Mr. T never let anything get him down. He might have sometimes had a “bad attitude” when he served in the military as a young man, then later in his breakout role on The A-Team, but his winning personality and desire to beat all the odds made him the most popular bodyguard on the planet.

Contemplating a career change? Frustrated with holding up the totem pole from the bottom? Fear not! These celebs started out as mere civilians, and now they’re roaming the red carpet. Take notes!