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50 Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image They’ve Created
The interest in celebrities and their private lives has immensely increased in the last two decades, thanks to the emergence of mass communication and information-sharing channels like television and the internet. And even though we now know about famous people more than we probably ever should, the urge to learn even more is still growing. The proof is this TikTok video in which one user asked others to share stories about celebrities before fame, as she was curious to find out who they truly are. If you’re curious too, scroll down to find some pretty unexpected truths about public figures shared by people who knew them before they made it big.
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#1
My grandmother’s best friend was Dolly Parton’s housekeeper. She also cooked for her when she wanted traditional southern food. It goes without saying she is exactly who we think she is….a legend
Gingersnap In Iowa 8 months ago
Dolly Parton is a national treasure and I will die on this hill!
Forrest Grump 8 months ago
How does that fit with the theme of "Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image"?
Nikki Gross 7 months ago
We chose to play Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" as one of the songs at my Mama's funeral. Every time it comes up on the playlist on my phone it still makes me cry.
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#2
I was in Billie eillish dance academy. Once I forgot my water bottle and she gave me hers. Also my mom would be late to pick me up and she always offered me a ride
#3
Martin Lawrence went to my h**h school. The art teacher there was a big support for him and he told her if he ever got famous, he would buy her a car. And he did! She loved talking about it
#4
My mom used to clean horse stalls for Patrick Swayze. He was there one day when I was a baby, held me, and said “throw this one back, she’s too small” 😂 My mom says he was so lovely all the time.
#5
Ariana grande made fun of me for having cankles when I was 11. I never forgot it. She was a popular mean girl
Son of Philosoraptor 8 months ago
I have it on direct authority that she can be very nice and down to earth. Family member worked with her.
#6
Dated Chadwick Boseman before he blew up big and he didn’t know his worth. Super generous only took me to 5 star restaurants. He was definitely pro black before Black Panther
#7
Went to h**h school with Snoop and Cameron Diaz. They are the same as they were, not an act at all
Forrest Grump 8 months ago
How does that fit with the theme of "Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image"?
Nea 8 months ago (edited)
I am an Indian who watches select American stuff. I dont know much but find Cameron lovely. Is she? Or not? I mean the image of her real self?
Load More Replies... #8
P!nk and she’s exactly the bada*s you’d think. She was so cool and kind and low-key and genuine.
Heir of Durin 8 months ago
My brother has done some film work with her and her husband. Super humble couple!
Forrest Grump 8 months ago
How does that fit with the theme of "Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image"?
BS Detector 7 months ago (edited)
I grew up with her, numerous friends dated her, she has a temper. An ex-boyfriend she was in a band with, looks a lot like her husband.
#9
Went to highschool with Post Malone. He is just as nice of not nicer than the videos you see of him. Just a very genuine person all around
Nichole Harris 8 months ago
I love this guy! Not really into his music... But he's a stand up dude
Forrest Grump 8 months ago
How does that fit with the theme of "Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image"?
#10
Kamala Harris and I came into our sorority together at Howard University I was a sophomore, she was a senior. I could tell back then that she would be very successful! She has stayed in touch with all of us.
Kim Kermes 8 months ago
I'm sorry in this day and age she's not a viable presidential candidate. I think she'd be a good one.
rorschach-penguin 8 months ago
She's not a viable candidate because she was thrown into the nomination after Joe stepped down and it was too late to pick a new nominee via primaries, and ran on no platform whatsoever. Not because she's a woman or because she's not white.
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Michael Largey 8 months ago
Like other items on this thread,, this doesn't contradict the public image - it confirms it..
Barbi Griffin 8 months ago
I bet anyone who post that she should have been President can't name 1 positive thing she did to help the citizens of the U.S. I could however name MANY things she did to f**k us.
Binky Melnik 7 months ago
I can name one thing: She’s not a horrid orange businessman using our government to line his pockets and those of his friends. It makes me sad that that’s a positive these days. 😰
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#11
My grandpa fought in WWII with Chsrles Schulz (Peanuts creater). He would draw cartoons on all the guys’ letters home. I’ve seen one of his early drawings— pre-Peanuts!
