Ella Fitzgerald – The Jazz Singer

The most famous jazz singer was homeless before people recognized her talent. She didn’t have a nice childhood at all. Ella moved to a poor Italian neighborhood in 1925 and everything went wrong from then on. After seven years, her mother died of a heart attack. Her stepfather didn’t pay much attention to her and abused her. She ran away from home and lived with her aunt in Harlem. She did whatever was offered to earn a living before becoming who we know her today.

Chris Gardner – Stockbroker

If you’re familiar with the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness Chris should be a very familiar face. He was the inspiration for the film and actor Will Smith did a wonderful job playing Chris Gardner in this film. Chris was poor, homeless and slept with his child wherever he could. This happened while Chris was preparing for the Dean Witter Reynolds training program to become a real estate agent. But what you don’t know is that he was a victim of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and illiteracy in the family.

Jewel – Singer

It very often happens that a woman gets somethingproposed by her boss. Jewel has dealt with this problem in her past. After she quit her job because of him, she had to live in her car and wash her hair in public restrooms. She had refusal to work in many places because she was too young. Jewel had to find food at happy hours and save money for manicures to sing at a club.

Michael Oher – football player

Michael’s story is one of the most amazing stories in sport. In fact, the film The Blind Side is dedicated to this man. He grew up in the poorest part of Memphis. Michael’s mother was addicted to cocaine and his father was murdered. That was not all. Michael attended 11 schools in nine years and had virtually no friends.

Jennifer Lopez – singer, actress

Many people were unaware of Lopez’s struggle when she was 18. Her parents didn’t let her pursue what she wanted to do in life. So she left home and had to sleep on a sofa in her dance studio. After J.Lo fell out with her mother about her desire to be in show business, Jennifer proved her resolve by receiving a Grammy Award.

Harry Houdini – Wizard

Perhaps the greatest magician was unable to pull off a trick to keep from becoming homeless. Harry’s parents weren’t ready for his decision to be a wizard. He ran away from home and tried everything to make ends meet. Finding hope on the streets of New York City, Houdini began his professional career at the age of 17.

Steve Harvey – television personality

The amazing TV presenter wasn’t rich when he startedhis career. Its beginnings were very similar to the stars we have mentioned. He separated from his first wife and sent his paychecks to his two children. Steve had to live in his 1976 Ford Tempo for a very long time. The igloo cooler was his makeshift fridge. He flushed in public baths and pool showers. Now he has his own show, best seller, two houses and a family.

Hilary Swank – actress

Swank’s family didn’t get along too well, Hilary and her mother were forced to move to Los Angeles after her parents’ divorce. Swank was only 13 when this happened, but her mother was focused on Hilary’s career. They lived in their car waiting for the perfect audition to pay for a nice apartment and their big break in acting.

Charlie Chaplin – actor

The greatest mute actor has had to deal with the same struggles as the other celebrities in this article. His father left him when he was two years old. Charlie stayed with his mother Hannah and they couldn’t make ends meet. Unfortunately this was not the end. Later, Charlie was sent to the workhouse and his mother committed to a mental institution. He was able to survive by performing and joining a music hall dance troupe.

Drew Carey – comedian

Even though he tells jokes his whole life, it’s not a joke at all. Drew couldn’t have what he wanted as a kid. His father died when he was 8 years old. At the age of 18, Drew tried to commit suicide because he couldn’t handle anything in his life. In Las Vegas he sold plasma for $40 and bought macaroni and cheese before becoming a successful comedian.