We often think of actors, musicians, and other celebs as if they’re the luckiest people on the planet. They have devoted fans, bags of money, and private jets, and most of the time, they just seem happy. But that’s all on the surface. In reality, many stars are just as damaged on the inside as the rest of us, if not more. But they pushed through and overcame their past traumas.
Here are some of the most recognizable names in the whole world who conquered their personal demons on their bumpy road to fame.
1. Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron’s childhood was far from ideal. She grew up with an alcoholic father who often abused her and her mother. After living with such a despot for years, Gerda finally snapped and shot her husband during one of his drunken rampages. Thankfully, the court proclaimed it self-defense, and Gerda was not charged with murder, which would mean losing her daughter. After years of therapy, Theron was able to work things out and now invites her mother to red-carpet events.
2. Keanu Reeves
You’ve probably seen a lot of Keanu memes from a few years ago, where he’s all sad, sitting on the bench, and pondering about life’s vicissitudes. Well, he had more than enough reasons for that kind of behavior. First, his drug dealer dad abandoned him, then his best friend OD’d, then his girlfriend lost their baby, and two years later died in a car crash. If you’ve ever wondered why Reeves looks like he’s been carrying a whole world on his shoulders, now you know why.
3. Teri Hatcher
After the huge success of 1993’s TV show Lois & Clark, Teri Hatcher had a stellar rise to the top. But something was still gnawing at her from the inside. Years later, the actress revealed that her uncle abused her sexually when she was little. This confession was sent as an open letter to Donald Trump during his presidency, but unfortunately, he mocked the whole thing.