#12
Viola Davis voluteered at the info desk at my church. I would chat with her during services bc I had a 1yo who hated the kids room so we would just wander around the lobby she was the kindest person
#13
Carrie Underwood is the original mean girl. Truly so stuck up and hateful despite the sweet southern act. NO ONE locally likes her
MsChelleR: I knew Carrie Underwood before American Idol. Her family owned a chicken farm which made her family have more money than some in our small town. She was so rude. A bully in every sense of the word.
nikolledenise: My grandparents lived near Carrie underwood. She is absolutely as mean as people say she was back then.
Megan Fritz: Knew Carrie Underwood when she was in Checotah and going to school in tahlequah. She’s always been evil as h**l and doesn’t portray herself the way she did back then.
Alexandra Hall 8 months ago
I remember watching an awards show years ago when she cheered a successful election of republicans to win the house. Barack Obama was in the White House and recall being shocked and disgusted that she would be so delighted. She gave the ick so profoundly even through the television.
#14
Adam Sandler. My dad knew him and said he’s the most humble celebrity he’s ever met. Super nice and kind
Kate Johnson 7 months ago
He makes films with and of his friends having fun. I think that's great. If I could do it, I would! How wonderful that his friends are all actors, and make money enjoying each other. It's clear that they all love and support each other, and that just makes me so happy that Adam Sandler does it and that we get to enjoy the fruits of their labor!
#15
Went to school since elementary school with Blake Lively, she has always been a privileged person, self entitled, pick me girl.
Binky Melnik 7 months ago
“Self-entitled” seems to me to be redundant. Why is the “self-“ needed? Is there another type of entitlement? (Serious question; maybe there are other terms and I’ve not heard ‘em yet?)
#16
I went to h**h school with Megan Thee stallion. She’s always had that body shape, always been pretty. She was voted class favorite twice and literally a fight broke out over her. She’s been THAT GIRL.
jocelyn: Went to h**h school with Megan thee Stallion and she’s just as sweet and funny as she is online and how she’s portrayed.
The Majestic Opossum 8 months ago
OMG I love this! I'd be so intimidated by her IRL, it's nice to hear she really is this sweet
#17
My great grandma (Age 97) was great friends with Marilyn Monroe when they were young, she was an extra in a couple of her movies and till this day has pictures hanging up in her garage of her
Kabuki Kitsune 8 months ago
You do realize, in many areas, it's quite common to convert garages to bonus rooms. Given OP's Gran's age, it's unlikely she drives, so converting the garage into a den/bonus room with Marilyn memorabilia makes perfect sense.
Load More Replies... #18
Went to school with Halsey when she was a freshman and a sophomore. She is exactly who she presents to be. Sweet and sadly troubled.
Forrest Grump 8 months ago
How does that fit with the theme of "Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image"?
#19
I went to middle school with Simone Biles, she was a year younger than me and her backpack was too big for her 😂 but she was the sweetest!
#20
I went to school with T Pain, he was the class clown. Truly one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I ran into him after he made it big and he gave me a hug and introduced me to his wife and kid
#21
Friends with Chappell roan all through h**h school up until her blowup. It’s so funny seeing everyone try to guess what she was like in hs and make assumptions, she was just a shy sweet weird girly
#22
I went to school with Jenna Ortega she had a group and they called themselves the shuffle gods and they would make videos shuffling around school
Zena 7 months ago
And what does this actually tell us about her? Absolutely nothing. Excellent work as always, BP!
Binky Melnik 7 months ago
Why are you blaming BP because a TikTok user made an incomplete and useless post? Don’t do that; BP isn’t god chasing dummies around haranguing them about their dumb posts. If they were, they’d have nailed you.
Load More Replies... #23
My dad used to babysit Shakira loool. She was a kid but he said she was always dancing and very loud
#24
Not me, but my Nana went to high school with Stephen King. She said he wrote her a love note but she wasn’t interested and threw it away.
Ellinor 8 months ago
Alright, who downvote people for making a harmless joke ??
