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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

10 Stars Who Overcame Poverty to Achieve Success

Here's who had far to come.

Anna Bechtel
By Anna BechtelJun 18, 2023
Anna Bechtel
Anna Bechtel is a freelance writer currently based in Hamden, CT.
See Full Bio
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion - Arrivals
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Anna Bechtel
By Anna BechtelJun 18, 2023
Anna Bechtel
Anna Bechtel is a freelance writer currently based in Hamden, CT.
See Full Bio
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
Celeb News

From childhoods marred by poverty to reaching unimaginable heights of success, these ten celebrities have defied the odds and turned their lives around. Viola Davis, an EGOT winner, once resorted to extreme measures like stealing and scavenging for food. Country music icon Dolly Parton grew up in a one-bedroom cabin in Tennessee. Selena Gomez and her mother faced constant financial struggles, even running out of gas frequently. Rapper Cardi B's upbringing in the Bronx and her stint as a stripper shaped her journey. Kelly Clarkson experienced the harsh realities of living paycheck to paycheck. These stories of resilience and triumph serve as a reminder that dreams can indeed become a reality, no matter the circumstances.

1. Viola Davis

29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - ArrivalsAmy Sussman/WireImage

EGOT winner Viola Davis opened up about her background in a speech at the 2014 Variety Power of Women event. "Although my childhood was filled with many happy memories, it was also spent in abject poverty. I was one of the 17 million kids in this country who didn't know where their next meal was coming from. And I did everything to get food. I've stolen for food. I jumped in huge garbage bins with maggots for food. I had befriended people in the neighborhood who I knew had mothers who cooked three meals a day for food, and I sacrificed a childhood for food and grew up in immense shame."

2. Dolly Parton

58th Academy Of Country Music Awards - ArrivalsTheo Wargo/WireImage

The country music icon is currently worth over $600 million. However, Dolly Parton wasn’t always well-off. Parton notably grew up poor, even talking about her background in her song, “Coat of Many Colors.” She grew up in a one-bedroom cabin in Tennessee with farmer parents.

3. Selena Gomez

80th Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsAmy Sussman/Getty Images

Singer and actress Selena Gomez was raised by her single mother in Texas. Before she began acting, she and her mother struggled to make ends meet. She told E! News in 2011, "I remember my mom would run out of gas all of the time, and we'd sit there and have to go through the car and get quarters and help her get gas."

4. Cardi B

Cardi B And Starco Brands Launch WhipshotsArturo Holmes/Getty Images

Rapper Cardi B grew up in the Bronx, and is open about her struggle to make ends meet. Cardi notably worked as a stripper, before starring on VH1’s Love and Hip Hop. "I have real good parents, they poor," she said to Global Grind in 2016. "They have regular, poor jobs and whatnot. They real good people and whatnot, I was just raised in a bad society."

5. Kelly Clarkson

2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards - Press RoomKayla Oaddams/WireImage

Before winning the first season of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson grew up poor in Texas. She opened up about her background, and how it’s impacted her, in an interview with The Dallas Morning News. “We lived prepay check to prepay check. I was like, whatever I'm gonna do, I just don't wanna have to worry [like] that. I always used to hate when people would be like, 'Money doesn't buy everything,' when you are little and poor. Rich people say that, not poor people. I don't know one poor person that's going, 'Money doesn't buy happiness.' It pays you to get out of eviction notices."

6. Daniel Oyelowo

BRITAIN-ENTERTAINMENT-BFI-FILM-FESTIVALDaniel Leal/Getty Images

The actor and his family moved to Los Angeles for his career. Unfortunately, they had to live through the 2008 recession. Oyelowo opened up about this in an interview with The Times. “It got pretty dark for a moment. I’ll never forget, my wife and I got down to our last $3. We couldn’t go to the hole in the wall because we were at rock bottom. And the reason I know it was $3 is because I remember standing in our house and giving her $2 and, almost symbolically, keeping the extra dollar in my wallet. And just feeling like, ‘What did we do coming here? What were we thinking?’" But Oyelowo didn’t give up, and booked his breakout role in The Butler.

7. Eminem

Rag & Bone X Eminem London Pop-Up OpeningDave Benett/Getty Images

Rapper Eminem was raised by a single mother, and they moved around a bit, before settling in Detroit. He would drop out of high school after struggling with bullying. After trying to make it in the local rap scene, Eminem signed with Dr. Dre in 1998, and his career took off. Eminem’s backstory would be explained in the film, 8 Mile, where he plays a fictionalized version of himself.

8. Jim Carey

Los Angeles Premiere Screening Of "Sonic The Hedgehog 2"Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Actor Jim Carey opened up about his backstory on an episode of The Howard Stern Show. When Carey was young, his father lost his job, and he had to drop out of high school and work to help support his family. Carey previously worked as a janitor and security guard in his teens. "My dad was cool, man. That's the one thing about therapy, they kinda focus you on what did your parents do, what did they not do. Yeah sure, in certain ways, they made me grow up fast. But the list of what they did for me was so enormous."

9. Justin Bieber

The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion - Red CarpetKevin Mazur/Getty Images

Before being discovered on YouTube, Justin Bieber and his single mother were living in a rat infested house and sleeping on a pull-out couch. His mother had to work several jobs to make ends meet, and Bieber would perform on the street to help out.

