Many well-known names started out on a completely different career path to the one they are now famous for. From ice skating and skateboarding to the army and navy, here are 22 stars who trained for very different vocations.
Ever wondered what your favourite celebrities did before finding fame? From teaching English to selling on eBay, discover 22 stars whose previous careers may surprise you.
He might be best known for starring roles in hit movies such as The War of the Roses, Twins, Romancing the Stone and The Lorax, but New Jersey boy Danny DeVito actually trained as a hairdresser and started out cutting and styling in his sister's salon. He'd enjoyed drama at school, but it was only when he applied to take make-up classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York that he decided to take some acting classes too and he found his calling.
He might be known for starring in hit movies such as The War of the Roses, Twins, Romancing the Stone, and The Lorax, but New Jersey boy Danny DeVito actually trained as a hairdresser and started out cutting and styling in his sister's salon. He'd enjoyed drama at school, but it was only when he applied to a make-up course at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York that he decided to take some acting classes and found his calling.
It may be difficult to picture the world famous popstar Sting chalking up a blackboard and marking homework, but Gordon Sumner, or Mr Sumner as he would have been known, began his career as an English teacher. After school he was often found playing gigs and eventually ditched the day job to concentrate on music, forming the Police and going on to forge a successful solo career. Sheryl Crow was also a teacher before finding fame.
It might be difficult to picture world-famous popstar Sting chalking up a blackboard and marking homework, but Gordon Sumner – or Mr Sumner as he would have been known – began his career as an English teacher. After school he was often found playing gigs and eventually ditched the day job to concentrate on music, forming the Police and going on to forge a successful solo career. American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow was also a teacher before finding fame.
Scottish actor Gerard Butler might be earning mega bucks as a Hollywood star, but after studying law at Glasgow University, his early career saw him playing out a very different drama as a trainee lawyer in Edinburgh.The jacket and tie lifestyle didn't suit him, however, and he gave it all up to follow his dream of becoming an actor. He managed to get his first role without any formal training and the rest is history.
Scottish actor Gerard Butler earns mega bucks as a Hollywood star. But after studying law at Glasgow University, he spent his early career in the office rather than on a film set, working as a trainee lawyer in Edinburgh. The white collar lifestyle didn't suit him, however, and he was fired from his job just one week before he was due to qualify. Butler abandoned the bar to follow his dream of becoming an actor. He managed to get his first role without any formal training and the rest is history.
American fashion designer Vera Wang took up figure skating before she reached double digits and was earmarked as a future star on the ice. She competed nationally throughout her teens, but after failing to make the US Olympic team she decided to retire from the rink. After working for several years as a fashion editor at Vogue, she changed track again, moving into fashion design and making a name for herself in bridal wear.
American fashion designer Vera Wang took up figure skating when she was a child and was earmarked as a future star on the ice. She competed nationally throughout her teens, but after failing to make the US Olympic team she decided to retire from the rink. After working for several years as a fashion editor at Vogue, she changed track again, moving into fashion design and making a name for herself in bridal wear.
British singer-songwriter James Blunt is a former British Army officer. He served for six years, including a stint in Kosovo. Blunt's love of music started at school and during downtime in his forces career he would pen songs. After leaving the army Blunt determined that his next mission would be to carve out a successful music career. Mission complete.
British singer-songwriter James Blunt is a former British Army officer. He served for six years, including a stint in Kosovo. Blunt's love of music started at school and he would write songs during his downtime in the army. After leaving the forces, Blunt determined that his next mission would be to carve out a successful music career. Mission complete.
British TV personality and cook Nigella Lawson is best known for her mouth-watering cookery TV shows and books, but recipe writing wasn't on her radar from the start. After graduating from Oxford University, Lawson moved into journalism and went on to become deputy literary editor of The Sunday Times. She became a freelance journalist before writing her first cook book How To Eat: The Pleasures and Principles of Good Food and more books and then TV shows followed.
British TV personality and cook Nigella Lawson is best known for her mouth-watering cookery TV shows and books, but recipe writing wasn't on her radar from the start. After graduating from Oxford University, Lawson moved into journalism and went on to become deputy literary editor of The Sunday Times. She worked as a freelance journalist before writing her first cookbook How To Eat: The Pleasures and Principles of Good Food in 1998. Lawson has since written 12 more books and presented a number of successful TV shows.
American lifestyle guru and media mogul Martha Stewart worked as a model through her teens, but after graduating college she was employed as a stockbroker. She traded for a few years, before deciding to make her passion for cooking a full-time job. Stewart started a gourmet catering business, which became a success with corporate and celebrity clients. This led to cookbook deals, magazines and TV shows and, ultimately, a multi-million-dollar multimedia lifestyle brand.
