Band of Brothers gave early screen roles to future stars Tom Hardy and Stephen Graham

*Band of Brothers* introduced a number of British and Irish actors who later became major stars, despite many being little known when the series was made. The acclaimed drama, which began airing in the UK in 2001, followed a real US Army parachute company during the Second World War and helped launch or broaden several careers.

Among the actors were Stephen Graham, who went on to star in *Line of Duty*, *Peaky Blinders* and *Adolescence*, and Simon Pegg, later known for *Mission: Impossible* and *Star Trek*. Tom Hardy made his screen debut in the series before starring in films including *Mad Max* and *The Dark Knight Rises*. US comedian Jimmy Fallon also had a cameo, playing a lieutenant who, unable to drive a manual car, was pushed by crew members while pretending to steer.