10. Jay-Z

Los Angeles Premiere Of "The Harder They Fall"Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Before becoming the successful rapper and businessman he is today, Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, grew up poor in New York City. He and his three siblings were raised by their single mother. Carter dropped out of high school his sophomore year, and turned to selling drugs. Carter also began freestyling, before working with Big Daddy Kane in 1994.

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Celeb News

10 Stars Who Overcame Poverty to Achieve Success

Here's who had far to come.

The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion - Arrivals
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Anna Bechtel
By Anna BechtelJun 18, 2023
Anna Bechtel
Anna Bechtel is a freelance writer currently based in Hamden, CT.
See Full Bio
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

From childhoods marred by poverty to reaching unimaginable heights of success, these ten celebrities have defied the odds and turned their lives around. Viola Davis, an EGOT winner, once resorted to extreme measures like stealing and scavenging for food. Country music icon Dolly Parton grew up in a one-bedroom cabin in Tennessee. Selena Gomez and her mother faced constant financial struggles, even running out of gas frequently. Rapper Cardi B's upbringing in the Bronx and her stint as a stripper shaped her journey. Kelly Clarkson experienced the harsh realities of living paycheck to paycheck. These stories of resilience and triumph serve as a reminder that dreams can indeed become a reality, no matter the circumstances.

1. Viola Davis

29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - ArrivalsAmy Sussman/WireImage

EGOT winner Viola Davis opened up about her background in a speech at the 2014 Variety Power of Women event. "Although my childhood was filled with many happy memories, it was also spent in abject poverty. I was one of the 17 million kids in this country who didn't know where their next meal was coming from. And I did everything to get food. I've stolen for food. I jumped in huge garbage bins with maggots for food. I had befriended people in the neighborhood who I knew had mothers who cooked three meals a day for food, and I sacrificed a childhood for food and grew up in immense shame."

2. Dolly Parton

58th Academy Of Country Music Awards - ArrivalsTheo Wargo/WireImage

The country music icon is currently worth over $600 million. However, Dolly Parton wasn’t always well-off. Parton notably grew up poor, even talking about her background in her song, “Coat of Many Colors.” She grew up in a one-bedroom cabin in Tennessee with farmer parents.

3. Selena Gomez

80th Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsAmy Sussman/Getty Images

Singer and actress Selena Gomez was raised by her single mother in Texas. Before she began acting, she and her mother struggled to make ends meet. She told E! News in 2011, "I remember my mom would run out of gas all of the time, and we'd sit there and have to go through the car and get quarters and help her get gas."

4. Cardi B

Cardi B And Starco Brands Launch WhipshotsArturo Holmes/Getty Images

Rapper Cardi B grew up in the Bronx, and is open about her struggle to make ends meet. Cardi notably worked as a stripper, before starring on VH1’s Love and Hip Hop. "I have real good parents, they poor," she said to Global Grind in 2016. "They have regular, poor jobs and whatnot. They real good people and whatnot, I was just raised in a bad society."

5. Kelly Clarkson

2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards - Press RoomKayla Oaddams/WireImage

Before winning the first season of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson grew up poor in Texas. She opened up about her background, and how it’s impacted her, in an interview with The Dallas Morning News. “We lived prepay check to prepay check. I was like, whatever I'm gonna do, I just don't wanna have to worry [like] that. I always used to hate when people would be like, 'Money doesn't buy everything,' when you are little and poor. Rich people say that, not poor people. I don't know one poor person that's going, 'Money doesn't buy happiness.' It pays you to get out of eviction notices."

6. Daniel Oyelowo

BRITAIN-ENTERTAINMENT-BFI-FILM-FESTIVALDaniel Leal/Getty Images

The actor and his family moved to Los Angeles for his career. Unfortunately, they had to live through the 2008 recession. Oyelowo opened up about this in an interview with The Times. “It got pretty dark for a moment. I’ll never forget, my wife and I got down to our last $3. We couldn’t go to the hole in the wall because we were at rock bottom. And the reason I know it was $3 is because I remember standing in our house and giving her $2 and, almost symbolically, keeping the extra dollar in my wallet. And just feeling like, ‘What did we do coming here? What were we thinking?’" But Oyelowo didn’t give up, and booked his breakout role in The Butler.

7. Eminem

Rag & Bone X Eminem London Pop-Up OpeningDave Benett/Getty Images

Rapper Eminem was raised by a single mother, and they moved around a bit, before settling in Detroit. He would drop out of high school after struggling with bullying. After trying to make it in the local rap scene, Eminem signed with Dr. Dre in 1998, and his career took off. Eminem’s backstory would be explained in the film, 8 Mile, where he plays a fictionalized version of himself.

8. Jim Carey

Los Angeles Premiere Screening Of "Sonic The Hedgehog 2"Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Actor Jim Carey opened up about his backstory on an episode of The Howard Stern Show. When Carey was young, his father lost his job, and he had to drop out of high school and work to help support his family. Carey previously worked as a janitor and security guard in his teens. "My dad was cool, man. That's the one thing about therapy, they kinda focus you on what did your parents do, what did they not do. Yeah sure, in certain ways, they made me grow up fast. But the list of what they did for me was so enormous."

9. Justin Bieber

The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion - Red CarpetKevin Mazur/Getty Images

Before being discovered on YouTube, Justin Bieber and his single mother were living in a rat infested house and sleeping on a pull-out couch. His mother had to work several jobs to make ends meet, and Bieber would perform on the street to help out.

