Celebrities Who Used to Be Strippers main image
Scroll Down To Continue

Celebrities Who Used to Be Strippers

Fame in Hollywood doesn’t happen overnight. For most actors, their early years are filled with worries about making it big in the industry — jobs are scarce and inconsistent, which makes for a lot of money worries. So really, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that countless Hollywood stars turned to adult films during those times when money was tight.

These hard times were usually toward the beginning of their acting career, but some stumbled upon the stripping industry out of pure chance. Or in some cases, they just did it because they were good at it. A few stars were recruited off the street by modeling companies and seedy magazines! And if there's one X-rated-to-Hollywood star you need to know about, it's Courtney Love. We can't make her story up! For the Chicago fans, Catherine Zeta-Jones's story is a must-read. Not only is it surprising, but there's a 99.9% chance it will set your heart aflame. 

Some just did a dance gig to pay the bills, while others had a respectable career in this world before moving to more mainstream entertainment. Whatever the reason, these 30 stars dabbled in the world of stripping at some point in their illustrious careers.

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum

In 2000, Tatum started his pro dancing career with Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” as a backup dancer — a gig that earned him a cool $400. But it wasn't long before this talented dude found himself high-stepping into the spotlight of fashion modeling and TV commercials with brands including Vogue, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Armani. After being picked for Tear Sheet magazine’s top “50 Most Beautiful Faces” list in 2001, Tatum scored a job working in New York City with Ford's Models agency. But most people recognize the hunk from his performance in the Magic Mike films, which were inspired by his time as a stripper. Yes, you heard that right!

When a video of Tatum dancing provocatively was released by US Weekly in 2009, people quickly realized exactly what he was doing to make some cash, and it was not G-rated. But he has no regrets reflecting on his career in adult entertainment, saying to GQ that while he’s “not ashamed,” he also doesn’t “miss anything” about the job. He further explained his feeling to People six years later: “I stripped in Tampa for like, 25 girls, at best. It wasn’t glamorous whatsoever, so there’s nothing that I miss about stripping.”

NBC NewsWire/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Cardi B

Cardi B

Before rising to fame, Cardi B worked as a stripper in New York City, starting at age 19. This period was transformative, as it helped her escape poverty and an abusive relationship, fueling her ambition and confidence to pursue a music career. Her unapologetic personality and ability to connect with audiences were honed during her time in the clubs, contributing to her later success.

Cardi B faced controversy when she admitted to drugging and stealing money from men during her stripping days. The revelation sparked debates about her past actions and morality, though she clarified it was a means of survival. Despite the backlash, Cardi's transparency and resilience maintained her strong fan base, though it did bring complex discussions about accountability and redemption to the forefront.

John Parra/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Blac Chyna

Blac Chyna

While stripping at King of Diamonds, a popular Miami club, Chyna's unusual and "exotic" look made her popular; radio host Angela Yee described her as looking "like someone who was going to be famous." In 2010, Drake name-dropped her in "Miss Me.” Her rising popularity led to modeling jobs on the covers of Dimepiece, Straight Stuntin and Black Men's Magazine. Later that year, she was cast as Nicki Minaj's stunt double in the song "Monster" by Kanye West.Throughout her career, Chyna has undergone several surgeries for buttock augmentation and breast enhancement, but has also had surgery to reduce the size of her chest.

In February 2013, she enrolled in JLS Professional Make Up Artist School. In December 2013, she launched her online boutique, "88fin", filled with new clothing and products from her clothing line of the same name. Also that month, she launched her own brand of adhesive eyelashes, "Lashed by Blac Chyna". In February 2014, she purchased a beauty bar in Encino, Los Angeles, which offers makeup courses. Since 2016, she has appeared in a number of reality television shows, including E!'s Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and her own reality show with then-boyfriend Rob Kardashian, Rob & Chyna, also on the E! network. In 2019, she starred in The Real Blac Chyna on Zeus Network. She has also appeared in Tokyo Toni's Finding Love ASAP!, and VH1's Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. In 2021 Blac Chyna reportedly made $240 million dollars from OnlyFans.

Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt

Before Chris Pratt became a well-known actor, he worked as a stripper at the age of 18. In an interview with Buzzfeed, he said, “I was always a very much naked person. I loved to always get naked… I was very free, so I thought, 'I may as well get paid.’” This lead him to his very short-lived career choice.

He did a few gigs of mostly bachelorette parties, and even a birthday party for a grandmother of a friend. What’d we’d give to be a fly on the wall at that party. He even auditioned on a stage for a strip club at one point, but he didn’t get the job. Good thing he didn’t.

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga now sells out arenas across the globe, but before fame, she was a stripper. Gaga attended NYU's Tisch School of the Arts but dropped out and moved out of her parents' house. To support herself, she worked as a waitress during the day and a stripper at night.

She performed ‘70s and ‘80s cover songs as part of the duo “Lady Gaga and the Starlight Revenue.” She said in an interview that she’d wear black leather while dancing to bands like Guns N’ Roses. How very rock-and-roll of her.

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt was a stripper during his time at the University of Missouri, his friend has revealed.The actor was part of seven-man troupe the Dancing Bares when he was a member of fraternity Sigma Chi. Former frat brother Thomas Whelihan told In Touch Weekly: "When a girl from one of our sister sororities turned 21, the Bares would put her in a chair and come out butt-naked with pillowcases on their heads and do a choreographed dance for her. The girls would be laughing so hard. It was great!"

Pitt - who now lives with partner Angelina Jolie and their four children - was also renowned for playing practical jokes as an undergraduate. Frat brother Harry Lunt said: "Once, during Spring Fling, Brad tanned the letters of the sorority house we were grouped with on his butt. He mooned the whole crowd. Everyone thought it was hysterical. The star has previously revealed that he once worked as a chauffeur for strip group Women of the Pole, saying the job gave him his introduction to acting coach Roy London.

ROBYN BECK / AFP / Getty Images & Avalon / Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Amber Rose

Amber Rose

Amber Rose is one of those (many) fantastic women, whose apparent contradictions make her the unlikeliest of role models. Brought up in poverty, Rose became a stripper at 15, only to be thrown onto the international stage when she began a relationship with rapper Kanye West after they met on the set of a music video.

Today, Amber Rose is a successful model, actress, and entrepreneur. She has graced the covers of several major magazines and appeared in music videos for artists like Ludacris and Kanye West. Beyond modeling, Amber has launched her own eyewear line and authored a best-selling book, "How to Be a Bad Bitch." She is also a prominent advocate for women's rights and empowerment, organizing the annual SlutWalk event to combat gender inequality and promote body positivity. Her multifaceted career and advocacy work have made her an influential figure in pop culture.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Anna Nicole Smith

Anna Nicole Smith

Before Anna Nicole Smith became a household name, she worked as a stripper in Houston, Texas. Performing under the name Nikki, she was known for her stunning looks and captivating stage presence. Anna Nicole Smith's career skyrocketed after she was featured as Playboy's Playmate of the Year in 1993.

Her newfound fame led to modeling contracts with major brands like Guess and H&M, where she became the face of their campaigns. Smith also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as "Naked Gun 33?: The Final Insult" and starring in her own reality TV show, "The Anna Nicole Show." 

Brad Washburn / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Courtney Love

Courtney Love

After filming Sid and Nancy in New York City, she worked at a peep show in Times Square and squatted at the ABC No Rio social center and Pyramid Club in the East Village. The same year, Cox cast her in a leading role in his film Straight to Hell. The film was poorly reviewed by critics, but caught the attention of Andy Warhol, who featured Love in an episode of Andy Warhol's Fifteen Minutes. Love abandoned her acting career in 1988 and resumed work as a stripper in Oregon, where she was recognized by customers at a bar in the small town of McMinnville.

