Surprising Celebrity Stories - From Rags to Riches

Many of the celebrities we know today came from meager beginnings, but hit it big later in life. They are perfect examples of the American Dream and give us hope that becoming rich truly is an achievable goal. It's often been said that most people stay in the same social status as their parents. So is this to say that if we're born poor, we're destined to stay poor? I disagree with that kind of mentality.

1. Oprah Winfrey

Winfrey is the perfect example of a woman who has lived the true American dream, going from rags to riches. Today, Oprah is ranked under Forbes as one of the 400 Richest Americans. In addition to that, she is without a doubt one of the most powerful and influential women on earth. What makes Oprah so admirable is the fact that she uses her power in a positive way. She is known for building schools throughout Africa, giving the gift of knowledge to the girls who are denied the rights of receiving an education. If I say so myself, it's not too shabby for a girl that started out with parents who were classified under the working class.

2. J.K. Rowling

Joanne Kathleen Rowling, whose also known as the author of the popular bestselling Harry Potter series came from meager beginnings. She first started writing about Harry Potter on napkins in a cafe located in Edinburgh because she couldn't afford paper. The cafe was a sanctuary for her to get away from the reality of her life. She was a single mother living on welfare and not to mention, she couldn't even afford to heat up her home, which was the exact reason as to why she retrieved to the warm and cozy little cafe. In 2006, she was ranked as the second richest female entertainer, following Oprah Winfrey.

3. Demi Moore

Though many may not know it, Moore came from humble beginnings. She went through many hardships during her early life. She endured alcoholic and abusive parents and an unstable home. Her family often moved because her stepfather was never able to find a stable job. It's been said that Demi Moore used to live in a trailer park before becoming famous. At the ripe age of 16, she dropped out of school to pursue a Hollywood career. In the 1990's, Moore became one of the best known actresses in Hollywood.

4. Hilary Swank

The two time Oscar winner once lived in a car with her mother, while trying to make it big in Hollywood. Swank spent most of her childhood living in a trailer park with her family. She has received the title as Best Leading Actress in two of her movies, Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby. In addition to that, she recently received the 2,325th star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood after performing in one of the most inspirational movies, titled Freedom Writers. Swank's hard work and perseverance proves that we can be anything we dream to be.