Celebrities from Humble Beginnings- Following Talent, Dreams & Passion
Posted on March 17, 2009
Filed Under Guest Columnist | Leave a Comment
By Ronda Suder
I would love to have all that money!
I wish I could be that talented!
Theyre so lucky to have what they have!
This is what we often say about the celebrities we envy, or through which we live vicariously. Its funny we often assume they were born with the riches, looks, style and talent they possess. And it is true that many had parents who came from money, like Paris Hilton, or found their break possibly came a bit easier because they had a parent celebrity, like Kate Hudson (daughter of Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson). However, many of todays celebrities came from a normal middle-class, or even poverty-level childhood. But they simply had the ability and made the choice to focus on their talent and follow their dreams. Successful celebrities from humble beginnings include:
Madonna: Though many might disagree with Madonnas tactics and often criticized bold choices with use of sexual and religious symbolism in her work, this is one very successful musician, actress and entrepreneur from Rochester Hills, Michigan who knew what she wanted and went for it.
Eminem: Eminems challenges and struggles with an unhappy life and financial issues are described and expressed in many of his lyrics. Born Marshall Bruce Matthews III, Eminems family was abandoned by his father shortly after his birth. After realizing that music was his way to a happier life, Eminem went on to become a successful rapper, along with record producer and actor.
Halle Berry: The first (and only as of the 2009 Academy Awards) woman of African American descent to win an Oscar for Best Actress in 2001, Halle Berry grew up in Ohio, raised by her mother, a nurse, and father, a hospital attendant and later a bus driver. Berry’s parents divorced when she was four years old; she was raised exclusively by her mother. Berry has said in published reports that she has been estranged from her father since her childhood.
Tom Cruise: Needing to work as a teenager to help his family with money when they were near the poverty level, Tom Cruise rose above and has gone on to become a powerful actor and film producer.
Jennifer Garner: Born in Houston, TX, but raised in Charleston, WV until she attended college, where Jennifer Garner started out as a chemistry major but eventually switched to drama.
Jewel: Before scoring several Top 10 hits as a musician, Jewel was living out of the back of her van. She was discovered singing at a local coffee shop in San Diego.
Though we may often envy the lives of celebrities, its not necessarily the fame, money, etc, that we envy as much as it is the fact that many celebrities are following their dreams and have a passion for what they do; something many of us long for. Though it appears the life of an actor is all simple with glam and glitter, the truth is, many pay their dues in climbing the ladder as you would at any other job or career path. Those who are successful often make it largely because they love their work and are driven to do so for the passion vs. the money. I recall an interview with Forrest Whitaker a while ago where he spoke about his mother always telling him that if you’re doing something (work) for the money only, then youre in trouble. More profound for some of us than others, this is a statement we can all take to heart and learn from.
Believe in your ability and talent, regardless as to what it is, and pursue your dreams, regardless of what they are. Whether you want to be a doctor, corporate executive, artist, nurse or whatever, enjoy it! However, if you do plan on pursuing the celebrity route, go for it, but educate yourself so you can do it the right way.
Lifes too short.
 |
 |
Â
Â
Â
Comments
Leave a Reply