10 Celebrities Whose Background Stories Will Surprise You

Glitz, glamour, and million-dollar paychecks — it’s easy to forget that many of today’s most famous stars didn’t always live in the spotlight. Before the red carpets and luxury mansions, they were flipping burgers, working night shifts, or even sleeping in cars just to get by.

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. Jim Carrey

Before becoming one of Hollywood’s top comedians, Jim Carrey’s family faced severe financial struggles. At one point, they lived in a van while his father searched for steady work. As a teenager, Jim even worked as a janitor to help support the family.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah was born into poverty in rural Mississippi and raised by a single teenage mother. She wore dresses made from potato sacks and endured a difficult childhood before working her way into broadcasting, eventually becoming one of the most influential women in the world.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Sandra Bullock

Raised in a modest household, Sandra Bullock’s early life involved constant moves between the U.S. and Germany. Before making it big, she worked as a bartender, waitress, and coat checker to pay her bills while attending acting classes.

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.

These stars turned their toughest days into the foundation of their success. And let’s not forget — some of them were absolute heartthrobs in their youth, long before fame amplified their charm. Others went so far as to step into their characters’ skin for real, living the struggles they would one day portray on screen. Their stories prove that even the biggest names in Hollywood started somewhere small — and sometimes, the journey is even more captivating than the destination.