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#25
I grew up with dove cameron and she claims she was bullied in school but she was actually the one doing the bullying 😅 no shade I’m sure she’s a fantastic person now lol
Petra Peitsch 8 months ago
If you were constantly bullied through your school years, you'll never have that self-confident, I-know-I'm-the-best smirk on your face ... that's a bully's face.
#26
knew Rachel Ziegler in h**h school... she's as fake as she seems
Kabuki Kitsune 8 months ago
Given what we've seen with recent film developments... this tracks.
Forrest Grump 8 months ago
How does that fit with the theme of "Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image"?
#27
I grew up with lana del rey’s siblings. My oldest sister was in her grade. She and her family were the coolest sweetest people ever. A family to look up to
#28
My friends older sister went to h**h school with Reese Witherspoon and she said Reese was a snob and rude.
Kabuki Kitsune 8 months ago
Bless your soul for that comment. (wonder how long before someone comes in and asks for an explanation of what this all really means)
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Joanne Hudson 7 months ago
I never felt anything one way or the other about her until I read about her and hubs being pulled over for driving under the influence and she told the officer "Do you know who I am?" Then I had negative vibes and deleted her.
#29
My dad’s been coworkers/friends with Zac Efron’s dad for DECADES and just about 5 years ago my dad asked him the name of his grown kids and he goes “Greg, you do know my son is Zac Efron right?”
Corina Leister: Zac Efron. Had a couple classes with him and he was a sweet kid and really smart and really funny. I remember he was on an episode of ER. He brought a recording to class and we all watched excitedly.
Banjo Baguette: Zac Efron went to a h**h school next time over from my hometown that one of my best friends moved to. He was a pudgy friendly drama club nerd with braces before the has musical thing.
Michelle C 8 months ago
This reminds me of the guy whose dentist was Chris Evans’ dad and he would never have known had Dr. Evans not mentioned that while they were talking about the newest Captain America movie at the time. Apparently, Chris Evans came by the next day to visit his dad and got a picture with the client!
#30
My great grandpa was best friends with Walt Disney when he lived in Missouri. When Walt went to Florida, he invited my great grandpa to go with him and he said no. My life could’ve been so much different
Missy VanWinkle 8 months ago
Disney was not a N**i: https://www.google.com/search?q=was+walt+disney+a+n**i&oq=was+walt+disney+a+n**i&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQLhhA0gEINTk1N2owajGoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Michelle C 8 months ago
That is untrue. He made a point of hiring Jews and disavowed Nazis the moment he realized who the German film executive he invited to tour his studio was. In fact, he produced the cartoon in which Donald Duck portrays a N**i to ridicule and condemn Hitler specifically.
Load More Replies... #31
Tyler Childers was my middle school boyfriend 🤣 seriously the nicest, most chill person and his family is the sweetest. Nobody deserves the fame & recognition more than him!
rorschach-penguin 8 months ago
Just because you don't know who someone is doesn't mean they're not famous.
Load More Replies... #32
I went to middle school with Doja cat and Millikan middle school in Sherman oaks and she stole my blackberry phone and the dean of the school made her give it back and made her parents pay my bill.
Jennifer Drake 8 months ago
And while you still draw breath, you should pay more attention to the things that matter, and not be a miserable person. It affects your life not one whit, yet you spew misery. Sad, really. I hope you become happier.
Load More Replies... #33
My mom used to clean houses for a living and was cleaning Lindsey Lohans house during her Samantha Ronson era, she said they were both very sweet and down to earth, Lindsey tips VERY well
The Majestic Opossum 8 months ago
Aww this is nice to hear! And TBH, kinda surprising, so it fits...
Biytemii 8 months ago
Yay I can share something here kind of. When I was little(think 2-3) I used to help my Nana clean people's houses where we lived she did her own cleaning business. We actually used to clean Madonna's assistant's house. This is a place Madonna was at all the time. I never got to meet her even though I was just barely old enough to remember in the first place but I did eat one of her cherry tomatoes that day lol.
#34
Went to h**h school with Angus Cloud. He was one of the goofiest, sweetest, most creative kids I knew. Had the biggest crush on him all 4 years and we had some really fun times hanging out. RIP
#35
My grandpa used to paint with Bob Ross…he’s just as he seems
Forrest Grump 8 months ago
How does that fit with the theme of "Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image"?
