It’s the ultimate Cinderella story when a nobody gets discovered by a somebody and life is forever changed. Dating or marrying a celebrity comes with its own set of challenges, in addition to the rewards. There’s also a lack of privacy, media scrutiny and the shallow Hollywood lifestyle means there’s beautiful women everywhere! Then there’s the perks: the parties, money, friends, and an entirely new social realm. Dating a celebrity doesn’t always mean fame for yourself either, many just wind up being “arm candy,” while others take the platform they’ve been given and make a career for themselves. With the connections they have been brought into — networking is everything, and the possibilities are endless. Here’s nine smart nobodies, who shot to fame themselves after being swept off their feet by a celebrity. Find out how they found their fame, beyond being a trophy.
9. Jillian Dempsey
Jillian Fink thought it was a joke when she saw heart-throb Patrick Dempsey in her appointment book for a haircut one day. As luck would have it for Jillian, it wasn’t a joke, but rather the real Patrick Dempsey indeed. After several years of haircuts, the two began dating. They were married in 1999 and share 3 children together. Jillian took her salon talents and made a career in makeup artistry seen on many red carpets, as well as her own cosmetic line. Her now-hubby may have had a hand in things, as his own boost in celebrity status when he was cast as Dr. McDreamy on Grey’s Anatomy sent everyone googling about his personal life, bringing Jillian more and more into the limelight. The two split, and later reconciled earlier this year.
Photo by Charles Sykes / Rex Features
