18 celebrities who came from nothing

Jacob Shamsian,Jason GuerrasioJun 29, 2024, 04:14 IST

Leonardo DiCaprio.Laurent KOFFEL/Getty Images

Many celebrities had a tough beginning financially.
They worked hard to get where they are today and have spoken about their struggles.

It's hard not to get jealous of the fabulous lives celebrities lead.

They've got the fame, they've got the looks, and they've got the fortune. They never have to worry about looming rent or bills. Instead, they jet off in private planes to their favorite exotic locations to play on their yachts.

Despite the millions they may have now, many of the richest celebrities grew up with nothing.

Their rags-to-riches stories prove that with hard work, persistence, talent, and a lot of luck, you really can end up in a better place than where you started.

Check out these "started from the bottom" stories about 18 of your favorite celebrities.

This article was originally published in March 2017. Amy Daire contributed to a previous version of this story.

Oprah Winfrey is worth billions, but before her big break things were difficult.

Oprah Winfrey.Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio wasn't always rich.

Leonardo DiCaprio.Frazer Harrison / Getty

Demi Moore left the trailer park and is now worth millions.

Demi Moore.Dennis Van Tine/STAR MAX/IPx/AP

Hilary Swank caught her biggest break in "Boys Don't Cry." Almost 25 years later, she's well out of the poverty she grew up in.

Hilary Swank at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.Arthur Mola/Invision/AP

Nicki Minaj always wanted to make enough money to support her mother. She can now.

Nicki Minaj.Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

It didn't take long for Justin Bieber to go from a struggling teenager to rich and famous.

Justin Bieber.Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

Mariah Carey's millions came from loads of hard work.

Mariah Carey.Mark Davis/Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez wasn't always a pop megastar.

Jennifer Lopez.John Sciulli/Getty Images

Mark Wahlberg's wealth didn't come as easily as some might expect.

Mark Wahlberg.Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Netflix

Jim Carrey made $20 million per film at his peak, but he was actually homeless at an earlier point in his life.

Jim Carrey.Getty Images

Jay Z is hip-hop's first billionaire, but his beginnings were much more humble.

Jay-Z.Getty/Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Leighton Meester has millions, but after hearing her backstory, you'll be even more amazed.

Leighton Meester.Getty/Jamie McCarthy

Chris Pratt lived in a van before he was famous.

Chris Pratt.Chris PizzelloInvision/AP

Sarah Jessica Parker has millions, but she grew up with much, much less.

Sarah Jessica Parker.Jamie McCarthy/GettyImages

Jane Seymour was "penniless" before taking "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," which changed her life.

Jane Seymour.Getty

Walton Goggins had only $300 when he first came to Los Angeles; he has a lot more than that now.

Walton Goggins.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

Jon Hamm went from having only $5 in his pocket at the start of his career to making $250,000 per episode on "Mad Men."

Jon Hamm.Vittorio Celotto/Getty

Glen Powell almost went broke waiting for his big break to happen with "Top Gun: Maverick."

Glen Powell.Dia Dipasupil/Getty

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