The announcing of Supernatural’s prequel, The Winchesters, has fans revisiting the original series to refresh their memories before its release. While watching, audiences may spot some familiar faces that, at the time, weren’t so familiar! Supernatural's immense popularity made it a great place for budding actors to get some recognition and screentime. Some of these "small" actors would go on to star in some of Hollywood's major films and television shows.
During their stints on Supernatural, they were merely minor characters, only appearing on an episode or two. Although it's not likely that any of these names would play such minuscule parts now, it is fun to look back on their careers and see where they got their start before they became the stars they are now.
Ashley Benson
Ashley Benson, known for her role as Hanna Marin from ABC's Pretty Little Liars, played a very different type of role in Supernatural. She appears in season 4, episode 7 as high-school student Tracy Davis, but she is no ordinary teenager. After some investigation by Dean and Sam, they learn Tracy is a six-hundred-year-old evil and murderous witch with immense power. Although Tracy is killed by the end of the episode, this small role helped Benson become a more notable actor. She went on to have a very successful career when she landed the Pretty Little Liars gig just two years later in 2010. Her success saw her starring in other highly popular titles like the film Spring Breakers (2013) alongside big names like Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens. She continues to act and currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
Alden Ehrenreich
Alden Ehrenreich appears in season 1, episode 2 of Supernatural. Ehrenreich was discovered by none other than Steven Spielberg, and it was through meeting with him that he was able to start acting seriously. He plays Ben Collins, the younger brother of Haley and Tommy Collins, the latter of whom goes missing during a camping trip. Ben and his sister rescue Tommy from a mineshaft guarded by a terrifying Wendigo, accompanied by Dean and Sam. This was just the start for Ehrenreich and his acting career - the LA-born actor went on to star as the legendary Han Solo in the film Solo: A Star Wars Story, as well as in the Coen brother's film Hail, Caesar! with other big names like George Clooney and Scarlett Johansson. Ehrenreich's career continues to flourish, and he's set to star in multiple films coming out soon.
Dustin Milligan
Dustin Milligan played "Ghostfacer" Alan J. Corbett in season 3, episode 13 of the series. His character was involved with the fan-favorite group of ghosthunters who document their investigations for public viewing. This is the only episode he features in as he is killed by a vengeful ghost while interning for the Ghostfacers.
His appearance in the show led to much bigger roles; he starred in the hit television series 90210 as Ethan Ward just after Supernatural. He is best-known for playing the loveable Ted Mullens on Schitt's Creek. His success in television saw him starring in several films as well, some of which are still in post-production. Currently, he plays Josh Carter in the successful sitcom Rutherford Falls.
Sterling K. Brown
Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2018 - a huge honor amongst actors. That being said, Brown is undeniably one of Supernatural's most famous guest stars ever featured.
His character ultimately faced his demise via decapitation, but Brown had a great run on the show. Since his stint on the series, he's become an elite Hollywood actor and was even named one ofLauren Cohan
Lauren Cohan, made famous by playing Maggie Greene on The Walking Dead, got her television start when she played the tragic character, Bela Talbot, on Supernatural, season 3. Although played an enemy to the lead brothers, her unfortunate backstory lent her some sympathy as she was a victim of childhood abuse that caused her to take the road of evil that she chose. She may have been killed off after 6 episodes, but her character became one of the more memorable guest stars in the series. Cohan herself is still currently portraying the beloved Maggie Greene and is working on an array of other projects with big-budget production studios like WarnerBrothers and ABC.
Dylan Minnette
Dylan Minnette, the Indiana-born actor was just 12-years old when he made a guest appearance in season 4, episode 11 of Supernatural. He played Danny Carter, an innocent boy kidnapped by "the girl in the walls", who kept him hidden under the house. The story as an entirety is rather dark and disturbing surrounding the "girl in the walls" and her family, but regarding Danny, he is saved by Dean and reunited with his family. Minnette, now age 25, is known for his lead role on Netflix's 13 Reasons Why as Clay Jensen. Also worth noting, he has had major success in the horror genre, starring in several horror films between 2013 and now, with his most recent being the new 2022 edition of Scream.
Finn Wolfhard
Finn Wolfhard, famous for his role in Stranger Things as Mike Wheeler, was just 13 when he appeared on Supernatural as Jordie Pinsky. His character goes through a traumatic experience when his parents are murdered by his babysitter Sydney, who had her soul sucked out by Amara (or, the Darkness, God's sibling). This gig was one of Wolfhard's first-ever television appearances, and only a year later, he scored his role in Stranger Things that changed his life forever. He's gone on to star in major motion pictures like It (2017), as well as its sequel in 2019. He is also a director and musician, providing vocals and guitar in his band Calpurnia. For being so talented at only 19-years old, Wolfhard has a promising career ahead of him.
Sarah Drew
Sarah Drew, known as April Kepner on ABC's Grey's Anatomy, the sweet and intelligent doctor from Ohio, made quite the impression as Nora on Supernatural (season 5, episode 12). Nora becomes possessed by a hostile, manipulative demon but is exorcised by Dean and her friend Gary. At this point, in 2009, she had already been cast on Grey's Anatomy, but was still new to the cast and hadn't reached the level of fame she sits at today. Since then, she went on to star in several films and tv movies, plus has a recurring role in the teen drama/thriller Cruel Summer.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Another cohort from Grey's Anatomy got their beginnings in Supernatural. Jeffrey Dean Morgan played Dean and Sam's father, John Winchester, throughout the show. John was notably one of the greatest hunters in the world and loved by his sons and fans of the show alike. Morgan's success from the role would find him landing his Grey's Anatomy gig as beloved character Denny, a patient who went on to marry one of his doctors, Izzy.
Both shows saw his demise, but these gigs brought him to his biggest one yet: Negan, the bat-wielding villain. Present-day, he still stars on The Walking Dead and has featured and starred in multiple feature films with some still underway.
Cory Monteith
Adored Glee actor, whose death was mourned worldwide, started in much smaller roles before he landed his role as Finn Hudson. Monteith appeared in season 1, episode 2 of Supernatural as Gary, an unfortunate victim of the Wendigo - he was captured during his camping trip alongside Tommy (played by Ehrenreich as mentioned above). Monteith's appearance on Supernatural was one of many smaller roles he took which brought him all the way to Glee. His success from playing Finn Hudson was astronomical, and although his career was cut short, it was a memorable and highly cherished one.