8 Of The Most Inspiring Comebacks, Ever

Being Above the Influence is not about being perfect. It’s having the confidence to bounce back after any setback.

1. Ellen Degeneres

Via alreadypretty.com

American stand-up comedian, television host and actress who starred in a very successful ABC series aptly titled, Ellen.

The Setbacks: A world that wasn’t ready for change. After Ellen came out of the closet on a 1997 episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Ellen (her show) saw a drop in ratings that led to the show’s eventual cancellation.

The Comeback: The 2003 premiere of The Ellen DeGeneres Show — a show that has won her 32 Daytime Emmy awards.

2. Ulysses S. Grant

Via cdn.blogs.fredericksburg.com

Grant was the son of a tanner in Ohio; attended West Point; entered into Army as an officer; and served in the Mexican-American War.

The Setbacks: Depression. Grant didn’t like the war, the climate, or being separated from his wife and children. So he became depressed, started drinking, quit the Army, and went back home.

The Comeback: Rejoining the army; getting promoted to top general of all Union forces; winning the Civil War; and eventually being elected President of the United States — serving two consecutive terms.

3. Kurt Warner

Via cdn.bleacherreport.net

A Super Bowl champion, two-time National Football League MVP and Hall a Fame candidate.

The Setback: Going undrafted in the 1994 NFL Draft after his college football career at the University of Northern Iowa.

The Comeback: A contract with the AFL’s Iowa Barnstormers in 1995 that made him become the first All-Arena player; lead his team to two Arena Bowl appearances; and encouraged the Rams to sign him in 1998.

Then, in 1999, The Ram’s starting QB tore his ACL in a pre-season game — making Warner the starter. That season he threw for 4,353 yards with 41 TD passes; had a 65.1% completion rate; led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory; threw for a Super Bowl record of 414 yards; and was named Super Bowl MVP.

4. Robert Downey Jr.

Via www3.pictures.zimbio.com

American actor who made his screen debut at the age of five and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in the 1992 film Chaplin.

The Setbacks: Arrested numerous times on drug related charges until he finally reached out for help in 2004.

The Comeback: A 2008 role in Tropic Thunder that landed him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor; the lead role in Iron Man; being named one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2008; and winning a 2010 Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture for his role as Sherlock Holmes.

5. Post-War Japan

Via images.brisbanetimes.com.au

The aftermath of World War II left Japan devastated; most of its large cities were severely damaged; with food shortages; and a lack of housing and transportation.

The Setbacks: Industrial production was less than 10% of its pre-war level. Plus, they lost over 2,000,000 lives and 100 cities.

The Comeback: Another war. The Korean War helped propel Japan’s economy because they became the principal supplier of food and arms for the U.S. armed forces. They also began rebranding themselves as a technologically driven nation.

(Side Note: Japan is now the third largest economy in the world)

6. Betty White

Via cdn-media.hollywood.com

American actress, comedian, singer, author and television personality who is known for iconic roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Golden Girls

The Setback: Getting older.

The Comeback: A role in Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds’ rom-com, The Proposal (2009); a memorable 2010 Super Bowl ad for Snickers; and guest host gig on SNL that earned her an Emmy.

7. 2004 Boston Red Sox

Via cdn.bleacherreport.net

One of the most famous professional sports teams in America, and the world.

The Setbacks: Trading Babe Ruth to the Yankees and the resulting “Curse of the Bambino”.

The Comeback: Red Sox v. Yankees. 2004 American League Championship Series. The Sox lost the first three games of the series, but won game four and five in extra innings; game six due to the expert pitching of Kurt Schilling; and game seven by a landslide, 10-3. They then went on to beat the Cardinals in the World Championships — continuing their winning streak, and breaking the “Curse of the Bambino.”

8. People who consider themselves Above the Influence

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