Rags-to-riches stories inspire hope and remind even the most down-and-out dreamers that hard work, positivity and perseverance sometimes do pay off no matter how hard the road might seem. In America’s celebrity culture, there is no shortage of superstars with rags-to-riches backgrounds and stories of poverty, trauma and hardship that had to be overcome. Take a look at celebrities who started off on the wrong foot and still made it big.

Last updated: Oct. 13, 2020