If you think that celebrities had an easy way to superstardom, think again. A fair number of today's superstars were not born in a dazzling gown, in a suit and with studio lights all around. Of course, some were once 'young and broke' just like everybody else, worked part time waiting tables and operating the cash register just like everybody else.
Here are 10 of the most popular and influential celebrities you didn't know worked for the food industry before they rose to fame and stardom.
1. Nicki Minaj
The Anaconda singer once worked as a waitress at The Red Lobster back when she was just a teenager. Now you might wonder if Nicki had the patience to wait tables, given her past sassy exchanges with other celebs, and true enough, the rapper was subsequently fired after following a couple to the parking lot, who jacked her pen and made it flip off. Looks like Nicki won't let anyone step down on her even before!
2. Eva Mendez
Yes, even the super beautiful actress, model, singer and designer had to work as a server at Hot Dog on a Stick as well as at an Italian restaurant called "Ciao" located at the California Mall. Looks like Glamorous Eva came from a long way.
She recalled her experiences with The Wall Street Journal, saying "I was one of those kids who couldn't wait to get my work permit. I couldn't wait to legally work!" Waitress or Actress, one thing's for sure, Eva is a hard worker and a passionate one too!
3. Brad Pitt
Imagine the sexiest man on earth entertaining guests in a chicken suit. Would you think he's still hot? We say yes, in an adorable, cute way. Before Brad tried out acting, he was once a regular joe working at El Pollo Loco. His job is to bring in more traffic and customers with his costume. Don't you think it's quite a prep for his stardom?
4. Rachel McAdams
Way before she was the high school queen bee at Northshore High School, the actress spent a good three years as a crew at McDonalds. She told Us Weekly that the fast food chain giant was a "great place to work for" but she admitted that she was never the employee of the month. "I broke the orange juice machine one day," she confessed. At least, you were not a Mean Girl to your customers and workmates, Rach!
5. James Franco
James is known as one of the most bankable jack-of-all-trades actor of his generation-he can do comedy, drama, action, thrillers and serving at McDonald's. Apparently, this three-month fast food working stint had a big impact towards the actor. He even dedicated one article for The Washington Post entitled "McDonald's was there for me when no one else was". What a cutie!
6. Eva Longoria
This super hot actress says she is not regretting the years she spent as an employee of Wendy's when she was younger, reminiscing the experience with Katie Couric. She shares that she was a very passionate worker, making sure what she serves to the customers are perfect every time. "I make a good Frosty. I was even manager by the time I was 18. I love Wendy's! I love that whole experience in my life!"
7. Pharell Williams
The singer of "Happy" is not always, umm happy with his past fast food working experiences. Who would be happy being fired from McDonald's three times? At least he admits to Seth Myers that he was "lazy, very lazy" and if there is one thing he's good at, it was eating chicken nuggets.
8. Jason Lee
If all things fail for the skateboader-actor, he already has a plan B prepared: Going back to Taco Bell. "I'd ask for my job again. I'll probably have to wear a mustache net though."
9. Pink
Though most of the celebs looks back to their past career with a happy nostalgia, Pink is certainly not one of them. In fact, she thinks of it as a nightmare. "Sometimes I dream I'm back there, broke and working at McDonald's. I would never want to be back there. I've worked hard to get where I am."
10. Jennifer Hudson
Back when she was 16, the singer worked at Burger King with her sister. She shared that she used to sing while flipping burgers and preparing orders for the Drive Thru. When Jen won an Oscar, Simon Cowell, who was a judge in American Idol that time, has criticized her for not including the singing contest to her speech. She retorted with much humor, asking if she should thank Burger King too. Burger King then awarded her free burgers for life. Triple Win, Jen!