10. Jay-Z

Los Angeles Premiere Of "The Harder They Fall"Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Before becoming the successful rapper and businessman he is today, Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, grew up poor in New York City. He and his three siblings were raised by their single mother. Carter dropped out of high school his sophomore year, and turned to selling drugs. Carter also began freestyling, before working with Big Daddy Kane in 1994.

Celeb News

10 Amazing Bodies of HGTV Stars

Here are their wellness tips.

TIME 100 Gala 2019 - Cocktails
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Anna Bechtel
By Anna BechtelOct 08, 2023
Anna Bechtel
Anna Bechtel is a freelance writer currently based in Hamden, CT.
See Full Bio
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

HGTV stars aren't just masters of home renovation and design; they also prioritize their health and wellness. In this article, we delve into the remarkable fitness and self-care routines of your favorite home improvement television personalities. From skincare obsessions to dietary preferences, find out how Alison Victoria, Christina Hall, Jonathan and Drew Scott, Ben Napier, Nicole Curtis, Joanna and Chip Gaines, Mina Starsiak Hawk, and Tarek El Moussa maintain their incredible bodies and energy levels while juggling their busy careers. Discover the tips and secrets they swear by to stay in top shape, both mentally and physically.

1. Alison Victoria

HGTV's "Ugliest House in America" For Your Emmy Consideration EventGonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images

Alison Victoria has hosted Rock The Block and Windy City Rehab on HGTV. She tells the network’s website that she makes sure to take care of her skin. “I've got all my lotions and all my potions and I'm always trying new products. I'm just obsessed with skincare and just making sure that I'm being really good to my skin. I have a million masks I use and try and I'm just constantly obsessed with that."

2. Christina Hall

Los,Angeles,-,Jul,09:,Christina,Hall,Arrives,For,ëbarbieíShutterstock

Flip Or Flop and Christina On The Coast star, Christina Hall, shared her wellness secrets with Us Weekly. “I eat healthy and organize. I prioritize good facials and skincare and I do IVs. I do a lot for my health because being on and having energy is so important to me.”

3. Jonathan Scott

Los,Angeles,-,Nov,13:,Jonathan,Scott,Arrives,For,Baby2babyShutterstock

One half of the Property Brothers, Jonathan Scott shared his daily diet with Delish. He says that he loves fish, specifically sushi. "I eat it at least twice a week," he says. "I'll usually do some salmon nigiri or tuna nigiri. I also love dynamite rolls, shrimp tempura and cucumber salad."

4. Drew Scott

Los,Angeles,-,Aug,01:,Drew,Scott,Arrives,For,TheShutterstock

The other half of the Property Brothers, Drew Scott and his brother talked about their diets to Yahoo Health. Drew says that his diet differs from his brother’s. “A little more hardcore,” he said. “I restrict dairy, gluten, and refined sugar intake. I do six meals a day with about 40 to 45 grams of protein per meal.”

5. Ben Napier

Celebrities Visit Build - January 8, 2020Manny Carabel/Getty Images

Home Town host, Ben Napier notably lost a lot of weight. His wife and co-host, Erin, shared how he did it on her Instagram. “He got hardcore about his health and fitness last winter ahead of his big shoulder surgery that was in March so he could sleep better on his back and lower his BP.”

6. Nicole Curtis

John Varvatos Detroit Store Opening Party Hosted By ChryslerLoreen Sarkis/Getty Images

In an interview with Women’s Running, Nicole Curtis talked about how she approaches hosting Rehab Addict. “I do the show my way—I didn’t want to be some cookie-cutter TV personality,” she says. “To this day, my best friends who have known me since fifth grade, will say, ‘The person that you see on TV—that’s her in real life. If you meet her in the bathroom in an airport, she’s going to talk the same exact way as when you see her on TV.’ And I think that that comes through, and I think that is something that has been so successful with the show.”

7. Joanna Gaines

TIME 100 Gala 2019 - CocktailsLarry Busacca/Getty Images

Fixer Upper host and Magnolia owner, Joanna Gaines, talked about her diet to Country Living. “I’m big into eggs in the morning just for the protein. And my kids love eggs so we’re always doing some type of scrambled eggs or quiche. We have a ton of chickens and a ton of eggs so we try to take advantage of that.”

8. Chip Gaines

The Build Series Presents Chip & Joanna Gaines Discussing Their New Book "The Magnolia Story"Laura Cavanaugh/WireImage

In 2018, Chip Gaines trained for a marathon, and ended up losing 10 pounds. He talked about his process to Runner’s World. "This is the hardest thing I’ve ever put my body through, but for me, running is a mental game. I’ve learned that if I can convince myself to just keep putting one foot in front of the other, then I can run as far as I want to."

9. Mina Starsiak Hawk

Premiere Of HGTV's "A Very Brady Renovation" - ArrivalsRachel Luna/Getty Images

On Instagram, Mina Starsiak Hawk opened up about her wellness journey. "I spent the first half of last year working on my professional development, which ultimately meant working on my own mental and emotional development,” she says. “Not least of which was my new outlook on my physical health. The changes I've made have been for ME, not anyone else; both physically and mentally."

