Feeling Stuck in Your Job? Check Out These Odd Jobs Celebrities Did Before Fame
Ever feel like your job is just ugh? You’re not alone. Even some of the biggest names in Hollywood had to grind through some pretty odd jobs before they hit it big. From serving coffee to cleaning lion cages, these celebrities prove that everyone starts somewhere. Let’s dive into the surprising pre-fame careers of some of your favorite stars.
1. Tom Cruise: From Paperboy to Top Gun
Tom Cruise is one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, but his journey to the top wasn’t all glitz and glamour. Before he was Maverick in Top Gun or Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible, Cruise was just a kid delivering newspapers for the Louisville Courier-Journal. Imagine the future action hero tossing papers onto porches in Kentucky!
But that’s not all. Cruise also briefly considered becoming a priest and even joined a seminary. Talk about a plot twist! Who knew the man who’d later run from explosions once contemplated a life of quiet reflection?
2. Eminem: Sweeping Floors Before Spitting Bars
Eminem’s rise to fame is the stuff of legends. But before he became the Rap God, Marshall Mathers was just a broke teenager trying to help his mom make ends meet. At 16, he worked at Gibbs Machinery, sweeping floors and taking out the trash. Not exactly glamorous, right?
He also worked as a cook at a family restaurant in Michigan. Imagine Eminem flipping burgers instead of spitting fire on stage. It’s a reminder that even the most successful people start with humble beginnings.
3. Madonna: Dunkin’ Donuts and a Jelly Incident
Madonna is the Queen of Pop, but her reign didn’t start in a castle. When she first moved to New York City to chase her dreams, she took a job at Dunkin’ Donuts in Times Square. Serving coffee and doughnuts might not sound like a big deal, but it’s a far cry from selling out stadiums.
Here’s the kicker: Madonna got fired after squirting jelly all over a customer. Yes, that Madonna. It’s hard to picture the Material Girl causing a jelly-related workplace disaster, but hey, everyone has to start somewhere.
4. Whoopi Goldberg: Making the Dead Look Good
Whoopi Goldberg’s pre-fame job is probably the most unusual on this list. Before she became an Academy Award-winning actress, Goldberg worked in a morgue as a mortuary beautician. Her job? Dressing up and applying makeup to the deceased.
It’s not your typical 9-to-5, but it’s a testament to Goldberg’s versatility. If you can handle that, hosting The View probably feels like a walk in the park.
5. Hugh Jackman: From Clown to Wolverine
Hugh Jackman is known for his rugged roles, especially as Wolverine in the X-Men series. But before he was slashing through bad guys, Jackman was entertaining kids as Coco the Clown at birthday parties.
In his own words, he wasn’t exactly a hit. One six-year-old even called him out, saying, “Mummy, this clown is terrible—he doesn’t know any tricks!” Ouch. Thankfully, Jackman traded in his clown shoes for adamantium claws and never looked back.
6. Johnny Depp: Selling Pens Before Pirates
Johnny Depp is one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, but his first job was far from glamorous. Before he became Captain Jack Sparrow, Depp was a telemarketer selling pens over the phone.
Imagine trying to convince someone to buy a pen from the future star of Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s a far cry from swashbuckling adventures, but it’s proof that even the most talented actors have to pay their dues.
7. Brad Pitt: Chicken Suits and Limo Driving
Brad Pitt is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, but his early career was anything but glamorous. Before he was fighting zombies in World War Z or robbing casinos in Ocean’s Eleven, Pitt dressed up as a giant chicken to promote El Pollo Loco.
He also worked as a limo driver for strippers. No, he wasn’t a stripper himself, but he did chauffeur them to gigs. It’s a weird mix of jobs, but hey, it paid the bills.
8. Sylvester Stallone: Cleaning Lion Cages
Sylvester Stallone is known for playing tough guys like Rocky and Rambo, but his early job was no less daring. Before he was punching bad guys on screen, Stallone cleaned lion cages at the Central Park Zoo.
Imagine coming face-to-face with a lion every day. It’s no wonder he’s so fearless in his roles—he’s been dealing with real beasts since day one.
9. Jon Hamm: From Porn Sets to Don Draper
Jon Hamm’s portrayal of Don Draper in Mad Men made him a household name, but his early career was anything but glamorous. Before he was the suave ad executive, Hamm worked as a set dresser in the adult film industry.
He’s described the job as “horribly depressing,” but it’s a reminder that even the most successful actors have to take odd jobs to make ends meet.
10. Patrick Dempsey: Juggling Surgery and… Juggling?
Patrick Dempsey, aka McDreamy from Grey’s Anatomy, has a surprising hidden talent: juggling. Before he was saving lives on TV, Dempsey was a professional juggler who even competed nationally.
It’s not every day you hear about a juggling surgeon, but Dempsey proves that you can have multiple passions—and succeed at both.
Conclusion: Everyone Starts Somewhere
So, the next time you’re feeling stuck in your job, remember these celebrities and their odd pre-fame gigs. Whether it’s serving coffee, cleaning lion cages, or selling pens, everyone has to start somewhere. Who knows? Your “weird job” phase might just be the beginning of something amazing.
Know of more odd celebrity jobs? Drop them in the comments below!