15 Stars Who Had The Last Laugh, Proving Themselves From Failure To Stardom
Many of us, far too often, interpret rejection as a roadblock rather than a step toward success. Yes, rejection is harsh, and it can be crushing at times. But it is not as simple as that. After all, why do we fall? So we can get back up again. Even the brightest among us have had our aspirations dashed. Here are a few who overcame adversity to become some of the world's most famous persons. Some stories in this list will be unbelievable, such as The Beatles being rejected, and Marilyn Monroe being told she is better off as a secretary. Just read and see how fame is not something created overnight.
Lucy's daughter Lucie Arnaz told the Television Academy Foundation, "She left Jamestown, New York, where she was born, and she traveled to New York City and sought to take acting lessons." "And they sent her home, saying she had no talent and was squandering her mother's money."
Stephen actually tossed away his Carrie manuscript because reviewers told him he didn't know how to write from a woman's point of view. Fortunately, his wife, Tabitha (herself an author), noticed the potential in Carrie and saved it from the garbage. She provided him advice on how to write and shape female characters, and he finished his first draft nine months later. Despite being rejected by 30 publishers, he sold the paperback rights to Carrie to Signet Books for $400,000 in 2008.
#1 Lastly, the Beatles' audition tape was rejected by Decca Records.
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
#2 Chicken Soup for the Soul's co-authors Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield were rejected by over 100 publishers.
Source: Bennett Raglin / WireImage / Getty Images
#3 Marilyn Monroe was told she'd only be a secretary.
Source: Baron/Hulton Archive / Getty Images
#4 Elvis Presley was told he'd never make it as a singer.
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
#5 Lucille Ball was told she "had no talent."
Source: Herbert Dorfman / Corbis via Getty Images
Lucy's daughter Lucie Arnaz told the Television Academy Foundation, "She left Jamestown, New York, where she was born, and she traveled to New York City and sought to take acting lessons." "And they sent her home, saying she had no talent and was squandering her mother's money."
#6 Lucky Daye was eliminated from American Idol.
Source: Bennett Raglin / Getty Images for BET
#7 Gisele Bündchen was turned down for numerous model casting opportunities because of her facial features.
Source: Tristar Media / Getty Images
#8 Stephen King's first book was rejected 30 times.
Source: John Lamparski / WireImage / Getty Images
Stephen actually tossed away his Carrie manuscript because reviewers told him he didn't know how to write from a woman's point of view. Fortunately, his wife, Tabitha (herself an author), noticed the potential in Carrie and saved it from the garbage. She provided him advice on how to write and shape female characters, and he finished his first draft nine months later. Despite being rejected by 30 publishers, he sold the paperback rights to Carrie to Signet Books for $400,000 in 2008.
#9 Beyoncé's girl group lost on Star Search.
Source: CBS
#10 Steven Spielberg was rejected from film school three times.
Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images
#11 Shakira's teacher banned her from choir class.
Source: Simone Joyner / Getty Images
#12 Walt Disney was told he "lacked imagination."
Source: Hulton Deutsch / Corbis via Getty Images
#13 Oprah Winfrey was told that she was "unfit for television news."
Source: Steve Jennings / Getty Images
#14 Harrison Ford was told by an unknown Hollywood executive that he didn't possess the star quality needed to become successful in the industry.
Source: Desiree Navarro / WireImage / Getty Images
#15 Lady Gaga was dropped from her first record label.
Lady Gaga signed with Island Def Jam Records at the age of 19. They let her go barely three months after she signed a massive album deal. Former Def Jam CEO LA Reid reportedly acknowledged to making the decision after listening to a couple of her unfinished demos on a "poor day." Gaga's "Marry the Night" music video is about her label rejection.Share this article
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