Actors Who Were Fired From “Normal” Jobs Before They Became Famous

Working as a professional actor often requires a long journey filled with various survival jobs that have nothing to do with the arts. Many of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood today spent their early years working in retail, food service, or manual labor before finding success. Some of these stars were not particularly skilled at these everyday roles and faced termination for reasons ranging from poor performance to personality clashes. These stories provide a glimpse into the humble beginnings and relatable struggles of famous figures before they achieved global stardom.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman was fired from his job at a Seven Eleven convenience store before he became a global superstar. His manager let him go because he spent too much time chatting with the customers instead of working. The future actor was told that he was not suitable for a customer service role due to his excessive talking. Jackman eventually found his way to the stage and screen where his outgoing personality became a major asset.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson was fired from his teaching job after an altercation with a student. The actor struck a fifteen year old boy who had reportedly threatened him with a knife during a lesson. Neeson was asked to leave the profession following the incident despite the circumstances of the confrontation. He soon pivoted toward acting and found his breakthrough roles in major theatrical productions.

Robert Redford

Robert Redford was fired from his job at Standard Oil for his lack of focus on the work. He was caught sleeping in a storage vat and accidentally broke several crates while on duty. His supervisors decided he was not fit for the physical labor required by the company. Redford moved on to study art and acting which led to his legendary career as a leading man.

Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler was fired from a prestigious law firm in Edinburgh just one week before he was scheduled to qualify as a solicitor. His erratic behavior and lack of commitment to the legal profession led his employers to terminate his contract. Butler has since stated that getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to him. He immediately moved to London to pursue an acting career and found fame shortly after.

Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld was fired from the sitcom ‘Benson’ early in his career after appearing in only a few episodes. He reportedly found out about his termination when he arrived for a table read and noticed his name was missing from the script. The comedian was not given a formal explanation for the decision at the time. This setback led him to return to stand up comedy where he eventually developed his legendary sitcom.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone was fired from his job at a zoo where he was tasked with cleaning out the lion cages. The job was physically demanding and dangerous which led to various issues with his performance. Stallone struggled to keep up with the requirements of the facility and was let go by the management. He continued to work odd jobs while writing the script for the film ‘Rocky’.

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill was fired from a Jack in the Box restaurant because he was doing silly voices through the drive thru speaker. His manager felt that his behavior was unprofessional and distracting to the customers. The future ‘Star Wars’ actor was attempting to entertain the people ordering food but his efforts were not appreciated by the staff. This experience did not discourage him from using his vocal talents in his later career.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock was fired from a Red Lobster restaurant for his poor performance as a kitchen worker. He was tasked with loading the dishwasher and cleaning the floors but he often fell behind on his duties. The management decided to terminate his employment after several warnings regarding his speed. Rock has frequently joked about the experience in his comedy specials over the years.

Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm was fired from a catering company after he failed to properly set up for a major event. He was responsible for organizing the equipment and ensuring everything was in place for the guests. His lack of attention to detail resulted in a disorganized service that upset the clients. Hamm worked several other service jobs before landing his breakout role in ‘Mad Men’.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston was fired from his job as a security guard at a department store during the holiday season. He was caught neglecting his duties and failing to monitor the store effectively during a busy shift. The future ‘Breaking Bad’ star was let go shortly after the incident occurred. He eventually found success in television and film where he became one of the most respected actors in the industry.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller was fired from his job as a waiter because he was frequently late and disorganized during his shifts. He struggled with the fast paced environment of the restaurant industry and often made mistakes with customer orders. The management decided that he was not a good fit for the service team. Stiller moved into sketch comedy and directing shortly after leaving the restaurant business.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray was fired from a grocery store after he was involved in a legal incident involving illegal substances at an airport. The store management felt that his personal legal troubles made him unsuitable for continued employment. Murray had been working in various service roles while trying to break into the comedy scene. He later joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and became a household name.

Matt LeBlanc

Matt LeBlanc was fired from a carpentry job because he accidentally cut through a valuable piece of wood that was meant for a custom project. His boss decided that his lack of precision made him a liability in the workshop. LeBlanc had followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing carpentry before he decided to try acting. He eventually moved to Los Angeles and won the role of Joey on ‘Friends’.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman was fired from his job as an encyclopedia salesman because he failed to sell a single book during his entire tenure. He found it difficult to convince people to purchase the expensive sets and lacked the necessary aggression for sales. The management let him go after seeing no progress in his performance. Newman turned his attention to drama school and became one of the greatest actors of his generation.

Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken was fired from a job as a lion tamer assistant because he was not adequately prepared for the dangerous nature of the work. He spent a brief period traveling with a circus and helping with the animal acts. The head tamer felt that Walken did not have the right temperament for handling the large cats. He transitioned into dance and acting where his unique presence made him a star.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood was fired from a gas station because he was caught socializing with customers instead of performing his duties. His manager wanted someone who would focus on pumping gas and maintaining the station. Eastwood was told that his personality was too distracting for the simple role. He eventually found his way into the film industry and became an icon of the Western genre.

