Real-life redemption
Everybody loves a good comeback story, and these are no exception. Here are some of the most famous journeys from rock bottom to the A-list.
50 Cent
Past life
Before becoming an actor, 50 Cent (a.k.a Curtis Jackson) grew up in a rough neighborhood where he dealt illegal substances. He was arrested for possession and firearms but focused on his music career while in jail. He later found success as a rapper.
50 Cent
Today
50 Cent now thrives as a successful entertainer in Hollywood. Through acting in TV series like Power and movies like Get Rich or Die Tryin', he turned his life around completely and continues to have a thriving career.
Paramount, Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005)
Booker T.
Past life
Booker T. had a difficult childhood, losing his parents when he was just 13. In 1987, he was arrested for crimes committed while he was working at Wendy's, including aggravated robbery. But while he was serving time on parole, he found his passion for wrestling.
Super Festivals , CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Booker T.
Today
Despite his past, Booker T. went on to win six world championship belts, solidifying his place in professional wrestling history. To this day, he is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
shstrng, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Charles S. Dutton
Past life
Before pursuing acting, Charles Dutton overcame legal troubles and served time in jail for manslaughter. In prison, he found a passion for acting, joined a theater group, and discovered his talent.
John Mathew Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Charles S. Dutton
Today
Theater gave Charles hope and a new direction. Since becoming an actor, Charles Dutton has starred in many films and TV series, including 1991's Roc. He's continues to be respected within the industry.
Danny Trejo
Past life
Danny Trejo landed his first role in 1985 after serving time in jail for armed robbery and substance offenses. He learned boxing in prison, which later helped him in his acting career.
Danny Trejo
Today
After prison, Danny first worked as a youth counselor before becoming an actor. His performance in Runaway Train quickly gained him recognition and new acting opportunities despite his troubled past.
Don King
Past life
Before his career as a boxing promoter, Don King had a troubled past, which included several criminal offenses. He was initially convicted of murder in 1966 but was later exonerated in a retrial.
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Don King
Today
While not technically an actor, Don is a very prominent figure in entertainment. In fact, he is considered by many to be a legendary boxing promoter, having promoted some of the biggest fights in history.
mborowick, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Edward Bunker
Past life
Edward Bunker had a difficult early life. He frequently got into legal trouble and served lengthy prison sentences for offenses like robbery and forgery. However, during his time in prison, he discovered a love for writing.
Leonardo Cendamo, Getty Images
Edward Bunker
Today
Writing about his experiences in books allowed him to transform his life for the better. Today, Edward is finding success in acting, leveraging his personal experiences to add depth to his roles. He is most known for his appearance in 1992's Reservoir Dogs.
Miramax, Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Felicia Pearson
Past life
Felicia Pearson grew up in a rough area and quickly got involved in crime. As a teenager, she was convicted of second-degree murder—but in prison, she met someone who helped her start an acting career.
Felicia Pearson
Today
Today, Felicia is thriving in her career as a triple threat: actress, author, and rapper. She has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including The Wire which she is most known for.
Georgia Durante
Past life
Georgia Durante's memoir "The Company She Keeps" explores her unexpected journey from a life of crime to Hollywood. After being inadvertently pulled into the mafia world due to a nightclub shooting, she showcased her exceptional driving skills, leading to a career in driving for the mafia.
Pepperbox Productions, Runaway Nightmare (1982)
Georgia Durante
Today
Thankfully, Georgia broke free from that life and established herself as a respected figure in Hollywood as a stunt driver. She has worked on many films, including Runaway Nightmare, Casper, and Spy Hard.
Pepperbox Productions, Runaway Nightmare (1982)
Greg Mathis
Past life
Greg Mathis, known for "Judge Mathis," faced challenges growing up in a rough neighborhood. He was involved in criminal activities as a teen, leading to multiple arrests for physical fights. This culminated in a serious incident where he was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon.
Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Greg Mathis
Today
Despite initial obstacles due to his criminal history, Greg went on to have a successful legal career and television show, Judge Mathis. He became the youngest person in Michigan to win a district court judge position and his show ran for 24 years, earning him a Daytime Emmy Award.
Syndicated, Judge Mathis (1999–2023)
Ice-T
Past life
Ice-T (a.k.a. Tracy Lauren Marrow) had several run-ins with the law as a teenager. He was involved in dealing early on and was arrested multiple times for robbery and theft. His most serious arrest involved possession of having stolen property.
