From homelessness to stardom: inspiring celebrity stories

While experiencing homelessness, she maintained her passion for music by writing songs and performing at nearby coffee shops. Eventually, she caught the attention of talent scouts during one of her performances. As a result, this talented singer/songwriter has achieved great success, selling over 30 million albums and receiving four Grammy Award nominations.

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Dr. Phil -

The TV presenter and psychologist experienced a difficult upbringing, residing in a car with his father who struggled with alcoholism.

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Dr. Phil -

Despite facing challenges during his upbringing, McGraw persevered and achieved a PhD in psychology. Through his connection with Oprah Winfrey, he secured his own daytime talk show.

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Carmen Electra -

After completing a tour with Prince, Electra found herself in a situation where her boyfriend at the time took all her money. Consequently, the singer faced homelessness in Los Angeles for a couple of years.

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Carmen Electra -

She remembered sleeping on a bench in the park, carrying a knife, a pager, Versace heels, and a little money, desperately wishing to be anywhere else. Fortunately, her prayers were answered when she secured roles on 'Baywatch' and 'Singled Out.'

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Shania Twain -

The Canadian singer experienced poverty during her upbringing and temporarily resided in a homeless shelter in Toronto with her mother and sister.

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Shania Twain -

She managed to flee from an abusive home and poverty and is now a well-known country music star.

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Steve Jobs -

According to his Stanford commencement address, the renowned CEO of Apple did not have a smooth journey to success. He shared that during his time in college, he slept on his friend's floor, collected and returned soda bottles for money, and walked seven miles every Sunday to receive a free meal.

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Steve Jobs -

This period was a challenging one for him, but it shaped his determination and resilience. Jobs' technological empire made him a billionaire multiple times.

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Halle Berry -

During the early years of her acting career, Berry faced homelessness and sought refuge in shelters in her early 20s. She has expressed gratitude for this challenging period, admitting it shaped her perspective.

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Halle Berry -

Berry explained to Reader's Digest, "It taught me how to take care of myself and that I could live through any situation, even if it meant going to a shelter for a small stint, or living within my means, which were meager."

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Hilary Swank -

Swank and her mother initially relocated to Los Angeles without the means to secure accommodation, resulting in their residence being their car.

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Hilary Swank -

The actress, known for 'Boys Don't Cry', eventually overcame this difficult period and went on to win two Academy Awards.

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Jim Carrey -

Carrey discussed his family's financial struggles during an interview on 'Inside the Actors Studio,' emphasizing the hardships they faced during his upbringing.

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Jim Carrey -

When questioned about his early years, Carrey remembered, "We were living out of a van. I quit school at age 15 to begin working to help support my family as a janitor.”

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Kelly Clarkson -

Before 'American Idol,' Kelly Clarkson was an aspiring artist in Los Angeles. When she moved there, her apartment tragically burned down.

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Kelly Clarkson -

During that period, the singer had no acquaintances or relatives in the city, so she had to live in her car.

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David Letterman -

When the famous talk show host began his career in Los Angeles in 1973, he had no choice but to live in his pickup truck.

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David Letterman -

Letterman managed to overcome financial difficulties by writing jokes for Jimmy Walker, paving the way for his subsequent success.

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Natasha Lyonne -

Prior to achieving fame as an actress, the 'American Pie' star faced a struggle with addiction and homelessness.

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Natasha Lyonne -

Lyonne conquered addiction and gained recognition for her performances in the Netflix show 'Orange Is the New Black' and her own show 'Russian Doll.

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Tyler Perry -

After starting his career in Atlanta, the movie mogul exhausted his savings attempting to produce his play. Consequently, he experienced periods of homelessness that lasted for approximately six years, spending the majority of his time living in his car.

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Tyler Perry -

In 1998, Perry's risk on himself turned out well when his play 'I Know I've Been Changed' became a success. This paved the way for Perry's extensive career as a writer and entertainer.

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Sylvester Stallone -

During his pursuit of becoming a renowned actor, Stallone resided at a bus station for a period of three weeks, eagerly awaiting job opportunities.

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Sylvester Stallone -

Facing desperation, the actor from 'Rocky' reluctantly answered an ad offering US$100 per day to appear in a film. Following two days of shooting, he secured lodging and ultimately triumphed in the realm of Hollywood.

