Ever wonder what Hollywood icons were up to before they hit the big time? Demi Moore, the celebrated actress, recently shared a candid glimpse into her early life, revealing the ‘humbling’ jobs that paved the way for her glittering career. This is a story of grit, independence, and the surprising paths that lead to stardom.
Moore, named 2025 Woman of the Year by Glamour, opened up about her desire for self-sufficiency, driven by a need to break free from her mother’s influence. ‘There was a real drive to be self-sufficient,’ she explained. This led her to take on various jobs, even at a young age, to support herself. ‘My first job was working at a collection agency where I was on the phone,’ she shared. Imagine, at just 14 years old, she was already handling the tough task of calling people about their unpaid bills! She added that because of her deep voice, people often didn’t realize how young she was.
At 16, Moore took another step toward independence and moved out of her home. But here’s where it gets interesting: Instead of the typical restaurant jobs, she found herself in office settings. ‘I worked for an accountant. I was a receptionist at 20th Century Fox for a producer who worked for Aaron Spelling,’ she continued. This gave her a unique vantage point, a behind-the-scenes look at the industry she would later conquer. She described it as ‘being in the [Hollywood] world but not in the world, very humbling.’ It gave her an ‘objective point of view’ and helped her realize, ‘This isn’t where I’m going to stay. I had much bigger designs.’
And this is the part most people miss… Moore’s tenacity shines through in her approach to setbacks. She shared a powerful mindset shift: ‘If something didn’t go exactly as I’d like or wasn’t what I had hoped for, [I now know,] ‘Yeah, that was a disappointment, but I’m not a disappointment.’ This simple yet profound statement highlights her resilience and self-worth.
Moore’s reflections extend to her career’s future, expressing excitement about the possibilities ahead. She draws inspiration from figures like Helen Mirren, admiring her dynamism and the diversity of her work even in her 80s. This inspires Moore, reinforcing the idea that there’s still so much to achieve.
In her Golden Globe acceptance speech for The Substance in January 2025, Moore delivered a powerful message about self-love and self-worth, especially relevant after being labeled a ‘popcorn actress’. ‘In those moments when we don’t think we’re smart enough, pretty enough, skinny enough, successful enough or basically just not enough … you can know the value of your worth if you just put down the measuring stick,’ she told the audience.
What do you think? Did Moore’s early experiences surprise you? Do you agree with her message about self-worth? Share your thoughts in the comments!