11 Celebrities Who Had Surprising Jobs Before Hollywood

Before making it big in the entertainment industry, many celebrities started their careers in ordinary, everyday jobs. These surprising past roles not only shaped who they became but also fueled their ambition to achieve stardom. Here’s a closer look at 11 stars whose humble beginnings paved their path to fame.

1. Nicki Minaj – Red Lobster Waitress

Nicki Minaj’s early career was far from glamorous. The future queen of rap worked as a waitress at Red Lobster, where her sharp wit and fierce personality sometimes clashed with the service industry’s demands. In a candid interview with GQ, Minaj recounted how she was fired after chasing down a customer who took her pen and flipped them off. This job, among others, helped her hone the bold and unapologetic character that later defined her music career. These experiences, she explained, only intensified her drive to break into the music industry and leave that chapter of her life behind.

2. Margot Robbie – Subway Sandwich Artist

Before becoming an Oscar-nominated actress, Margot Robbie spent time perfecting her sandwich-making skills at Subway. In an interview on Hot Ones, she shared her pride in making neatly crafted subs with just the right amount of toppings, spreading them to the edges evenly. The Wolf of Wall Street star humorously admitted that her experience turned her into a tough critic when visiting the chain today. Watching others make sandwiches poorly, Robbie said, would leave her frustrated — an amusing reminder of how her meticulous work ethic has always been a part of her character.

3. Terry Crews – Courtroom Sketch Artist

Known for his larger-than-life presence on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Terry Crews had a quieter start to his career as an artist. While playing in the NFL, he would paint portraits of his teammates for extra cash, and during his time in Flint, Michigan, Crews even worked as a courtroom sketch artist. He covered one of the most high-profile murder cases in the city’s history. In an interview with Esquire, Crews emphasized that these creative jobs were not just for fun but a means of survival: “If you want to make some money, you’ve got to humble yourself.” This lesson in humility shaped his approach to acting and life.

4. Rachel McAdams – McDonald’s Employee

Long before her breakthrough roles in Mean Girls and The Notebook, Rachel McAdams worked at McDonald’s for three years alongside her siblings. The actress told Glamour that although it was a positive environment, she struggled to balance her job’s demands with her compulsive habit of washing her hands. “They were like, ‘Hey, the drive-through’s backing up. Stop washing your hands!’” she recalled. Her time at McDonald’s, which included mishaps like breaking the orange juice machine, taught her valuable lessons in teamwork and perseverance.

5. Lil Nas X – Zaxby’s Cashier and Six Flags Attendant

Before his viral hit Old Town Road catapulted him to superstardom, Lil Nas X worked various jobs to support himself, including a cashier position at Zaxby’s and a ride attendant at Six Flags. He supervised children’s rides, such as Yosemite Sam’s Wacky Wagons, and recounted that those roles were far removed from the fame he would later achieve. These positions instilled in him a work ethic that laid the groundwork for his relentless pursuit of a music career.

6. Lucy Liu – Secretary and Hostess

Before becoming one of Charlie’s Angels, Lucy Liu was grinding hard to support herself in New York City. Balancing multiple roles, she worked as a secretary during the week, taught aerobics on weekends, and served as a hostess at a SoHo restaurant called Tennessee Mountain at night. Liu described to The Seattle Times that she worked seven days a week to make enough money for acting classes, knowing that her dream career wouldn’t be lucrative right away. Her dedication to hustle in multiple low-paying jobs showed her resilience and readiness for the demanding nature of Hollywood.

Related: 11 Celebrities Who Exchanged Hollywood for Everyday Jobs

7. Channing Tatum – Male Stripper

The storyline of Magic Mike is not just fiction for Channing Tatum — it’s based on his real-life experience. At 18, Tatum performed as a male stripper under the name “Chan Crawford” in Tampa, Florida, after dropping out of college. This period of his life, detailed in interviews and articles like those by Page Six, was both challenging and transformative. The experience gave him an edge in the entertainment industry, leading to modeling gigs that ultimately opened the door to acting opportunities.

8. Hugh Jackman – PE Teacher

Long before portraying Wolverine, Hugh Jackman was shaping young minds as a high school physical education teacher in England. As an assistant housemaster, he coached sports teams and taught P.E., inspiring students with his energy and charisma. In a heartwarming viral moment years later, Jackman recognized one of his former students while on the red carpet, jokingly reminding him to behave. His teaching experience gave him the leadership skills and patience that he carried into his career as a performer.

9. Jesse Williams – High School Teacher

Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams spent six years as a high school teacher before finding fame on screen. Teaching was in his blood — both his parents were educators, and he followed suit after graduating from Temple University with a degree in African-American Studies and Film and Media Arts. His time in the classroom instilled a sense of empathy and understanding that would become valuable in his later acting roles and activism.

10. Pierce Brosnan – Fire Eater and Artist

Pierce Brosnan’s path to becoming James Bond was filled with unique jobs, including working as a fire eater at a circus. Additionally, Brosnan was a commercial artist, using his creative skills to support himself in his early years. These artistic pursuits allowed him to develop patience and adaptability, qualities that served him well in his acting career.

Related: How female celebrities built their empires

11. Beyoncé – Salon Sweeper

Before rising to iconic status as a global pop sensation, Beyoncé would sweep hair at her mother Tina Knowles’ salon in Houston, Texas. It was here that she observed strong women from all walks of life, an experience that later influenced her music and image as a fierce, empowered artist. Working at the salon gave young Beyoncé firsthand experience with community and hard work, aspects that would be reflected in her journey to superstardom.