Success can seem like it’s reserved for those born into stability, but that’s not always the case; in fact, the road to fame for some of the world’s most recognizable and accomplished figures is preceded by their own “underdog” tale.
We’re highlighting the stories of celebrities whose talent, resilience, and destiny led them to stardom—despite having an unorthodox start.
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JAMIE FOXX
Source: Leon Bennett/WireImage / Leon Bennett/WireImage
Triple threat—actor-singer-comedian—Jamie Foxx was adopted by his grandparents at 7 months old.
NICOLE RICHIE
Source: Amy Sussman / Getty
Nicole Richie was adopted by legendary singer-songwriter and music producer Lionel Richie (and his then wife, Brenda Richie) at 9 years old. She was born Nicole Camille Escovedo, daughter of Peter Michael Escovedo and Karen Moss (Sheila E.’s brother and assistant [at the time])—friends of Lionel, who were not financially fit to care for her at the time.
KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY
Source: Tristan Fewings / Getty
Keegan-Michael Key was the product of an affair, which led to his adoption. He was adopted at birth by a married social-working couple.
NELSON MANDELA
Source: Najlah Feanny / Getty
When Mandela was 12 years old, his father died of lung disease. He was adopted by Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the acting regent of the Thembu people — a gesture done as a favor to Mandela’s father, who, years earlier, had recommended Jongintaba be made chief (Biography.com).
KEYSHIA COLE
Source: Erika Goldring / Getty
Keyshia Cole was adopted at 2 years old—in part due to her mother’s alcohol and cocaine abuse—by family friends, Leon and Yvonne Cole.
COLIN KAEPERNICK
Source: Carmen Mandato / Getty
Colin Kaepernick was raised by a Wisconsin couple, Teresa and Rick Kaepernick, who adopted him just weeks after he was born in December of 1987 (People.com).
STEVE JOBS
Source: DANIEL JANIN / Getty
Jobs was adopted as an infant by Paul Jobs and Clara Jobs and grew up unaware of his biological roots.
SIMON BILES
Source: Laurence Griffiths / Getty
Simone Biles was adopted out of foster care by her birth grandparents at 6 years old.
EARTHA KITT
Source: Larry Ellis / Getty
Eartha Kitt was taken in (and informally adopted) by her reportedly abusive “Aunt Rose”.
MICHAEL OHER
Source: Perry Knotts / Getty
Former NFL player Michael Oher is the subject of the box office movie The Blind Side, based on his inspiring adoption story about the family who gained legal guardianship over him as an impoverished teen.
See: Michael Oher Claims ‘Blind Side’ Adoption Was A Lie, Petitions Court
MARILYN MONROE
Source: John Drysdale / Getty
Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe lived in foster homes until the age of 7, when her mother’s best friend, Grace McKee, became her legal guardian (Esquire.com).
GARY COLEMAN
Source: ROBYN BECK / Getty
Gary Wayne Coleman was adopted as an infant by parents W.G. Coleman, a pharmaceutical representative, and Edmonia Sue, a nurse practitioner—despite being diagnosed with multiple health issues (one of which was a congenital kidney defect which permanently stunted his height growth).
KIRK FRANKLIN
Source: Ayisha Collins / Getty
Kirk Franklin was adopted as a new-born by his Aunt Gertrude (who was 64-years-old at the time).
WILLIE MOORE JR.
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
This syndicated radio host was adopted at 3 months old.
READ MORE STORIES ON BLACKAMERICAWEB.COM:
November Is National Adoption Month: Celebrate With The Celebrities Who Chose Adoption
Foster Care: Why Are Black Children Overrepresented In Child Welfare?