10 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Started On Reality TV

Emma Stone

Remember the charming and funny Emma Stone from La La Land and Easy A? Well, before all of that, she was just a 15-year-old kid with big dreams, trying her luck on a reality show. Back in 2004, Stone appeared on In Search of the Partridge Family, auditioning for the role of Laurie Partridge in a reboot of the classic sitcom. The show didn’t exactly become a huge hit, but the actor’s charisma was undeniable, even back then. It wasn’t long before she scored her breakout role in Superbad, and the rest is history. Who would’ve thought her road to stardom would start with a reality show audition?

Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt’s story is seriously the stuff of movies. Picture this: a guy living in a van, waiting tables at a Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant, and just going with the flow in Hawaii. Long before he was the loveable Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation or the badass Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, Pratt made an appearance on a reality show called The Huntress in 2003. It was a humble start, but a stepping stone nonetheless. Not long after, he got discovered at Bubba Gump, and today, he’s one of Hollywood’s top stars. From living in a van to starring in blockbusters— it doesn’t get more underdog than that.

Beyoncé

It’s hard to believe that even Queen Bey had to start somewhere, but she did. Back in the early ’90s, a young Beyoncé was part of a group called Girl’s Tyme, and they appeared on Star Search. They didn’t win, which must have been tough, but it turned out to be just a bump in the road. Eventually, Girl’s Tyme evolved into Destiny’s Child, and we all know where that led. Beyoncé took what she learned from that experience and ran with it, and now she’s one of the most iconic artists in history. Even Bey had to start small, and that’s pretty inspiring.

Jon Hamm

It’s almost impossible to imagine Jon Hamm doing anything other than sipping whiskey as Don Draper. But before he was a smooth, suited advertising executive, he was a contestant on a ’90s dating show called The Big Date. While he didn’t end up winning, his humor and charm were all there. Of course, it took quite a few small roles and odd jobs before Hamm finally found his way to Mad Men. Even Emmy winners have to start somewhere, and sometimes that means putting yourself out there — even on a cheesy dating show.

Jamie Chung

Jamie Chung is proof that you can make a reality TV appearance work in your favor. She first showed up on our screens in 2004 as a cast member of MTV’s The Real World: San Diego. Back then, she was just a college student figuring things out. But unlike many other reality stars, Jamie didn’t fade away after her season ended. Instead, she used that platform to kick off a serious acting career. Now, she’s known for her roles in The Hangover Part II and Once Upon a Time. Jamie is one of the rare few who made the leap from reality TV to real-deal Hollywood success.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox’s journey to fame is both surprising and super inspiring. Back in 2008, she was on I Want to Work for Diddy, a reality show where contestants fought for a chance to be one of Diddy’s assistants. She didn’t win, but her determination and personality made a lasting impression. That little bit of exposure turned out to be just what she needed to land her iconic role as Sophia Burset on Orange Is the New Black. Cox’s story shows that even when things don’t work out the way you want, every opportunity can bring you closer to your dreams.

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson’s big break is hard to forget. She was the first-ever winner of American Idol back in 2002, and right from the moment she hit those first notes, it was clear she was going to be a star. Her amazing voice and relatable, down-to-earth personality made her a fan favorite instantly, and her win started a huge cultural wave. Since then, she’s won multiple Grammys and even started hosting her own talk show. Clarkson’s journey from reality TV hopeful to superstar is the ultimate success story.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson didn’t win American Idol — she got eliminated in seventh place during her season. But that didn’t stop her. After Idol, she landed the role of Effie White in Dreamgirls, which won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Hudson’s powerful voice and undeniable talent made her a star in both music and movies. Her story shows that sometimes losing can actually be the best thing that happens to you. She took what could have been a setback and turned it into an opportunity, and now she’s an Oscar winner.

Lucy Hale

Before Lucy Hale became Aria Montgomery on Pretty Little Liars, she was just another young hopeful trying to break into the entertainment world. In 2003, Hale competed on American Juniors, a spinoff of American Idol aimed at creating a tween pop group. The group didn’t take off, but it gave Hale some valuable experience and confidence. She switched gears, focused on acting, and soon enough landed her role on Pretty Little Liars. Reality TV didn’t make her a pop star, but it sure set her on the path to Hollywood.

Cardi B

Cardi B is one of those stars who used reality TV as a springboard to superstardom. She first gained fame on Love & Hip Hop: New York, where her big personality and hilarious one-liners made her the standout of the show. Cardi wasn’t just there for the drama, though—she used the platform to showcase her music and build a following. From there, she dropped her hit single “Bodak Yellow,” and the rest is history. Now, Cardi is a Grammy-winning artist and one of the biggest names in the music industry, all thanks to her hustle and the exposure she got on reality TV.