They’re household names, they make millions and they’ve all forged incredibly successful careers – but these 10 actresses were all initially told they weren’t pretty enough to make it big.
Gisele Bündchen
This is proof never to listen to negative comments about your appearance. The supermodel, who has only recently been dethroned from being the highest paid supermodel in the world, was originally told there were numerous things wrong with her looks, including the size of her nose and eyes.
Meghan Markle
Markle has revealed that she was often told when she was starting out that her looks were not suitable for parts, being told she was too thin, too fat, too ethnic or not ethnic enough. Well, look at her now!
Chrissy Teigen
Teigen was signed by her agent for a photo shoot only to arrive and be told the client thought she was too fat. She was told to leave the set immediately.
Meryl Streep
The multiple Oscar-winning actress was told she was too ugly when auditioning for a part in King Kong in 1976. Oh how Dino De Laurentiis must regret that statement.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Although the hit TV series, Sex and the City, brought many successes for the beautiful Jessica Parker, she has been the unwarranted centre of appearance-based criticism. In 2008, Maxim named her the “unsexiest woman alive.” If there was ever to be a bluntly offensive statement made, this would be a top contender.
Lea Michele
The Glee star was told by her first agent she had to get a nose job as soon as possible – when she was only 13 years old.
Jessica Chastain
Chastain was told that in order for her to get more parts and be considered attractive she must dye her hair blonde. Imagine Chastain without her gorgeous signature red!
Reese Witherspoon
When Witherspoon first arrived in Hollywood she was constantly told she was not pretty enough, tall enough or even smart enough for Hollywood. But the star stuck to her guns and through her own self-determination and persistence she has become a global celebrity.
Kat Dennings
Upon her debut in Hollywood, Dennings was told to basically change everything about herself in order to succeed. This included her teeth, weight and tan.
Kate Winslet
The British actress was told when she was 14 that she would be an OK actress if she were happy to play “fat girl roles.”