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Steve Harvey -

Following his divorce from his first wife, Harvey was financially limited to lodging in hotels exclusively during his comedy show bookings. On other occasions, the renowned talk show host resorted to sleeping in his car.

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Steve Harvey -

According to People, he stated, "A week is really the maximum you can do. This was three years! It was rock bottom. But even in my darkest days, I had faith it would turn around."

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Jennifer Lopez -

Before landing her first significant job, Lopez spent three months sleeping in her dance studio because she had no other choice.

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Jennifer Lopez -

The singer's career took off and she achieved financial independence when she landed the role of a Fly Girl on 'In Living Color'.

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Kelsey Grammer -

Before 'Frasier' made Grammer famous, there were reports of him sleeping in alleyways and parks while he was studying at university. Despite this, Grammer went on to achieve great success, winning five Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award.

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Lil' Kim -

At the age of eight, Lil' Kim found herself residing in their car with her mother, fleeing from an abusive household. Adding to her hardships, during her teenage years, her father once more forced her to leave.

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Lil' Kim -

Lil' Kim, in addition to her rap stardom, established the Lil' Kim Cares Foundation which aims to support and raise awareness for those affected by neglect, violence, and homelessness.

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John Cena -

During an interview with The Sun, John Cena disclosed that upon his arrival in Hollywood, he endured a period where he slept in his car. Making the move from Massachusetts to LA in 1999 in the hopes of attaining fame and fortune, Cena quickly realized that success wasn't as immediate as he had anticipated. With his savings depleting rapidly, despite landing a job at a gym, he struggled to make ends meet and resorted to sleeping in the backseat of his 1991 Lincoln Town Car. Cena's father had predicted that he would return home in defeat within two weeks, but Cena was determined to prove him wrong. Fortunately, his unwavering determination paid off, and by the early 2000s, Cena found himself on the WWE circuit. Today, he stands as one of the world's leading action movie stars.

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Kurt Cobain -

Reportedly, the deceased lead singer of Nirvana experienced a period of homelessness in Aberdeen, Washington, residing beneath a bridge and sleeping in hospital waiting areas.

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Kurt Cobain -

Cobain's musical renown is well-known. It is widely believed that the lyrics of Nirvana's 'Something in the Way' were inspired by his time being homeless.

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Daniel Craig -

Before becoming famous as James Bond, the actor was once James Broke, spending his teenage years sleeping on park benches in London.

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Daniel Craig -

Previously, he faced challenges as an aspiring actor, but now he's declining acting opportunities.

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Drew Carey -

The comedian experienced homelessness during their teenage years in Las Vegas. It is reported that he sold plasma for US$40 and survived on boxed macaroni and cheese.

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Drew Carey -

“I wouldn’t have had this success if I didn’t struggle,” he stated.

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Eartha Kitt -

The singer and entertainer, who has passed away, did not have a stable home during her childhood. It is reported that she was frequently moved between relatives until she started sleeping on rooftops in New York.

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Eartha Kitt -

She not only achieved fame but also became involved in advocating for homeless children as a representative of UNICEF.

Sources: (The Sun) (Reader's Digest) (Hollywood Reporter) (People)

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Chris Pratt -

Following his decision to leave community college, the actor from 'Parks and Recreation' endured a difficult period and resorted to living in his van.

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Chris Pratt -

Pratt faced difficulties in his past but triumphed. He later appeared in successful movies like 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' 'Moneyball,' and 'Zero Dark Thirty.'

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Jewel -

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jewel Kilcher, at the age of 18, resided in her VW van after being dismissed from her job when she declined her boss's advances.

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Jewel -

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Dr. Phil -

The TV presenter and psychologist experienced a difficult upbringing, residing in a car with his father who struggled with alcoholism.

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Dr. Phil -

Despite facing challenges during his upbringing, McGraw persevered and achieved a PhD in psychology. Through his connection with Oprah Winfrey, he secured his own daytime talk show.

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Carmen Electra -

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Carmen Electra -

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Shania Twain -

The Canadian singer experienced poverty during her upbringing and temporarily resided in a homeless shelter in Toronto with her mother and sister.

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Shania Twain -

She managed to flee from an abusive home and poverty and is now a well-known country music star.

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Steve Jobs -

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Steve Jobs -

This period was a challenging one for him, but it shaped his determination and resilience. Jobs' technological empire made him a billionaire multiple times.

