All walks of life seem to be on reality television these days, but there are a few who break away from that type of programming and movie into more serious (and let’s face it) more respected venues of entertainment.
1) Jamie Chung. You may not know her name yet, but you have most likely seen her face. This young beauty first graced our television screens in 2004 in the popular MTV series “The Real World San Diego.” Her break into the movie business wasn’t until 2009 in the thriller “Sorority Row,” but Jamie was soon working with big stars such as Adam Sandler in “Grown Ups” only one year later. Now she can be seen in big blockbusters like “Sucker Punch” and the newly released “The Hangover Part II.” Something tells me we haven’t seen the last of Ms. Chung yet!
2) Nicole Richie. She was first introduced to us during the hysterical 2005 reality show “The Simple Life” with her then best-friend, Paris Hilton. Now Nicole is better known for her highly lusted after fashion and jewelry lines (House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate) than her crazy, drunken antics. Nicole went from a reality show favorite to a fashion icon in only a few shorts years.
3) Lauren Conrad. This blondie practically grew up on reality television, first premiering in the MTV series “Laguna Beach” in 2004 was she was only 17. The California girl later broke ties with her Laguna cast mates and scored her own show on the same network called “The Hills.” Although both series were popular, Lauren called it quits before the show wrapped and went on to her true love- fashion. She currently has her own line of clothing at Kohl’s called The Lauren Conrad Collection. Not to mention she also has two best selling novels under the belt including L.A. Candy and Sweet Little Lies: An L.A. Candy Novel.
4) Jennifer Hudson. Her tale is truly one to remembered. Jennifer was first brought to the public’s attention during her stint on the highly rated show “American Idol” in 2002. Although she was voted off by America, Jennifer was given another chance to prove her talents in the Oscar nominated flick “Dream Girls” and famously won an Oscar for her performance as best supporting actress the following year. Jennifer is now not only a successful recording artist but she is also the beautiful face behind Weight Watchers.
Tell us Lovelies: Which ex-reality star do you think has the best career?
daisy / 522 posts
Iono bout Jamie Chung lol but the other 3, yes.
guest
I remember Jamie Chung, I instantly recognized her in Disneys Princess Protection Program with Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez because that was my favorite and last season I saw of Real World. She was practically the normal one out of the group.
rose / 802 posts
LOVE Jennifer Hudson!
guest
I loved Jamie Chung in Suckerpunch (thought the movie was awesome).
I like pretty much all of the other women, too. With the exception of Nicole Richie.
rose / 802 posts
Also: How ’bout the member of Congress who’s a former “Real World” cast member? That’s a different kind of big, but big nonetheless!
guest
Hm, I don’t think I’d put Nicole Richie up there. She only got on a reality show because she has a famous dad and wasn’t doing anything with her life. The first chick I don’t know, but I haven’t seen those films.
guest
@P0RCELA1N_D0LL@xanga - I thought she was infamous for her stupidity, like not knowing that tuna isn’t chicken.
guest
jessica simpson. singer, reality tv star, actress, shoes & dessert treats line…infamous for her nice boobs, just sayin
lol
guest
@Grtt@xanga - I mostly remembered her for her boobs lol but yeah, also that one liner about chicken of the sea tuna
daisy / 526 posts
Uh, don’t forget The Miz (who’s awesome, btw)!
orchid / 198 posts
Jennifer Hudson…
guest
If you’re gonna mention American Idol contestants I think you should include Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert and Jordin Sparks they’re easily as famous (if not more) than most of these people.
ranunculus / 3457 posts
There’s reality stars out there who I think are a lot more famous….
guest
@SuburbanSweetheart - LOL what? Who was that?
rose / 802 posts
@xmzchoix@xanga - Rep. Sean Duffy, a Wisconsin Republican, who was on “Real World” Boston” wya back in the day! http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39990725/ns/today-entertainment/t/real-world-boston-alum-elected-congress/
guest
I liked Jamie Chung for being in a Disney movie. I’m not a fan of Lauren Conrad. I find her to be kinda boring
guest
@harleyy93@xanga - I don’t follow reality shows, so I had to google this. 3 out of 4 of the ones you listed won. They’re “supposed” to get famous after they win; America did picked them as their idol afterall. & I think Jennifer Hudson is more famous than Adam Lambert though.
guest
Nicole Richie married Joel Madden from Good Charlotte!
I LURRVE GC!
guest
Does Nicole Richie really count? She is Lionel Richie’s daughter so by proxy, she was already pretty famous…
guest
I looooove Lauren Conrad. She took advantage of her reality show fame to pursue her real dream of fashion, unlike the handful of celebs who took advantage of fame to buy more booze and drugs or yada ya.