Sven Mandel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ice-T
Today
Ice-T achieved success as both an actor and rapper after making significant changes in his life. He is most famous for portraying Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola on Law & Order: SVU.
James Brown
Past life
James Brown, known as the Godfather of Soul, overcame early career challenges involving theft and arrest. During juvenile detention, he honed his musical talents, setting the stage for his future success in music.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
James Brown
Today
Despite not being primarily known as an actor, James made some film appearances. He later focused on music, becoming a globally renowned singer. Inspired by his life, his music spreads messages of positivity.
Jeff Henderson
Past life
Raised in a tough area, Jeff Henderson got involved in the substance trade and was arrested for related crimes. In prison, he discovered a passion for cooking, leading him to turn his life around.
Jeff Henderson
Today
Now known as "Chef Jeff", Jeff has found success in both his culinary and acting careers. He is also a highly sought-after public speaker, using his personal experiences to inspire others.
Junior Johnson
Past life
Junior Johnson, a former NASCAR driver, overcame a troubled past involving moonshining and illegal alcohol production. Despite a period of incarceration, his skills in racing and knowledge of cars eventually led to his success in a new field.
Ted Van Pelt, CC BY 2.0 ,Wikimedia Commons
Junior Johnson
Today
While Junior is not mainly recognized for his acting roles, he did show up in a couple of racing-related films and TV programs. He transformed his life and achieved legendary status in the NASCAR community. Using his expertise in racing, he achieved success as a driver and eventually transitioned into owning a team.
Lillo Brancato
Past life
Lillo Brancato was arrested for his involvement in a burglary resulting in the death of a police officer. He was convicted of burglary and sentenced to prison before pursuing acting.
Anything Goes With James English, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lillo Brancato
Today
After turning his life around, Lillo Brancato pursued acting and gained recognition for his talent in Hollywood works like A Bronx Tale and The Sopranos. He continues to work in the entertainment industry today.
Mark Wahlberg
Past life
Mark Wahlberg, an Oscar-nominated actor, was engaged in racially motivated attacks against two Vietnamese-American men during his teenage years. This led to his arrest for attempted murder.
Mark Wahlberg
Today
He ultimately admitted to felony assault and served 45 days in jail. Mark then turned his life around in his later years, becoming a successful actor in the mid-90s and achieving global recognition as the highest-paid actor in 2017.
Columbia, The Other Guys (2010)
Michael K. Williams
Past life
Brooklyn-raised Michael K. Williams became involved in the street scene, struggling for years with substance abuse and facing custody for related crimes. Eventually, he was arrested for possession after participating in illicit activities.
GabboT, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Michael K. Williams
Today
Michael rose to fame as an actor after hisl portrayal of Omar Little on The Wire. Despite past challenges, he persevered and continued to excel in his career, demonstrating his talent in various movies and TV shows.
Katexic Clippings Newsletter, Flickr
Snoop Dogg
Past life
Snoop Dogg (a.k.a. Calvin Broadus) faced challenges growing up, becoming involved in gangs and criminal activity. He has been arrested multiple times for substances and other crimes, including a murder case where he was acquitted.
TechCrunch, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Snoop Dogg
Today
Snoop Dogg found success as rapper and entrepreneur before branching out into acting. He's made appearances as himself in blockbuster films such as Scary Movie 5 and Pitch Perfect 2. He continues to thrive in his career.
Dimension Films, Scary Movie V (2013)
Tim Allen
Past life
Before gaining fame on Home Improvement, Tim Allen was a struggling comedian who got involved in a major legal issue. Arrested in 1978 at a Michigan airport for possessing substances, he made a deal with prosecutors to avoid a life sentence by informing on other traffickers.
Kalamazoo Michigan Sheriff’s Department, Wikimedia Commons
Tim Allen
Today
After three to seven years in prison, Tim focused on comedy and found success on Home Improvement. His career grew with Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story, as well as his work in Last Man Standing.
Walt Disney, Toy Story 2 (1999)
Tom Sizemore
Past life
Tom Sizemore overcame struggles with substance abuse and criminal behavior before becoming an actor. He was frequently arrested for substance-related crimes such as possession and distribution, leading to multiple legal problems and jail time.
Jayel Aheram, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Tom Sizemore
Today
Tom achieved Hollywood success as an actor after changing his life around. He starred in many films and TV series, including Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down. Despite facing challenges in the past, Sizemore perseveres in the entertainment field today.
Paramount Pictures, Saving Private Ryan (1998)
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