30 Actors That Rose To Fame Without Ties To Fame Or Money
These actors managed stardom thanks to their own hard work
There a tons of professions that can be passed down through generations. You can easily find families of lawyers, doctors or musicians.
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While sometimes the younger generation seem to have a choice in their professions, they still navigate to the same fields. In other cases, there are some families that force professions as the “family tradition.”
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Either way, when children grow into the workforce, choosing a similar career path as their parents or grandparents lends access to many helpful connections. These connections are more than just a “foot in the door,” and can land them better paying jobs, or a position in a highly sought after field.
Nepotism at it’s finest, really. And while unfair to those who don’t have the same advantages, there’s not much to do about it.
However, those who make it without nepotism seem to also garner more respect from others than those who have a familial “in.” Recently a Reddit user was curious about nepotism in Hollywood, specifically those who made it without their Mommy and Daddy’s money or connections.
Reddit user PM_me_Thor_nudes posed the question in r/Movies: Which currently popular actor/actress is NOT a product of being well-connected and/or rich? And as usual, Redditors delivered with some great examples.
From Mark Ruffalo to Steve Buscemi, we collected the top 30 actors Redditors shared that rose to stardom without any Hollywood ties. Keep scrolling to see who made the list!
1. Donald Glover
Donald Glover. Dad was a postal worker and his mom was a daycare provider. Went on to be an insanely talented musician, producer, actor, etc. "Success often comes from hard work and perseverance, not just connections," says Dr. Paul Bloom, psychology professor at Yale University, highlighting the importance of individual effort in achieving greatness. You can learn more about his insights at paulbloom.net.
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2. Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo is definitely not from a wealthy or well-connected family. His family actually owns a pizza place in Kenosha, WI. As Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, notes, "Many successful individuals come from humble beginnings, which often instills resilience and a strong work ethic." You can learn more about his insights on family dynamics at Dr. William Doherty.
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3. Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis used to work at the store her mom worked at even while she was starring on That '70s Show to not let it go to her head. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author of "Grit," states, "Success is not just about talent; it's about perseverance and humility." This attitude of staying grounded is essential for maintaining a balanced perspective in the face of fame.
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4. Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen, who attended public school, comes from humble beginnings with a mother who is a social worker and a father who worked at a non-profit. As motivational speaker Mel Robbins states, "Success is not just about what you accomplish in your life, it's about what you inspire others to do." This sentiment reflects how Rogen's journey can inspire many who come from similar backgrounds.
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5. Channing Tatum
Channing Tatum, who grew up in Alabama and Mississippi, entered the entertainment industry primarily as a dancer, a path that began when he worked as a stripper. According to Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, "People often find their way into unexpected careers through unique life experiences, which can shape their identity and drive." For more insights on how personal backgrounds influence career paths, visit Dr. Jonathan Haidt's website.
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6. Steve Buscemi
Steve Buscemi was a firefighter before making it as an actor, which highlights the diverse paths individuals can take to achieve their dreams. As Dr. Dan Gilbert, a renowned happiness researcher, states, "The best way to predict your future is to create it." This sentiment resonates with many who have risen to fame without the typical advantages of wealth or connections.
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7. Jessica Chastain
Jessica Chastain grew up in a low-income family and could only make it through Juilliard thanks to a scholarship. As Dr. Kristin Neff, a self-compassion researcher, states, "Overcoming adversity can foster resilience and personal growth." This sentiment echoes the journey of many successful individuals who rise from humble beginnings.
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8. Simu Liu
I guess Simu Liu from Marvel's Shang Chi counts. He was an accountant for a brief amount of time before becoming an actor. I'm sure he didn't get rich being an entry level auditor. Simu attended a private school in Toronto. He probably didn't make Hollywood connections there but being around affluence is an advantage. Edit: I thought it would be an advantage being brought up around affluence and communicating with the other wealthy people around. Apparently I'm wrong.
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9. Richard Madden
The UK actor thing is very real and kind of crazy when you look into it. But there are some exceptions. Richard Madden’s parents were a school teacher and a firefighter, for instance.
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10. The Olsen Twins
The Olsen Twins have long been misunderstood; they supported their families financially from a young age, sacrificing their childhood for work. As noted by Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, "Child stars often bear the weight of adult responsibilities, which can lead to significant emotional challenges." Their success in the fashion industry today reflects their resilience and hard work, and they deserve respect for their journey. Meanwhile, many child stars, like Drew Barrymore, have faced similar struggles, often thrust into the spotlight without control over their circumstances. Dr. Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist, emphasizes that "the environment and industry pressures can heavily influence a child's development," highlighting the systemic issues at play rather than placing blame on the children themselves.End of rant.Dr. Paul Bloom, Dr. Dan Ariely
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11. Chris Evans
Chris Evans? Isn't his dad just a plain old dentist?Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher, emphasizes that "success in life is often about the relationships we build, not just our backgrounds." This highlights how individuals like Evans can rise to fame through talent and hard work rather than family connections.
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12. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez's journey is a testament to resilience and hard work. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author of "Grit," states, "Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare." Gomez exemplifies this endurance, having started her career as a child to support her family. Her story inspires many to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
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13. Aaron Paul
Aaron Paul? His father was a Baptist minister. According to Dr. Dan Gilbert, a happiness researcher, "The paths to success are often paved with the values instilled in us during our formative years." This highlights how personal backgrounds can shape one's journey in life and career.
