Things You May Find Interesting
The Jobs Of Celebrities Before They Were Famous
by: Gail Kenny
Anyone who is becoming disillusioned with their online job search and has found themselves looking enviously onto the
effortless lives of celebrities can take comfort in the fact that they haven’t always had it this easy. Even the most glamorous
celebs have crumpled discarded CVs that they’d rather we never see. Fortunately, the internet has made it rather easy to
research celebrities’ embarrassing occupations before they were famous…
Without further ado, here’s a list of 10 celebrities’ jobs from before they were famous:
Sir Bob Geldof – Pea Canner
The outspoken former frontman of the Boomtown Rats and face of the ‘Make Poverty History’ movement took on all kinds of
dead-end jobs before finding his calling in music. He worked as a road navvy, a hot dog vendor, a slaughterman and finally
an exciting career in pea canning before getting a job as a music journalist in Canada.
Sylvester Stallone – Porn Star
Stallone’s tough reputation may have begun in one of his first pre-celebrity jobs – a lion cage cleaner! Years later, after
dropping out of Miami University, Stallone pursued his acting dreams, but the ‘Rocky’ star had a long way to go before he
was famous and his place in Hollywood history – one of his first films was called ‘Party at Kitty and Stud’s’, which is exactly
as high brow as it sounds. This silver screen ‘classic’ was a hardcore pornographic film, which has since been repackaged
on the back of Stallone’s success as a softcore release entitled ‘Italian Stallion’ – a reference to Rocky Balboa’s nickname.
Rod Stewart – The Grave Digger
After trying out for a football career with Scottish giants Celtic and London minnows Brentford, a young Rod Stewart
decided the glamorous career of a footballer wasn’t for him and opted for the not-so-glamorous career as a grave digger.
He wasn’t there for too long though, before pursuing a career in music. The Maggie May songwriter took up street singing,
travelling around Europe… indeed he was actually deported from Spain for vagrancy for his art!
Madonna – Dunkin’ Donuts Worker
Madonna is now one of the best selling female music artists of all time, but somehow this will have seemed an unlikely
scenario for her 20 year old self upon arriving in New York with just $35 to her name. Over the course of these tough
months before she became famous, the ‘Like a Prayer’ singer made ends meet by taking on a range of low paying jobs
including a stint serving customers at ‘Dunkin’ Donuts’. An exhibitionist even in those days, she also took on some nude
modelling work to supplement the limited fast-food income before finding her celebrity job calling…
Michael Dell – Dishwasher
At the age of 12 the founder of Dell computers, Michael Dell was washing dishes in a Chinese restaurant for $2.30 an hour.
With Dell Inc. now worth over $16 billion, I would hope that the CEO is allowing himself a better salary than he earned at the
restaurant.
Helen Mirren – Amusement Park Promoter
Long before she was famous and had won her oscar, SAG Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Emmy Awards, Dame
Helen Mirren had the slightly less glamourous role of attracting punters to use the rides at an amusement park in Southend
on Sea. It’s unclear whether she won as many accolades in this period of her life…
Paul Daniels - Accountant
The magician and entertainer Paul Daniels was in the army, serving in Hong Kong during his national service. On his return
he began training as an accountant in the civil service before leaving to run a small mobile grocery business owned by his
parents. While performing magic in the evenings, the door to show business was eventually opened to him.
Jack Nicholson – Mailroom Worker
The veteran actor and star of classics like A Few Good Men, The Shining and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was
reportedly discovered working in MGM’s mailroom. Before that, the three times Oscar winner had worked in a toy store and
as a lifeguard.
Jerry Seinfeld – Lightbulb Retailer
Before he became famous as a comedian and sitcom star, Jerry sold lightbulbs over the phone. After no doubt being on
the end of several aggressive customers, Jerry made fun of his former career on his hit sitcom by telling a cold-caller that it
was a bad time and asking if he could call them back later when they’re at home trying to relax.
