15 People Who Made the American Dream Come True
The American Dream means something different to everyone, but for some famous faces, it involved a pretty dramatic change of circumstances. A few grew up in homes where money was constantly running short. Others arrived in the United States with unfamiliar surroundings, limited English, or careers that had barely begun. Their paths weren’t always straightforward, either. There were unsuccessful auditions, financial setbacks, unexpected opportunities, and plenty of years spent figuring things out. Today, these names are associated with blockbuster movies, successful businesses, and worldwide recognition, making their earlier struggles almost difficult to imagine. Here are 15 celebrities whose journeys offer very different versions of the American Dream.
Oprah Winfrey Went From Poverty to Building a Media Empire
Raised in poverty in Mississippi, Oprah Winfrey began her broadcasting career as a teenager. She eventually became one of America’s most influential television personalities and businesswomen.
Dolly Parton Grew Up in a One-Room Cabin
One of twelve children in a poor Tennessee family, Dolly Parton moved to Nashville after high school and transformed her songwriting talent into an extraordinary music career.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Arrived From Austria With Hollywood Ambitions
After establishing himself as a young bodybuilder in Austria, Schwarzenegger moved to America in 1968. He became a movie star, successful businessman, and eventually California’s governor.
Mila Kunis Had to Learn English After Moving to America
Born in Ukraine, Mila Kunis immigrated to Los Angeles with her family at seven. Acting classes helped her learn English before she landed That ’70s Show.
Jim Carrey Once Lived in a Van With His Family
When Jim Carrey’s father lost his job, the family struggled financially and spent months living in a van. Carrey later became one of Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars.
Viola Davis Overcame an Extremely Difficult Childhood
Viola Davis grew up in severe poverty in Rhode Island, eventually finding her passion for acting. She attended Juilliard and became an Oscar-winning performer.
Tyler Perry Went From Homelessness to Owning a Film Studio
Before building his entertainment empire, Tyler Perry experienced homelessness and lived in his car while struggling to establish his career as a playwright.
Ke Huy Quan Went From a Refugee Camp to the Oscars
After fleeing Vietnam as a child, Ke Huy Quan spent time in a refugee camp before settling in America. Decades later, he won an Academy Award.
Steve Harvey Spent Years Living in His Car
Early in his comedy career, Steve Harvey struggled to make ends meet and lived in his car while traveling between performances. He eventually became a television star.
Gloria Estefan Found Her Musical Future in Miami
Gloria Estefan’s family left Cuba for Miami when she was a child. She later joined Miami Sound Machine and became an international Latin pop superstar.
Salma Hayek Left Mexican Stardom Behind for Hollywood
Already a television star in Mexico, Salma Hayek moved to Los Angeles with limited English. She learned the language and built an Oscar-nominated film career.
Charlize Theron Traveled From South Africa to Hollywood
Born in South Africa, Charlize Theron initially pursued a dancing career before moving to Los Angeles. She turned to acting and eventually won an Oscar for Monster.
Jay-Z Grew Up in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects
Raised by his mother in a Brooklyn housing project, Jay-Z used music to pursue opportunities beyond his neighborhood, eventually becoming a successful rapper and entrepreneur.
LeBron James Had an Unstable Childhood in Akron
Growing up with his single mother, LeBron James moved frequently as his family struggled financially. Basketball eventually took him from Akron to NBA superstardom.
Rihanna Left Barbados at 16 to Pursue Music
Rihanna moved from Barbados to the United States as a teenager to record music. A successful audition at Def Jam helped launch her international career.