10 Celebrities Who Came From Humble Beginnings

Some of our favorite actresses like Angelina Jolie and Dakota Johnson followed in their famous parents’ footsteps when they chose a career in the spotlight. On the other hand, some other celebrities had a simple and regular life before they became famous.

Bright Side wants to share a list of 10 inspiring people with you who weren’t born into fame and fortune, but who have their talent and persistence to thank for making it to the top.

1. Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain explained in an interview for a magazine that she’s the first person in her family who could go to college. The actress studied drama at the prestigious Juilliard School thanks to a scholarship awarded to her by Robin Williams.

2. Mila Kunis

As a teenager, Mila Kunis started working at the same store her mom was employed at. Even after being cast in That ’70s Show, she continued to serve ice cream to customers at the store until closing.

3. Harrison Ford

Before making it big in Hollywood, the famous actor worked as a professional carpenter to make ends meet. Moreover, he was discovered by director George Lucas while he was working in Francis Ford Coppola’s office and was offered the chance to play Han Solo.

4. Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams was born into a regular family and before her acting career took off she had a job flipping burgers at a local McDonald’s. Although the actress worked there for 3 years, she admitted she wasn’t the best employee. Rachel even broke the orange juice machine once.

5. Selena Gomez

Before becoming a child actor and later a famous pop star, Selena Gomez lived a simple life in a single-parent household. Her mom, Mandy Tefeey, gave birth to her daughter as a teenager and divorced her husband when Selena was only 5 years old.

6. Vin Diesel

Although he started acting at an early age, Vin Diesel struggled to get the roles he wanted at the start of his career. That’s why, for a while, he worked as a bouncer in New York.

7. Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich was raised by a single mother as well. Her family emigrated to the US when she was little. Her mom tried to get acting jobs but she was met with little success, so she started cleaning houses to earn money.

8. Adam Driver

Adam Driver was born to parents who had regular jobs. When he was cast for the TV show Girls, he was the only main actor whose family didn’t have ties to the movie industry.

9. Leighton Meester

Although in one of her most famous roles, Leighton Meester played a wealthy socialite, in reality, the actress was born while both of her parents were serving prison sentences. Leighton was cared for by her grandparents before her mom was released. Later, her family struggled financially, but the actress said they still gave her a happy childhood.

10. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey didn’t see her father very often and her mom worked several jobs while she raised her alone. As a young adult, Mariah had to work part-time jobs to pay her rent while she also pursued singing at the same time.

Do you have any other celebrities to add to this list? What is your favorite rags-to-riches story?