Love's first major media exposure came in a September 1992 profile with her husband Kurt Cobain for Vanity Fair by Lynn Hirschberg, entitled "Strange Love". Love claimed she was misquoted by Hirschberg, and asserted that she had immediately quit heroin during her first trimester after she discovered she was pregnant. Love later said the article had serious implications for her marriage and Cobain's mental state, suggesting it was a factor in his suicide two years later.

Jeff Kravitz / Film Magic, Inc / Getty Images

Kendra Wilkinson

Kendra Wilkinson

Before Kendra Wilkinson became a well-known television personality, she worked as a stripper in her hometown of San Diego. Her time in the strip clubs was more than just a job; it was a transformative experience that gave her financial independence and the confidence to pursue her dreams. It was during this period that she caught the attention of Hugh Hefner, leading to her move to the Playboy Mansion and exposure to a much wider audience.

Today, Kendra Wilkinson is celebrated for her role on the reality TV series "The Girls Next Door," which chronicled life at the Playboy Mansion. Following her success on the show, she starred in her own reality series, "Kendra," which provided a glimpse into her life beyond the mansion. Beyond reality TV, Kendra has authored books and appeared in various television projects, solidifying her place in the entertainment industry. Her journey from the strip clubs to mainstream media showcases her resilience and adaptability, making her a beloved figure to many fans.

Chris Weeks / WireImage / Getty Images

Eve

Eve

Before Eve became a renowned rapper and actress, she worked as a stripper in a Bronx club during her late teens. At the age of 18, she worked as a stripper until rapper Mase convinced her to stop stripping. In 1999, Eve discussed stripping in an interview with Rolling Stone, saying "that was a hustle, too; there's a song about it on my album, Heaven Only Knows.”

Today, Eve is celebrated for her successful music career, having released hit albums like "Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady" which went double platinum. She has also made her mark in acting, starring in films such as "Barbershop" and the TV series "Eve."

The Heart Truth, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

NeNe Leakes

NeNe Leakes

NeNe Leakes spent years working as a stripper. She wrote about the experience in her 2009 memoir, Never Make the Same Mistake Twice, explaining that she danced under the name “Silk” and came to a newfound confidence on the stage. “I felt powerful in front of those men,” she wrote.

She has been open about her past, crediting her time as a dancer for giving her resilience and confidence. Leakes has said that her experience shaped her drive, eventually helping her become a household name on The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

John W. Ferguson / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino

Before rising to fame on Jersey Shore, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino worked as a stripper in a troupe called "All American Male." Sorrentino's time as a dancer played a role in building his confidence, physique, and charisma, which he would later showcase on reality TV.

The time he spent as a dancer also helped him develop his famous swagger, a key element of his Jersey Shore persona. Though he moved on from that lifestyle, Sorrentino remains candid about his past and how it contributed to his success.

Bruce Glikas / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Mark Consuelos

Mark Consuelos

Actor Mark Consuelos, best known for his roles on All My Children and Riverdale, had a brief stint as a male stripper before breaking into Hollywood. Consuelos danced to make ends meet while he was pursuing acting and has often mentioned that experience as a testament to his willingness to do what it took to succeed.

Consuelos has since enjoyed a long career on television, and he occasionally jokes about his dancing days, reminding fans that his path to fame wasn’t always traditional. He embraces the experience as a quirky chapter of his journey to stardom.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem

Before his Oscar-winning performances, Spanish actor Javier Bardem took on a few shifts as a stripper, dancing for an audience to earn some extra cash. Bardem has recounted this experience as a humorous, if brief, chapter in his life, admitting that his stripping skills left much to be desired.

Bardem often laughs about this part of his life, saying it was a playful adventure in his early career. This unique job is now part of his origin story, one that he tells with a sense of humor and humility.

Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Carmen Electra

Carmen Electra

Before becoming a pop culture sensation, Carmen Electra worked as a stripper to support herself while pursuing a career in entertainment. Her time as a dancer helped her build confidence and develop her stage presence, which later translated into her performances on Baywatch.

Electra is open about her experience and has credited her past with helping her succeed in the industry. Her time as a dancer was, in her words, a stepping stone to achieving her dreams in Hollywood.

