American Actresses Who Succeeded Against the Odds

Many of the most celebrated figures in Hollywood history faced significant obstacles before achieving fame and critical acclaim. These hurdles ranged from extreme poverty and personal trauma to systemic barriers and industry rejection. Their journeys demonstrate resilience and the ability to overcome difficult circumstances to reach the pinnacle of the entertainment industry. This list highlights women who transformed their struggles into fuel for their creative success.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis grew up in extreme poverty in Rhode Island where her family often lacked basic necessities like food and heat. She discovered her passion for acting in high school and pursued it through the Juilliard School to hone her craft. After years of working in theater and small television roles she achieved widespread recognition in ‘Doubt’ and ‘The Help’. Davis eventually became the first African American actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting by winning an Oscar and an Emmy and a Tony Award. Her story serves as a powerful example of talent and perseverance overcoming a difficult childhood.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey was born to a teenage mother in rural Mississippi and lived in poverty for much of her youth. She survived traumatic experiences and moved frequently between different households before finding stability in Nashville. Her career in media began as a news anchor which eventually led to her iconic talk show and several prestigious film roles. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her debut performance in ‘The Color Purple’. Winfrey became a billionaire and a global icon through her sheer determination and business acumen.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron grew up on a farm in South Africa where she witnessed significant family trauma before moving to the United States. She arrived in Los Angeles with very little money and a one way ticket to pursue her dream of acting. Her big break came after she was discovered by a talent agent while she was at a bank. She eventually won an Academy Award for her transformative role as Aileen Wuornos in the film ‘Monster’. Theron has established herself as one of the most versatile and powerful actresses in modern Hollywood history.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis moved from Ukraine to the United States with her family at the age of seven and spoke no English upon arrival. She began taking acting classes as a way to meet other children and soon started landing roles in commercials. She gained widespread fame for her role as Jackie Burkhart on the sitcom ‘That 70s Show’. Kunis successfully transitioned into a major film career with roles in ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ and ‘Black Swan’. Her journey from an immigrant child to a Hollywood star is a testament to her adaptability and talent.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton was raised in a small cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains as one of twelve children in a family with very limited financial resources. She moved to Nashville the day after she graduated from high school to pursue a career in country music and acting. She achieved massive success as a singer and songwriter before making her film debut in ‘9 to 5’. Parton used her fame to build a business empire and launch significant philanthropic efforts like the Imagination Library. Her humble beginnings provided the foundation for a career that has spanned several decades.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson moved to Hollywood as a single mother with only seven hundred dollars in her pocket and a dream of becoming an actress. She worked multiple jobs to support her son while auditioning for small roles in television and film. Her breakthrough came with her performance in ‘Hustle and Flow’ followed by an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. She later reached new heights of fame playing Cookie Lyon on the television drama ‘Empire’. Henson has often spoken about the challenges she faced as a woman of color in the entertainment industry.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer worked behind the scenes in film production for many years while taking small uncredited acting roles. She faced numerous rejections and spent over a decade in the industry before receiving a significant opportunity. Her role as Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’ earned her an Academy Award and changed the trajectory of her career. She has since received multiple Oscar nominations for her work in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer is now recognized as one of the most reliable and talented character actresses in Hollywood.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker grew up in a household that often relied on welfare and free school lunches to get by. She began training in ballet and acting at a young age and eventually landed a role on Broadway in ‘Annie’. Her career continued to grow with television roles and supporting parts in various films. She achieved global superstardom as Carrie Bradshaw in the long running series ‘Sex and the City’. Parker has successfully balanced her acting career with a significant presence in the fashion and fragrance industries.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish spent much of her youth in the foster care system and experienced periods of homelessness as she started her career. She used comedy as a coping mechanism and eventually began performing at local clubs to sharpen her skills. Her breakout performance in the film ‘Girls Trip’ earned her critical praise and turned her into a major star. She became the first African American female stand up comedian to host ‘Saturday Night Live’. Haddish remains open about her past struggles to inspire others who are facing similar hardships.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain was raised by a single mother in a household that frequently struggled with financial stability. She was the first person in her family to attend college and received a scholarship to Juilliard funded by Robin Williams. After years of minor roles and pilot episodes she gained massive recognition with six film releases in a single year. She earned Academy Award nominations for ‘The Help’ and ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ before winning for ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’. Chastain is known for her intense preparation and advocacy for gender equality in Hollywood.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank and her mother lived out of their car while she auditioned for roles in Los Angeles during her early teens. They had very little money and relied on the kindness of friends to provide them with a place to sleep. She eventually landed her breakout role in ‘Boys Dont Cry’ which led to her first Academy Award win. She won a second Oscar for her role as a determined boxer in the film ‘Million Dollar Baby’. Swank is often cited as an example of how extreme dedication can lead to the highest levels of professional success.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry spent time living in a homeless shelter in New York City while she was trying to launch her acting career. She refused to give up on her dreams and eventually landed a role on the television series ‘Living Dolls’. Her performance in ‘Monster’s Ball’ made her the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. She has maintained a prominent career in both blockbuster action films and serious dramas. Berry continues to break barriers for women of color in the film industry.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg faced challenges with undiagnosed dyslexia during her school years and experienced homelessness as a young adult. She worked as a bricklayer and a mortuary cosmetologist while pursuing a career in stand up comedy and theater. Her one woman show caught the attention of Steven Spielberg who cast her in the lead role of ‘The Color Purple’. She went on to win an Academy Award for her role in ‘Ghost’ and became one of the few performers to win an EGOT. Goldberg is a pioneer who has succeeded in every facet of the entertainment world.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson first gained national attention as a contestant on ‘American Idol’ but was eliminated before the final rounds. She turned that setback into an opportunity when she was cast as Effie White in the film ‘Dreamgirls’. Her performance earned her an Academy Award and launched a successful career in both music and film. Despite facing immense personal tragedy within her family she continued to work and achieve critical success. Hudson recently became an EGOT winner and hosts her own successful daytime talk show.

