Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz were slowly but steadily building their film career before they got an offer they couldn’t refuse working in television.
Not terribly happy to be working in “the great wasteland," the duo created the only show they thought they could stomach working on. What resulted was the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winning show “thirtysomething."
In honour of all those who have laboured in jobs they would rather not be in, we had a look at some other faces you know who had surprising former lives...
19 Celebrities With Weird Employment Histories
Victoria Beckham(01 of19)
It's hard to imagine someone as successful as Victoria ever having a bad job, but she did. Before Spice Girls, VB appeared in a BBC sex education show and as if that wasn't embarrassing enough, she was dressed as a roller-skating sperm. Oh. Dear. (credit:Getty Images)
Harry Styles(02 of19)
Internationally renowned as a teen heart-throb and trendsetter, it's easy to forget that 20 year old Styles only burst onto our screens on 'The X Factor' in 2010. Before being put in One Direction, Harry actually worked in a bakery, meaning if they're ever looking for a new Paul Hollywood the 'GBBO' producers will know where to go... (credit:PA)
Channing Tatum(03 of19)
Inspiring the movie 'Magic Mike', Tatum worked as a stripper in Mississippi under the name 'Chan Crawford'. He also did odd jobs and worked as a roofer. (credit:Getty Images)
Gerard Butler(04 of19)
Before starring in films such as 'P.S. I Love You' and '300', the Scottish actor followed up his law degree with a period as a trainee lawyer at a Scottish law firm. However, his partying antics meant that he frequently missed work and was subsequently fired a week before qualifying as a lawyer. Still, the law world's loss is our gain. (credit:Getty Images)
Amy Adams(05 of19)
The red-headed star may be best known for Golden Globe-winning role in 'American Hustle', but prior to acting, Adams worked at boob-based restaurant Hooters (although she admitted to 'not understanding what the job was about' when she took it!) (credit:Getty Images)
Matt LeBlanc(06 of19)
As Joey in 'Friends' and himself in 'Episodes', Matt has always been a hit with viewers - but did you know that he trained and used to work as a carpenter (like his grandfather) before his acting days? (credit:Getty Images)
Rihanna(07 of19)
As a Grammy award-winning fashion icon, it's hard to believe that flesh-flashing Rihanna was an army cadet in a Barbadean military programme. Oh, and singer, Shontelle (remember 'T-Shirt'?) was her drill sergeant. (credit:Getty Images)
Kanye West(08 of19)
The rapper and Mr. Kardashian clearly brought his cheery and upbeat personality to his job at the GAP whilst he produced music in his free time. 'Glee' star Matthew Morrison also worked at the clothing store before he went into music. (credit:Getty Images)
Nicki Minaj(09 of19)
Before becoming one of the biggest rappers in the world, Nicki admitted she'd been fired from basically every job she'd ever had, including at fast food spot Red Lobster.She told Billboard: "I’d been fired like 15 times because I had a horrible attitude. I chased a customer out of the restaurant once so I could stick my middle finger up at her and demand that she give me my pen back. I swear to God I was bad." (credit:Getty Images)
Jon Hamm(10 of19)
Prior to his part as the dashing Don Draper in 'Mad Men', actor Jon Hamm worked as a waiter whilst auditioning for roles, as well as briefly working as a set dresser at pornographic film shoots. An interesting CV, we're sure you agree. (credit:Getty Images)
Amanda Seyfried(11 of19)
As a teenager, Seyfried modelled for teen clothing brands, whilst working as an extra in daytime TV soap, 'Guiding Light'. However, the 'Mamma Mia!' actress gave her modelling days up, aged 17, to work as a waitress in a retirement village (credit:Getty Images)
Paloma Faith(12 of19)
Quirky songstress Paloma took on many, erm, interesting jobs to fund her studies, working in an underwear store and burlesque cabaret, as well as as a life model and magician's assistant. (credit:PA)
Brad Pitt(13 of19)
Everybody has had a bad job at one time or another, and Brad Pitt is no exception. After dropping out of college, Pitt funded his acting career by dressing up in a chicken suit, handing out flyers and dancing for a local restaurant. He should have a word with Megan Fox, who had to wear a banana costume for her first job too. (credit:Getty Images)
Kate Middleton(14 of19)
Everything she wears sells out in seconds, so the Duchess of Cambridge was well suited to previous job as an accessories buyer for Jigsaw in 2006. (credit:PA)
Hugh Jackman(15 of19)
The star of stage and screen took a gap year before university where he taught PE at a private school in Rutland, England. (credit:Getty Images)
Johnny Depp(16 of19)
Back in the day, Depp worked many different jobs, including as a telemarketer for a pen firm. It was only upon meeting Nicholas Cage, who convinced Depp to quit his job, that Johnny pursued a career in acting - Nicholas Cage's greatest contribution to the acting world. (credit:Getty Images)
Michelle Keegan(17 of19)
Back before she was Britain's Sexiest Woman, the Mancunian beauty Michelle worked in Selfridges at the Trafford Centre, as well as at check-in at Manchester Airport. (credit:Getty Images)
Tom Cruise(18 of19)
Long before his public support for the Church of Scientology, action man Cruise had aspirations of becoming a Catholic priest and attended a seminars on church scholarships. (credit:Getty Images)
Rochelle Humes(19 of19)
Best known for her chic dress-sense, handsome hubby and gorgeous daughter; it's easy to forget that before her Saturdays, Rochelle was a member of S Club Juniors! The band had their own CBBC show and after they split in 2005, Rochelle went on to present Saturday-morning kids show, 'Smile', taking over from Fearne Cotton. (credit:PA)