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The Gong Show started in 1976 and was famous for crazy acts and a giant gong. It seemed like just a wild talent contest at first. Many contestants who stepped on that stage actually had real talent and later became huge stars. Here are ten famous faces who started their journey on this bizarre show.
Andrea McArdle Sang Her Heart Out
She went on the show as a kid performer long before she became a Broadway legend. She was the original Annie and even got a Tony nomination when she was just thirteen years old.
Cheryl Lynn Brought the House Down
She sang a beautiful Joe Cocker song and proved she did not even need a crazy gimmick to get noticed by the judges. Her amazing voice got her a record deal and she later released that famous disco track called Got to Be Real.
Mare Winningham Showed Her Early Talent
She performed under a fake name and sang a Beatles song before turning into a super respected actress. She went on to win Emmys and starred in classic movies like St. Elmo’s Fire and Turner and Hooch.
Michael Winslow Made All the Noises
He used the show to show off the exact same funny voice effects that eventually made him a household name. You probably remember him making all those crazy sound effects as Larvell Jones in the Police Academy movies.
Paul Reubens and John Paragon Teamed Up
He performed with his friend John Paragon way before he ever put on that famous gray suit and red bow tie. The two of them eventually created the whole Pee-wee Herman universe that ruled morning television for years.
Danny Elfman Brought the Weird Music
He was in a weird theatrical group called the Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo when they played on the show. He later became a massive Hollywood composer writing the music for Batman and basically every Tim Burton movie ever made.
Boxcar Willie Sang About the Railroad
He did his whole singing hobo act with funny train songs to get some early television exposure for his career. He eventually became a huge country music star and basically helped turn Branson, Missouri into a major tourist spot.
Kevin Peter Hall Stood Really Tall
He was over seven feet tall and showed up on the stage before he started wearing monster suits for a living. He eventually played the scary alien in Predator and the lovable Bigfoot in Harry and the Hendersons.
Eddie Deezen Showed His Nerdy Side
He brought his famous high-pitched voice and nervous comedy style to the stage before hitting the big screen. You definitely know him as the super nerdy guy Eugene from Grease and a bunch of other classic eighties movies.
Rhonda Shear Smiled for the Cameras
She went on the show in the late seventies before she became a super famous cable television host. She eventually hosted USA Up All Night and became a total cult favorite for night owls watching B movies in the nineties.
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