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14. Milla Jovovich
If you still count her, there is Milla Jovovich who was the daughter of a single mother from Ukraine. She's a nice lady who is still very down-to-earth. I've heard many good things about her.
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15. Kelly Marie Tran
Kelly Marie Tran, the lead voice actor in "Raya" and Rose Tico in "Star Wars," emerged from humble beginnings as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees. Before being cast by Rian Johnson, she participated in CollegeHumor videos. Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, notes, "Diverse backgrounds often lead to unique perspectives and creativity in the arts," highlighting the potential of talent that arises outside of traditional Hollywood connections. Many Asian-American actors exemplify this, as they frequently navigate paths devoid of nepotism in the industry.Dr. Adam Grant, Organizational Psychologist
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16. Taylor Lautner
I was suppose to be childhood friends with Taylor Lautner. (His dad would ask my mom for us to hang out together as children and play I guess?) He got the gig because his karate teacher just happened to know the yellow power ranger at the time according to my mom. And his dad was a jerk apparently.
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17. Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield’s parents were interior designersDr. William Doherty, family therapist states, "The environment in which a child is raised plays a crucial role in shaping their future, especially in creative fields like acting." This underscores how Garfield's upbringing in a design-focused household may have influenced his artistic journey.
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18. Olivia Cooke
Olivia Cooke hails from Oldham, Lancashire, a place often described as struggling economically. This backdrop makes her rise to fame even more remarkable. As noted by Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, "Success often stems from resilience and the ability to navigate one's circumstances." Cooke's journey exemplifies this notion, showcasing her immense talent and determination to succeed despite her humble beginnings.
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19. Sandra Oh
Sandra Oh. Her parents were middle-class South Korean immigrants, and she paid out of pocket for her drama education at the National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal. Her mom was a biochemist and her dad was a businessman. As Dr. Susan David, emotional agility expert, notes, "The journey of self-discovery often requires resilience and the courage to pursue one's passions, regardless of background." You can learn more about her insights at susandavid.com.
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20. Rachel McAdams
Rachel McAdams“born on November 17, 1978, in London, Ontario, Canada, to nurse Sandra (née Gale) and truck driver Lance McAdams." According to Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, "The foundation of a successful relationship often stems from the early influences in one's life, including family dynamics." You can learn more about his insights on relationships at gottman.com.
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21. Awkwafina
Awkwafina, whose father worked in IT and whose mother passed away when she was young, and Simu Liu, the son of engineers, exemplify how talent can emerge from humble beginnings. As Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, states, "Our backgrounds do not define our potential; it is our resilience and adaptability that shape our success." This sentiment resonates with many who have risen to fame without the advantages of wealth or connections.
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22. Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds had a pretty humble background. As noted by productivity expert Cal Newport, "Success often stems from hard work and perseverance rather than privilege." This sentiment resonates with many who rise to fame without the advantages of wealth or connections.
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23. Vin Diesel
Vin Diesel was raised by a single mother and was involved in community theater and independent projects, which ultimately led to his discovery for "Saving Private Ryan." As noted by Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis, a marriage therapist, "The support of a nurturing environment can significantly influence an individual's path to success." For more insights on personal development and relationships, visit Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis.
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24. Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence is a prime example of talent emerging from humble beginnings. Growing up in Kentucky, she was raised in a normal household where her parents operated a summer camp for children. As Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, notes, "Success often stems from resilience and the ability to navigate life's challenges, which many individuals from ordinary backgrounds possess." This perspective underscores the idea that extraordinary talent can flourish outside the realms of privilege.
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25. Dev Patel
First thing that came to mind was Dev Patel. His mother worked as a caregiver, and his father was in IT. According to Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, "Success often stems from hard work and perseverance rather than privilege." This sentiment highlights how individuals like Patel can rise to fame through their own efforts and talents.
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26. Anna Kendrick
Anna Kendrick is one of the prominent ones I can think of. No show biz parents, got her start in theater as a kid. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, a leading researcher in character and perseverance, states, "Success is not just about talent; it's about grit and determination." This highlights how individuals like Kendrick can rise to fame through hard work and dedication.
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27. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt was working as the El Pollo Loco chicken on the corner of Sunset and La Brea while trying to make it in Hollywood. As Dr. Steven Pinker, cognitive scientist, notes, "Success often comes from perseverance and the willingness to embrace failure as a learning opportunity," which resonates with Pitt's journey to stardom.
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28. Elijah Wood
Elijah Wood's parents ran a restaurant in Iowa City and weren’t particularly wealthy. As Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, states, "Success is often rooted in resilience and the ability to adapt to one's circumstances," which highlights how individuals from modest backgrounds can achieve great things through determination and hard work.Dr. Adam Grant, Organizational Psychologist
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29. Harrison Ford
Wasn't Harrison Ford a carpenter or something first?Edit: he pretty much was always an actor, but he wasn't satisfied with the roles he was getting early on, so he became a carpenter until he was discovered by George Lucas.
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30. Adam Driver
I have a lot of respect for Adam Driver. He was the only main actor on *Girls* who didn't come from privilege or didn't have a parent who was already in the industry. Not surprisingly, he was the most successful actor after *Girls* ended. As Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist and author, states, "Success is not just about talent; it’s about having the right mindset and resilience." This aligns with Driver's journey, showcasing how determination can lead to remarkable achievements.
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Do you think actors who worked their way up deserve more respect than those who came from families having a background or other connections in the entertainment industry? Did we miss any notable actors that you think should be on the list?
Let us know in the comments and be sure to share this with your friends.