#36
I knew Olivia culpo. In 7th grade my bf broke up with me for her lol. I always said she was the most beautiful girl ever and then she won the title of most beautiful woman in the world so I was right
Binky Melnik 7 months ago
Way to add to a conversation, Ron! Tell us more about how you don’t understand any technology.
Load More Replies... #37
My friend was Angelina Jolie’s nanny for a while. She has nothing but praises for her
Ashley Harrold 8 months ago
Based on the phrasing I'm guessing she took care of her kids
Load More Replies... The Majestic Opossum 8 months ago
My hubby says she seems fake, but I think she seems like a very genuine, lovely person
#38
I went to high school with Miles Teller. He made theatre "cool" in our small town school. He was funny, popular, and talented.
The Majestic Opossum 8 months ago
Awesome! If there's anyone that could make being a theater nerd cool, it would be him
#39
I went to the same HS as Megan Fox. My Geography teacher was hers as well & he said she would just sign her name over & over in class “to practice for when she got famous” LOL look at her now
#40
my grandma went to school w judge judy and she said she was just as blunt back then
Forrest Grump 8 months ago
How does that fit with the theme of "Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image"?
#41
i use to go to school with J Cole had math class with him, i use to sit beside him, we would laugh and make jokes the teacher got mad so we used to pass notes
#42
I grew up with Angus Cloud before he changed his name to Angus😭 when we were in 2nd grade I dropped teddy grahams on the floor and didn’t wanna eat them and he sat on the floor and ate them with me
#43
Used to hang out with Mac miller at parties in high school, he was younger than me and his GF Naomi was SO nice. His music was right. Girls were mean to him before he got famous. He was so nice!
#44
My mom went to HS with Leonardo DiCaprio. She said he talked about acting and stuff then one day she didn’t see him anymore. Next time she saw him was on tv lol.
Michael Largey 8 months ago
He didn't date women over 25 back then either.
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Kabuki Kitsune 8 months ago
If memory serves? He was on soap operas. I believe he had a regular part on "The Young and the Restless".
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#46
Went to elementary and middle school with Mikayla - she in fact doesn't talk like that lol
Zoe Vokes 8 months ago
She’s a famous make up artist on the internet who talks with an incredibly strong Boston accent, that everybody who knows her when younger says is fake and everybody in Boston says is unnaturally strong. She also got caught faking how effective mascara was by wearing false lashes and lying about it.
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#47
My grandma and Lady Gagas grandma do yoga together
#48
my uncle and aunt were really good friends with Aaron Paul and went to high school with him. my aunt briefly dated him then chose my uncle. he's a kind and hilarious dude and always has been
#49
Hayley Williams from Paramore — her mom was my 6th grade teacher and Hayley used to come visit us all the time and perform for us and gave us autograph cd’s from her band back then.
shrubs_of_north_america: My brother went to high school with the lead singer of paramore. Apparently she had no friends and spent all her time playing music . Checks out seeing as she’s a multi millionaire musician now tbh
#50
My husband was close friends with NF the rapper. They grew up together, went to church together, hung out a lot etc. I’ve met him, he’s super down to earth, genuinely a really good guy and deserves all the good fortune and fame.
#51
Went to an arts summer camp with ke$ha a couple of years before she got ultra famous. She was kind, insanely creative, and all around just a lovely girl.
#52
My mom worked with Kelly Clarkson at dilliards. Said she quit the same day she got the call from American idol for her audition.
#53
Ginuwine is my neighbor. He’s as goofy as he portrays himself and he’s super cool.
#54
Madison Bailey from Outer Banks went to a high school in the town over and me and classmates had friends there. She was so mean and stuck up, i don’t doubt any of the drama rumors about her on set
Forrest Grump 8 months ago
How does that fit with the theme of "Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image"?
#55
my mom dated Adam Levine when he first started in maroon five and apparently he has always been a cheater
Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero" 8 months ago
So basically he was playing himself in 'Begin Again'.
