Hard-Knock Past: Celebs Who Went From Rags to Riches

Weezy, Viola Davis and other stars who started at zero.

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050823-celebs-lil-wayne.jpgOprah Winfrey - Who says that hard work and a good attitude can't take you far in Hollywood? The talk show host was born to an unwed teenage mother, raised by her grandmother until she was 6, and later raised by her father. The small family relied on welfare to get by. But after showing promise as a journalist, Winfrey — who also endured sexual abuse as a young child — turned her gift of gab into billions.  (Photo: JDH Images / Splash News)

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These stars may be able to fly private jets and pop Champagne on a moment's notice now, but they grew up far from glamour.

Photo By (Photos from left: Cindy Ord/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue, Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

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