10. Tarek El Moussa

Santa,Monica,,Ca,Usa,-,June,5,,2022.,Tarek,ElShutterstock

On Instagram, Tarek El Moussa talked about changes he’s made to his fitness routine. He says that he sought help to plan his wellness routine. “NOW I’m up early every AM to workout, I have a solid routine (thanks to @seantorbati), I’m taking the right supplements, I’m eating the right food & Hot yoga 1-2 times a week which is so good for my mental & physical state. It all comes down to motivation and perseverance… How bad do you want to feel good?? Once I realized how BADLY I wanted to feel good and be healthy- for myself, my wife, my kids, and my longevity- was the second I put my head down and got to work!! What about you?? Who’s with me??!”

Celeb News

11 Stars Who Disappeared, Where are They Now?

We uncover what happened to these once-prominent figures.

David Jones Summer 2006 Collections Launch with Mischa Barton
Dani Abramowicz/FilmMagic
Anna Bechtel
By Anna BechtelJun 29, 2023
Anna Bechtel
Anna Bechtel is a freelance writer currently based in Hamden, CT.
See Full Bio
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Celebrities often capture our hearts and dominate the entertainment industry, but some stars gradually fade from the spotlight, leaving fans wondering about their whereabouts. In this article, we delve into the lives of 11 such individuals, exploring their journeys after their initial fame. From the infectious beats of LMFAO to the youthful charm of Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and the captivating performances of Mischa Barton and Julia Stiles, we uncover what happened to these once-prominent figures. Join us as we unravel their stories and discover where these stars are today.

1. LMFAO

Build Presents 8ky of LMFAO Discussing His New Album "Fxck Yeah: Chaos to Consciousness"Chance Yeh/FilmMagic

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, LMFAO was everywhere. They released hit songs like “Party Rock Anthem”, “Sexy And I Know It”, and “Champagne Problems.” The group even appeared in the 2012 SuperBowl Halftime Show. However, in late 2012, the group announced their hiatus. SkyBlu has released some solo music, while RedFoo has appeared on Dancing With The Stars.

2. Jonathan Taylor Thomas

The WB Network All-Star Celebration - ArrivalsJeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Jonathan Taylor Thomas was a teen heartthrob in the ‘90s. He was best known for his role on the TV series, Home Improvement, and for voicing young Simba in The Lion King. In 1998, he left Home Improvement to focus on school. After that, Thomas has had small parts in sitcoms, notably reuniting with Tim Allen on Last Man Standing. He has not acted since 2016.

3. Mischa Barton

2019 Don't Hide It Flaunt It AwardsPaul Archuleta/Getty Images

Mischa Barton was best known for her role in The O.C.. After that, she shifted to work in independent films, and stage work, notably starring in an Irish production of Steel Magnolias. Barton joined the cast of The Hills: New Beginnings in 2019, and will star in the reboot of Neighbors on Amazon Freevee.

4. Richard Simmons

Friend Movement Campaign Benefit Concert - Los Angeles, CAGregg DeGuire/WireImage

Richard Simmons is one of the biggest fitness stars of all time. He pioneered several workout videos and books, and made several public appearances on television. In 2014, Simmons stepped away from the limelight. Despite concerns for his well being, he released a statement in 2016 that he simply wanted more privacy.

5. Julia Stiles

Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

In the ‘90s and early 2000s, Julia Stiles was one of the hottest actresses. She starred in projects like 10 Things I Hate About You and Save The Last Dance, as well as the Bourne franchise. Stiles has stepped back from leading roles in recent years. She had supporting roles in Hustlers and Silver Linings Playbook, as well as guest spots on shows like The Mindy Project. In 2022, Stiles returned to leading parts, starring in Amazon Prime’s The Lake.

6. Gotye

The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards - ArrivalsDan MacMedan/WireImage

Gotye became a star in 2012, when his duet with Kimbra, “Somebody That I Used To Know” topped the charts. While he has gone on to release music since, he has never matched the worldwide success. In 2020, he announced that he was working on his fourth album.

7. Fun

The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards - ArrivalsJon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

In the early 2010s, the band Fun hit success. Their song “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monae was covered on Glee, and it topped the charts. They followed it up with singles like “Some Nights” and “Carry On.” Fun took home the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2013. In 2015, the band went on hiatus. Nate Ruess, the lead vocalist, released a solo album titled "Grand Romantic" in 2015. Jack Antonoff, the guitarist, continued his music career as a solo artist under the name Bleachers and also worked as a songwriter and producer for various artists, including Taylor Swift and Lorde. Andrew Dost pursued his own solo projects and collaborated with other musicians.

8. Phoebe Cates

71st Annual Tony Awards - ArrivalsJim Spellman/WireImage

Phoebe Cates is best known for her role in the 1982 hit film, Fast Times At Ridgemont High. She then followed that up with her roles in the Gremlins films, Lace, and Private School. Cates initially stepped away from acting in 2001, and in 2005 opened a boutique. She returned to voice her Gremlins character in the 2015 game, Lego Dimensions.

9. Frankie Muniz

Disney ABC Television Hosts TCA Summer Press Tour - ArrivalsSteve Granitz/WireImage

Frankie Muniz becane known in the 2000s for his roles in Agent Cody Banks and Malcolm In The Middle, where he was nominated for an Emmy Award. In 2008, Muniz changed careers. He began racing cars and playing drums in the band Kingsfoil. Muniz also competed in the 25th season of Dancing With The Stars, finishing in third place. He has since returned to acting, making guest appearances on TV shows.

