In the ever-evolving entertainment industry, some of today’s brightest stars had humble and sometimes unexpected beginnings. From competitive dancers to martial artists, their paths to stardom showcase the diverse routes to fame in the modern era.

The Thai Entertainment Wave

Nunew Chawarin: From Chinese Language Student to Overnight Sensation

Before becoming a household name in Thai entertainment, Nunew’s journey began with an unexpected Facebook message from an agency manager. Initially hesitant about entering the entertainment industry, he consulted his parents before taking the leap. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in the Chinese language at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, he joined Domundi, a group of Thai actors and models formed in 2016, and appeared in DMD Reality in 2021. His breakthrough came in 2022 with Cutie Pie, where his chemistry with co-star Pruk Panich catapulted him to international recognition.

Zee Pruk: From MC to Leading Man

Zee Pruk’s entertainment career started modestly as an MC on the YouTube channel DoMunDi TV. With a degree in Advertising from Bangkok University’s Faculty of Communication Arts, he gradually built his presence in the industry. His acting career began with Friendzone the Series in 2018, but it was Why R U The Series that first brought him significant attention, followed by his career-defining role in Cutie Pie alongside Nunew.

Apo Nattawin: The Channel 3 Veteran

Unlike his contemporaries, Apo Nattawin’s journey began in traditional television. Signing with Channel 3 in 2014, he made his debut in Sud Kaen Saen Rak and quickly followed with a role in the prestigious Luead Mungkorn series. After a strategic hiatus post-2019, he made a triumphant return in 2021 with KinnPorsche The Series, co-starring Mile Phakphum, reinventing himself in the BL genre.

Baifern Pimchanok: From Gymnastics Mat to Movie Limelight

Before stardom, Baifern Pimchanok’s world revolved around rhythmic gymnastics, honing the discipline that would shape her acting career. Discovered in sixth grade, she transitioned from routines to commercials and film, with her 2010 breakthrough as Nam in Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Opposite Mario Maurer, she captured hearts with her authentic portrayal in the world of teenage romance, winning award nominations and Movie of the Year honours.

In 2017’s Lhong Fai Baifern took on a bold role as Karnkaew, a provincial girl navigating a provocative path to a promising future—proving her versatility and her willingness to embrace challenging roles. This has cemented her role as one of the most successful and talented female figures in Thai entertainment.

Bella Ranee Campen : The Ice Cream Girl Who Became Thailand’s Super Star

Bella Ranee Campen’s journey began with humble roots. As a student at Thammasat University, one of Thailand’s most prestigious institutions, she worked part-time at an ice cream shop to support her family. These early experiences reflected a hardworking spirit, gaining her admiration for her path from modest beginnings to success. In 2011, Bella Ranee made her mark with a breakout role in Phon Phrom Onlaweng, showcasing her potential as a rising star. However, it was the 2018 cultural phenomenon Love Destiny that solidified her place as a leading figure in Thai entertainment, earning her a devoted following both domestically and internationally.

International Rising Stars

Addison Rae: From Competitive Dancer to Social Media Phenomenon

Louisiana native Addison Rae Easterling built her foundation as a competitive dancer from age six, but her life took a dramatic turn after joining TikTok in 2019, where her dance videos quickly captured attention. This social media success catapulted her into the entertainment spotlight, leading to her music debut with Obsessed and a starring role in Netflix’s He’s All That (2021). Her versatility across platforms became evident as she balanced her rising music career with acting. By 2022, Rae achieved another breakthrough with Diet Pepsi, solidifying her status as a multifaceted talent in the industry. Most recently, in October 2024, Rae released the single Aquamarine, further showcasing her growth as an artist.

Stray Kids’ Felix: The Australian Martial Artist Who Became a K-pop Star

Felix Yongbok Lee’s journey from Sydney to Seoul gives us a look at his blend of disciplines. Before becoming Felix Straykid, he dedicated 12 years to taekwondo, amassing an impressive 63 medals. His transition from St Patrick’s Marist College student to a trainee in 2017 at JYP, one of the Big 3 entertainment companies in Korea, culminated in his participation in the survival show Stray Kids. Beyond his artistic achievements, Felix has shown his commitment to social causes through his consistent support of Save the Children since 2020.

Margaret Qualley: From Ballerina to Hollywood’s Most Booked

Daughter of actress Andie MacDowell, Margaret Qualley began her artistic journey as a dedicated ballet dancer, training at the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts and American Ballet Theatre. After getting into acting with her debut in Palo Alto (2013), she quickly gained recognition through HBO’s The Leftovers. Her breakthrough role came in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), earning her a SAG Award nomination. Qualley’s versatility continues to shine, with recent work including the acclaimed body horror film The Substance alongside Demi Moore and Dennis Quaid at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Weeknd: From Struggle to Stardom

Born to Ethiopian immigrants in Toronto, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye’s early life was marked by hardship. Raised by his mother and grandmother in Scarborough after his parents separated, he dropped out of high school in 2007. The following years saw him moving between friends’ apartments and struggling with homelessness while battling drug use. During this period, he worked at American Apparel, where he met future creative director La Mar Taylor.

His stage name originated from leaving for “the weekend” and never returning to school, dropping the ‘e’ to avoid copyright conflicts. These challenging years shaped his artistic voice, infusing his music with the dark, personal narratives that would later define his sound and propel him to global fame.

Jim Carrey: From Factory Worker to Comedian

When Jim Carrey was 12, his family’s life turned upside down after his father lost his accounting job. The whole family took jobs at Titan Wheels factory in Toronto, where young Jim worked eight-hour shifts after school as a janitor. Despite their financial struggles, he began pursuing stand-up comedy in Toronto clubs as a teenager.Moving to Los Angeles to chase his comedy dreams, Carrey spent years performing at The Comedy Store before finally breaking through at age 28 on In Living Color (1990). Four years later, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective launched him into worldwide stardom, transforming him from a struggling comedian into one of Hollywood’s biggest names.

Their stories prove that success in entertainment isn’t linear but is instead born from the courage to seize unexpected opportunities and transform humble beginnings into artistic strength. Whether through odd jobs, personal struggles, or unconventional paths, these formative experiences shaped their voices and forged the genuine connections that ultimately captivated audiences worldwide.