George Clooney

George Clooney was fired from various positions including a job as a shoe salesman at a department store. He struggled to maintain interest in the retail environment and was often at odds with his supervisors. Clooney also worked cutting tobacco on a farm where he was let go for his lack of efficiency. These early failures motivated him to move to Hollywood to pursue a professional acting career.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino was fired from his job as a theater usher because he was caught admiring himself in the mirrors while he was supposed to be working. He would often watch the performances instead of assisting the patrons with their seating. The theater management decided that his focus was not on the job at hand. Pacino continued to pursue stage roles and eventually became one of the most celebrated actors in history.

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando was fired from a military academy after he led a night raid and disobeyed direct orders from his superiors. He had a reputation for being rebellious and difficult to manage within the strict environment. Brando was expelled from the school and forced to find work elsewhere. He eventually moved to New York City to study the method acting style that would make him famous.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman was fired from a job as a doorman at a hotel in New York City after his supervisor found him unsuitable for the position. He had recently been voted the least likely to succeed by his classmates at an acting school. The firing was a significant blow to his confidence during a difficult time in his life. Hackman persisted and eventually won two Academy Awards for his work in film.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson was fired from his job as a pool attendant because he was caught swimming when he should have been working. He was responsible for maintaining the pool area and ensuring the safety of the guests. The management found him in the water during his shift and decided to terminate his employment immediately. Jackson later found success on Broadway and in major films like ‘Pulp Fiction’.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman was fired from a job as a mechanic assistant because he was not skilled enough with the heavy machinery. He spent several years working in various manual labor roles while trying to find work as a dancer and actor. His lack of technical knowledge led to several mistakes in the workshop. Freeman eventually gained recognition for his stage work before becoming a major film star later in life.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger was fired from a gym in his youth for not following the specific cleaning protocols required by the owner. He was more focused on his own training and bodybuilding goals than the maintenance of the facility. The owner felt that his priorities were not aligned with the needs of the business. Schwarzenegger went on to become a world champion bodybuilder and one of the biggest action stars in history.

Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito was fired from a job as a hair stylist assistant because he accidentally dyed a customer’s hair the wrong color. He was working in his sister’s salon and attempting to learn the trade before he started acting. The customer was extremely unhappy with the results and the incident led to his termination. DeVito shifted his focus to theater and eventually landed a role on the television show ‘Taxi’.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant was fired from a job at IBM where he worked as a quality control agent for computer systems. He admitted that he was not particularly good at the technical aspects of the role. His supervisors felt that his performance did not meet the standards of the company. Grant eventually found international fame after starring in the film ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor was fired from his job as a dishwasher because he was too slow at cleaning the large pots and pans in a busy kitchen. The restaurant staff found him unable to keep up with the high volume of dishes during the dinner rush. He was told that his pace was hindering the operations of the kitchen. McGregor left the service industry to attend drama school and soon became a star in ‘Trainspotting’.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds was fired from a grocery store for refusing to wear the required uniform while working in the produce section. He felt that the clothing was uncomfortable and chose to ignore the store policy. His manager warned him multiple times before deciding to terminate his employment. Reynolds eventually moved to the United States to pursue comedy and acting roles in television.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper was fired from his job as a doorman at a hotel for being too friendly with the high profile guests. He would often engage in long conversations with famous people staying at the hotel instead of opening doors. The management felt that he was overstepping his professional boundaries. Cooper later became one of those famous guests after his breakout role in ‘The Hangover’.

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy was fired from a modeling agency early in his career because he was considered too difficult to manage by the staff. He had won a modeling competition on television but struggled to follow the rules of the industry. The agency felt that his personality did not mesh with their corporate culture. Hardy eventually found his true calling in acting and became known for his intense performances.

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman was fired from his job at a typing pool because he was unable to maintain the necessary speed and accuracy. He took the job to support himself while auditioning for roles in New York City. The supervisors found his work to be full of errors and decided to let him go. Hoffman eventually found success on stage and won an Academy Award for his role in ‘The Graduate’.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. was fired from a shoe store after he was found to be unsuitable for the retail environment. He has often joked that he was fired from almost every regular job he held as a young man. The actor struggled with the routine and requirements of traditional employment. His career took off after he joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and later became a major film star.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck was fired from a croissant shop when he was a teenager for his poor attitude toward the customers. He worked at the store for a brief period but found the work to be boring and repetitive. His manager decided that his lack of enthusiasm was a problem for the business. Affleck eventually won an Academy Award for writing the script for ‘Good Will Hunting’.

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd was fired from a job glazing hams at a specialty food store before he found fame in Hollywood. He was not particularly skilled at the task and struggled to meet the production quotas of the shop. The management decided that he was not a good fit for the food preparation industry. Rudd moved into acting and became a staple in popular comedy films.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey was fired from a job at a country club where he was tasked with raking the sand traps on the golf course. He was also responsible for shooting armadillos that were damaging the greens during the night. The management felt that his performance in these roles was lacking. McConaughey eventually studied film at the University of Texas and became a leading man.

