Parle Mag
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Diddy Trial
  • Lifestyle
  • Interviews
  • Contact Us
  • Team Parlé
  • Podcast
  • Advertising
Facebook 0 Likes
Twitter 0 Followers
Instagram 0 Followers
Pinterest 0 Followers
LinkedIn 0
Reddit 0 Subscribers
TikTok 0
0
0
0
0
0
Parle Mag
Subscribe
Parle Mag
  • Home
  • Entertainment
    • Books
    • Celebrity
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Sports
    • Television News
  • Diddy Trial
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Business
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Op-Ed
    • Politics
    • Relationships
    • Travel
  • Interviews
Featured Categories
black countries
About Parlé
4 Posts
View Posts
Taye Diggs reads a book in an episode of private practice.
About Parle Magazine
4 Posts
View Posts
About the Editor
3 Posts
View Posts
Ad Test
1 Posts
View Posts
Posts
  • Farewell to Giants: Honoring Black Celebs That Died in 2024 1
    Farewell to Giants: Honoring Black Celebs That Died in 2024
    • June 13, 2025
  • homeland security agent testifies 2
    Day 23 of the Diddy Trial: Homeland Security Agent Testifies, Focuses on Raid Evidence and Courtroom Dynamics
    • June 13, 2025
  • janes sixth day on the stand 3
    Day 22 of the Diddy Trial: Jane’s Sixth Day on the Stand, Defense Revisits Key Incidents and Messages
    • June 12, 2025
  • Farewell to Giants: Honoring Black Celebs That Died in 2024

    Farewell to Giants: Honoring Black Celebs That Died in 2024

    • June 13, 2025
    View Post
  • homeland security agent testifies

    Day 23 of the Diddy Trial: Homeland Security Agent Testifies, Focuses on Raid Evidence and Courtroom Dynamics

    • June 13, 2025
    View Post
  • janes sixth day on the stand

    Day 22 of the Diddy Trial: Jane’s Sixth Day on the Stand, Defense Revisits Key Incidents and Messages

    • June 12, 2025
    View Post
  • Lifestyle
  • Op-Ed

Celebrities Who Were Homeless Before They Became Famous

  • August 30, 2021
  • Nia Bennett
Celebrities Who Were Famous
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Famous Celebrities Who Were Homeless

Homelessness affects so many people in this country and unfortunately it can happen to anyone at any time.  For those that are homeless or going through a hard time there is a sense of hopelessness because sometimes there’s no telling how they will be able to get out of it. There is also a sense of loneliness because these individuals feel as though they are on their own and they don’t have anyone they can talk to or can relate to them.  

The fact is, even celebrities have gone through homelessness—before and after the fame.  For those that are less fortunate that should be motivation to know that there is a come-up on the other side of the struggle, as long as they can push through.  We can’t all be rich and famous, but if it’s meant to be and you’re willing to put the time and effort in, than it is possible. 

These celebrities who were homeless worked their way up from their struggles with their talents. Here’s ten celebrities who were homeless that worked their through their struggle.

A post shared by Halle Berry (@halleberry) on Oct 6, 2017 at 11:36am PDT



Halle Berry


Yes, that Halle Berry!  The actress lived in a shelter in her early 20s, after moving to NYC to pursue her dreams of acting.  The move was as instantly successful as she imagined and she had to make ends meet.  It wasn’t long before she found her big break.

Advertisement

Steve Harvey

The comedian and in demand host was living out of his Ford Tempo for 3 year before doors began to open up for him.


Ella Fitzgerald


“The Queen of Jazz” was a homeless teen runaway before making it big.  You kids today might not know how amazing Ella Fitzgerald was, but she had to overcome a lot to get to where she was.

Michael Oher

The NFL athlete lived on the street before being adopted.  His mother battled drug addiction and didn’t make the best choices, sadly.  Oher, of course, inspired the book & movie, “The Blind Side.”  He is probably one of the more well known, former homeless celebrities.