American lifestyle guru and media mogul Martha Stewart worked as a model through her teens, but after graduating college she was employed as a stockbroker. She traded for a few years before deciding to make her passion for cooking a full-time job. Stewart started a gourmet catering business, which became a success with corporate and celebrity clients alike. This led to cookbook deals, magazines, TV shows and, ultimately, a multi-million-dollar multimedia lifestyle brand.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's career has taken several unlikely twists. The Austrian American started out as a professional body builder, winning the Mr Universe title at aged 20. The buzz that surrounded his body-building success helped him to break into acting and it wasn't long before he became a star of the screen with hits such as The Terminator and Twins. Schwarzenegger then moved into politics, serving as Governor of the State of California from 2003 to 2010.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's career has taken several unlikely twists. The Austrian-American started out as a professional body builder, winning the Mr Universe title at 20 years old. The buzz that surrounded his body-building success helped him to break into acting and it wasn't long before he found fame with breakthrough roles in Conan the Barbarian (1982) and The Terminator (1984). Schwarzenegger then moved into politics, serving as Governor of the State of California from 2003 to 2010.
The reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, is a former Olympic athlete who won gold and set a world record in the decathlon in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Jenner captured the hearts of Americans and became a celebrity overnight. After retiring from sport, Jenner became a television personality and is now best known for her part in Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
The reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, was an Olympic athlete who won a gold medal and set a world record in the decathlon in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Jenner's sporting success catapulted her into stardom and, after retiring from the decathlon, she landed successful endorsement deals with companies including Tropicana and the breakfast cereal Wheaties. Jenner later became a television personality and is now best known for appearing in Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
His best-selling novels have been translated into forty languages, turned into films and grace book shelves all over the world, but author John Grisham never set out to be a fiction writer. Writing was something he did as a hobby, while working a 60 to 70-hour week as a lawyer at a small Mississippi law practice. Grisham's legal work inspired many of his stories and once his books took off he quit the court to become a full-time author.
His best-selling novels have been translated into 42 languages and adapted into major box office hits. But author John Grisham never set out to be a fiction writer. Writing was something he did as a hobby while working a 60 to 70-hour week as a lawyer at a small Mississippi law practice. Grisham's legal work inspired many of his stories and once his writing career took off, he quit the courtroom to become a full-time author.
When David Letterman first appeared on TV, it was to tell the audience that clouds would be coming in from the east or to slap on the sunscreen because it was going to be a scorcher. He started his screen career as a weatherman on Indianapolis channel WLWI. Colleagues quickly realised that his humour was wasted on meteorology and he got his big break on The Tonight Show, before securing his own Late Show and becoming the longest-serving late night US TV host ever. He's now working on a Netflix series.
When David Letterman first appeared on TV, it was to tell the audience that clouds were coming in from the east, or that they should slap on the sunscreen because it was going to be a scorcher. He started his screen career as a weatherman on Indianapolis channel WLWI. Colleagues quickly realised that his humour was wasted on meteorology and he got his big break on The Tonight Show before securing his own Late Show and becoming the longest-serving late night US TV host ever. His most recent venture was My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, a Netflix talk show that streamed for three seasons.
The critically-acclaimed actor Mickey Rourke started out as a boxer, going professional after finding success as an amateur boxer in his teens. He won eight professional fights, before retiring to concentrate on acting. Rourke recently returned to the ring, however, at the aged of 62. In an exhibition bout in Moscow, Rourke beat Elliot Seymour who, at just 29 years old, was less than half his age.
The critically-acclaimed actor Mickey Rourke started out as a boxer, going professional after finding success as an amateur boxer in his teens. He won eight professional fights before retiring to concentrate on acting. In 2014, Rourke briefly returned to the boxing ring at the age of 62, beating 29-year-old Elliot Semour in an exhibition bout in Moscow.
Controversial talk show host Jerry Springer graduated in law and then went into politics. He unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 1970, but he went on to win two terms as mayor of Cincinnati City Council. The TV networks could see that he was made for the small screen and he left politics to take a job as anchor and managing editor of Cincinnati NBC affiliate WLWT. The success of this led to him getting his own eponymously-named TV show, which has now been airing for over 20 years.
Controversial talk show host Jerry Springer graduated in law and then went into politics. He unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 1970 but went on to win two terms as mayor of Cincinnati City Council. During his term as mayor, Springer was a popular radio commentator and eventually left politics to work as an anchor and managing editor of Cincinnati NBC affiliate WLWT. His success at WLWT led to him getting his own eponymously-named TV show, which aired for 27 years before ending in 2018.
He may be best known for his roles as secret service spy James Bond, but Sir Sean Connery started off with an actual role in the military as a sailor in the British Royal Navy. Poor health led to him being released from service. He then took up weight-lifting and it was at a weight-lifting competition that he was spotted and asked to join the chorus of the musical South Pacific. His film and TV career took off from there.
