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Atlanta actors who had surprising jobs before making it big in Hollywood

September 10, 2016 - ATLANTA - Highlight of the One Musicfest was the Dungeon Family reunion featuring luminaries such as Outkast's Andre 3000. (Akili-Casundria Ramsess/Special to the AJC)

Credit: Akili-Casundria Ramsess

Credit: Akili-Casundria Ramsess

September 10, 2016 - ATLANTA - Highlight of the One Musicfest was the Dungeon Family reunion featuring luminaries such as Outkast's Andre 3000. (Akili-Casundria Ramsess/Special to the AJC)
By Amber Pittman
Dec 23, 2016

Atlanta is no stranger to fame; we've got amazing musicians, a plethora of television shows and films that call the city home, and this southern city has produced a lot of fantastic actors as well.

And while there are some who started acting as children like Chloe Grace Moretz and Raven Symone, there are plenty of others who had to work their way up to the fame they have now.

Julia Roberts

CULVER CITY, CA - JUNE 04: Actress Julia Roberts accepts the Woman of the Decade award onstage during Spike TV's "Guys Choice 2016" at Sony Pictures Studios on June 4, 2016 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Credit: Kevin Winter

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Credit: Kevin Winter

Possibly the most famous of metro Atlanta-born actors, this “Pretty Woman” didn't just start off winning Oscars. The Smyrna native started off working at a classic profession – scooping ice cream at Baskin-Robbins.

Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker

Credit: MATT CARR / GETTY IMAGES

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Credit: MATT CARR / GETTY IMAGES

Before he became a household name with the “Rush Hour” movies, Tucker, who grew up in DeKalb, worked for his father's janitorial business as a janitor at Burger King.

Ed Helms

Ed Helms, who worked on "The Daily Show" from 2002 to 2006, joined "The Office" in 2006, continuing through its conclusion in 2013. His films include "The Hangover" trilogy, "We're the Millers," and "Vacation." (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

Credit: Richard Shotwell

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Credit: Richard Shotwell

The funny man of “The Hangover” has always had his eyes set on Hollywood, but the Atlanta native started out as a video editor and doing voice-over work.

Andre 3000

Andre 3000

Credit: http://alchetron.com/Andre-3000-135358-W

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Credit: http://alchetron.com/Andre-3000-135358-W

Known not only for his work in the award-winning hip-hop duo OutKast, Andre 3000 has also garnered rave reviews for his portrayal of Jimi Hendrix and other movie roles. He started out earning money by giving impromptu shows in mall parking lots around Atlanta.

Ludacris

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 10: Ludacris attends the Xbox And Gears Of War 4 launch event at Studio No. 7 on October 10, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Xbox & Gears of War 4)

Credit: Paras Griffin

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Credit: Paras Griffin

One of the more famous Atlantans, Ludacris didn't move here until he was 6 years old, but he continues to live in the area and show his love in support in a variety of charitable actions. He didn't start off acting or even rapping, he was a radio DJ and a cook at Pizza Hut.

Holly Hunter

Holly Hunter is also in town.

Credit: Chris Pizzello

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Credit: Chris Pizzello

The Academy Award winner grew up in Conyers, and didn't start acting until the 80s. She helped out on the family's 250-acre farm for years, but starred in her first play in fifth grade.

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Amber Pittman
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