Actors and Actresses: From Failures to Fabulous

I have finally completed the next article in my series From Failures to Fabulous. This is my third list of people who faced difficulties and rejections, but kept following their dreams to become very famous.  This list is of actors, actresses, and other Hollywood types who went from Failures to Fabulous.

1. One of my favorite actors was told by the movie executives on his first film that he did not have what it takes to be a star.  Today, he has starred in many memorable roles and has an acting career that has lasted decades.  He is most famous for his roles of Hans Solo and Indiana Jones.  The actor? Harrison Ford. 
2. Despite having a difficult upbringing and being told by modeling agents she should consider being a secretary and being told by a producer that she was “unattractive” and could not act, this actress is still a household name today.  She died relatively early in her career, but she was a successful actress and pinup model.  Currently, there is a show on television called SMASH that is a musical based on her short but incredible life.  The actress? Marilyn Monroe
3.  When he completed his first screen test, the testing director gave him a note that said “Can’t act. Can’t sing.  Slightly bald. Can dance a little.”  Despite this, this actor continued on his chosen path and became a very successful actor, singer and dancer.  The Actor & Dancer? Fred Astaire
4. Her drama instructors felt she couldn’t make it in the acting industry and should try another profession. She was considered to be a B movie star and a failure as an actress early in her career. She went on to have 13 Emmy nominations with 4 wins.  She also earned a Lifetime Achievement Award and is a household name. The Actress? Lucille Ball
5. The first time this actor and comedian went on stage, he was booed off the stage after freezing and being unable to perform.  He believed in himself and tried again the next night and the audience loved him.  He went on to star in a very successful television show about nothing and continues to do standup comedy today.  The Actor? Jerry Seinfeld.
6.  After auditioning for a soap opera called All My children and being rejected when she was only seventeen, this actress went on to make millions starring in movies in the romantic comedy and drama genres. She has been in more than 30 movies and has won numerous awards. At one point, she was the highest paid female actress in the industry.   The Actress? Julia Roberts.
7. He was considered illiterate and was rejected for his first attempt at joining an actors guild.  He was told he should stop wasting people’s time and become a dishwasher. Instead, he learned to read, devoted his life to acting, and ended up being a very well-respected actor. He was the first black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor. The Actor? Sidney Poitier.
8. He eventually became a worldwide phenomenon and is still a household name decades later. But when he first started out, his act was initially rejected by Hollywood executives because they felt his act was too silly and pointless to ever sell. The Actor? Charlie Chaplin