BRIGHTON, Michigan — Musicians, actors and reality stars can have powerful voices to promote global change. These three stars have gone from rags to riches, and experiencing extreme poverty fueled them to break the cycle. Not only have they experienced two vastly different lifestyles, but they have all given back, and understand what it is like to be on the “rags” side of things. These self-made stars are great examples of how celebrities can use their platforms in positive ways.
Oprah
Oprah Winfrey had a very challenging upbringing, wearing potato sacks as clothing because clothing did not fit into her family’s budget. She was constantly shuffled between family members throughout her childhood, and not only did she experience extreme poverty, but also physical and sexual abuse. At age 14, she broke out of the cycle and went to live with her father in Nashville, where she had structure in her life and got an education.
Today, Forbes estimates Oprah Winfrey’s net worth to be $2.5 billion. She has created three foundations for charity, including The Angel Network, The Oprah Winfrey Foundation and The Oprah Winfrey Operating Foundation. She has given millions of dollars to charity and used her talk show to promote the foundations. Some examples of the projects Oprah has helped fund are The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa and Rebuilding the Gulf Coast.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj, born in Trinidad & Tobago, grew up in Queens, New York. Her childhood was dominated by her violent, drug-addicted father. Minaj experienced her father selling their items for drug money, abusing her mother and even setting their house aflame while her mother was inside. Minaj made it a goal to pursue her music hobby, strictly to avoid living in poverty and these conditions.
Minaj has truly gone from rags to riches and is currently the richest female rapper in the world, with a net worth of $100 million. Minaj has given back in numerous ways behind the stage. According to a post on her Instagram, she has helped a village in India struggling with poverty. She funded a computer center, a tailoring institute, a reading program and two water wells for clean water.
Furthermore, Minaj has always been a supporter of higher education and has created an initiative called #StudentOfTheGame, which allows fans to have the chance to have their student loans paid off by Minaj.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey struggled severely with poverty as a young child and was even homeless at one point. Carrey’s mother suffered chronic health issues, and his father struggled to make ends meet to support the family. Carrey dropped out of school at 16 and got a job as a janitor to help support his family. He started applying for comedy gigs, and as of today, has a net worth of $180 million from acting and being a comedian.
Carrey has plenty of history working with charities. He has donated $1 million to The America: A Tribute to Heroes charity telethon for victims of 9/11. He has also created the Better U Foundation, which provides global food security by supporting the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). The SRI is an agricultural method that significantly boosts rice productivity, allowing farmers to sell more rice to create a larger income and feed more families.
Rags to Riches
These celebrities have not only achieved incredible success against all odds but also have used their platforms to help bring up the next generation. Their stories inspire many and serve as a reminder that no matter where we come from, we all have the power to make a difference in the lives of others.
– Paige Falk
Photo: Flickr