From Band of Brothers to Hollywood Superstars: 10 Actors Who Skyrocketed to Staggering Success

Many members of the Band of Brothers cast have achieved remarkable success in their careers after appearing in HBO's war drama miniseries. Spanning 10 episodes, Band of Brothers chronicles the experiences of "Easy" Company, a distinguished group of American paratroopers who battled against the Germans throughout Europe in World War II. This critically acclaimed miniseries, created by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, is based on the 1992 non-fiction book of the same name by Stephen E. Ambrose, a renowned author and historian. Band of Brothers received six Primetime Emmys, including the prestigious Outstanding Miniseries award. For numerous cast members who were relatively unknown at the time, the show became a launching pad to stardom.

Remarkably, the same holds true for the veteran actors among the Band of Brothers cast, as their involvement in the miniseries opened doors to other notable roles in both film and television. Whether it be current A-list celebrities who received their breakthrough from Band of Brothers, or experienced screen legends who gained further prominence from the show in 2001, audiences might be surprised to discover which stars portrayed fictionalized versions of the real-life Easy Company paratroopers during World War II. Even after more than 20 years since the show's release, here are 10 notable actors from Band of Brothers who have gone on to achieve phenomenal success.

10 Tom Hardy

9 Michael Fassbender

Tom Hardy, an actor known for his role in Band of Brothers as John A. Janovec, made a memorable appearance in the final two episodes of the show. Aside from a scandalous encounter with a German woman witnessed by his captain, Janovec also played a pivotal role in the liberation of a Nazi concentration camp as a member of Easy Company. It was Hardy's standout performance in Band of Brothers that earned him his first major movie role as Twombly in the war drama Black Hawk Down, based on a true story. Since then, Hardy has achieved great success in the film industry with notable roles such as Eames in Inception, Tommy Conlon in Warrior, Bane in The Dark Knight Rises, Max in Mad Max: Fury Road, Farrier in Dunkirk, and Eddie Brock in Sony's Venom franchise.

Michael Fassbender portrayed Technical Sergeant Burton "Pat" Christenson in Band of Brothers, appearing in 7 episodes. Christenson, an original member of Easy Company, was seen parachuting alongside then-Lieutenant Winters (played by Damian Lewis) during the D-Day mission. Serving until the war's conclusion, Christenson's commitment mirrored that of Janovec's. Prior to his involvement in Band of Brothers, Fassbender's television experience was limited to his portrayal of Hermann in the British drama Hearts and Bones. Fassbender proceeded to take on notable roles, such as Stelios in 300, Lt. Archie Hicox in Inglorious Basterds, and the lead characters in Steve Jobs and Macbeth. However, Fassbender gained the most recognition for his portrayal of Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto in the Sony X-Men movies.

8 Luke Roberts

Luke Roberts portrayed Herbert J. Suerth in the Band of Brothers series, making a sole appearance in a single episode. In episode 5, titled "Crossroads," Suerth assumes a minor role as Captain Winters receives a promotion to Battalion XO, while Easy Company plays a part in Operation Pegasus. This marked Luke Roberts' inaugural television role, preceding subsequent performances as Captain Dan Peterson in the airline drama Mile High, Harry Norris in Wolf Hall, and ultimately as Woodes Rogers in Black Sails. Additionally, Roberts took on the roles of Ser Arthur Dayne in Game of Thrones and Thomas Wayne in The Batman, yet he is best known as Eric Beaumont in Ransom and Joseph Byrne/Daniel Fryer in Holby City.

7 James McAvoy

Private James W. Miller, portrayed by James McAvoy, appears in the fourth episode of Band of Brothers, titled "Replacements." Joining Easy Company as a new recruit, Private Miller faces criticism from the seasoned veterans for wearing the Presidential unit citation ribbon despite not being present during the D-Day invasion. Prior to his role in Band of Brothers, McAvoy had limited credits in television and film. However, he later achieved notable success with prominent roles in movies such as The Last King of Scotland, where he played Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, Wanted, where he portrayed Wesley, and in Sony's X-Men franchise, where he took on the role of Charles Xavier. Additionally, McAvoy can be seen in the TV series His Dark Materials, playing the character of Lord Asriel.