Marlee Matlin

Marlee Matlin lost her hearing at the age of eighteen months and faced skepticism about her ability to succeed as an actress. She made her film debut in ‘Children of a Lesser God’ and delivered a performance that captivated audiences. At age twenty one she became the youngest person and the first deaf performer to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. She has since enjoyed a prolific career in television shows like ‘The West Wing’ and films like ‘CODA’. Matlin is a tireless advocate for the deaf community and accessibility in the media.

Chrissy Metz

Chrissy Metz had only eighty one cents in her bank account when she auditioned for her life changing role on ‘This Is Us’. She had spent years working as an assistant to a talent agent while struggling to find acting work for herself. Her portrayal of Kate Pearson earned her multiple award nominations and widespread critical acclaim. She has used her platform to discuss body positivity and the realities of financial struggle. Metz is now a successful actress and author who continues to pursue her passion for music.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige grew up in a housing project in New York where she witnessed and experienced significant social challenges. She used music as an escape and eventually became a legendary figure in the rhythm and blues genre. Her transition into acting was met with praise for her roles in ‘Mudbound’ and the series ‘Power Book II Ghost’. She made history by receiving two Academy Award nominations in the same year for acting and songwriting. Blige is celebrated for her raw honesty and her ability to overcome personal demons through her art.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore became a world famous child star after appearing in ‘E.T. the Extra Terrestrial’ but struggled with the pressures of early fame. She entered rehabilitation at a very young age and was emancipated from her parents while still a teenager. Despite being considered a high risk hire by many studios she successfully rebuilt her career as an adult. She starred in hits like ‘The Wedding Singer’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels’ while also becoming a successful producer. Barrymore now hosts her own popular talk show and remains a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore had a difficult childhood marked by frequent moves and a complicated relationship with her parents. She left home at sixteen to pursue modeling and eventually landed a role on the soap opera ‘General Hospital’. Her career reached massive heights in the nineties with starring roles in ‘Ghost’ and ‘A Few Good Men’. She became the highest paid actress in Hollywood at the time for her role in ‘Striptease’. Moore has remained a significant presence in the industry while writing a candid memoir about her experiences.

