Psychology tells us that what we become when we grow up is mostly because of our upbringing and great genes. And some people hit the jackpot in the genetic lottery and receive unconditional love from their families. And others manage to find fame thanks to their parents’ unwavering support.

Bright Side values independence and hard work. That’s why we listed a few of our favorite celebrities who really climbed up the A-list with their talent, luck, and the support of their families in their hearts.

1. Selena Gomez

From being a beloved child star to being a successful entrepreneur, pop star, and artist, Selena Gomez has seemed to enjoy the limelight for most of her life. However, it wasn’t easy at first, as she was raised by her mother, a young solo parent at the time, and her grandparents, who were there when she was still staring in beauty pageants.

Although the 2 had quite a falling-out over the past years, Gomez still expresses her love and adoration for her mom on social media. Back in 2009, she even said, “My mom means my happiness, my love, my best friend, and the world to me. She is the reason I smile and the reason I am here.”

2. Mark Ruffalo

The son of a hairdresser and construction painter, who would’ve thought that a kid who had a hard time studying would grow up to be a prolific theater performer, film actor, and even an Avenger? Mark Ruffalo also had his fair share of hard work while pursuing to be a professional artist. He worked jobs to pay the bills when he went to acting school.

Today, he has come a long way and boasts a list of nominations and awards, including 2 Emmys and a Golden Globe.

3. Chrissy Teigen

Now married to the Grammy-winning singer, John Legend, the supermodel isn’t too shy to share her hardships and close relationship with her Thai mom on social media. At 15, Chrissy Teigen was discovered while working in a surf shop in California, where she had her first modeling gig with Billabong. This helped boost her career with the support of her parents, who were innkeepers at the time.

4. Ryan Reynolds

Before his stellar movie career, Ryan Reynolds was an aspiring TV actor with small parts. He was living in Canada with his older brothers and parents. His mother worked in a retail store, while his father was a former policeman.

After starring in a handful of Hollywood rom-coms, Reynolds appeared in at least 67 films. Despite his fame and success, he still gushes about his love for his mom, with whom he has a very close relationship.

5. Vanessa Hudgens

The Broadway star and High School Musical alum always dedicates her success to her Filipina mother. Hudgens even wanted to make a film about the life of her mom, an immigrant who worked in an office while raising her and her sister, while her father, a firefighter, was often away because of work.

6. Dev Patel

Schneider-Press / W. Breite / SIPA / Sipa Press / East News, picture alliance / Geisler-Fotop / EAST NEWS

Before his big break in Slumdog Millionaire, the then-teen actor lived with his parents, a care worker and an IT consultant. With his successful filmography, Dev Patel still brings his parents as his dates to red carpet events.

7. Jennifer Lopez

She wouldn’t be “Jenny from the block” without her dynamic talent and the support of her family. A daughter of a teacher and computer technician, Jennifer Lopez is still one of the highest-paid performers in Hollywood and is considered a pop icon.

In fact, music and entertainment really run in the Lopez blood. Her older sister, Leslie, is an opera singer and teacher, while her younger sister, Lynda, is a broadcast journalist.

8. Lin-Manuel Miranda

Invision / Invision / East News, Invision / Invision / East News

The musical mastermind has an impressive list of collaborations with film studios and Broadway. You may have heard his genius songs in Disney’s Encanto and the musical, Hamilton. But before venturing into the creative world, Lin-Manuel Miranda had humble beginnings as a son of a psychologist and a political consultant.

9. Beyoncé

Queen B is one of the most sought-out divas of the twenty-first century, and that’s because of her parents’ help. When she started in the entertainment industry with Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé’s mother, a hairdresser, used to design and sew the group’s costumes. At the same time, her father, a sales manager, became their manager.

After her stint with Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé went on to create a name for herself with award-winning performances and songs. She is also currently a successful entrepreneur and producer with her husband, rapper Jay-Z.

10. Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa’s acting career was catapulted into fame after playing Khal Drogo in the phenomenal TV series, Game of Thrones. He was then offered a promising future in Hollywood. He is now set to reprise his role as the titular Aquaman and has many action films under his belt.

The fun-loving actor is also a big family man. Despite his great success as an action star, his relationship with his children is always close-knit. This reflects his bond with his parents, a former painter and a photographer.

11. Zendaya

Before becoming the rising star she is today, Zendaya endured sleepless nights, competition, and being away from her mom, a schoolteacher, for countless days while making it big as a child actor. She was accompanied by her dad, who quit his teaching job to join her in auditions and become her manager.

Despite the fame, she is still very close to both her parents. She once shared in an interview, “I’m really lucky to have the parents I have. They just have always instilled in me those core values that I think I have to carry with me through everything, you know what I mean?”

12. Taron Egerton

Elizabeth Goodenough / Everett Collection / East News, ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP / East News

The multitalented actor shared in an interview that he achieved his dream career in Hollywood because of his family’s unwavering support. “There was never any expectation I would make money, so it was [encouragement] to go and do what makes you happy, and I think they felt I was good at it,” he said. Taron Egerton owes his success to his mom, a social worker, who raised him as a solo parent.

13. Charlize Theron

JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX / AFP / East News, John Shearer / Invision / AP / East News

Charlize Theron continues to prove that her talent in acting goes way beyond her looks. She definitely got her blonde beauty and striking features from her mom, Gerda, a former farmer and road constructionist, who raised her on her own. They also share a special bond, as Gerda helps her care for her own children.

In an interview, Theron said, “I am lucky enough that I had a great mom who really kind of made me brave and always told me to be brave.”

14. Chris Evans

Being Captain America is a major popularity boost, especially if you come from a simple background. As a son of a local theater director and a dentist, one would think otherwise and say Chris Evans came from a highly affluent family in Hollywood.

Some locals are even shocked by his family’s humility. One shared, “So I walked into the dentist this morning. My dentist asked me how my weekend was. I said, ’Good, I watched Captain America last night. I really liked it.’ And my dentist said, ’Oh, my son is in that movie.’ I thought he was joking until I realized, ’Dr. Robert Evans.’”

15. Kate Middleton

Stuart Hardy / ABACAPRESS.COM / Abaca / East News, AFP / EAST NEWS

Almost everyone knows about the sweet meet-cute that took place between the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they were still in college. This encounter blossomed into one of the most documented royal love stories. One might presume that Kate was royalty, after all. However, that wasn’t the case for her.

Her parents, prior to becoming business owners, worked in the airline industry as a flight dispatcher and a flight attendant.

Which of these stars is your favorite? Which of them were you surprised to find on this list?

Bright Side/People/15 Stories About Our Favorite Celebs That Show How Stars Are Made, Not Born

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