From Daniel Craig to J.Lo, 20 stars who were homeless before they found fame
Many successful stars of television and film have struggled financially and been forced to sleep rough or beg for money before achieving success
Rags-to-riches stories don't just happen in the movies. Some of the world’s richest and most successful people did not start off that way – they spent nights sleeping on the streets, in their cars, or on friends' sofas.
In the past some of these celebrities battled with addiction or struggled to make it on their own while pursuing their dreams.
[Living in a homeless shelter] taught me how to take care of myself and that I could live through any situation, even if it meant going to a shelter for a small stint, or living within my means, which were meagre
Fast-forward to today, and many have won Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy Awards and have earned the respect and admiration of their industry peers and fans across the world.
Check out 20 incredible stories of people who overcame misfortune to achieve great success.
Chris Pratt
American actor Chris Pratt, 40, aka Burt Macklin – the alter-ego of Andy Dwyer, the lovable funny guy he played in the hit US sitcom Parks and Recreation – has been turning heads since his move into action hero roles in the science-fiction blockbusters Jurassic World, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 1 and Vol 2.
Yet when he was 19, Pratt accepted a one-way ticket to Maui, Hawaii, from a friend and set up home in a flea- and mice-infested van. It was a situation that he told Britain’s The Independent newspaper was “pretty awesome”.
He said: “We just drank and smoked weed and worked minimal hours, 15 to 20 hours per week – just enough to cover [petrol], food and fishing supplies. You know it was a charming time.”