Leighton Meester

Leighton Meester was born while her mother was serving a prison sentence and spent the first few months of her life in a halfway house. She moved to Los Angeles with her mother at age fourteen to pursue an acting career and began working steadily in commercials. Her breakout role came as Blair Waldorf on the hit television series ‘Gossip Girl’. She has since appeared in various films and television projects while also pursuing a career in music. Meester is a prime example of a performer who did not let the circumstances of her birth define her future.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate grew up in the entertainment industry as the daughter of an actress and a record producer. She achieved early fame as Kelly Bundy on the sitcom ‘Married with Children’ but worked hard to prove her range as an adult. She faced a significant health challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and later with multiple sclerosis. Despite these physical setbacks she continued to deliver acclaimed performances in series like ‘Dead to Me’. Applegate is admired for her resilience and her willingness to share her health journey with the public.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis is the daughter of Hollywood legends but she had to work hard to establish her own identity as an actress. She became a horror icon after starring in ‘Halloween’ and spent years being typecast in similar roles. She also overcame a long struggle with substance abuse and has been open about her journey toward sobriety. Her career saw a massive resurgence with roles in ‘Knives Out’ and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. She recently won her first Academy Award and continues to be a powerful voice in the industry.

Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball was told by her drama teachers that she had no future in acting and should try a different career path. She worked as a model and a chorus girl for years before finding minor success in films often referred to as B movies. She took a major risk by transitioning to television with the sitcom ‘I Love Lucy’ which became a cultural phenomenon. Ball also became the first woman to run a major television studio through her company Desilu Productions. Her comedic genius and business sense changed the landscape of American television forever.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel was the daughter of former slaves and began her career as a performer in minstrel shows and on the radio. She faced systemic racism and was often restricted to playing domestic servant roles throughout her time in Hollywood. Despite these limitations she delivered a powerful performance as Mammy in ‘Gone with the Wind’. She became the first African American person to win an Academy Award and paved the way for future generations. McDaniel remains a significant historical figure who succeeded in a deeply segregated industry.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was told by her mother that she could no longer live in their home if she chose to become an actress. She remained committed to her dream and refused to take roles that she felt were demeaning to Black women. Her performance in ‘Sounder’ earned her an Academy Award nomination and solidified her status as a premier talent. She enjoyed a career that spanned seven decades and included iconic roles in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. Tyson was a pioneer who maintained her integrity and dignity throughout her life.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno moved from Puerto Rico to New York City as a child and faced significant discrimination as she began her career. She was frequently cast in stereotypical roles that did not showcase her true range or talent. Her performance as Anita in the film version of ‘West Side Story’ earned her an Academy Award. She eventually became one of the few performers to achieve the EGOT by winning an Emmy and a Grammy and an Oscar and a Tony. Moreno continues to work in the industry and remains a symbol of Latina excellence in Hollywood.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne began her career as a chorus girl at the Cotton Club and faced significant racial segregation throughout her time in Hollywood. She was often forced to perform in scenes that could be easily edited out for audiences in the South. Despite these barriers she became the first African American woman to sign a long term contract with a major studio. Horne used her platform to advocate for civil rights and refused to play roles that were demeaning to women of color. Her legacy is one of elegance and courage in the face of institutionalized prejudice.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was born on a cotton plantation in South Carolina and experienced a childhood marked by poverty and rejection. She eventually moved to New York and joined a dance troupe which led to her performing around the world. She achieved success as a singer and an actress with famous roles like Catwoman in the ‘Batman’ television series. Kitt was blacklisted in the United States for several years after speaking out against the Vietnam War at the White House. She eventually made a triumphant return to the stage and screen and remained a fearless performer until her death.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett attended Yale University and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree before starting her professional acting career. She faced the challenge of being a dark skinned Black woman in an industry that often prioritized lighter complexions for lead roles. Her transformative performance as Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ earned her an Academy Award nomination. She has since played numerous iconic women including Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King. Bassett is widely respected for her regal screen presence and her consistent excellence in film and television.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close spent much of her childhood in a religious cult called Moral Re Armament which controlled many aspects of her family life. She escaped the group at the age of twenty two to pursue an education and a career in acting. Her talent led her to Broadway and eventually to major film roles in ‘Fatal Attraction’ and ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. She has received numerous Academy Award nominations and remains one of the most respected performers in the industry. Her journey highlights the power of self reclamation and professional excellence.

