If you are wondering how to become an actor in Hollywood, obviously you have a big dream to achieve. It is a fantastic thing to dream big. But, the truth is that many people fool themselves by thinking that it is easy to enter the Hollywood kingdom and become an actor.

If you talk about the big names in the film industry, you’d know them to be very popular and talented. We watched films like The Pursuit of Happiness and Wall Street that have surely inspired us, but the truth is, the personas we see in films are not all there is to the actor. Just like a normal human being, celebrities have struggles and have face challenges in life before they eventually became the talented and well-known actors they are today. 

Talking about inspiration, many people believe in the saying, “Never give up.” It is probably one of the most cliché phrases you will ever hear as you build your career. Yes, that is true, but you will never really know success until you have seen and experienced it.

Listed below are people, famous and internationally known people, that have stories to tell, that have stories inspires people to never give up on their dreams. 

1. Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is, undeniably, one of the best action stars in Hollywood. He was born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York. His mother’s name is Mary Lee, a special education teacher, and his father, Thomas Cruise Mapother III, is a registered electrical engineer. Tom Cruise is famous for his iconic films during the 1980s to 2000s. 

However, before his success in the film industry as an actor, he led a rough life. His father, who had a hard time maintaining a job, used to physically abuse him. The Cruise family also had to live in constant poverty. 

Tom Cruise suffered from dyslexia, a learning disorder, that made academic success difficult for him. Because of this, he always ditch class in high school and had thought of becoming a priest. Tom Cruise didn’t learn how to read until he was 26 years old and then he decided to focuse on becoming an actor. 

2. Robert Downey, Jr.

Another household name in the film industry is Robert Downey Jr. He was born on April 4, 1965, in New York City. He is the son of Robert Downey Sr. an avant-garde filmmaker. 

He is known for his hit films such as The Avengers and Iron Man and has become one of the most highly paid actors. However, not so long, Robert Downey Jr. had a hard time being casted in films because of his drug addiction and drinking abuse. He was also sent to prison because of his bad vices. 

The man behind it all was no other than his father, Robert Downey Sr. who allowed his son to try marijuana at the tender age of 6 years old. According to sources, Downey Sr. would bond with his son using drugs, which ultimately led the young Robert to become highly dependent on drugs and has become a daily alcohol drinker. As reported in a 2003 interview with the New York Times, Robert Downey Jr. was arrested multiple times because of drugs. 

In a way to curb his drug addiction, he was admitted to a rehab community but Downey Jr. escaped twice. In 1999, he was sentenced to 36 months in jail and after two more arrests, Robert Downey Jr. came to his senses and finally decided to get clean out of drugs in 2003. The actor has given great thanks and appreciation to his wife, Susan Downey, for her efforts and help. 

Robert Downey Jr. has given his credits to 12-step programs, yoga, meditation, and therapy in keeping him clear-headed.

3. Jim Carrey

James Eugen Carey, also known as Jim Carey, is a famous comic actor with popular movies, such as Bruce Almighty and The Truman Show, under his belt. He was born on January 17, 1962, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. He is a famous Canadian-American actor, writer, producer, comedian, and artist and is widely known for his energetic performances after landing a regular role in the American sketch comedy television series In Living Color.

Before his ultimate success, Carey struggled early in his career as he is constantly rejected as a performer. During his childhood days, he faced dire poverty and was forced to fend for his family. However, he has the guts, and is a brilliant performer who was able to save himself and finish his education. He achieved his dreams by practicing at home and has always cheered for his mother in times of economic calamity. 

Despite facing multiple challenges his entire life, Jim Carey never gave up and has put his confidence on top to prove to the world that he has the talent and that he will make it big someday. And he did. 

4. Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker, without a doubt, is one of the best actresses in the Hollywood film industry. She was born on March 25, 1965, in Nelsonville, Ohio. She was raised by her mother, who was a school teacher, and grew up facing poverty. 

Parker was born in a poor coal-mining town in rural Ohio and is the fourth of the eight children. Her parents divorced when she was two and her mother remarried. Sarah Jessica Parker’s stepfather was a truck driver and is often out for work. She took the chance by developing her singing and dancing talent to help supplement her mom’s teaching income.

Despite the struggles in life, Sarah Jessica Parker’s mom continued to encourage her children’s interest in arts. They moved to Cincinnati and Sarah Jessica Parker was enrolled in music, theatre, and ballet school with a scholarship.

She continued to strive and tried her very best to land roles. Eventually, she landed the main character of Sex and the City and has since then became a famous actress in Hollywood.