He may be best known for his roles as secret service spy James Bond, but Sir Sean Connery started off with an actual role in the military as a sailor in the British Royal Navy. He was released from service due to poor health and took up weightlifting. At a weightlifting competition, Connery was scouted and asked to join the chorus of the musical South Pacific. His film and TV career took off from there.
Irish actor and producer Gabriel Byrne's first calling was to the priesthood and he spent some time at a seminary in England training to be a priest. His love of women led him to seek other employment, however, and he decided to see if he could make a living from his natural talent for acting. A stream of appearances in TV series and films followed, but it was the movie The Miller's Crossing that put Byrne on Hollywood's radar and he's now got a series of production credits to his name too.
Irish actor and producer Gabriel Byrne's first calling was to the priesthood and he spent some time at a seminary in England training to be a priest. His love of women led him to seek other employment, however, and he decided to see if he could make a living from acting. A stream of appearances in TV series and films followed, but it was the movie The Miller's Crossing (1990) that put Byrne on Hollywod's radar and he's now got a series of production credits to his name too.
Actor Morgan Freeman enlisted in the United States Airforce in the 1950s to become a pilot. He spent four years in the forces, rising to the rank of Airman 1st Class, before leaving to pursue an acting career. Freeman had to make do with small parts for years, before finally making it on Broadway and then eventually hitting the big time in Hollywood.
Actor Morgan Freeman enlisted in the United States Airforce in the 1950s to become a pilot. He spent four years in the forces, rising to the rank of Airman 1st Class before leaving to pursue an acting career. Freeman had to make do with small parts for years but finally found fame on Broadway and then hit the big time in Hollywood.
Film star and author Whoopi Goldberg qualified and worked as a beautician before she became a professional actor, including working in a morgue doing hair and make-up for corpses. She decided she preferred to hang out with the living, however, and tried her hand at a different type of drama.
Film star and author Whoopi Goldberg qualified as a beautician before becoming a professional actor – and even worked in a morgue doing hair and make-up for corpses. She decided she preferred to hang out with the living, however, and tried her hand at a different type of drama.
Rapper-turned actor Ice T served in the United States Army as a soldier. He quit after a few years to pursue a career in music. He started off performing as a DJ at local parties, but it soon became apparent that his real talent lay in rap music.
Rapper-turned actor Ice T served in the United States Army as a soldier but quit after a few years to pursue a career in music. He started off performing as a DJ at local parties, but it soon became apparent that his real talent was rap music.
He gets stopped in the street because he's recognised as being the guy who plays Earl Hickey in the hit TV sitcom My Name is Earl, but Jason Lee's first claim to fame was as a professional skateboarder. Although he doesn't do as many stunts as he used to fear of injuring himself, Lee is still involved in the sport and is co-owner of skateboard brand Stereo Skateboards.
Nowadays, people recognise Jason Lee as the guy who plays Earl Hickey in the hit TV sitcom My Name is Earl, but his first claim to fame was as a professional skateboarder. Although he doesn't do as many stunts as he used to, for fear of injuring himself, Lee is still involved in the sport and is co-owner of skateboard brand Stereo Skateboards.
The BAFTA-award winning and Oscar-nominated British actor Dame Julie Walters might be best known for her parts in Billy Elliot, Educating Rita and the Harry Potter movies, but it could have all been very different had she stuck to her original career as a nurse in the British National Health Service. The reality of working on the wards made Walters realise that it wasn't the vocation for her and she quit to give acting a go.
The BAFTA-award winning and Oscar-nominated British actor Dame Julie Walters is best known for her parts in Billy Elliot, Educating Rita, Mamma Mia, and the Harry Potter movies, but it could have been very different had she stuck to her original career as a nurse in the British National Health Service (NHS). The reality of working on the wards made Walters realise that it wasn't the vocation for her and she quit to give acting a go.
British scientist Professor Brian Cox has bought his love of space and science to the masses through his much-loved TV shows and books, but the physicist and university lecturer actually started out in music. He played keyboard for rock band Dare in the late eighties and then moved to play keyboard with D:Ream, who scored a huge hit with Things Can Only Get Better. They certainly did for Cox, whose proved that scientists can both study stars and become one.
British scientist Professor Brian Cox has bought his love of space and science to the masses through his much-loved TV shows and books. However, the physicist and university lecturer actually started out in music. He played the keyboard for rock band Dare in the late eighties and then joined pop rock group D:Ream, who scored a huge hit with Things Can Only Get Better in 1994. They certainly did for Cox, who's proved that scientists can both study stars and become one.
