From Rags to Red Carpets: Jennifer Aniston and Other A-Listers Who Overcame Early Struggles

Published 12/01/2023, 1:21 PM EST

via Imago

In the glamorous world of Hollywood, the road to celebrity success is frequently strewn with disappointments and challenges. However, for others, even failures cannot prevent them from showing their magic and making a large name for themselves in the hearts of the audience. One such name is Jennifer Aniston. While she is now one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood, her early years were quite difficult. Not only does she make it to the list, but several other high-profile actors gain a feature as well.

On the big screen, the behind-the-scenes events are always well-veiled. However, for some actors and actresses, the story of their early hardships is vital in shaping who they are today.

Jennifer Aniston and other A-Listers early struggles

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The world became acquainted with Jennifer Aniston through the renowned NBC sitcom Friends. However, her early years were spent as a full-time waitress in New York City. Even though both of her parents were actors, she was initially discouraged from following in their footsteps. In a 2012 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Aniston recalled her father telling her to “not do it” and instead become a doctor or a lawyer. But being the rebellious youngster that she was, she kept working as a waitress while auditioning for acting roles.

The rags to red carpet tale also includes George Clooney and Kevin Bacon. Clooney made his film debut in 1982, but it took him more than a decade to star in his career-defining medical drama ER. Despite being the nephew of legendary singer Rosemary Clooney, he aspired to make it on his own and jumped from one job to the next. Bacon, on the other hand, traveled to New York at the age of 18 and bussed tables at a small café between his acting gigs.

DIVE DEEPER

Despite Having Had Shared Love Interests, Jennifer Aniston Once Praised Her BFF Courtney Cox for Being a ‘Fierce’ Lover

about 1 year ago

While the actors have been open about their early challenges, Jennifer Aniston took it a step further when she discussed the darker side of her childhood in a past interview.

The 54-year-old actress once opened up about her formative years

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

It is true that what a youngster witnesses in his or her childhood sticks with them throughout their adulthood, for better or worse. This is exactly what Jennifer Aniston symbolized in a 2020 interview with Grazia Magazine. The actress was asked how she kept herself happy and motivated in the entertainment business with so many failures. After some contemplation, Aniston stated that it stemmed “from growing up in a destabilized and unsafe household.”

The now 54-year-old actress further said that the idea of living her life differently came from witnessing people around her being unkind to each other. She further mentioned thatI don’t want to be that” for anyone else. Even though her surroundings were unsuitable for a young child to grow up in, the actress seemed to have regained control of her life.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

DIVE DEEPER

“I feel like…” – When Courteney Cox Defended Jennifer Aniston for Being Dragged in Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Divorce

about 1 year ago

What are your thoughts on the struggle stories of Jennifer Aniston? Comment down below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Sakshi Singh

165 articles

Sakshi Singh is a Hollywood News reporter at Netflix Junkie. Her love towards Hollywood and the entertainment industry began when she came across Mindhunter and the thrilling series opened her eyes to the power of storytelling. Her background in law saw her first foray into the world of writing through several published articles in law journals.

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK