary on internet culture resonated with a large audience. While not strictly a web series in the traditional sense, Burnham’s consistent output and dedicated fanbase on YouTube established him as a comedic force to be reckoned with.

Burnham transitioned from YouTube to stand-up comedy, releasing several successful specials. He then made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film Eighth Grade, a coming-of-age story that captured the anxieties and awkwardness of adolescence in the digital age. Eighth Grade was praised for its authenticity, its empathy, and its understanding of the challenges faced by young people in the 21st century. Burnham has since directed and written the critically lauded Netflix special Inside, a deeply personal and introspective exploration of mental health and creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnham’s journey demonstrates how a strong online presence can pave the way for a successful career in both comedy and filmmaking.

4. Donald Glover: The Multi-Hyphenate Marvel

While Donald Glover had already achieved some success as a writer for 30 Rock, his early work on the internet, including his Derrick Comedy sketch group and his self-produced music videos, played a crucial role in shaping his unique comedic voice and building his online following. Derrick Comedy, a sketch comedy group formed at New York University, gained a significant following on YouTube for their absurdist and often provocative humor.

Glover leveraged his online presence to land roles in television shows like Community. However, it was his creation and starring role in the FX series Atlanta that truly cemented his status as a multi-hyphenate talent. Atlanta, which he writes, directs, and stars in under the moniker Childish Gambino, is a groundbreaking series that explores themes of race, identity, and the complexities of the music industry. Glover has also achieved significant success as a musician, winning multiple Grammy Awards. He has starred in films like Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Lion King, further solidifying his position as a major Hollywood star. Glover’s trajectory showcases the power of combining online creativity with traditional avenues to achieve multifaceted success.

5. Quinta Brunson: From BuzzFeed to Abbott Elementary

Quinta Brunson rose to prominence through her work at BuzzFeed, where she created and starred in numerous viral videos and web series. Her comedic timing and relatable characters quickly made her a fan favorite. Brunson’s work at BuzzFeed demonstrated her ability to connect with audiences through short-form video content.

Brunson transitioned from BuzzFeed to television, writing and starring in the series A Black Lady Sketch Show. However, it was her creation and starring role in the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary that catapulted her to mainstream success. Abbott Elementary, a mockumentary-style comedy about a group of dedicated teachers working at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia, has been praised for its humor, its heart, and its realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by educators. Brunson’s success with Abbott Elementary highlights the potential for web series experience to translate into successful network television careers.

6. Jermaine Fowler: From YouTube Sketches to Mainstream Comedy

Jermaine Fowler began his career creating comedic sketches on YouTube, showcasing his improvisational skills and his knack for creating memorable characters. His online videos gained a significant following, attracting the attention of comedy industry professionals.

Fowler transitioned from YouTube to stand-up comedy and eventually landed roles in television shows like Superior Donuts and Crashing. He has also appeared in films like Sorry to Bother You and Coming 2 America. Fowler’s journey demonstrates how a strong online presence can open doors to opportunities in stand-up comedy and television.

7. Awkwafina: From Rapping on YouTube to Hollywood Leading Lady

Awkwafina, whose real name is Nora Lum, initially gained fame for her comedic rap videos on YouTube. Her videos, which featured irreverent lyrics and a distinctive delivery, went viral, attracting a large online following.

Awkwafina leveraged her YouTube fame to launch a career in acting. She has starred in films like Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean’s 8, and The Farewell, earning critical acclaim for her performances. She also created and stars in the Comedy Central series Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, which is loosely based on her own life. Awkwafina’s success story demonstrates how a unique online persona can translate into a successful acting career.

8. King Bach: Vine Star Turned Actor

Andrew Bachelor, better known as King Bach, rose to fame on Vine, the now-defunct short-form video platform. His six-second comedic videos, which often featured physical humor and relatable scenarios, garnered millions of followers.

King Bach transitioned from Vine to acting, landing roles in television shows like Black Jesus and House of Lies. He has also appeared in films like Fifty Shades of Black and Meet the Blacks. King Bach’s success demonstrates the potential for Vine stars to transition into successful acting careers.

9. Hannah Hart: From “My Drunk Kitchen” to Author and Actress

Hannah Hart is best known for her YouTube series “My Drunk Kitchen,” where she attempts to cook while intoxicated. The series’ humor and relatable content resonated with audiences, leading to a large online following.

Hart has leveraged her YouTube fame to launch a career as an author and actress. She has written two books, My Drunk Kitchen: A Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Going with Your Gut and Buffering: Unshared Tales of a Life Fully Loaded. She has also appeared in films like Camp Takota and Dirty 30.

10. Grace Helbig: From DailyGrace to Multi-Platform Success

Grace Helbig started her career on YouTube with the channel “DailyGrace,” where she offered comedic commentary on everyday life. Her relatable personality and witty observations quickly gained her a large following.

Helbig has expanded her career beyond YouTube, hosting her own talk show, The Grace Helbig Show, on E!