#8: Breakthrough Film Role

Beatty’s big break came with Splendor in the Grass (1961), directed by Elia Kazan. Starring opposite Natalie Wood, he played Bud Stamper, a young man struggling with societal expectations and forbidden love. The film was a hit, showcasing Beatty’s emotional range.

His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year, solidifying his reputation as a serious actor. The film’s themes of repression and heartbreak resonated with audiences, and Beatty’s brooding screen presence drew comparisons to James Dean.