Quentin Tarantino’s films are divisive. His most ardent fans have labeled him a genius auteur, while others have criticize his provocative approach to revisionist histories. But one thing that’s certain: the director is something of a fairy godfather when it comes to reviving the careers of flagging stars. Tarantino has a history of casting an actor whose career has slowed to a sputter—think John Travolta, three movies into the Look Who’s Talking franchise—and performing CPR by way of directing an unforgettable performance (in Travolta’s case, Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction).
As Tarantino’s eighth film, The Hateful Eight, hits theaters on Dec. 25, here’s a look at the many beneficiaries of the Tarantino Boost.
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Write to Eliza Berman at eliza.berman@time.com