Brad Pitt – Man in a Chicken Suit
Now regarded as one of the most desirable men on the planet, you’d be hard pushed to see that in Brad Pitt when he
handed out flyers outside El Pollo Loco Restaurant in Los Angeles dressed in a chicken suit! Even the role of refrigerator
delivery man, although a step up, is a far cry from his current status! As the most embarrassing celebrity job in the list, we
can’t imagine Brad looks back fondly on his occupations before he was famous!
So, aside from a slight feeling of smugness, what have we gained from seeing what these celebrities’ occupations before
they were famous? Not much, but it’s clear that celebrities come from all walks of life and you never know when you might
be spotted. Hopefully that’ll give you the impetus to return to your online job search with renewed vigour, afterall sir Bob
Geldof wasn’t stuck canning peas forever!
About The Author
Gail Kenny is the managing director of Puregenie (http://www.puregenie.com) – and online recruitment agency for the
travel industry. The site caters exclusively to talented individuals with skills and experience to succeed in the online
environment, and businesses looking to increase their online presence. Although the site is mainly travel focussed, it also
displays vacancies in the hospitality and leisure industries.
by: Gail Kenny
Anyone who is becoming disillusioned with their online job search and has found themselves looking enviously onto the
effortless lives of celebrities can take comfort in the fact that they haven’t always had it this easy. Even the most glamorous
celebs have crumpled discarded CVs that they’d rather we never see. Fortunately, the internet has made it rather easy to
research celebrities’ embarrassing occupations before they were famous…
Without further ado, here’s a list of 10 celebrities’ jobs from before they were famous:
Sir Bob Geldof – Pea Canner
The outspoken former frontman of the Boomtown Rats and face of the ‘Make Poverty History’ movement took on all kinds of
dead-end jobs before finding his calling in music. He worked as a road navvy, a hot dog vendor, a slaughterman and finally
an exciting career in pea canning before getting a job as a music journalist in Canada.
Sylvester Stallone – Porn Star
Stallone’s tough reputation may have begun in one of his first pre-celebrity jobs – a lion cage cleaner! Years later, after
dropping out of Miami University, Stallone pursued his acting dreams, but the ‘Rocky’ star had a long way to go before he
was famous and his place in Hollywood history – one of his first films was called ‘Party at Kitty and Stud’s’, which is exactly
as high brow as it sounds. This silver screen ‘classic’ was a hardcore pornographic film, which has since been repackaged
on the back of Stallone’s success as a softcore release entitled ‘Italian Stallion’ – a reference to Rocky Balboa’s nickname.
Rod Stewart – The Grave Digger
After trying out for a football career with Scottish giants Celtic and London minnows Brentford, a young Rod Stewart
decided the glamorous career of a footballer wasn’t for him and opted for the not-so-glamorous career as a grave digger.
He wasn’t there for too long though, before pursuing a career in music. The Maggie May songwriter took up street singing,
travelling around Europe… indeed he was actually deported from Spain for vagrancy for his art!
Madonna – Dunkin’ Donuts Worker
Madonna is now one of the best selling female music artists of all time, but somehow this will have seemed an unlikely
scenario for her 20 year old self upon arriving in New York with just $35 to her name. Over the course of these tough
months before she became famous, the ‘Like a Prayer’ singer made ends meet by taking on a range of low paying jobs
including a stint serving customers at ‘Dunkin’ Donuts’. An exhibitionist even in those days, she also took on some nude
modelling work to supplement the limited fast-food income before finding her celebrity job calling…
Michael Dell – Dishwasher
At the age of 12 the founder of Dell computers, Michael Dell was washing dishes in a Chinese restaurant for $2.30 an hour.
With Dell Inc. now worth over $16 billion, I would hope that the CEO is allowing himself a better salary than he earned at the
restaurant.
Helen Mirren – Amusement Park Promoter
Long before she was famous and had won her oscar, SAG Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Emmy Awards, Dame
Helen Mirren had the slightly less glamourous role of attracting punters to use the rides at an amusement park in Southend
on Sea. It’s unclear whether she won as many accolades in this period of her life…
Paul Daniels - Accountant
The magician and entertainer Paul Daniels was in the army, serving in Hong Kong during his national service. On his return
he began training as an accountant in the civil service before leaving to run a small mobile grocery business owned by his
parents. While performing magic in the evenings, the door to show business was eventually opened to him.