10. Willa Ford

Clayton And Ellen Kershaw Host 7th Annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose Celebrity Tournament FundraiserMichael Tullberg/Getty Images

Willa Ford is best known for her 2001 single, “I Wanna Be Bad.” Unfortunately, she never reached the same amount of success as that. Ford has worked with The Pussycat Dolls in Las Vegas and performed at The Viper Room in New York City. She has also appeared on shows like Dancing With The Stars, Flip it Like Disick, and MTV Cribs. Ford has also started acting, appearing in the film Friday The 13th.

11. Lark Voorhies

Adult Swim Presents "Robot Chicken" Season 10 PremiereErik Voake/Getty Images

Lark Voorhies first made waves on the NBC sitcom, Good Morning Miss Bliss. She would then be one of the four characters to cross over to the show’s hit spin-off, Saved By The Bell. Voorhies also made a guest appearance on that show’s spin-off, Saved By The Bell: The College Years, and in the finale TV movie, Wedding In Vegas. She then appeared on The Bold and The Beautiful and In The House. In a 2020 interview with Dr. Oz, Lark Voorhies revealed that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She also addressed the rumors surrounding her appearance, stating that she had been struggling with lupus, which had caused some physical changes.

Celeb News

This is Taylor Swift's Net Worth and How She Made It

She’s a superstar among superstars.

NSAI 2022 Nashville Songwriter Awards
Getty Images
Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastNov 07, 2022
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Taylor Swift is without a doubt one of the most successful artists on the planet. Since signing with Sony at the tender age of 14 (she was the youngest signing in the company’s history), Swift has managed to outdo herself with every album released, and amassed an alleged $450 million fortune in the process. Her new album Midnights was released on October 21, 2022, and is already a runaway hit. So how does she do it? Here’s what the experts say.

1. Success of Midnights

NSAI 2022 Nashville Songwriter AwardsTerry Wyatt/Getty Images

Surprise, surprise—Midnights is Swift’s most successful release so far, which is saying something. The album immediately took all of the top 10 spots on the Billboard Hot 100, and broke streaming records. “The results speak for themselves. She’s as popular as she’s ever been,” says Berklee College of Music’s music business professor George Howard. “She creates this kind of frenzy among a significant amount of fans.”

2. An Authentic Star

2022 MTV VMAs – ShowJeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Swift isn’t afraid to try different genres, from indie to rock to pop and more. “She has been utterly successful at expressing herself through various genres of authentic songwriting and fan engagement,” says New York University Steinhardt’s director of music business program Larry Miller. “She is as truthful a storyteller and creative artist, as she is an authentic person with respect to the way that she engages with her fans. I think that she’s proven that over and over and over again.”

3. Swifties Unite

2022 MTV VMAs – ShowMichael Loccisano/Getty Images

Swift’s fan base, known as Swifties, are amongst some of the most loyal fans on the planet. “She’s a very very smart marketer in terms of keeping her distance from her fans but still making them feel connected to her by putting these clues out there … and it feels like a dialogue,” Howard says about the way Swift interacts with her fans.

4. Back On the Road

US-ENTERTAINMENT-PREMIERE-ALL TOO WELLANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Swift announced her first tour in five years, and fans are understandably excited, enduring long lines to buy tickets online. “As someone in her place, she needs to have a kind of consistent drip approach to keep herself in the public eye. Touring is the traditional way of doing that. When you’re on the road it’s not just the live shows, it’s the halo around that,” Howard says.

5. Millionaire Status

Dollar,Bills,Falling.,3d,Illustration.Shutterstock

Swift is worth $450 million at the age of 32—and the sky's the limit, with Midnights already breaking records. “It’s actually, it’s a concept record, but it’s my first directly autobiographical album in a while because the last album that I put out was a re-record of my album Red,” Swift told host Jimmy Fallon. “So that has some space, you know. I wrote that stuff a decade ago. Folklore and Evermore, it was like story time. It was mythology. … I’m feeling overwhelmed by the fans’ love for the record. I’m also feeling very soft and fragile. The two can exist at once.”

Weight Loss

20 Amazing Bodies of Stars Who Lost Weight 

Here’s how they stay in shape.

"Novelle" Rolls Out The Red Carpet For A Star-Studded Grand Opening Weekend
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
Anna Bechtel
By Anna BechtelJul 06, 2023
Anna Bechtel
Anna Bechtel is a freelance writer currently based in Hamden, CT.
See Full Bio
FACT CHECKED BY Alberto Plaza
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Discover the inspiring journeys of 20 celebrities who transformed their bodies through weight loss. Here we delve into the stories of renowned figures like Adele, Jonah Hill, Rebel Wilson, and more. From their past interviews, we uncover their secrets to shedding pounds and staying in shape. Some turned to rigorous workouts, while others revamped their diets or adopted healthier lifestyles. Read on to see how they did it and which may work for you.

1. Adele

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Grammy-winner Adele recently lost a lot of weight, leaving many wondering what she did to do so. She talked about her secrets in an interview with British Vogue. "No intermittent fasting. Nothing. If anything I eat more than I used to because I work out so hard."

2. Jonah Hill

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Actor Jonah Hill talked about his weight loss in a 2011 interview with ABC News. "I wish there was some crazy thing that I did, like a pill or a genie or something, but I went to see a nutritionist, and he told me what to eat to change my habits and stuff."

