Before the glitz, the glamor, and the paparazzi, even the most iconic celebrities had to start somewhere. Far from the spotlight, these ten stars embarked on career paths that might just surprise you. Here's a look at what some of your favorite celeb
Johnny Depp: Telemarketer for Pens
Before Johnny Depp became Captain Jack Sparrow, he was convincing people to buy pens over the phone. Yes, Depp worked as a telemarketer, a job he admittedly wasn't very good at. His natural charm must have helped, though, because look where he is now!
Megan Fox: Banana Mascot
Before she was turning heads in "Transformers," Megan Fox wore a banana costume for a local smoothie shop in Florida. It's hard to imagine the glamorous actress promoting fruit smoothies, but everyone has to start somewhere!
Channing Tatum: Stripper
Channing Tatum's past as a stripper isn't just a rumor—it's a part of his life that inspired the movie "Magic Mike." Before his breakout roles in Hollywood, Tatum danced under the stage name "Chan Crawford."
Christopher Walken: Lion Tamer
In one of the most unexpected pre-fame jobs, Christopher Walken spent a summer as a lion tamer in a circus. He worked with a lioness named Sheba, performing a tame act that mostly involved him cracking a whip while Sheba did very little.
Ellen DeGeneres: Oyster Shucker
Long before she was making audiences laugh on her talk show, Ellen DeGeneres was shucking oysters in New Orleans. It's a far cry from hosting celebrities, but perhaps the job helped sharpen her quick wit.
Rachel McAdams: McDonald’s Employee
Rachel McAdams is known for her roles in romantic dramas, but before the fame, she spent three years working at McDonald's. According to McAdams, she wasn't a very good employee but learned a lot about the importance of teamwork.
Whoopi Goldberg: Mortuary Beautician
Whoopi Goldberg's job before she hit it big might just be the most shocking of all. She worked as a beautician in a mortuary, applying makeup to the deceased. It's a job that requires a lot of respect and care, qualities Goldberg certainly brings to her roles.
Danny DeVito: Hairdresser for Corpses
Similarly, Danny DeVito worked as a hairdresser for corpses before finding fame. He learned the trade at his sister's beauty salon, where he would prepare the dead for their final appearance.
Hugh Jackman: Party Clown
Before he was Wolverine, Hugh Jackman entertained at children's parties as Coco the Clown. Jackman reportedly earned just $50 per show, but the experience likely helped him develop his performance skills.
Steve Buscemi: Firefighter
Steve Buscemi took a more heroic path before becoming a renowned actor. He served as a firefighter in New York City for four years. Buscemi even returned to his old firehouse to assist after the 9/11 attacks.