14 Celebrities Who Had Surprisingly Ordinary Jobs Before Fame

Before the red carpets, blockbuster movies, and sold-out concerts, many celebrities spent their days doing the same kinds of jobs as everyone else. They worked shifts, dealt with customers, cleaned up messes, and worried about paying bills long before fame arrived. They still worry about money now, just on a larger scale.

Looking back, it’s fascinating to see how many future celebrities once held completely normal positions that could have belonged to any neighbor, coworker, or classmate. We tend to forget, but a lot of celebrities started out just as fameless as you or me. Here are some memorable examples.

Harrison Ford, Carpenter

Before becoming Han Solo and Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford worked as a self-taught carpenter to support his family. He continued taking acting jobs while building homes and studios around Los Angeles.

Brad Pitt, Chicken Mascot

While trying to break into Hollywood, Brad Pitt took several odd jobs. His most famous one involved dressing as a giant chicken and promoting an El Pollo Loco restaurant on the street.

Steve Buscemi, Firefighter

Years prior to becoming a respected character actor, Steve Buscemi worked as a firefighter in New York City. He even returned to help his former firehouse after the September 11 attacks.

Whoopi Goldberg, Mortuary Beautician

She eventually found success in comedy and acting, yet Whoopi Goldberg started off as a beautician and worked preparing deceased individuals for funerals. While unusual, it’s still ordinary when compared to a full-time movie star.

Johnny Depp, Telemarketer

Before audiences knew him as Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp sold pens over the phone. The future movie star reportedly disliked telemarketing and quickly moved on once acting opportunities improved.

Margot Robbie, Subway Employee

Long before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Margot Robbie worked at a Subway sandwich shop in Australia. She has said she became quite skilled at making sandwiches during her shifts.

Eva Longoria, Fast-Food Worker

While Desperate Housewives made her famous, Eva Longoria spent years working at Wendy’s. She started as a teenager and remained there long enough to learn the business thoroughly.

Dwayne Johnson, Dishwasher

Before wrestling fame and blockbuster movies, Dwayne Johnson worked washing dishes. The future superstar has often mentioned the job as part of the difficult period before his career took off.

Jennifer Aniston, Telemarketer

Jennifer Aniston held several ordinary jobs prior to Friends changing her life. Among them was telemarketing, an experience she has openly discussed when reflecting on her pre-fame years.

Danny DeVito, Hairdresser

Before acting became his profession, Danny DeVito trained as a hairdresser. The skill helped him earn a living while pursuing opportunities in theater and entertainment.

Madonna, Dunkin’ Donuts Employee

Even the Queen of Pop needed to pay the bills, so Madonna worked at a Dunkin’ Donuts location in New York at the start of her career. Her time there was reportedly short-lived, but it remains a famous part of her pre-fame story.

Meghan Markle, Calligrapher

Before becoming an actress and later a member of the British royal family, Meghan Markle earned money through professional calligraphy. She created invitations and stationery for clients.

Jon Hamm, Set Dresser

Years before Mad Men, Jon Hamm worked behind the scenes as a set dresser. One of his more memorable jobs involved arranging furniture on soft-core film productions while pursuing acting opportunities.

Hugh Jackman, Physical Education Teacher

Wolverine made him internationally famous, but prior to that, Hugh Jackman worked as a physical education teacher. Some former students have happily pointed out that they were taught by a future movie star.