6 Jimmy Fallon

5 Colin Hanks

: In Band of Brothers episode 5, "Crossroads," Jimmy Fallon takes on the role of Lt. George C. Rice. Rice pays a brief visit to Easy Company's location to deliver ammunition and remarks, "Looks like you guys are going to be surrounded." Captain Winters responds, "As paratroopers, lieutenant, we are expected to be surrounded," as Rice drives away, wishing them good luck. Known for his long-standing presence on Saturday Night Live since 1998, Fallon's appearance in Band of Brothers was followed by notable leading roles in Taxi and Fever Pitch. Additionally, Fallon has portrayed himself in numerous live-action and animated films, specials, and series, most notably as the host of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Lt. Henry Jones, portrayed by Colin Hanks, joined the cast of Band of Brothers, appearing in two episodes towards the conclusion of the series. Following the intense Battle of the Bulge, Jones, a West Point graduate, assumes the role of the replacement leader for the Second Platoon in Easy Company. Initially facing skepticism from his comrades due to his lack of experience, Jones proves his worth by fearlessly participating in a perilous patrol mission. Prior to his role in Band of Brothers, Hanks had a minor part in That Thing You Do!, and he also portrayed Alex Whitman in Roswell. Hanks has since gained recognition as a television star, notably playing Bob Broberg in A Friend of the Family, Greg in Life in Pieces, Gus Grimly in Fargo, and Jack Bailey in The Good Guys.

4 Damian Lewis

One of the lead stars in the Band of Brothers cast, Damian Lewis portrays Richard D. Winters in every one of the 10 episodes. Serving as a remarkable combat leader, Lieutenant Winters guides Easy Company through the events of D-Day, rises to the rank of captain prior to Operation Market Garden, and ultimately attains the prestigious rank of major. Prior to participating in Band of Brothers, Damian Lewis made appearances in various television shows, including Warriors, Life Force, and Hearts and Bones. Following his iconic portrayal of Winters, Lewis went on to captivate audiences with his roles as Soames Forsyte in The Forsyte Saga, and Charlie Crews in Life. Presently, some of Damian Lewis' most renowned characters include Nicholas Brody in Homeland, Bobby Axelrod in Billions, and Nicholas Elliot in A Spy Among Friends.

3 Ron Livingston

Ron Livingston, another standout performer in the Band of Brothers ensemble, takes on the role of Captain Lewis Nixon. Nixon is a memorable character who appears in all 10 episodes of the series. Notably, he plays a pivotal role on D-Day, has a fondness for Vat 69 whisky, and is the one who delivers the news of Adolf Hitler's demise to Easy Company. Livingston had already established himself as a successful actor in the 1990s, portraying Allen Ginsberg in Beat, Peter in Office Space, and Kurt Pettiglio in Townies. While his portrayal of Henry Allen in The Flash remains his most prominent role to date, he can also be seen in the television series A Million Little Things as Jonathan Dixon and in Loudermilk as Sam Loudermilk.

2 Dexter Fletcher

1 Simon Pegg

Staff Sergeant John W. Martin, portrayed by Dexter Fletcher, played a significant role in the Band of Brothers series. Throughout the show, Martin is present in all episodes except the second. He served as a committed member of Easy Company, participating in crucial military operations such as D-Day, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. His dedication led him to fight in Germany and Austria until his honorable discharge following the war. Prior to his role in Band of Brothers, Dexter Fletcher had a successful acting career in the '80s and '90s, showcasing his talent in notable films such as Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Doom, and Kick-Ass. Not only an accomplished actor, Fletcher also directed acclaimed movies like Wild Bill, Sunshine on Leith, Ghosted, and the Elton John biographical film Rocketman.

First Sergeant William S. Evans is Simon Pegg's character in Band of Brothers. He appears in the initial two episodes, willingly joining as a paratrooper to protect his siblings from the military draft. After completing his training, Evans is promoted to the rank of a sergeant. Unfortunately, he becomes one of the first casualties. Prior to his role in Band of Brothers, Simon Pegg had already gained recognition for his comedic talent, featuring as Tim Bisley in Spaced and the British sketch comedy series We Know Where You Live. Pegg is also widely known for his roles in "The Cornetto Trilogy" - Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World's End. Additionally, he portrays Hughie's father in The Boys.