Steve Carell

Steve Carell was fired from his job as a mail carrier because his supervisor felt he was too slow on his route. He struggled to deliver the mail within the required timeframe and often fell behind schedule. The post office decided that he was not suited for the physical demands of the job. Carell later joined a comedy troupe and became a star on ‘The Office’.

David Spade

David Spade was fired from a job as a valet because he took a customer’s car for a joyride without permission. He was working at a resort and decided to drive an expensive vehicle around the property. The management discovered his actions and terminated his employment on the spot. Spade eventually found success as a stand up comedian and television actor.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo was fired from a job as a bartender because he spent too much time talking to the patrons about acting and philosophy. He worked in several bars over a period of nearly a decade while trying to land a professional role. His managers felt that his focus was not on serving drinks efficiently. Ruffalo finally gained recognition for his work in independent films and joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill was fired from a job at a clothing store for being unable to fold the clothes to the manager’s standards. He spent much of his shift struggling with the specific techniques required by the retail chain. The management decided that he was not an asset to the sales floor. Hill eventually transitioned into writing and acting in successful comedy movies.

Michael Caine

Michael Caine was fired from a job as a laundry worker because he was unable to handle the heavy loads of wet clothing. He spent his youth working in various manual labor positions across London. His physical exhaustion led to a decrease in his productivity which upset his employers. Caine eventually found work in the theater and became one of the most prolific actors in cinema history.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere was fired from a job as a construction worker because he was not physically suited for the labor intensive tasks. He worked on several building sites while trying to establish himself as an actor and musician. His supervisors felt that his performance was not meeting the requirements of the crew. Gere eventually landed a role in a stage production of ‘Grease’ which launched his career.

Warren Beatty

Warren Beatty was fired from a job as a rat catcher at a local theater because he was not aggressive enough in his duties. He was hired to clear the building of pests but found the task to be unpleasant. The theater management decided to find someone else who was more willing to handle the animals. Beatty moved from behind the scenes to the stage and became a major Hollywood star.

David Letterman

David Letterman was fired from a radio station for making fun of the station owner during a live broadcast. He was working as a disc jockey and often used his dry humor to entertain the listeners. The management did not appreciate being the target of his jokes and let him go. Letterman moved to Los Angeles to pursue comedy and eventually hosted his own late night show.

Vince Vaughn

Vince Vaughn was fired from a job as a lifeguard because he was frequently late for his morning shifts at the pool. He struggled with the early start times and the strict discipline required by the facility. The management felt that his lack of punctuality was a safety risk for the patrons. Vaughn eventually found success in the film ‘Swingers’ and became a popular leading man in comedies.

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was fired from a job at a cinema because he was caught eating too much of the concession snacks during his shift. He was working as an usher but often spent his time in the back room with the candy and popcorn. The theater manager decided that his behavior was a financial loss for the business. Presley soon turned to music and acting where he became a global cultural icon.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise was fired from a paper route as a child after he was unable to deliver the newspapers on time. He struggled with the logistics of the route and frequently missed the early morning deadlines. The delivery company decided to replace him with a more reliable worker. Cruise eventually found his passion in acting and became one of the highest grossing stars in the world.

Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey was fired from a shoe store after he lost his temper with a customer who was being difficult. He found the retail environment to be stressful and lacked the patience for customer service. The management terminated his contract immediately following the verbal altercation. Spacey moved into theater and film where he won multiple major awards for his performances.

Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson was fired from a toy store for playing with the merchandise instead of focusing on the sales floor. He was more interested in the items being sold than in assisting the people who were buying them. The store owners felt that his behavior was unprofessional and distracting. Nicholson eventually became one of the most decorated actors in the history of the Academy Awards.

James Franco

James Franco was fired from a job as a coffee shop worker because he was practicing his accents with the customers. He used the interaction as a way to work on his acting craft while earning a living. The manager felt that his behavior was confusing to the patrons and slowed down the service. Franco continued to work at various fast food outlets before landing a role on the show ‘Freaks and Geeks’.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro was fired from a job as a delivery boy for a butcher shop because he was too slow at completing his rounds. He took a long time to navigate the city streets and often arrived late with the orders. The butcher decided that he needed someone more efficient for the delivery service. De Niro eventually studied under Stella Adler and became a legendary figure in American cinema.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt worked at an El Pollo Loco restaurant wearing a giant chicken suit to attract customers. He was eventually fired from the position because he was unable to maintain the necessary enthusiasm while standing in the heat. The actor spent long hours waving at passing cars before he decided to pursue his dreams in Hollywood. This humble beginning is often cited as one of the many odd jobs he held before finding fame.

Please share which of these celebrity career setbacks surprised you the most in the comments.