Many of Hollywood's biggest stars have troubling origin stories. Some stars rise to fame as children, and the industry dumps them off when they come of age. Other stars start out with lesser-known roles but get lucky when cast in blockbuster films that later turn iconic.

For Alicia Silverstone, a few of those variables combined. And yet, early on-screen appearances helped build her net worth (she made a killing in 'Clueless') and pad her resume. Though she doesn't have a totally tragic back story, there are some secrets behind Alicia's success.

After beginning brushes with Hollywood (in a Domino's commercial), Silverstone earned recognition in the film 'The Crush.' She even won two MTV movie awards for the role. The movie starred Alicia as a 14-year-old girl who falls in love with (and torments) an older man.

As Straight recounted of an earlier interview on the set of 'The Crush,' the film's writer-director was thrilled to have found Alicia. He described the as-yet-unknown actress as "the most amazing girl. Her name is Alicia Silverstone, and she’s going to be a sensation."

Of course, after that, 'Clueless' helped Alicia's career truly take off. But it was Alicia's motivation and drive that helped her succeed. In that old interview, the newbie actress said she wanted to become the next Jodie Foster, Meryl Streep, or Glenn Close.

But to achieve her goals, Alicia had to make some sacrifices.

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Star News reported back in the '90s that Alicia Silverstone became emancipated at the age of 15. She dropped out of high school as a sophomore, co-starring in Aerosmith music videos (three of them) and making her way to Hollywood.

At the time of her quotes to Star News, at age 18, Alicia said she didn't have time to date, and that she was "always around adults" from a young age. She maintained that her agent was her best friend, and even back then recognized that she was a "commodity" to the public, and to the industry itself.

Alicia even admitted that she couldn't study while filming 'The Crush,' and that she was "working like crazy." Of course, that's the reason for becoming emancipated: being able to work more hours than a teen is typically permitted to.

Instead of sticking to evening and weekend hours like most high school kids, Alicia began pulling 40+ hour weeks from the age of 15. She didn't regret it though, noting to Star News that living in the real world was more of an education than being "sheltered."

No one can carry that kind of momentum forever, though. Since Alicia put in the work from a young age, her decision to step back a bit from Hollywood made sense. These days, the actress is a bit more subdued, though no less talented than the peppy youngster who first broke into Hollywood as an idealistic teen.

NEXT: This Is What Alicia Silverstone Has Been Up To Since 'Clueless'