Major Hollywood Comebacks
They're ba-ack. Which actor's return was most triumphant?
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1
Robert Downey, Jr.
Having famously fallen off the A-list thanks to his various addictions, Downey is officially back after a string of recent successes like Iron Man. 28 48
Having famously fallen off the A-list thanks to his various addictions, Downey is officially back after a string of recent successes like Iron Man. 28 48
2
John Travolta
Thanks to an inspired turn as Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, Travolta was able to shake off the disco image that had plagued him for decades. 24 44
Thanks to an inspired turn as Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, Travolta was able to shake off the disco image that had plagued him for decades. 24 44
3
Mickey Rourke
His forceful turn in the surprise 2008 hit The Wrestler landed this one-time heartthrob an Oscar nod and a spot on mainstream radars. 19 39
His forceful turn in the surprise 2008 hit The Wrestler landed this one-time heartthrob an Oscar nod and a spot on mainstream radars. 19 39
4
Drew Barrymore
The teenage rehabber shed her bad-girl ways to re-establish herself as one of Hollywood's most ubiquitous stars. 14 44
The teenage rehabber shed her bad-girl ways to re-establish herself as one of Hollywood's most ubiquitous stars. 14 44
5
Diane Lane
After great early roles in the '80s, Lane's lack of prospects led her to vanish from the scene until a comeback turn in 2002's Unfaithful. 13 35
After great early roles in the '80s, Lane's lack of prospects led her to vanish from the scene until a comeback turn in 2002's Unfaithful. 13 35
6
Jennifer Connelly
The gorgeous Labyrinth star's prospects were less than stunning until comeback turns in Requiem for a Dream and A Beautiful Mind. 13 35
The gorgeous Labyrinth star's prospects were less than stunning until comeback turns in Requiem for a Dream and A Beautiful Mind. 13 35
7
Jason Bateman
Following his success as a teen, Bateman's career faded, only to rekindle big-time thanks to Arrested Development and Juno. 11 37
Following his success as a teen, Bateman's career faded, only to rekindle big-time thanks to Arrested Development and Juno. 11 37
8
Marlon Brando
After a long dry spell in the '70s, the Hollywood icon proved his staying power with his turn in The Godfather. 10 38
After a long dry spell in the '70s, the Hollywood icon proved his staying power with his turn in The Godfather. 10 38
9
Hilary Swank
After fading from the spotlight after her breakout in the '80s, Swank found Oscar fame thanks to Boys Don't Cry in 1999. 1 35
After fading from the spotlight after her breakout in the '80s, Swank found Oscar fame thanks to Boys Don't Cry in 1999. 1 35
10
Sarah Jessica Parker
The former teen star might have never had the chance to find Sex and the City fame had Steve Martin not cast her in L.A. Story in 1991. -8 42
The former teen star might have never had the chance to find Sex and the City fame had Steve Martin not cast her in L.A. Story in 1991. -8 42
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