While it’s easy to picture today’s stars as born celebrities, many worked regular jobs before their big break. From humble beginnings in fast food to manual labor, these future icons paid their dues in the working world just like anyone else. Below, we take a look at some of the most surprising jobs celebrities had before fame.
1. Harrison Ford – Carpenter
Long before Harrison Ford was flying the Millennium Falcon as Han Solo or raiding temples as Indiana Jones, he worked as a carpenter in Los Angeles. After moving to Hollywood to pursue acting, Ford struggled to land substantial roles. To support his family, he took up carpentry, a trade he had picked up years earlier. Ford’s clients included studios and famous directors, and his skills in woodworking became a valuable way to make ends meet during those early, difficult years in Hollywood.
Ford’s life took a dramatic turn when he was hired to install cabinets in the home of filmmaker George Lucas. Lucas, who had previously worked with Ford on American Graffiti, remembered his talent and cast him as Han Solo in Star Wars (1977). The role catapulted Ford to international stardom, and his days of carpentry quickly became a thing of the past. However, his humble beginnings in the trade remain a testament to his resilience during the early stages of his career.
2. Madonna – Dunkin’ Donuts Cashier
Before Madonna became the “Queen of Pop,” she was a struggling artist trying to make it in New York City. In the late 1970s, she moved to the Big Apple with dreams of becoming a professional dancer, but found herself taking odd jobs to survive. One of those jobs was working as a cashier at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Times Square. While this might seem like a typical entry-level gig, Madonna’s experience at the doughnut chain was anything but ordinary.
According to reports, her time at Dunkin’ Donuts was short-lived. In a now-infamous incident, Madonna was fired for squirting jelly at a customer while operating the doughnut-filling machine. This quirky episode highlights the rebellious spirit that would later define her as a pop sensation. It wasn’t long after this that Madonna’s relentless drive and undeniable talent propelled her into the music world, where she would go on to dominate the charts for decades.
3. Hugh Jackman – PE Teacher
Hugh Jackman may be best known for playing Wolverine in the X-Men series, but before his acting career took off, he had a much different role—teaching physical education at Uppingham School in England. As a recent university graduate, Jackman worked as a PE teacher for a year, helping students develop their athletic skills and learn the value of fitness. His time as a teacher was brief, but it left a lasting impact on both him and his students.
Interestingly, Jackman has come full circle with this experience. In 2013, while at a press event, he was reunited with one of his former students, who reminded Jackman of his time as a PE teacher. Jackman joked about the encounter, proving that despite his fame, he still had fond memories of his early career. His transition from teacher to Hollywood star showcases his versatility and passion, both for education and entertainment.
4. Megan Fox – Smoothie Shop Mascot
Long before Megan Fox became a household name in movies like Transformers, she had a very different job—dressing up as a giant banana to promote a smoothie shop in Florida. As a teenager, Fox worked at a tropical smoothie shop and was tasked with donning the banana costume to attract customers. While not the most glamorous of jobs, it paid the bills while she worked toward her ultimate goal of becoming an actress.
Fox’s days of standing on the sidewalk in a costume seem worlds away from her life as a Hollywood star. However, her perseverance and willingness to do what it took to succeed helped her rise through the ranks. Her experience shows that even the most unusual jobs can be stepping stones to greater things, and that persistence in the face of less-than-ideal circumstances can ultimately pay off.
5. Brad Pitt – Chicken Mascot
Even Brad Pitt, one of Hollywood’s most famous faces, had his share of odd jobs before he made it big. While he was attending acting classes and auditions, Pitt worked several part-time gigs to make ends meet, including dressing up as a giant chicken for the fast-food chain El Pollo Loco in Los Angeles. His job was to stand outside in the chicken costume, waving at cars and encouraging people to come in for a meal.
Pitt has often joked about his early days working as a mascot, calling it a humbling experience. His commitment to the grind during his struggling actor days helped him stay focused on his goals. Though his job as a chicken mascot may seem funny in hindsight, it’s a reminder that even the biggest stars had to hustle hard before catching their big break.
