20/20 Season 32 Episode 8 Before They Were Famous

Before They Were Famous, airing as the eighth episode of the thirty-second season of ABC's 20/20, takes viewers on a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most successful and iconic celebrities before they became household names. The episode is a compelling mix of touching personal stories, astounding performances, and amusing anecdotes that offer a glimpse into the beginnings of some of the most famous stars in entertainment.

The show begins by showcasing the early lives of some present-day legends. It introduces viewers to a young Brad Pitt, a struggling actor who was living in a tiny apartment, and highlights some of his initial breakthrough roles, including his first appearance as an extra in a McDonald's commercial. The episode then moves on to the early days of Jennifer Aniston, who was an unknown actor trying to make a name for herself in Hollywood when she landed the role of Rachel Green in Friends. The segment touches on her struggles, the grueling audition process, and how she was almost passed on for the part.

The episode moves on to the career beginnings of iconic figures in music, including the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The episode goes behind the scenes of Jackson's early years, from his childhood with the Jackson Five, to his first solo album, Off the Wall. Viewers will get a glimpse of Michael's incredible talent as a singer, songwriter, and dancer, and discover how his unique vision and dedication to his craft launched him to superstardom.

The show also highlights the early careers of artists like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, who both struggled in the beginning to gain recognition for their music. Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, was just a struggling songwriter in New York City when she was discovered by producer Rob Fusari, leading to a series of gigs around the city that ultimately led to her breakthrough. Similarly, the episode delves into the early days of Beyoncé, who started performing at an early age with her group, Destiny's Child, and the difficulties the girls faced in the tough music industry.

The show then takes a humorous turn, focusing on some beloved stars whose initial foray into Hollywood was not glamorous. One such example is the beloved comedian Jim Carrey, who, before his successful career in Hollywood, performed stand-up comedy gigs in Canada. The episode touches on his crude humor, his early missteps, and how he finally broke through with his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Another highlight is the career beginnings of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was once just a bodybuilder trying to make a name for himself. The show highlights his early struggles, challenges with his accent, and how he became the toast of Hollywood by breaking into the film industry.

Before They Were Famous manages to balance the rags-to-riches stories of celebrities with heartfelt personal anecdotes. The episode also sheds light on some of their lesser-known early contributions, such as the behind-the-scenes work of comedian Tina Fey, who started as a writer for Saturday Night Live, and the life of Ellen DeGeneres, who began as a struggling comedian and played her first gig in a small New Orleans club. The show ends with a heartwarming look at the early years of Oprah Winfrey, from her childhood in a poor family in Mississippi to her struggles with abuse, as she evolved from a local news anchor into a media powerhouse that undoubtedly changed the world.

Before They Were Famous is an episode brimming with nostalgia and admiration for some of the biggest names in entertainment. The show offers a humorous and heartwarming look into the lives of celebrities before they became household names and reminds us that even the most successful stars had to start somewhere.