Every legend has a beginning. Before the red carpets and world tours, these global icons were just kids with big dreams. With rare celebrity childhood photos and real stories, here’s a look at how ten of the world’s famous got their start.

1 Taylor Swift developed her talent early in life while growing up on a Christmas tree farm.

Taylor Swift was raised in West Reading, Pennsylvania, alongside her younger brother Austin, on a Christmas tree farm. She was born on December 13, 1989, and discovered her passion for music at an early age, beginning to develop her talent as a child. At twelve, she learned to play guitar with help from a local repairman and wrote one of her earliest songs, Lucky You. What began with country roots and big dreams would eventually lead to global superstardom

2 LeBron James found stability through sports.

Growing up in Akron, Ohio, LeBron James’ life was unstable early on as he was born (December 30, 1984) to a teenage mom. However, his talent stood out fast when he picked up a basketball at age nine, and by high school, he was already a national sensation. He attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where he won three state titles and earned national fame. Long before his NBA debut, LeBron had the world watching and had already signed a $90 million deal with Nike.

3 Selena Gomez went from kids’ TV to Disney stardom and pop success.

Selena Gomez was born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas. Her acting career started early when she joined the cast of Barney and Friends alongside Demi Lovato. She also appeared in Barney movies before landing her breakout role as Alex Russo on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place. While acting, Selena launched a music career and quickly became a double threat in Hollywood.

4 Bruno Mars performed as “Little Elvis” in Hawaii.

Bruno Mars was born on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii, surrounded by a family deeply rooted in music. With both parents working as performers, he was already on stage by age four, earning the nickname “Little Elvis” in their Waikiki act. After his parents divorced, his family faced tough times and even lived in a one-room shelter. Bruno credits those struggles for shaping his work ethic.

5 Sylvester Stallone turned pain into purpose.

Born in 1946 in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, Sylvester Stallone faced physical challenges from birth due to a forceps accident that caused partial facial paralysis. Bullied for his speech and appearance, he found refuge in movies and writing. Inspired by bodybuilders like Steve Reeves, he began training with car parts and wrote Rocky in a small room by candlelight. He insisted on playing the lead and turned his script into a cinematic legend.

6 Miley Cyrus was smiling from the start.

Miley Cyrus, born on November 23, 1992, in the town of Franklin, Tennessee, was known as “Smiley” for her cheerful nature, which she later shortened to “Miley.” Her early acting gigs included a role in her dad’s show Doc and a part in Big Fish. Everything changed when she landed the role of Hannah Montana, becoming a household name almost overnight.

7 Ariana Grande trained her voice on stage.

Ariana Grande, born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, demonstrated a passion for performing from an early age. As a child, she participated in theater productions, including Annie and The Wizard of Oz. She sang the national anthem at a Florida Panthers game when she was just eight and often performed with orchestras and on cruise ships. Her early stage experience set the tone for a career built on powerhouse vocals and charisma.

8 Beyoncé Knowles started out singing in her mom’s salon.

Born on September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas, Beyoncé grew up surrounded by music and a strong work ethic. Her mother owned a hair salon where Beyoncé would sometimes sing for customers. She attended performing arts schools and sang in church choirs. Along the way, she formed a group that would become Destiny’s Child and launched one of the most successful solo careers of all time.

9 Brock Lesnar built strength on a farm.

Born on July 12, 1977, Brock Lesnar grew up on a dairy farm in Webster, South Dakota. As the youngest of four siblings, he spent much of his childhood outdoors, embracing an active and rugged lifestyle. He began wrestling at the age of five and developed a strong work ethic from his daily farm chores. He later won a college wrestling championship and rose to fame in WWE and UFC as one of the most dominant athletes ever.

10 Anne Hathaway was raised on theater and ambition.

Anne Hathaway was born in Brooklyn but moved to Millburn, New Jersey, at age six. Her mother, a stage actress, inspired Anne to perform. She studied drama at top schools and even sang at Carnegie Hall while still in high school. Her big break came with The Princess Diaries, but her foundation in theater and passion for the arts had been in place for years.