See some of Hollywood's biggest stars before they became household names. How many do you recognize?

Before They Were Famous: Actors' Early Roles

See some of Hollywood&#39;s biggest stars before they became household names. How many do you recognize?

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Joe Fab is an award-winning and Emmy-nominated producer, writer and director with more than 35 years experience in film and video production, media and communications, event production and the live presentation of plays and music.

In 2007, Fab represented the United States as a special cultural envoy to Kuwait at the personal invitation of the U.S. Ambassador to that country. He addressed filmmakers, students and educators, speaking about the documentary and independent film industries in an effort to build understanding and collaboration, and he was honored at a reception at the American Embassy.

Recent honors include the prestigious 2006 Christopher Award, given for achievements in media that "affirm the highest values of the human spirit." Also in 2006, Billy Campbell, president of Discovery Networks U.S., presented him the Discovery and Imagination Award - an honor whose two previous recipients were Christopher Reeve and Dr. Jane Goodall.

Fab has received wide acclaim for his recent work as producer, writer and co-director of the feature documentary "Paper Clips", which enjoyed a successful theatrical release nationwide, ran for a year on HBO, is now appearing in theatres internationally and is available on home video. "Paper Clips" has been praised by critics and received numerous film festival awards, both from juries and audiences. It was named one of the top five documentaries of 2004 by the National Board of Review and received the Jewish Image Award in recognition of its promotion of cross cultural communication. In addition to the roles mentioned above, Mr. Fab is particularly proud to have co-written the lyrics sung by bluegrass artist Alison Krauss on the film's soundtrack.

His career has brought him the privilege of working with Presidents Clinton, Carter and Bush (both George H. W. and George W), as well as an array of other political figures, from Sam Nunn to Orrin Hatch. In 2005, he produced the premiere presentation of a new poem by Dr. Maya Angelou, performed by the author herself. He has written for such diverse actors as Gregory Peck, Mary Steenburgen, Shirley Jones, Robert Prosky and Alan Alda, and personalities like Mary Matalin, James Carville, Willard Scott and Al Roker - to name but a few. As a producer, he has presented literally scores of entertainers, including such artists as Tony Bennett, Eartha Kitt, Tina Turner, Placido Domingo, Reneé Fleming, Cher, Charlotte Church, Cathy Rigby, Marty Stuart, Wayne Newton, Boy George and Culture Club, Jose Feliciano, LeAnn Rimes, Karen Akers and many, many more.

Since 1998, he has produced and written the opening ceremonies for the annual Christmas Pageant of Peace, featuring an hour of entertainment by internationally known performers and the lighting of the national Christmas tree by the president of the United States -- this event is broadcast live via satellite and seen around the world.

Recent television productions include programs for the Discovery Channel and the History Channel, as well as the NBA-focused documentary "Crossover," which he executive produced in conjunction with Penny Marshall and Magic Johnson for Showtime.

Fab counts among the many great gifts in his professional life the opportunity to work with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation since 1989, just after it was founded. EGPAF was the first organization to bring attention to the special plight of children with HIV/AIDS and has grown to be a leading force on their behalf both internationally and in the U.S. Producing and writing short films and live events for that organization has permitted him to work closely with children and families living with HIV/AIDS in Africa and all across the United States. These life-altering experiences have helped inspire him to make young people an important focus of his work whenever possible.

Awards

Joe Fab

Marco Island Film Festival

National Board of Review, USA

News & Documentary Emmy Awards

Palm Springs International Film Festival

Washington Jewish Film Festival

Rome International Film Festival, USA

Jackson Hole Film Festival

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

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