These reality stars went from TV drama to Hollywood fame.
Reality TV can be a powerful launchpad for aspiring celebrities looking to break into Hollywood.
From competitive singing shows like American Idol to various reality series, these platforms have become stepping stones for many artists aiming to succeed in the entertainment industry.
Every star has to start somewhere, and numerous celebrities have proven that reality shows can help them reach the pinnacle of fame.
So, take a look at these 10 reality show stars who transitioned from the small screen to become Hollywood A-listers thanks to their early exposure to reality television.
1. Emma Stone
Many may not know that before Emma Stone captivated audiences with her remarkable performances in La La Land, Poor Things, and Easy A, she began her journey in the entertainment industry on VH1’s In Search of the Partridge Family.
At just 16 years old, she showcased her incredible talent by winning the singing competition for the role of Laurie Partridge.
Although she appeared in the reboot’s pilot episode, her career truly took off with her breakout role in the 2007 teen comedy Superbad.
2. Jennifer Hudson
Though Jennifer Hudson didn’t win American Idol Season 3, where Fantasia Barrino emerged as the champion, the show helped launch her now-colossal career.
Hudson made it to the top seven before being eliminated, but this setback didn’t mark the end of her journey. Instead, it was the beginning of something big.
Hudson landed her breakout role in the 2006 film adaptation of Dreamgirls alongside Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, and Anika Noni Rose.
Her powerful portrayal of Effie White earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She continued her ascent, winning two Grammys, a Tony Award as a producer of A Strange Loop, and an Emmy for 2020’s Baba Yaga, making her a certified EGOT winner.
3. Zac Efron
Before Zac Efron won the hearts of young audiences worldwide as Troy Bolton in Disney Channel’s High School Musical, he appeared on MTV’s dating show Room Raiders, where he rifled through girls’ bedrooms to decide whom he wanted to date.
At just 17 years old, this was one of his earliest television appearances, following his role on The WB’s Summerland.
Efron’s journey to becoming a Hollywood A-lister is nothing short of impressive. He has starred in notable films such as Hairspray, The Iron Claw, and The Greatest Showman.
Recently, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
4. Laverne Cox
Before Laverne Cox made history as the first openly transgender person nominated for an Emmy for her role as Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black, she ventured into the world of reality television as a contestant on MTV’s I Want to Work for Diddy in 2008.
Although she was eliminated in the sixth episode of the first season, it wasn’t the end of her career.
Following her appearance on Diddy, Cox produced and starred in the makeover series TRANSform Me, which garnered significant attention. Her work in this series helped pave the way for her groundbreaking role in Orange Is the New Black.
Additionally, she won an Emmy Award for producing the acclaimed documentary Disclosure, further solid
5. Jon Hamm
Who would have thought that Jon Hamm, now a celebrated A-list actor, would face rejection on the dating show The Big Date? At just 25 years old, Hamm appeared on the show but was passed over by two women.
While this experience might have been disheartening, it ultimately paved the way for his big break a decade later when he starred as the enigmatic and brilliant adman Don Draper in Mad Men, a role that earned him two Golden Globe Awards.
Since then, Hamm has showcased his talent in various notable projects, including Baby Driver, Richard Jewell, and many more. If only those women had known what Hamm would eventually become.
6. Kim Kardashian
This list would not be complete without Kim Kardashian. The renowned reality TV star has built an empire by being herself on screen, from her early days as a friend of Paris Hilton on The Simple Life to starring in her own reality show with her family, Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
In addition to her immense social media following, substantial net worth, and successful business ventures, Kardashian has also showcased her acting talents.
She appeared in American Horror Story Season 12 as Siobhan, the publicist for actress Anna Victoria Alcott (played by Emma Roberts).
Additionally, she guest-starred in How I Met Your Mother Season 4 and made a cameo in the 2008 film Disaster Movie.
7. Nene Leakes
After becoming a hit on The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2008, NeNe Leakes’s fame skyrocketed.
Her appearance as Roz Washington on Glee was a natural progression, and she quickly became one of the show’s most iconic characters.
Following her success on Glee, Leakes starred in The New Normal, co-hosted Fashion Police, embarked on a comedy tour, launched a clothing line, and made her Broadway debut in Cinderella.
Who would have imagined that the bold and outspoken personality we saw on The Real Housewives of Atlanta would evolve into such a talented actress?
8. Julianne Hough
Although Julianne Hough made her acting debut in the 2001 film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, she truly made a name for herself as one of the professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars.
From there, she showcased her exceptional dancing skills on the big screen in her role as Ariel Moore in the remake of Footloose and went on to establish a solid acting career with notable performances in Burlesque, Rock of Ages, Safe Haven, Dirty Grandpa, and Grease Live!.
In addition to her acting career, Hough ventured into music, releasing a self-titled album that debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart.
She also executive produced and hosted specials for Disney and served as a judge on America’s Got Talent in 2019.
9. Lady Gaga
Surprisingly, before Lady Gaga became known as the Mother Monster, she appeared as a diner customer on the MTV prank reality show Boiling Points. She also headlined an event where the cast of The Hills was filming in 2008, and the cast members helped her fix a wardrobe malfunction.
Today, Lady Gaga has made a significant name for herself in both the music and film industries. In addition to receiving numerous music awards and becoming one of the world’s best-selling artists, she has also established herself as a fashion icon.
Her notable film roles include A Star Is Born, House of Gucci, and the recent Joker: Folie à Deux.
Furthermore, she won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in American Horror Story: Hotel in 2016.
With all these accomplishments to her name, it’s clear that Lady Gaga is one of the biggest stars on the planet.
10. Beyoncé
There’s probably no Queen Bey without Beyoncé’s early appearance on Star Search with her group, Girl’s Tyme, which later became known as Destiny’s Child.
Although they lost the competition, they ultimately won big in life. The group sold millions of records worldwide, earned numerous awards, and topped several music charts.
Beyoncé herself has successfully carved out a monumental career and is now considered one of the most influential cultural figures of the 21st century, as well as one of the most famous and powerful singers in the world.
Notably, she was the first Black woman to headline Coachella. In addition to her music career, she starred in the Oscar-winning film Dreamgirls and lent her voice to Nala in The Lion King.
With these remarkable achievements, it’s clear that Beyoncé has solidified her status as a global icon.
