No childhood is perfect, but some entertainers have persevered and overcome the worst life can throw at them while they were growing up. Here’s a look at some loving and successful entertainers who had traumatic childhood experiences.
Introduction
Leading a glamorous life of fame and fortune seems like it comes with ease and joy for those blessed with exceptional acting, singing, or athletic talent. The truth behind the curtain, however, may reveal a very different world in their upbringing. Despite the challenges some of these beloved stars have faced, their success persists. Here are ten examples of celebrities who have gone through harrowing experiences as children and have gone on to make a mark upon the entertainment industry.
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie is one of the world’s most renowned actresses, with awards ranging from Academy Awards to People’s Choice Awards. Despite her impressive acting career, her childhood years were hardly enviable. Her father was a troubled man, addicted to drugs and alcohol, and her parents’ divorce had a traumatic effect. As a coping mechanism, Jolie started self-harming before entering into a series of destructive relationships in her late teens. Having dedicated herself to acting and ultimately her children, even if her upbringing was traumatic, she is an inspiration as evidence of how a difficult childhood doesn’t necessarily equate to a troubled adulthood.
Marilyn Monroe
Though Marilyn Monroe is one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood history and is often held up as an example of tragic beauty, her childhood was far more tragic than anyone would realize. Despite being one of the first celebrities to be widely idolized, Monroe was raised in an orphanage and throughout her life constantly struggled with her mental health. She endured years of childhood sexual abuse, a suicide attempt when she was a teenager, and deep insecurities throughout her career. Despite the challenges she endured in life, her beauty and talent have gone down in history as something to remember and strive for.
Bob Marley
Bob Marley is synonymous with reggae music and is seen as one of the genre’s founding figures. Sadly, his childhood was far from peaceful, as he was almost killed by his own father at the age of 12. Marley used his music as an escape, and he soon became one of the most beloved figures of music in Jamaica. He rose to fame and spread a message of love and unity through his songs, giving hope to those who were going through similar hardships.
not only overcame their traumatizing childhoods but actually used them
Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks is hailed as one of the greatest female rock icons of all time, and her impressive career is certainly a testament to her life’s power. She had a difficult relationship with her father, which intensified after her parents’ divorce. As a result of witnessing him suffer from a mental breakdown, she developed anorexia for a time. Her tumultuous childhood made her into an advocate of women’s rights and led her to use her time on stage to channel her emotions into inspiring performances.
Will Smith
Will Smith has had an incredibly successful career as an actor, comedian, and rapper. People close to him have said, however, that his happy-go-lucky demeanour was a way of masking the challenges he faced during his childhood. Smith has spoken openly about the abandonment he experienced from his father, who in a moment of rage, drove away and never returned. This, in addition to being raised in a tough neighbourhood, made it increasingly difficult for Will to succeed. Nonetheless, Smith refused to succumb to the challenges and instead used his creative juices to build one of the most prolific acting careers in history.
Jennifer Lopez
From singing to dancing to acting, Jennifer Lopez is one of the greatest triple threats in the entertainment industry and has been celebrated for her stellar contributions by audiences and colleagues alike. Her childhood, however, was far from enjoyable, as she endured physical and emotional abuse from her father and even witnessed her own parents’ tumultuous divorce. Despite her rocky start in life, Lopez has gone on to become a multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, producer, and entrepreneur and has used her platform to advocate for better understanding of trauma and mental health issues.
The success of these celebrities speaks volumes to the power of determination, hard work, and the courage to never give up. From Marilyn Monroe and Bob Marley, to Jennifer Lopez and Angelina Jolie, these ten stars have all not only overcome their traumatizing childhoods but actually used them as a source of fuel for their artistry, making them shining examples to anyone facing a similar situation. When life isn’t always kind, it’s inspiring to see that these entertainers have achieved their dreams and continue to shine in their respective fields
