19 Celebrities and Their Surprising Pre-Fame Jobs
Before they became stars, many celebrities had regular, unexpected, or even unusual jobs. From waiting tables to working in factories, here are 19 famous faces who had surprising careers before fame.
1. Johnny Depp: Telemarketer

Before he was Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp sold pens over the phone as a telemarketer. This job taught him the art of persuasion, a skill he perhaps uses in his acting career, captivating audiences with his performances.
2. Whoopi Goldberg: Mortuary Beautician

Whoopi Goldberg once worked as a beautician in a mortuary. This early career choice is a far cry from her comedic and dramatic roles that have earned her an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
3. Brad Pitt: Chicken Mascot

Brad Pitt’s first gig in Hollywood involved wearing a chicken suit for a local restaurant, promoting its fare to potential customers. This humble beginning was his entry into the acting world where he would later win multiple awards.
4. Christopher Walken: Lion Tamer

In his teenage years, Christopher Walken worked as a lion tamer in a traveling circus. This unusual job might have helped him develop the unique presence he brings to his film roles.
Follow us for more of these articles.
5. Channing Tatum: Stripper

Before he danced his way into the hearts of millions in “Magic Mike,” Channing Tatum actually worked as a stripper. This real-life experience clearly influenced his role in the film, which was partly based on his early career.
6. Ellen DeGeneres: Oyster Shucker

Before becoming a beloved talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres worked as an oyster shucker in New Orleans. Her journey from shucking oysters to making millions laugh underscores her incredible career transition.
Follow us for more of these articles.
7. Rachel McAdams: McDonald’s Employee

Rachel McAdams worked at McDonald’s for three years before her acting career took off. The discipline and work ethic she learned there have served her well in her film career.
8. Hugh Jackman: Gym Teacher

Before he was Wolverine, Hugh Jackman worked as a gym teacher at a prestigious British boarding school. His athletic background was surely a plus for his action-packed roles in movies.
Follow us for more of these articles.
9. Danny DeVito: Hairdresser

Danny DeVito started his career as a hairdresser in his sister’s beauty salon. This job might seem worlds away from his performances on screen, but DeVito’s charm and humor have always been his trademark.
10. Rod Stewart: Grave Digger

The raspy-voiced singer Rod Stewart worked as a grave digger in his younger days, an eerie job that contrasts sharply with his later life as a rock star.
Follow us for more of these articles.
11. Meghan Markle: Calligrapher

Before she joined the British royal family, Meghan Markle worked as a freelance calligrapher. Her artistic skills were a creative outlet before her acting and then her royal duties took center stage.
12. Sylvester Stallone: Zoo Cleaner

Sylvester Stallone once cleaned lion cages at the Central Park Zoo, a gritty job that preceded his rise as a Hollywood tough guy in films like “Rocky” and “Rambo.”
Follow us for more of these articles.
13. Ozzy Osbourne: Slaughterhouse Worker

Before he became the Prince of Darkness in the world of rock, Ozzy Osbourne worked in a slaughterhouse. This grim job was a far cry from his legendary onstage antics.
14. Sean Connery: Coffin Polisher

Legendary actor Sean Connery had a job polishing coffins before his acting career took off. This somber job was part of his humble beginnings before becoming the iconic James Bond.
Follow us for more of these articles.
15. Jerry Springer: Political Campaign Advisor

Before hosting one of the most controversial talk shows in television history, Jerry Springer was a political campaign advisor. This career helped him understand the dynamics of public speaking and drama.
16. Harrison Ford: Carpenter

Harrison Ford was a carpenter before his big break in acting. His craftsmanship skills landed him a role in “Star Wars” after he did some carpentry work for George Lucas.
Follow us for more of these articles.
17. Demi Moore: Debt Collector

Demi Moore worked as a debt collector before making it big in Hollywood. This tough job might have given her the resilience needed in the competitive acting industry.
18. Steve Buscemi: Firefighter

Before he was known for his roles in films and TV shows, Steve Buscemi was a New York City firefighter. He returned to help his former crew during 9/11, showcasing his dedication and bravery.
Follow us for more of these articles.
19. Sandra Bullock: Bartender

Sandra Bullock worked as a bartender while trying to land acting roles. Her people skills behind the bar may have honed her ability to connect with audiences on screen.
14 Iconic 90s Albums You Need to Hear

The 90s gave us albums that defined a generation. From grunge to pop, these records changed music forever. Here are 14 must-listen albums from the decade that brought us some of the best sounds.
14 Iconic 90s Albums You Need to Hear
15 Unlikely Celebrity Friendships

Some celebrities have friendships that you’d never expect. Whether it’s different backgrounds or surprising stories, these bonds are truly unique. Here are 15 pairs of stars whose friendships might surprise you.
15 Unlikely Celebrity Friendships
Like our content? Be sure to follow us!