#56
Went to high school with Cecily Strong, the SNL actor. She was a theatre kid and I was so intimidated by her because she was so beautiful
#57
I was in school with Khalid dude is the most genuine person completely himself fame hasn’t changed that
#58
I grew up in Pittsburgh and had many interactions with Mac miller and once wiz khalifa. Mac was the nicest kid and just wanted everyone to hear his music. I never imagined he would be famous one day
#60
I grew up with the Jonas Brothers because our parents worked at the same college together and we were neighbors. Kevin is the nicest person ever.
#61
Teddy swims!! Grew up with him, his mom was my hairdresser since I was 5, went to same high school, went to cosmetology school together! He is just authentically him&always been a wonderful person
#62
was internet friends with Danielle Bregoli, bhadbabie. all I'm gonna say is her parents sold her into fame. to Hollywood. it's a deep dive, she was being taken out of school a lot but I experienced industry plant 1st hand
MalayDragon 7 months ago
Was once a guest on the Dr Phil Show. Became Infamous for saying to someone in the audience "Catch me outside, how bout that". Went Viral as the "Catch me outside Girl" has apparently launched a music career from that under the name BhadBabie.
Load More Replies... #63
I tutored Bella Hadid in high school (pre nose job). She’s always been very sweet, but she’s known from day 1 how beautiful she was.
#64
went to high school with Elizabeth Smart, before and after her abduction.
#65
i knew of Hailey Bieber through a little fan group of us on twitter for JB. it was basically where they all wrote where he was at in NYC, and inside scoop trying to meet him. yes, the rumors are true.
Skogsrået 8 months ago
But it says " i knew of said person" not "i knew said person".
Load More Replies... #66
My grandpa knew the founders of Nike and was invited to invest 25k when it was just starting. I could've had a whole different life lmao
#67
Went to the same school as Nicole “Snooki” honestly she’s always been so nice! Loved to party, she’s always kept it 100! So happy for her success.
MalayDragon 7 months ago
She's one of the original cast members for the "reality" show Jersey Shore.
Load More Replies... #68
i knew charli damelio a year before she got famous, we went to a dance convention together. she was so mean and mean to all the other girls, like talking behind EVERYONES back
#69
i went to school w chloe cherry from euphoria and she she was super kind and friendly kinda crazy how she turn out
#71
Came across Jeffree Star on MySpace before the fame and commented on a post that he needed Jesus. He told me I needed lipo. I was 11 😂 I think it’s absolutely hilarious looking back at it now.
Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero" 8 months ago (edited)
There is a lot that needs to further clarified, for an accurate assessment.
#73
I went to high school with Casey Anthony and she was exactly the same. Dated almost everyone. Very nice but like no emotion.
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What do you think ?
Brian Droste 8 months ago
Al ot of these names or people I don't recognize. Glad te many were about people who were nice.
Michael Fernandez 8 months ago (edited)
I’m not sure some of the names even make sense, as there are capitalization irregularities and extra pronunciation marks. Edit to add: but I went to high school with Kathy Griffin. She was a sweetheart and aspiring singer.
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FreeTheUnicorn 8 months ago
The article title is 73 Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image They’ve Created but most of the stories are about celebrities who are exactly as they seem. Why wouldn't you just rename the article to fit the stories?
nottheactualphoto 8 months ago
There are three or four names here that I recognize. Geezin' the night away.
Panda McPandaface 8 months ago
I'm not much into celebrity stuff but it was nice to see that so many are geniunely good people.
Brian Droste 8 months ago
Al ot of these names or people I don't recognize. Glad te many were about people who were nice.
Michael Fernandez 8 months ago (edited)
I’m not sure some of the names even make sense, as there are capitalization irregularities and extra pronunciation marks. Edit to add: but I went to high school with Kathy Griffin. She was a sweetheart and aspiring singer.
Load More Replies... FreeTheUnicorn 8 months ago
The article title is 73 Stories About Celebrities That Contradict Their Public Image They’ve Created but most of the stories are about celebrities who are exactly as they seem. Why wouldn't you just rename the article to fit the stories?
nottheactualphoto 8 months ago
There are three or four names here that I recognize. Geezin' the night away.
Panda McPandaface 8 months ago
I'm not much into celebrity stuff but it was nice to see that so many are geniunely good people.
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