3. Rebel Wilson

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In 2020, Rebel Wilson decided to live a healthier life, and she was extremely motivated to do so. “I was carrying around a lot of excess weight," Wilson told People. "It's almost like I didn't think of my own needs. I thought of a future child's needs that really inspired me to get healthier…Before I was probably eating 3,000 calories most days, and because they were normally carbs, I would still be hungry. So, I've really changed to eating a high-protein diet, which is challenging because I didn’t use to eat a lot of meat."

4. Zach Galifinakis

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In 2016, Zach Galifinakis opened up about his weight loss to Conan O’Brien. He said that he changed a lot of his diet to do so. “I tend not to eat food advertised on television. Fast food you can’t do. You have to eat whole grains, and that kind of stuff. And you have to cut out whipped cream pizzas.”

5. Chris Pratt

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Chris Pratt works with trainer Duffy Gaver to keep himself in shape. “Chris’ athleticism is amazing. He is incredibly disciplined and his work ethic is phenomenal,” Gaver told Muscle and Fitness. “He isn’t the client you have to push; he’s the type of client you have to pull down. If you were to walk into the gym when he was training, you would have thought for sure you’ve got a guy getting ready for the NFL Combine.”

6. Kevin Smith

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In 2018, Kevin Smith suffered a heart attack. This naturally led him to change his lifestyle. He opened up about the changes he made in a 2019 interview with Men’s Health. “I’ve given up animal food products. I’ve given up sugar, mostly. I ate the way I wanted to for 47 years; I will try the way I’m supposed to for one year and see what happens.”

7. Randy Jackson

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Randy Jackson talked about managing his weight loss and diabetes in an interview with People. In it, he talked about his approach to eating. “I hate the word diet. I don't use that anymore. Anybody that’s lost weight, you lose it and then you start eating and drinking more and it all starts coming back. That’s what started happening to me,” he says. “I was like, ‘No, I’m not going to spend my life going through this.”

8. Jordin Sparks

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Jordin Sparks works with trainer David Ashley to help her stay in shape. Ashley talked about the workouts he does with the singer in an interview with E! News. "Jordin works out for 30 minutes, but it's the same benefits as an hour workout [because she works out at such a high intensity]. The high intensity training spikes the metabolism. The metabolism is still spiked for the next 24-hours; we are creating that metabolic consistent."

9. Miranda Lambert

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Miranda Lambert opened up about her journey with weight loss in an interview with Health. "My whole life, I’ve struggled with ups and downs in weight," she said. "I’m only 5'4" so weight shows quickly on me. I've hit a comfortable place; this is pretty much my size. I’m a size 6, give or take five pounds, depending on the day."

10. Jennifer Hudson

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Jennifer Hudson has been open about her weight loss for years, notably being a spokeswoman for Weight Watchers. In a 2017 interview on Lorraine, Hudson talked about her approach to diet and exercise. “Well, I don’t really have time to do much [exercise],” she said. “I just watch what I eat. I’m very careful and cautious of what I’m eating and I just try to place those meals throughout the day. If it’s early in the morning, OK, I would still be asleep, so I’m not gonna eat right now. I’m very conscious of what I put in my body.”

11. Ricki Lake

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Ricki Lake is open about her weight loss in the past, however, she has some different feelings about the way she spoke about it publicly. Lake talked about these feeling on an episode of her podcast, Raised by Ricki. “I’m conflicted because I am proud of myself. When I lose that weight, it is something I want the world to know, I did this. It’s a lot of work and a lot of willpower, so I want to talk about it, but I know that it’s not the best thing to be celebrating.”

12. Christina Aguilera

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Christina Aguilera’s weight has fluctuated over the years, and she talked about her journey to self-acceptance in an interview with Health Magazine. “I think we all have our good days and our bad days in how we feel about ourselves. Entering this business, I hated being super skinny. Once I turned 21, I started filling out a little bit, and I was loving my new curves. I appreciated having a booty.”

13. Shonda Rhimes

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Shonda Rhimes talked about her weight loss in her newsletter in 2017. “I did not do it because I thought I would become beautiful like in the movies,” Rhimes explains. “I did it because I could not walk up a short flight up stairs without stopping to take a break and wiping sweat from my brow. I did it because my body was physically rebelling against the brain that had been ignoring it for so long.”

14. Valerie Bertinelli

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One of Valerie Bertinelli’s weight loss secrets? Cutting out alcohol. Bertinelli participated in “Dry January” this year, and saw some results. "So, here's a nice little side effect of Dry January," she said on TikTok. "These jeans that I'm wearing were so tight a few months ago that I couldn't comfortably button them. Now, they're so loose it's time for me to go down a size."

15. Khloe Kardashian

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Khloe Kardashian has always been open about her weight loss and health journey. After having her daughter in 2018, Kardashian shared her secrets on Twitter. "I truly dislike when people report I've lost a tremendous amount of weight in a short amount of time or when people claim I'm doing these ridiculous diets,” she wrote. “It's really setting the wrong tone. I believe in making lifestyle changes when it comes to my food."

16. Drew Carey

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In a 2015 interview with Success Magazine, Drew Carey talked about his journey with health. "I'm eating better, taking better care of myself. When I was doing [The Drew Carey Show], I was eating a lot of garbage, I was drinking a lot, so I had a lot of mood swings. I had diabetes…It wasn’t like, 'Eat this for 90 days and lose 20 pounds.' It was: 'Eat like this for the rest of your life.' I’m not a maniac about it… I mean, I was at a wedding on Saturday, and I ate cake. But 95 percent of the time, I’m right on the money."

