Definitions of success vary.
I recall an interview with Keifer Southerland sometime after 24 had hit it big. He was commenting that all the hype about 24 had called it “Keifer Southerland’s comeback role” and such. He was like, “Where did I go? I thought I was having a successful carreer.” He had been working on stage and doing smaller projects, not leads in movies.
What makes someone a “star” is not necessarily the quality of work, but primarily the visibility of the roles the pick and get cast for. If they aren’t interested in pursuing those visible roles, then their “stardom” suffers.
Timothy Hutton is a case in point. He starred in a TV show on A&E called “Nero Wolfe”, and now stars in a TV Show called “Leverage”. He’s absolutely awesome in both.
Thank You! I’ve been a victim of that myth.
And I’ve seen both Corvette Summer and Slipstream. With the latter, there’s a reason nobody has heard of it. Though Hamill is nearly unrecognizable, being someone bulked up and wearing a full beard.
Don’t forget Bill Paxton and Robbie Coltrane.