Comic Simon Brodkin, better known as his alter ego Lee Nelson and for his headline-grabbing pranks on US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May and former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, is actually a qualified doctor. After training he worked as a junior doctor in Manchester, England, but hung up his stethoscope when he realised that his stand-up comic act could become more than a sideline.
British comedian Simon Brodkin, who often performs as his alter ego Lee Nelson, is known for his high-profile pranks on Donald Trump, former British Prime Minister Theresa May, and former FIFA president Sepp Blatter. However, his original job was a little more serious. Brodkin worked as a junior doctor in Manchester, England, but hung up his stethoscope when he realised that his stand-up comic act could become more than a side-line.
Actor Adam Driver is best known for his role in the Star Wars franchise, however, he served as a United States Marine before embarking on a Hollywood career. He was medically discharged after serving two years as he dislocated his shoulder in a biking accident. Driver believed nothing he could do would be harder than the Marines so he applied to the prestigious performing arts school Julliard. He is now a huge star.
Actor Adam Driver is best known for playing Kylo Ren in the Star Wars franchise but served as a United States Marine before embarking on a Hollywood career. He was medically discharged from the military after two years as he dislocated his shoulder in a biking accident. Driver believed that nothing he could do would be harder than the Marines so applied to the prestigious performing arts school Julliard. He's now a huge star.
Before becoming a huge star actor Steve Buscemi was a firefighter with the New York Fire Department in the 80s. The actor kept in touch with his old colleagues despite his Hollywood success and even showed up at his old fire department ready to work on the day of 9/11. He made a HBO documentary encouraging others to become firefighters.
Before becoming a film star, actor Steve Buscemi was a firefighter with the New York Fire Department in the 80s. The actor kept in touch with his old colleagues despite his Hollywood success and even showed up at his old fire department ready to work on the day of 9/11. He made a HBO documentary encouraging others to become firefighters.
Fulltime Duchess and future Queen Kate Middleton used to work as a fashion buyer. Her role involved purchasing accessories for luxury fashion brand Jigsaw. Her previous career is hardly surprising as the Duchess is considered one of the most stylish women in the world.
The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton used to work as a fashion buyer, selecting accessories for luxury fashion brand Jigsaw. Her previous career is hardly surprising as the Duchess is widely considered one of the most stylish women in the world today.
The Wolverine star was hired as a P.E. teacher at the prestigious Uppingham School in England. He’d teach physical education as well as coach school sports teams. Upon returning to Australia Jackman studied Journalism. His ultimate passion was acting and despite the twists and turns in his professional life, this was the career path he ultimately pursued.
Wolverine star Hugh Jackman was hired as a P.E. teacher at the prestigious Uppingham School in England, where he taught physical education and coached school sports teams. Upon returning to Australia, Jackman studied journalism – but his ultimate passion was acting and despite the twists and turns in his professional life, this was the career path he ultimately pursued.
The actor is best known for his leading roles in action blockbusters but got his start in music. He was the frontman of hip-hop group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Their song ‘Wildside’ peaked at number 10 on the charts and went platinum. Despite achieving success in the industry many people are surprised to learn about his previous career. Perhaps because Walberg has given his public image a major make-over since his days as a rapper.
Actor Mark Wahlberg is best known for his leading roles in action blockbusters such as The Italian Job (2003), but found fame as a rapper long before hitting the silver screen. In the 1990s, he was the frontman of hip-hop group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, whose song Wildside peaked at number 10 on the charts and went platinum. Despite his success in the music industry, many people are surprised to learn about Wahlberg's previous career – perhaps because he's given his public image a major make-over since his days as a rapper.
Lawrence Tureaud aka Mr. T is famed for his role in The A-Team. Before finding success as an actor and TV personality he worked as a bodyguard for celebrities. His A-list clientele included Micheal Jackson, Steve McQueen, Muhammad Ali, and Diana Ross. The star also previously worked as a bouncer and a wrestler.
Lawrence Tureaud, aka Mr. T, is famous for his role in 1980s TV series The A-Team. Before finding success as an actor and TV personality, however, he worked as a bodyguard. His A-list clientele included Michael Jackson, Steve McQueen, Muhammad Ali, and Diana Ross. The star also previously worked as a bouncer and wrestler.
Before she became world-famous Kim Kardashian worked as a personal assistant and stylist for stars such as Serena Williams, Cindy Crawford, and Paris Hilton. It appears Kardashian always had entrepreneurial prowess as she also had a side hustle organising the closets of the rich and famous and selling their unwanted items on eBay for profit.
Before she became world-famous, Kim Kardashian worked as a personal assistant and stylist for stars such as Serena Williams, Cindy Crawford, and Paris Hilton. It appears Kardashian always had entrepreneurial prowess as she also ran a successful side hustle, organising the closets of the rich and famous and selling their unwanted items on eBay for profit.