21 Jobs Celebrities Had Before They Made It Big

By Amanda Keaton | La Salle University

Last Updated: January 12, 2017

Angelina Jolie by Gage Skidmore licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

It’s hard to believe that celebrities were just normal people before they were famous. From serving coffee to cleaning toilets, these celebrities worked hard to earn money before becoming famous and earning big cash.

Megan Fox

Before she was known for her legendary hotness, Fox had to wear a banana suit while working for a smoothie shop when she was a teenager.

Brad Pitt

When he was younger, Pitt had to prance around in a chicken suit and hand out flyers for a fast food restaurant.

Jennifer Aniston

Before starring in the hit show “Friends,” Aniston worked as a waitress and bike messenger in New York City, which she says was the toughest job she ever had.

Johnny Depp

Before becoming the Johnny Depp we know today, he sold pens by phone. I would have bought a hundred of them!

Sandra Bullock

Before making it on the big screen, Bullock was making drinks as a bartender while taking acting classes.

Madonna

Madonna worked at Dunkin’ Donuts in Times Square in NYC. The sassy Material Girl reportedly got fired for squirting jelly filling on customers.

Dwayne Wade

This NBA Miami Heat superstar used to work at a Kentucky Fried Chicken in high school. KFC even offered Dwayne a chance to come back.

Lady Gaga

While also in New York City, this unique celeb used to be a waitress and wore heels to work every day.

David Letterman

The funny late night host started off by stocking groceries in an Indianapolis grocery store.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Pfeiffer also worked in a grocery store in southern California.

Jon Bon Jovi

This rocker always knew what he wanted to do. While working as a janitor after high school, Bon Jovi recorded demos paving his way to stardom.

Jim Carrey

Before becoming a hilarious movie star, Carrey worked as a janitor to help support his family.

Harrison Ford

Before he was Indiana Jones and Han Solo, Ford was a carpenter in Los Angeles.

Betty White

This Golden Girl started out working in radio after being told she was too “unphotogenic” for film or TV.

Angelina Jolie

Jolie first wanted to be a funeral director when she didn’t like the way her grandfather’s funeral was conducted. She even got her funeral director certificate, but never did much with it.

Kanye West

West used to work at the GAP when he was in high school.

Gwen Stefani

Stefani worked at a Dairy Queen during high school.

Jerry Seinfeld

This funny guy had a few jobs when he was starting out. He sold lightbulbs over the phone, sold knockoff jewelry on sidewalks, and served food in Manhattan.