Advertisement

A post shared by Chris Gardner (@ceoofhappyness) on Dec 31, 2017 at 7:15pm PST


Chris Gardner

The millionaire businessman inspired the Will Smith film, “Pursuit of Happiness”. He lived on the street and in shelters with his son before getting an opportunity in finance. He now owns multiple companies.

Jennifer Lopez

The talented singer, actress, dancer slept on a sofa in a dance studio for months after moving out her mom’s house at 18 years-old because her mom didn’t want her to dance.  The leap of faith led to her gig on “In Living Color” and doors haven’t stopped opening for the Bronx native.


Tyler Perry


The director, actor, playwright is famous for Madea now, but he told Oprah his story of being homeless on and off for 6 months.  He lived in his car or in a “pay-by-week” hotel while trying to make ends meet.   When his play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed” became a hit things finally began to change for Perry.

Advertisement

Djimon Hounsou

The actor immigrated to France from Benin, a French speaking country in Africa, hoping to find work.  He was living on the streets in Paris until fate would land him modeling gigs.  He was discovered when he was randomly approached by an agent.

Steve Jobs

The CEO & founder of Apple didn’t have a dorm room.  He slept “on the floor in friends’ rooms, returned coke bottles for the 5¢ deposits to buy food, and would walk the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna Temple.”

Advertisement

#StageShot #summerwhite

A post shared by KEM (@musicbykem) on Jul 13, 2017 at 5:03pm PDT


KEM

The Detroit native  and successful R&B singer was homeless for years while dealing with a drug addiction.  He overcame it and has released four albums over the last few years.  His story is a true inspiration for those struggling with personal obstacles.

A$AP Rocky

The Harlem rapper spent 2 years living in shelters in NYC with his mother.  He is now a successful spokesman for brands, but his teen years were tough after his father was incarcerated.

Lil’ Kim

The Brooklyn native rapper was homeless during a couple periods in life.  Once at 8 years old with her mom and again as a teen.  Meeting The Notorious B.I.G helped her turn her life around for good!

Advertisement


—
According to the Coalition for the Homeless, there are more than 63,000 homeless people living in shelters in New York City alone, as of November 2017.  Of those people, 3 out of 4 of those that are homeless are entire families with 23,694 homeless children.  
Over 45,000 different homeless children spent the night in a shelter at some point in 2017.   

Unfortunately, homelessness is just another of the world’s ills that affects African-Americans and Latinos at an incredibly higher rate than any other ethnic groups.  Approximately 58 percent of New York City homeless shelter residents are African-American and 31 percent are Latino.

Nationally, according to a report by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, on a single night in January 2015, 564,708 people were experiencing homelessness—meaning they were sleeping outside or in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program.  In a single night in California in 2016, 21.48% of the population experienced homelessness.  That’s over 100,000 people to just put things in perspective.

All that to say, have some compassion.

Advertisement

 


Readers Might Also Like:

Essential AppsThese Essential Apps Will Make Your Life Easier & Help You Save MoneyHow Much Artists Get Paid Per StreamHow Much Do Artists Really Get Paid For Streams – A Financial Breakdown

Advertisement

The Chi - Carl Thomas Dave Hollister and Donell JonesCarl Thomas, Dave Hollister and Donell Jones Announce New R&B Supergroup

R&B Soul Singers To Pay Attention ToR&B Singers You Should Be Paying Attention To


Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • celebrities who were homeless
  • Chris Gardner
  • Djimon Hounsou
  • Kem
  • Steve Harvey
  • steve jobs
Nia Bennett

Previous Article
Queens series ABC
  • Entertainment News
  • Lifestyle
  • Op-Ed
  • TV

[EXTENDED FIRST LOOK] Brandy, Eve, Naturi Naughton Star In ABC’s ‘Queens’

  • August 28, 2021
  • Nia Bennett
View Post
Next Article
GameCube ISO
  • Lifestyle
  • Op-Ed

Top GameCube ISO to Play This Year

  • August 30, 2021
  • Team Parle
View Post
You May Also Like
Healthy Ways to Deal with a Toxic Boss Without Quitting Your Job
View Post
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships

Healthy Ways to Deal with a Toxic Boss Without Quitting Your Job

  • Obiorah Precious
  • June 9, 2025
How to Advise a Friend to End a Bad Relationship Gently
View Post
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships

How to Advise a Friend to End a Bad Relationship Gently

  • Obiorah Precious
  • June 7, 2025
Is Your Relationship Unhealthy? 10 Warning Signs to Watch For
View Post
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships

Is Your Relationship Unhealthy? 10 Warning Signs to Watch For

  • Obiorah Precious
  • June 4, 2025
The Ultimate Heartfelt Father's Day Gift Ideas for 2025
View Post
  • Fashion
  • Lifestyle

The Ultimate Heartfelt Father’s Day Gift Ideas for 2025

  • Obiorah Precious
  • June 3, 2025
Black Celebrities That Are Vegan and Making a Difference
View Post
  • Food & Beverage
  • Health
  • Lifestyle

Black Celebrities That Are Vegan and Making a Difference

  • Obiorah Precious
  • June 2, 2025
Practical Anxiety Coping Skills & Strategies for Teens That Work
View Post
  • Health
  • Lifestyle

Practical Anxiety Coping Skills & Strategies for Teens That Work

  • Obiorah Precious
  • June 1, 2025
Summer 2025 Must-Have Smart Causal Summer Outfits For Men
View Post
  • Fashion
  • Lifestyle

Summer 2025: Must-Have Smart Casual Summer Outfits For Men

  • Obiorah Precious
  • May 31, 2025
benefits of a vegan diet
View Post
  • Food & Beverage
  • Health
  • Lifestyle

What Are The Health Benefits of a Vegan Diet?

  • Stacey Mickles
  • May 30, 2025
Recent Posts
  • janes cross examination continues
    Day 21 of the Diddy Trial: Jane’s Cross-Examination Continues, Unpacks Pain, Power, and Perspective
    • June 11, 2025
  • jane's cross examination
    Day 20 of the Diddy Trial: Jane’s Cross-Examination, Takes Deep Turn
    • June 10, 2025
  • Wigs Vs Sew-Ins | 6 Things to Consider Before Choosing
    Wigs Vs Sew-Ins | 6 Things to Consider Before Choosing
    • June 10, 2025
Categories
Entertainment News
5721 Posts
View Posts
Interviews
860 Posts
View Posts
Lifestyle
2731 Posts
View Posts
Featured Posts
  • Farewell to Giants: Honoring Black Celebs That Died in 2024 1
    Farewell to Giants: Honoring Black Celebs That Died in 2024
    • June 13, 2025
  • homeland security agent testifies 2
    Day 23 of the Diddy Trial: Homeland Security Agent Testifies, Focuses on Raid Evidence and Courtroom Dynamics
    • June 13, 2025
  • janes sixth day on the stand 3
    Day 22 of the Diddy Trial: Jane’s Sixth Day on the Stand, Defense Revisits Key Incidents and Messages
    • June 12, 2025
  • janes cross examination continues 4
    Day 21 of the Diddy Trial: Jane’s Cross-Examination Continues, Unpacks Pain, Power, and Perspective
    • June 11, 2025
  • jane's cross examination 5
    Day 20 of the Diddy Trial: Jane’s Cross-Examination, Takes Deep Turn
    • June 10, 2025

RSS Parle Mag

  • Farewell to Giants: Honoring Black Celebs That Died in 2024
  • Day 23 of the Diddy Trial: Homeland Security Agent Testifies, Focuses on Raid Evidence and Courtroom Dynamics
  • Day 22 of the Diddy Trial: Jane’s Sixth Day on the Stand, Defense Revisits Key Incidents and Messages
  • Day 21 of the Diddy Trial: Jane’s Cross-Examination Continues, Unpacks Pain, Power, and Perspective
  • Day 20 of the Diddy Trial: Jane’s Cross-Examination, Takes Deep Turn
Parle Mag
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Team Parlé
  • Podcast
  • Advertising
  • Parle Endeavors
  • Parle New York
  • Privacy Policy
parlemag.com - The Voice of The Culture

Input your search keywords and press Enter.