17. Al Roker

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On an episode of The Today Show, Al Roker opened up about how he was staying healthy. "Exercise, and not extreme exercise — we’re doing that 30-day walking challenge — that improves, I think, your mental health. Combined with a low-carb diet, I’ve lost about 45 pounds in the last several months. I do about 100 grams of carbs a day and I walk."

18. Penn Jillette

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After turning 60 in 2015, Penn Jillette opened up about his weight loss to People. “I was on six very powerful meds to bring the blood pressure down. My doctor said I needed to get my weight down, and if I brought it down 30 or 40 lbs. it would be a little easier to control. And then he said something in passing that completely blew my mind – he said, ‘If you got down to 230, you probably wouldn’t need any of the meds.’ ”

19. John Goodman

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John Goodman told Rolling Stone that he is a fan of boxing. “I dug it. Yeah. Nobody’s going to get hurt, but it’s just hitting the mitts and trying to learn. I never got good enough where I would trust myself to spar because once I get whacked in the face, I don’t know if I wouldn’t lose it.”

20. Gary Barlow

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Singer Gary Barlow talked about his decision to live a healthier life with The Sun. "I had a rough period with food that I'm not proud of, where I really lost control of myself. I remember one particular day just thinking: 'How have I got here?' I was just so disappointed with myself." Barlow said that he changed a lot of his diet. “I turned my brain on to sorting out what I ate. The trouble is the food I love - Chinese, chips, crisps. They were giving me a couple of minutes of a food coma, taking me out of the real world. It's just not good, that."

Fitness

Sharvari's Beach Workout is Hardcore Tire Training in Black Outfit

Discover how rising star Sharvari dominates the fitness game with strength training, yoga, padel, boxing, and running.

Sharvari's Beach Workout is Hardcore Tire Training in Black Outfit
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Anna Bechtel
By Anna BechtelFeb 16, 2025
Anna Bechtel
Anna Bechtel is a freelance writer currently based in Hamden, CT.
See Full Bio

Sharvari isn’t just making waves in the film industry—she’s dominating the fitness game too. Known for her roles in Munjya, Maharaj, and Vedaa, the rising star proves that strength and discipline extend far beyond the big screen.
In her latest Instagram post, Sharvari showcased her grit with a hardcore beach workout, flipping a massive tire in the sand. Dressed in a sleek black workout set, she didn’t just make the workout look effortless—she made it look empowering. Adding a playful pun to her caption, she wrote, “Never tyre’d of a good beach workout.”
So, how does she stay in such incredible shape? From strength training to boxing, here’s a look at her go-to fitness moves.

She Strength Trains

In her Instagram post, Sharvari is seen doing a strength training exercise. The Mayo Clinic says that strength training has a lot of benefits. “Strength training can help you manage or lose weight, and it can increase your metabolism to help you burn more calories. Strength training may enhance your quality of life and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Strength training can also protect your joints from injury. Building muscle also can contribute to better balance and may reduce your risk of falls. This can help you maintain independence as you age.”

She Does Yoga

Sharvari shares a lot of her favorite workouts on Instagram. One thing she likes to do is yoga. Sharvari posted this video of herself doing poses on her page. John Hopkins Medicine states that yoga is very beneficial. “Regular yoga practice may reduce levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, contributing to healthier hearts. Several of the factors contributing to heart disease, including high blood pressure and excess weight, can also be addressed through yoga.”

She Plays Padel

Sharvari likes to play padel to keep herself in shape. She shared this set of photos on Instagram of herself on the court. Playing padel has a lot of health benefits. Everybody Health & Leisure says, “It improves cardiovascular fitness, helps to build strength and endurance, enhances coordination and promotes overall physical and mental well-being. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to burn calories.”

She Boxes

Another thing that Sharvari does to keep herself in shape is box. She first picked this up when training for the film, Vedaa. She shared this set of photos on Instagram of herself punching a bag. Sharvari captioned the post, “BEAST MODE on for Vedaa! ⚠️☠️🥊 Took up boxing to become Vedaa... Now I am ready to pack a punch or be strong enough to take a brutal beating 💪#Vedaa coming to a theatre near you on August 15th.”

She Runs

Sharvari likes to run to keep herself in shape. She shared this set of photos on Instagram of herself running on the beach. She captioned the post, “Decided to seas the day!” Better Health says that running is very beneficial. “Regular running or jogging offers many health benefits. Running can: help to build strong bones, as it is a weight bearing exercise, strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular fitness, burn plenty of kilojoules, help maintain a healthy weight.”

Natasa Stankovic in Two-Piece Workout Gear Shares "Wednesday Challenge"

Stankovic shares her go-to workout moves, from squats to lunges, cardio, Pilates, and strength training.

Entertainment India - March 2023
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Anna Bechtel
By Anna BechtelFeb 16, 2025
Anna Bechtel
Anna Bechtel is a freelance writer currently based in Hamden, CT.
See Full Bio

Natasa Stankovic isn’t just a content creator—she’s a fitness inspiration. Known for sharing intense workout sessions on Instagram, she keeps her followers motivated with creative exercise challenges and dynamic routines.

In her latest post, Stankovic teamed up with Aleksandar Illic for a lower body blast, pushing through variations of squats and lunges. Dressed in a sleek two-piece workout set, she captioned the session, “Wednesday challenge,” proving that fitness is all about consistency and fun.

