12. Samantha Barks
The transition from stage to screen is an often a long and frustrating career move for an actor (and more often than not, does not work). Throw in getting you start on a reality TV show contest and the odds are stacked heavily against you. But Samantha Barks, the young singer/actress from Britains Isle of Man, has defied all those formidable odds. Quickly working her way up the ranks, Banks eventually landed the role of ponine in the West End production of Les Misérables, one of the most known and beloved musicals in the world. So when a big film production of the famous musical was announced, some big names were discussed in connection for the role of ponine including Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Swift, Evan Rachel Wood, and Lea Michele. No one mentioned Barks name, that is until she was actually cast, much to the surprise of Hollywood. In the end, it certainly looks like director Tom Hooper made the right choice.
Whats Next: A British musical called Walking on Sunshine w/ Gemma Arterton & Kylie Minogue.