top 24 celebs who got popular by accident

Photo credit: Image Collect

It’s not every day that you’re walking down the street and someone notices you’d be great for a certain career. But that’s how some well-known stars got their start. While most celebrities strive for years to be in the lime light, some seemed to have stumbled into the spotlight of fame.

Below are 10 of these celebrities and their interesting stories.

ADVERTISEMENT

24. Hulk Hogan

There is hardly anyone in the world who doesn’t know the name Hulk Hogan. He has often been seen fighting in the wrestling rink, and that is where most people know him from.

However, he has also made appearances as harsh but lovable characters in everything from kids’ movies to action movies. Opinions of Hulk Hogan are as varied as his roles.

But whether you love him or hate him, you’ve likely seen at least one movie that he was in or went to a wrestling match in which he was a contender.

But before Hulk Hogan was as recognizable as other top-name celebrities, he was just a guy playing in a band in Florida.

That’s right, Hulk Hogan was just another bassist for one of the underground bands in Tampa Bay, until at one of his gigs a few wrestlers saw his potential and recruited him. While training to become a wrestler, his movie career started almost as haphazardly as his wrestling career had, putting him even further towards the center of the celebrity spotlight.

Though, even at the peak of his career all he did in movies was shout and scowl at children, he became a household name.

ADVERTISEMENT

Photo credit: Image Collect

23. Evangeline Lilly

Of all the stories of accidental fame, Evangeline Lilly’s is one for the books. Most people can’t imagine being a celebrity.

But in Lilly’s case the story of how she became one in the first place is even harder to picture. Imagine this. You’re working as an air hostess for Air Canda and living a fairly typical life.

One day you’re walking through your Canadian town when all of a sudden you’re spotted and stopped by a recruiter from Ford Modeling Agency.

Imagine then that you are launched into a modeling career and wind up being one of the leading characters on a critically acclaimed television show.

It sounds unbelievable, but that’s exactly how “Lost” star Evangeline Lilly got her start. Often attributed to be one of the major reasons behind the show’s massive success, it might never have happened if she hadn’t been in the right place at the right time and been spotted by the right person.

While Evangeline now has a promising acting career and is nearly a household name, she might still be an Air Canada air hostess if she hadn’t been walking down that street on the right day. It just goes to show you that you should always look your best. You never know when you might wind up famous! 

Photo credit: Image Collect

22. Steven Seagal

Most people know Seven Seagal for the tough and almost impersonal characters he has played in various action movies.

While Seagal has appeared in various movies he is also a screenwriter, producer, and reserve deputy sheriff. As far as celebrities go, Steven Seagal is one of the most unusual.

In a world where celebrity status usually revolves around charisma and charm, Seagal is a celebrity who doesn’t always exhibit those qualities.

ADVERTISEMENT

Most people are aware of the fact that Seagal is a very accomplished martial arts performer. In fact, that’s where he got his strange and nearly accidental beginning in the world of stardom.

Seagal was recruited by a renowned talent agent, Michael Ovitz, who was taking aikido classes from him in the 80′s. Although Steven Seagal is considered to be one of the most uncharismatic actors in Hollywood, some say Ovitz made a bet that he could use his powers in the industry to make even a non-appealing person into a celebrity.

While it’s not certain whether or not that bet actually happened, if it did it would appear that Ovitz won. Unusual as he may be, Seagal is still an accomplished celebrity and just about everyone knows his name. 

Photo credit: Image Collect

21. Pamela Anderson

Who could forget the glamour of “Baywatch” or the spicy centerfolds that Pam Anderson has been noted for. Indeed, when most people think of Pamela Anderson images of red bathing suits, Playboy centerfolds, and workout videos come to mind.
Pamela Anderson is famous all over the world for her erotic poses in the Playboy magazines and as the sexy blond bombshell on “Baywatch”.
In fact, many people think that “Baywatch” was her breakthrough role. But that’s not how she rose to fame. Early on in her career Pamela Anderson was working as a fitness instructor in Vancouver.
She was then recruited by Labatt, a beer manufacturing company, to be a model for them, and during a PR stunt she gained her first public recognition as a symbol