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon did not intend to become an actress and only attended an audition to support her husband at the time. She eventually began landing roles in films like ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ and ‘Atlantic City’. Throughout her career she has been a vocal political activist which has sometimes led to professional backlash. She won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Dead Man Walking’ and has remained a consistent force in cinema. Sarandon is known for her intelligence and her willingness to take on complex and challenging roles.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates worked for many years in the New York theater scene before achieving mainstream success in film. She was often told that she did not have the typical look of a Hollywood leading lady. Her breakout role as Annie Wilkes in ‘Misery’ earned her an Academy Award and changed the course of her career. She has since become a staple in both film and television with acclaimed roles in ‘American Horror Story’. Bates is celebrated for her immense range and her ability to disappear into any character she plays.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams spent years working in dinner theater and struggling to find her footing in Hollywood after moving there in her twenties. She faced numerous rejections and considered leaving the industry before landing a role in the independent film ‘Junebug’. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and launched her into the mainstream. She has since received multiple Oscar nominations for her work in films like ‘The Fighter’ and ‘American Hustle’. Adams is recognized as one of the most versatile and talented actresses of her generation.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy spent years performing stand up comedy and working with the Groundlings improv troupe before finding television success. She was often told that her comedic style or physical appearance would limit her opportunities in the industry. Her breakout role on ‘Gilmore Girls’ followed by her performance in ‘Bridesmaids’ turned her into a major star. She has since earned multiple Academy Award nominations for both comedic and dramatic roles. McCarthy has also become a successful producer and a powerful voice for body positivity in entertainment.

Regina King

Regina King began her career as a child star on the sitcom ‘227’ and successfully navigated the difficult transition to adult roles. She worked steadily in supporting roles for decades while often being overlooked for major awards. Her career saw a massive surge in recognition with her work in ‘American Crime’ and ‘The Leftovers’. She won an Academy Award for ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and has since become a highly sought after director. King is an example of how longevity and consistent talent can eventually lead to the highest honors.

Awkwafina

Awkwafina began her career as a rapper and internet personality before transitioning into professional acting. She faced skepticism as an Asian American woman trying to break into both the music and film industries. Her roles in ‘Ocean’s 8’ and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ quickly established her as a comedic force in Hollywood. She later won a Golden Globe for her dramatic lead performance in the film ‘The Farewell’. Awkwafina has successfully carved out a unique space for herself by embracing her distinct personality and background.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington faced many challenges as a Black actress trying to find lead roles that were not defined by racial stereotypes. She worked in several independent films and television guest spots before achieving widespread fame. Her role as Olivia Pope on the series ‘Scandal’ made her a household name and a fashion icon. She was the first African American woman to lead a network drama in nearly forty years. Washington has since expanded her career into producing and remains an influential figure in the industry.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah started her career as a pioneering female rapper before moving into acting and producing. She faced the challenge of transitioning from the music world to Hollywood while maintaining her authentic identity. Her performance in the musical ‘Chicago’ earned her an Academy Award nomination and solidified her acting credentials. She has since starred in numerous successful films and television projects and even hosted her own talk show. Latifah is recognized as a multi talented performer who has successfully navigated several different areas of entertainment.