New York Daily News Archive / New York Daily News / Getty Images

Azealia Banks

Azealia Banks

Before breaking into the music industry, rapper Azealia Banks briefly worked as a stripper, a move she describes as an attempt to gain financial independence. Banks used this period of her life to find her own voice, which later manifested in her bold, unapologetic music style.

The experience added to her persona, contributing to the raw edge she brings to her performances and lyrics. Banks is open about her past and sees it as an integral part of her journey to success.

Playboy Magazine

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones is a name you probably don't expect to see on here. According to a New York Daily News report, Zeta-Jones wanted a nose job to better her chances of making it big in Hollywood. In order to fund the procedure, she decided to strip and save up cash. 

Obviously, the plan worked because she's now an A-list actor (although we doubt it's all due to the nose job). Zeta-Jones often speaks of her early career as a formative period, attributing some of her stage confidence and boldness to those days. She believes the experience added depth to her as an actress.

David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Stormy Daniels

Stormy Daniels

Adult film actress and director Stormy Daniels began her career as a stripper, using her earnings to fund her entry into the adult industry. Her time as a dancer taught her resilience and self-marketing skills, which later fueled her rise to fame.

Daniels is candid about her past and frequently emphasizes how stripping helped shape her career. She credits the experience with giving her confidence and the courage to pursue her goals fearlessly.

Alan from Chicago, USA, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jenna Jameson

Jenna Jameson

Before she became known as the "Queen of Porn," Jenna Jameson started her career as a stripper. She used her time dancing as a way to support herself and learn the ropes of the adult entertainment industry, gaining confidence along the way.

Jameson has often credited her time as a dancer with helping her develop a strong work ethic and personal brand, which allowed her to transform into a pioneering figure in adult entertainment. Stripping is definitely a good way to become confident in your body, too!

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Tila Tequila

Tila Tequila

Reality star Tila Tequila began her career as a stripper, dancing to make ends meet and explore her wild side. Tequila often spoke of her time as a dancer as an adventure that taught her self-expression and resilience.

Her dancing days helped her cultivate the edgy image that would later define her reality TV persona. Tequila’s experience as a stripper contributed to her sense of independence and unfiltered self-presentation.

Cindy Ord/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Brianna Taylor

Brianna Taylor

Known from Rock of Love, Brianna Taylor once worked as a stripper while pursuing her dreams of a music career. Taylor’s time in the industry allowed her to develop a resilient attitude, which she carried into her reality TV career.

Taylor has often expressed how stripping helped her survive financially, allowing her to work on her music. The experience gave her confidence and shaped her ambitious approach to her career.

Photobra Adam Bielawski, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Heather Veitch

Heather Veitch

Heather Veitch was a former stripper who later became a Christian ministry leader, helping women transition out of the adult industry. Her past life as a dancer gave her insight into the challenges that many women face in the industry.

Veitch now uses her past experience as a way to connect with and counsel others, emphasizing compassion and understanding. Her transformation has allowed her to become a powerful advocate for women seeking change.

Luke Ford, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese began her career as a burlesque dancer and worked as a stripper, a job that allowed her to craft her glamorous, vintage-inspired style. Her experiences in strip clubs shaped her aesthetic and helped her build a brand as a modern burlesque icon.

Von Teese’s journey from strip clubs to international fame shows her dedication to the art of burlesque. She has often credited her past with helping her develop the creative edge that defines her career.

ShowBizIreland / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images

Elisabeth Eaves

Elisabeth Eaves

Author and journalist Elisabeth Eaves once worked as a stripper, an experience she later chronicled in her memoir, Bare: The Naked Truth About Stripping. Eaves found that dancing gave her a new perspective on the industry and her own sense of autonomy.

Her time as a stripper provided her with stories and insights that she shared with readers, bringing nuance and honesty to her work. Eaves sees her past as an essential part of her journey as a writer and observer.

Jeffrey Ufberg / WireImage / Getty Images