So, how does she maintain her lean, strong physique? From strength training to Pilates, here’s a look at Stankovic’s go-to workout moves.

She Does Squats

Stankovic does squats to keep herself in shape, as you can see in her Instagram video. Piedmont says that this exercise has a lot of health benefits. “Whether you’re hoping to tone your muscles, strengthen your core or just improve overall health, squats are one of the best exercises you can do. Although the movements appear relatively simple, squats can take time to master. Joel Hardwick, ACSM EP-C, EIM2, an exercise physiologist at Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Center, says practice will pay off…Hardwick explains that squats are a compound, multi-joint movement, which means they exercise several muscle groups. When you perform a squat, you work your calves, quads, hamstrings, glutes, core and part of your back.”

She Does Lunges

Stankovic is also seen doing lunges in her Instagram video. The Mayo Clinic reports that lunges are very beneficial to do. “The lunge is a body resistance exercise that works the leg muscles. Specifically, the lunge targets the quadriceps and the hamstring muscles in the thigh, the gluteal muscles in the buttock, and to a lesser extent, the lower leg muscles. The lunge is a great conditioning exercise for many sports, especially those that involve lunging movements, such as tennis, basketball or soccer.”

She Does Cardio

Stankovic likes to do cardio workouts to keep herself in shape. She shared this video of herself doing fast box jumps in different directions on Instagram. Stankovic captioned it, “Morning cardio challenge.” Cardio exercises have a lot of benefits. The Cleveland Clinic says, “When you work your heart and other muscles of your body during cardio exercise, this increases oxygen supply to your whole body, allowing all muscles to work harder and more efficiently. Over time, regular cardio exercise allows your muscles to adapt to an increased workload, making regular activities seem easier.”

She Does Pilates

Stankovic shares a lot of her favorite workouts in an Instagram story highlight. In some of the stories, she is seen doing Pilates exercises on a reformer. Pilates is very beneficial. The Cleveland Clinic says, “One of the reasons Pilates is such a good workout is that it specifically focuses on building core strength.”

She Strength Trains

Stankovic likes to strength train to keep herself in shape. She shared this Instagram story of herself using dumbbells. ACE Fitness says that strength training and using weights has a lot of health benefits. “Strength training with heavy weights improves muscle definition. Muscle definition occurs as the result of muscles remaining in a state of semi-contraction and heavy strength training recruits the larger type II muscle fibers responsible for a muscle’s appearance.”

Kim French in Two-Piece Workout Gear Shares "Real Results" Workout

Learn how she sculpts her powerhouse physique with deadlifts, lunges, squats, and more.

Anna Bechtel
By Anna BechtelFeb 15, 2025
Anna Bechtel
Anna Bechtel is a freelance writer currently based in Hamden, CT.
See Full Bio

Kim French is more than just a personal trainer—she’s a fitness coach who empowers thousands through her Believe App and Instagram workouts. Known for her structured, effective home training plans, she proves that you don’t need a gym full of heavy weights to build serious strength.

In a recent Instagram post, French shared a glimpse of her at-home training, reminding followers that smart training delivers "REAL results." Rocking a sleek two-piece workout set, she showcased some of her go-to exercises, emphasizing that with the right strategy, anyone can see progress.

So what’s in her routine? From deadlifts to hip thrusts, here’s how French sculpts her powerhouse physique.

She Does Deadlifts

French is seen doing deadlifts in her Instagram post. This exercise has a lot of benefits. NASM says, “A Romanian deadlift is a hip-hinge pattern that works the hamstrings and glutes. It is a form of deadlift with noticeably less bend in the knee, leading to greater hamstring engagement than traditional deadlifts. The move was introduced to the masses in the 90s by Romanian weightlifter Nicu Vlad (an Olympic and World Weightlifting champion) and his coach Dragomir Cioroslan. The two invented the move to help Nicu strengthen his back for the clean and jerk. Today, RDLs are commonly used to strengthen the posterior chain, using the core muscles to stabilize and the hamstrings and glutes to drive the movement.”

She Does Lunges

Another exercise that French is seen doing in her Instagram post is lunges. NASM says that they are very beneficial. “The lunge is a versatile, simple and effective movement for lower body training. Various positions, planes of motion and speeds can all yield different training adaptations for the exerciser. Lunges are the gift that keeps on giving!”

She Does Squats

French is seen doing squats in her Instagram video. According to The Cleveland Clinic, squats are very beneficial. “Here’s a quick look at the many benefits of squats, also known as bodyweight squats or air squats: Works major muscle groups. Burns calories. Strengthens your core. Improves lower body strength. Enhances stability and balance. Betters your posture.”

She Does Hamstring Curls

French is seen doing hamstring curls in her Instagram post. According to The Mayo Clinic, hamstring curls are very beneficial. “The seated hamstring curl is an exercise you can do with a weight machine to work the muscles in the back of the thigh. As the name implies, the seated hamstring curl targets the hamstring muscles here in the back of the thigh. Strong hamstring muscles help to protect your ligaments in the knee.”

She Does Hip Thrusts

French shared this video on Instagram of herself doing hip thrusts. She captioned it, “Hip Thrusts are no doubt one of the best exercises for building your Glutes but of course with any exercise, the form has to be correct for you to see the maximum benefits…✖️ Feet too far forwards will engage your hamstrings more ✖️ Feet too close to you will engage your quads more ✔️ Feet placed so your calves are vertical will engage your glutes more.”

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