Zendaya

Zendaya began her career as a child actor on the Disney Channel and worked hard to break away from the teen star label. She took on more mature and challenging roles in projects like ‘Euphoria’ to prove her range as an actress. Her performance in the series earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards and made her the youngest winner in her category. She has also become a major presence in film franchises like ‘Spider Man’ and ‘Dune’. Zendaya is now considered one of the most influential and talented young stars in the world.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder became a major star in the eighties and nineties with iconic roles in ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Little Women’. She faced a significant professional setback after a highly publicized legal incident that led to a hiatus from the industry. Many people believed her career was over but she eventually made a successful return to acting. Her role as Joyce Byers in the series ‘Stranger Things’ introduced her to a new generation of fans and earned her critical acclaim. Ryder has proven that it is possible to overcome personal obstacles and reclaim a successful career.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda is the daughter of a Hollywood legend but she has consistently forged her own controversial and successful path. She became a major star in the sixties but faced intense public backlash for her political activism during the Vietnam War. Despite calls for her to be blacklisted she continued to win awards for her performances in ‘Klute’ and ‘Coming Home’. She also launched a fitness revolution with her workout videos and remained a prominent figure in film and television. Fonda continues to work and advocate for social causes well into her eighties.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock spent her early years in Hollywood working in various small roles and facing rejection for several major projects. Her breakout role in ‘Speed’ turned her into an overnight sensation and established her as a leading lady. She faced periods where her films were not commercially successful but she always managed to bounce back. She eventually won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘The Blind Side’ and starred in the hit film ‘Gravity’. Bullock is known for her relatability and her ability to excel in both comedy and drama.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon started her career as a teenager and faced criticism from some who thought she was too ambitious or focused on her appearance. She proved her critics wrong by delivering acclaimed performances in ‘Election’ and ‘Legally Blonde’. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in ‘Walk the Line’. Witherspoon also became a powerful producer who focuses on creating better roles for women in Hollywood. Her media company has been instrumental in bringing female led stories to the screen.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts arrived in New York City with very little money and worked as a model while auditioning for acting roles. She faced initial skepticism from agents but eventually landed a breakthrough role in ‘Mystic Pizza’. Her performance in ‘Pretty Woman’ turned her into one of the biggest movie stars in the world. She went on to win an Academy Award for ‘Erin Brockovich’ and has remained a major force in the industry for decades. Roberts is celebrated for her charismatic screen presence and her enduring career longevity.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was a child star who faced the immense pressure of growing up in the public eye. She struggled with numerous health issues and a complex personal life that was often the subject of tabloid scrutiny. Despite these distractions she delivered legendary performances in films like ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ and ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’. She won two Academy Awards and became one of the most famous women in the world. Taylor also became a dedicated activist for HIV and AIDS research during a time when the disease was highly stigmatized.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland was pushed into the entertainment industry at a very young age and faced significant mistreatment from studio executives. She was famously given various substances to manage her weight and energy levels which led to lifelong struggles with addiction. Despite these hardships she remained one of the most talented performers of her time in films like ‘The Wizard of Oz’. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘A Star Is Born’ and became a legendary concert performer. Garland is remembered for her incomparable voice and her tragic but brilliant life.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe spent much of her childhood in foster homes and an orphanage where she experienced significant instability. She began her career as a model before moving into acting and becoming one of the most famous sex symbols in history. She struggled to be taken seriously as an actress and fought against the studio system for better roles and pay. Her performances in ‘Some Like It Hot’ and ‘The Misfits’ showcased her talent beyond her public persona. Monroe remains an enduring icon whose life continues to fascinate and inspire people around the world.

Bette Davis

Bette Davis was told early in her career that she lacked the traditional beauty required to be a film star. She fought constantly with studio heads for more substantial and challenging roles throughout her time in Hollywood. Her determination led to two Academy Award wins and a career that spanned over fifty years. She was the first woman to serve as the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Davis is remembered for her fierce independence and her willingness to play unlikable or complex characters.

Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn was labeled box office poison early in her career after several of her films failed to perform well. She took control of her own destiny by buying out her contract and securing the rights to ‘The Philadelphia Story’. The success of that project revitalized her career and established her as a premier talent in Hollywood. She went on to win a record four Academy Awards for Best Actress over the course of her life. Hepburn is celebrated for her unique style and her refusal to conform to the expectations of the studio system.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox faced numerous challenges as a transgender woman of color attempting to find work in an industry with limited representation. She worked various jobs to support herself while pursuing acting opportunities in New York City. Her breakout role in the television series ‘Orange Is the New Black’ made her a household name and a cultural icon. She became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Cox has used her success to pave the way for future generations of diverse performers in Hollywood.

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