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Before "ER" and "Oceans Eleven", George Clooney could be seen on TV playing what character?

George Burnett on "The Facts of Life". George Burnett was a handyman who helped Mrs. Garrett rebuild her business after a fire. In 1984-1985, Clooney was on a TV show called "E/R," which bore no relation to the later hit "ER" and starred Elliott Gould.

Which recurring TV character was played by Clint Eastwood?

Rowdy Yates on "Rawhide". Heath Barkley was played by Lee Majors. "Dr. Kildare" starred Richard Chamberlin, later to be featured in mini-series such as "Centennial" and "Thorn Birds".

Before playing "Wall Street" icon Gordon Gekko or being pursued by Glenn Close in "Fatal Attraction", Michael Douglas could be seen playing which TV character?

Inspector Steve Keller on "The Streets of San Francisco". Steve Keller's partner was played by Karl Malden. Dr. Steven Kiley was played by James Brolin.

People really, really liked Sally Field first as which TV character?

Frances Lawrence on "Gidget". A bit of a trick question - Sally Field did star in "The Flying Nun," but her name was Sister Bertrille. Frances Elizabeth Lawrence was the real name of the title character; "Gidget" was the nickname given by her father (for "girl midget"). Thalia Menninger was played by Tuesday Weld.

Before "Sex and the City", Sarah Jessica Parker could be seen on our TV sets playing what character?

Patty Greene on "Square Pegs". It's hard to recognize the glamorous actress as Patty, the smart geek with glasses. She and her best friend Lauren tried to fit in with the cool kids in high school. Sam Micelli was played by Alyssa Milano.

Before becoming Malcolm X on screen, Denzel Washington had a recurring role as which TV character?

Dr. Phillip Chandler on "St. Elsewhere". "St. Elsewhere" was about the doctors who practiced at a hospital in Boston. The show also starred Ed Begley, Jr., and Howie Mandel.

Before dancing his way through "Grease" and "Pulp Fiction", John Travolta had which role on a popular TV show?

Vinnie Barbarino on "Welcome Back, Kotter". "Fonzie" Fonzarelli was played by Henry Winkler. Blackie was played by John Stamos.

Before becoming Monica on "Friends", Courteney Cox played which character?

Lauren Miller on "Family Ties". Lauren Miller was a girlfriend of Alex Keaton, played by Michael J. Fox. Tracy Pollan also played one of Alex's girlfriends, and the two later married.

Before receiving his first Oscar nomination, Tom Hanks could be seen playing which TV character?

Buffy Wilson on "Bosom Buddies". Tom starred with Peter Scolari as friends who had to dress like women in order to get an apartment they wanted. Peter Scolari later played Stephanie's boyfriend, Michael, on "Newhart".

Before "Bullitt" or "The Great Escape", Steve McQueen starred in what TV role?

Josh Randall on "Wanted: Dead or Alive". "Wanted: Dead or Alive" aired from 1958-1961. Beau Maverick was actually played by Roger Moore. "Maverick" also starred James Garner.

Before he rescued Rose from the "Titanic", Leonardo DiCaprio played which character?

Luke Brower on "Growing Pains". Luke Brower was a homeless teen who moved in with the Seaver family. Before "Growing Pains", Leo had recurring roles on "Parenthood" and "Santa Barbara" as well as playing a classmate of Darlene's on "Roseanne".

Before taking on the role of James Bond, Pierce Brosnan played which TV character?

Remington Steele on "Remington Steele". The real name of Brosnan's character was never revealed; he just pretended to be Remington Steele, a fictional character invented by female private eye Stephanie Zimbalist. David Addison was played by Bruce Willis, opposite Cybill Shepherd.

Before "Taxi Driver", Jodie Foster could be seen playing what TV character?

Joey Kelly on "The Courtship of Eddie's Father". Jodie did appear on My Three Sons, but her character was called Priscilla Hobson. Towards the end of the show, father Steve Douglas married a woman named Beverly Harper, who had a young daughter named Dodie. Dodie was played by a different actress (Dawn Lyn).

Before "Edward Scissorhands" or "Pirates of the Caribbean", Johnny Depp starred as which TV character?

Tom Hanson on "21 Jump Street". "21 Jump Street" was about young police officers who focused on crimes related to youth, often passing as teens. Twenty years earlier, "Mod Squad" had a similar concept. Dr. Noah Drake was played by heartthrob Rick Springfield.

Before becoming Dominique Deveraux on "Dynasty", Diahann Carroll starred in which TV role?

Julia Baker on "Julia". Julia was a widowed nurse with a young child. When the show aired in 1968, it broke new ground by starring a black character with a professional job.