20 rich and famous people who were once homeless

Erin McDowellAug 20, 2020, 04:00 IST

Before she rose to fame, Jennifer Lopez slept on the sofa of her dance studio.James Devaney/GC Images

Before these stars graced red carpets, film screens, and book signings across the country, they were homeless.
These inspiring rags-to-riches stories go to show that even the direst of situations can turn around.
From Dr. Phil to Jennifer Lopez and Chris Pratt, these rich and famous people turned misfortune into great success.

Rags-to-riches stories don't just happen in the movies.

Some of the world's richest and most successful people didn't start off that way — they spent nights sleeping on the streets, in their cars, or on friends' couches. Some of these celebrities struggled with addiction or trying to make it on their own while pursuing their dreams.

Fast-forward to today, many hold Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy award titles and have earned the respect and admiration of their industry peers and fans across the world.

Here are 20 incredible stories of people who turned misfortune into great success.

Jacquelyn Smith, Vivian Giang, and Natalie Walters contributed to earlier versions of this story.

Talk show host Dr. Phil once lived in a car with his father.

Dr. Phil speaking with a crowd. Getty Images/Cooper Neill

Personal finance guru Suze Orman lived out of her van for a few months in 1973.

Suze Orman is interviewed on the red carpet. AP Photo/John Amis

Oscar winner Halle Berry once stayed in a homeless shelter in her early 20s.

Halle Berry. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Director James Cameron lived out of his car before selling the rights to "The Terminator" for $1.

James Cameron. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

"Jurassic World" star Chris Pratt lived out of a van in Maui, Hawaii.

Chris Pratt taking a selfie with his Hollywood Walk of Fame star. VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

Comedian Jim Carrey once lived out of a VW camper van and in a tent on his sister's front lawn.

Jim Carrey. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Millionaire Chris Gardner, who inspired the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness," was homeless with a young son while he took part in a finance training program.

Chris Gardner. Getty Images/Duane Prokop

Shania Twain slept in a homeless shelter with her mother and siblings.

Shania Twain performing on stage. Getty

Daniel Craig, aka James Bond, once reportedly had to sleep on park benches in London.

Daniel Craig at the premiere of Skyfall. Getty Images/Stuart Wilson

After being fired, Jewel was homeless for a year.

Jewel. Getty

Singer Ella Fitzgerald was homeless before becoming the Queen of Jazz.

Ella Fitzgerald. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

NFL player Michael Oher's story of homelessness and struggle in "The Blind Side" was inspirational to the world.

Michael Oher. Harry How/Getty Images

After butting heads with her mother as a teenager, Jennifer Lopez slept on a sofa for a few months.

Jennifer Lopez on the Oscars red carpet. Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Before becoming the greatest magician, Harry Houdini ran away from home at the age of 12.

Harry Houdini performs a rope escape stunt and a card trick. AP Photo

Talk show host Steve Harvey lived in his 1976 Ford Tempo for three years before his big break.

Steve Harvey. Getty Images/Moses Robinson

Academy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank lived in a car with her mother while they saved up for an apartment in Los Angeles.

Hilary Swank. Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images

Before the age of 10, Charlie Chaplin had to figure out how to make a living on the streets of London.

Charlie Chaplin. AP Photo

While homeless in Las Vegas, Drew Carey would sell plasma for $40.

Drew Carey. Getty Images / Frederick M. Brown

Kelly Clarkson slept in her car before she eventually auditioned for "American Idol."

Kelly Clarkson. Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Music Business Association

Natasha Lyonne struggled with addiction and homelessness.

Natasha Lyonne in August 2019 in Hollywood, California. Charley Gallay/Getty Images

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