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!

From relative newcomers to storied veterans, the ensemble (mostly female) cast of The Help has it all. Based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett, the film follows the story of Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan as she returns home to Mississippi and brings upheaval to her society friends’ lives as she reveals the secret stories of the help.