Jack Nicholson – Mailroom Worker
The veteran actor and star of classics like A Few Good Men, The Shining and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was
reportedly discovered working in MGM’s mailroom. Before that, the three times Oscar winner had worked in a toy store and
as a lifeguard.
Jerry Seinfeld – Lightbulb Retailer
Before he became famous as a comedian and sitcom star, Jerry sold lightbulbs over the phone. After no doubt being on
the end of several aggressive customers, Jerry made fun of his former career on his hit sitcom by telling a cold-caller that it
was a bad time and asking if he could call them back later when they’re at home trying to relax.
Brad Pitt – Man in a Chicken Suit
Now regarded as one of the most desirable men on the planet, you’d be hard pushed to see that in Brad Pitt when he
handed out flyers outside El Pollo Loco Restaurant in Los Angeles dressed in a chicken suit! Even the role of refrigerator
delivery man, although a step up, is a far cry from his current status! As the most embarrassing celebrity job in the list, we
can’t imagine Brad looks back fondly on his occupations before he was famous!
So, aside from a slight feeling of smugness, what have we gained from seeing what these celebrities’ occupations before
they were famous? Not much, but it’s clear that celebrities come from all walks of life and you never know when you might
be spotted. Hopefully that’ll give you the impetus to return to your online job search with renewed vigour, afterall sir Bob
Geldof wasn’t stuck canning peas forever!
About The Author
Gail Kenny is the managing director of Puregenie (http://www.puregenie.com) – and online recruitment agency for the
travel industry. The site caters exclusively to talented individuals with skills and experience to succeed in the online
environment, and businesses looking to increase their online presence. Although the site is mainly travel focussed, it also
displays vacancies in the hospitality and leisure industries.
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| | | | | | |
VERY INTERESTING STUFF
In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick
no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"
-------------------------------------------
Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen
Only...Ladies Forbidden"..and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
-------------------------------------------
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma
Flintstone.
-------------------------------------------
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S . Treasury.
-------------------------------------------
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
-------------------------------------------
Coca-Cola was originally green.
-------------------------------------------
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
-------------------------------------------
The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work:
Alaska
-------------------------------------------
The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)
-------------------------------------------
The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $ 16,400
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour:
61,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
------------------------------------------------------------------------
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in
battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received
in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and
Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added
until 5 years later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the
letter "A"?
A.. One thousand
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in
common?
A. All were invented by women.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day
------------------------------------------------------------
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes.
When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on.
Hence the phrase........ "goodnight, sleep tight."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding,
the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a
honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey
month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England , when customers got
unruly, the bartender would yell at them "Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down"
It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of
their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet
your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you can read it.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor
of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht
oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the
rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is
bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
Amzanig huh?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 200 7 when...
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail
addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help
you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or
60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
Go on, forward this to your friends. You know you want to!
In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick
no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"
-------------------------------------------
Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen
Only...Ladies Forbidden"..and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
-------------------------------------------
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma
Flintstone.
-------------------------------------------
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S . Treasury.
-------------------------------------------
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
-------------------------------------------
Coca-Cola was originally green.
-------------------------------------------
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
-------------------------------------------
The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work:
Alaska
-------------------------------------------
The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)
-------------------------------------------
The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $ 16,400
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour:
61,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
------------------------------------------------------------------------
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in
battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received
in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and
Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added
until 5 years later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the
letter "A"?
A.. One thousand
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in
common?
A. All were invented by women.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day
------------------------------------------------------------
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes.
When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on.
Hence the phrase........ "goodnight, sleep tight."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding,
the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a
honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey
month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England , when customers got
unruly, the bartender would yell at them "Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down"
It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of
their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet
your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you can read it.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor
of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht
oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the
rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is
bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
Amzanig huh?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 200 7 when...
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail
addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help
you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or
60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
Go on, forward this to your friends. You know you want to!