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Halle Berry -

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Halle Berry -

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Hilary Swank -

Swank and her mother initially relocated to Los Angeles without the means to secure accommodation, resulting in their residence being their car.

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Hilary Swank -

The actress, known for 'Boys Don't Cry', eventually overcame this difficult period and went on to win two Academy Awards.

Getty Images

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Jim Carrey -

Carrey discussed his family's financial struggles during an interview on 'Inside the Actors Studio,' emphasizing the hardships they faced during his upbringing.

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Jim Carrey -

When questioned about his early years, Carrey remembered, "We were living out of a van. I quit school at age 15 to begin working to help support my family as a janitor.”

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Kelly Clarkson -

Before 'American Idol,' Kelly Clarkson was an aspiring artist in Los Angeles. When she moved there, her apartment tragically burned down.

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Kelly Clarkson -

During that period, the singer had no acquaintances or relatives in the city, so she had to live in her car.

Getty Images

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David Letterman -

When the famous talk show host began his career in Los Angeles in 1973, he had no choice but to live in his pickup truck.

Getty Images

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David Letterman -

Letterman managed to overcome financial difficulties by writing jokes for Jimmy Walker, paving the way for his subsequent success.

Getty Images

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Natasha Lyonne -

Prior to achieving fame as an actress, the 'American Pie' star faced a struggle with addiction and homelessness.

Getty Images

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Natasha Lyonne -

Lyonne conquered addiction and gained recognition for her performances in the Netflix show 'Orange Is the New Black' and her own show 'Russian Doll.

Getty Images

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Tyler Perry -

Getty Images

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Tyler Perry -

In 1998, Perry's risk on himself turned out well when his play 'I Know I've Been Changed' became a success. This paved the way for Perry's extensive career as a writer and entertainer.

Getty Images

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Sylvester Stallone -

During his pursuit of becoming a renowned actor, Stallone resided at a bus station for a period of three weeks, eagerly awaiting job opportunities.

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Sylvester Stallone -

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Steve Harvey -

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Steve Harvey -

According to People, he stated, "A week is really the maximum you can do. This was three years! It was rock bottom. But even in my darkest days, I had faith it would turn around."

Getty Images

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Jennifer Lopez -

Before landing her first significant job, Lopez spent three months sleeping in her dance studio because she had no other choice.

Getty Images

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Jennifer Lopez -

The singer's career took off and she achieved financial independence when she landed the role of a Fly Girl on 'In Living Color'.

Getty Images

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Kelsey Grammer -

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Lil' Kim -

Getty Images

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Lil' Kim -

Lil' Kim, in addition to her rap stardom, established the Lil' Kim Cares Foundation which aims to support and raise awareness for those affected by neglect, violence, and homelessness.

Getty Images

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John Cena -

Getty Images

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Kurt Cobain -

Reportedly, the deceased lead singer of Nirvana experienced a period of homelessness in Aberdeen, Washington, residing beneath a bridge and sleeping in hospital waiting areas.

Getty Images

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Kurt Cobain -

Cobain's musical renown is well-known. It is widely believed that the lyrics of Nirvana's 'Something in the Way' were inspired by his time being homeless.

38 / 45 Fotos

Daniel Craig -

Before becoming famous as James Bond, the actor was once James Broke, spending his teenage years sleeping on park benches in London.

39 / 45 Fotos

Daniel Craig -

Previously, he faced challenges as an aspiring actor, but now he's declining acting opportunities.

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Drew Carey -

The comedian experienced homelessness during their teenage years in Las Vegas. It is reported that he sold plasma for US$40 and survived on boxed macaroni and cheese.

Getty Images

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Drew Carey -

“I wouldn’t have had this success if I didn’t struggle,” he stated.

Getty Images

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Eartha Kitt -

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Eartha Kitt -

She not only achieved fame but also became involved in advocating for homeless children as a representative of UNICEF.

Sources: (The Sun) (Reader's Digest) (Hollywood Reporter) (People)

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From homelessness to stardom: inspiring celebrity stories

These celebrities, once without a home, experienced a swift rise to fame

23/12/24 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Celebrity facts

Sure, many stars were rich before becoming famous, but there are quite a few who came to fame from a completely different angle, struggling with deep poverty before catching their big break. They might live in extravagant mansions now, making it difficult for these stars to recall the days when they had no place to call home.

Curious? Discover the inspiring journeys of celebrities who went from living on the streets to attending glamorous red carpet events.