Reality shows, especially ones focused on competition, serve as can't-miss TV for many. It's fascinating watching people sing on American Idol or look for love on The Bachelor. We can't help but imagine how hard it is to be in their shoes.
Now, most people will compete on a show and disappear, but sometimes, these contestants make their way in Hollywood and become huge stars that have thriving careers. It's rare, but it can happen to anyone.
Let's take a look at some Hollywood stars who got their start on reality TV.
8 Emma Stone Won 'In Search Of The Patridge Family'
Long before Emma Stone was one of the top actresses working in Hollywood, she was struggling mightily to find her big break in the entertainment industry. Eventually, she would land on a reality show that was all about looking for a talented young singer to participate in a new era of The Partridge Family. She wound up winning the show, but things went nowhere at first. Soon enough, acting opportunities opened up, and she became a star.
7 Ray Romano Competed On 'Star Search'
Star Search used to be one of the most popular shows back in the day, and it was all about giving a platform to people with sets of skills that could help them break into the industry. Before he became one of the biggest sitcom stars on the face of the planet, Ray Romano was busting out his comedic chops for viewers at home on the hit show. He didn't win, but in the end, he became a huge television star.
6 Laverne Cox Competed On 'I Want To Work For Diddy'
Getting a chance to be an assistant for Diddy was the dream of a number of people who competed on a reality show for the distinction, and Laverne Cox was one of the contestants on the show. While Laverne didn't get the win, something much bigger called Orange is the New Black came along years later, which changed everything in a hurry. Imagine working for Diddy instead of being a television star.
5 Justin Timberlake Tried Winning 'Star Search'
Back before he joined NSYNC and became a global force, Justin Timberlake was a young performer who was doing anything and everything to break into Hollywood. The young Timberlake competed on Star Search back in the day, but at the time, he was going by Justin Randall. He didn't win, but he would make his way onto The Mickey Mouse Club soon enough, and years later, he joined a boy band and conquered the world of music.
4 Lucy Hale Tried Her Hand On 'American Juniors'
American Idol is one of the most popular reality shows of all time, and at one point, there was a spin-off called American Juniors, which was focused on finding younger singers. Lucy Hale was a contestant on American Juniors, and she even manage to place fourth overall. She has made music since her time on the show, but these days, people know her best for what she does in the world of acting.
3 Joey Graceffa Was On 'The Amazing Race'
After gaining some steam on YouTube, a younger Joey Graceffa actually went on to compete on The Amazing Race, and he got all the way to the 10th leg before being bounced from the show. Since his time on the reality show, he has done a little bit of everything, and has put together one heck of a career for himself.
2 Melissa Villaseñor Was On 'America's Got Talent'
Several years before she was picked up to perform on Saturday Night Live, Melissa Villaseñor tried her best to make audiences laugh on America's Got Talent. She was good enough to be a semi-finalist on the show, but ultimately, she was not able to secure the victory. Nevertheless, she has been making serious strides through the years, and she has shown that she can do no wrong when she is truly in her element.
1 Jon Hamm Tried Finding Love On 'The Big Date'
The Big Date was a short-lived reality dating show from the 1990s, and while the vast majority of people have completely forgotten about it, it continues to live on thanks to the fact that John Hamm has become such a success in Hollywood. Hamm was still in his 20s when he made his appearance on the show, and it is hilarious to look back at the actor during the middle part of the 1990s before anyone knew who he was.