19 Famous Actresses Who Went From Rags To Riches

Feeling inspired by the maid-to-Hollywood story in “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark,” we’ve compiled a list of famous actresses who had humble beginnings. “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” opens tonight at the UF School of Theatre + Dance.

1. Sarah Jessica Parker

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Before she became the Carrie we all know and love, she struggled living in a household with seven other children. She got her big break when she landed the Broadway role in Annie at age 11.

2. Oprah Winfrey

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The now-billionaire was homeless and lived off welfare before she made it big.

3. Hilary Swank

Via media4news.com

The Academy-Award winner lived in trailer parks and cars before starting her acting career.

4. Demi Moore

Via wikipedia.org

The “Ghost” actress dropped out of high school and grew up in several trailer parks with her mother, who was addicted to alcohol.

5. Leighton Meester

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The “Gossip Girl” star was born in a federal prison in Texas where her mother served time for being involved with a drug ring.

6. Halle Berry

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Before she was Storm and Catwoman, the actress lived in a homeless shelter when she moved to New York to pursue modeling.

7. Selma Blair

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Before landing a role on a children’s show, the “Legally Blonde” actress was homeless and lived in a Salvation Army shelter in early twenties.

8. Rose McGowan

Via fanpop.com

Before she bewitched audiences in “Charmed,” she roamed around Oregon and Washington, homeless.

9. Mariah Carey

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The singer and actress lived in poverty in New York, and her mother worked several jobs to support them.

10. Jennifer Lopez

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The Bronx-native dropped out of college and lived on the floor of a dance studio before landing her breakthrough role as Selena.

11. Eva Longoria

Via wikipedia.org

The “Desperate Housewives” grew up poor on a farm in Texas before moving to Los Angeles.

12. Roseanne Barr

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The comedian dropped out of high school and worked as a waitress before getting her own show.

13. Carmen Electra

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The actress was homeless in her early twenties after her boyfriend stole her savings.

14. Eartha Kitt

Via fashionbombdaily.com

The late actress recalled living in poverty in the 1940s and even ate out of garbage cans.

15. Kate Winslet

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Before she was painted like one of Jack’s French girls, she struggled financially when her father worked many jobs, including acting.

16. Naomi Watts

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The “King Kong” actress almost moved into foster care until her grandparents helped her mother out.

17. Olga Kurylenko

Via ouchpress.com

The “Oblivion” actress had to make her own clothes when she lived in poverty in Ukraine.

18. Debbie Reynolds

Via wikipedia.org

Before she was singin’ in the rain, the actress lived in her car after her divorce left her without money.

19. Theresa Harris

Via acertaincinema.com

The Hollywood actress was the inspiration for the title character in “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark.”