Tonight as you watch the Academy Awards (or tomorrow as you click through the red carpet pics) I hope that you see more than couture clothes, astonishing gems, and Hollywood-perfect bodies. I hope that what shines through is the smart and hard work put into each of the movies that were created. And then when the novelty of the event begins to wear off, I hope that you find the encouragement to continue to take steps toward the goals that you have for yourself. Just think, everyone at the Academy Awards was once something other than an actor, producer, director, or writer. And for those of you who think you are too late to get started living the life of your dreams, think again. It’s never too late. Below is a list of famous multicultural people who began their careers at 30+ years old (not the run of the mill lists you’ve seen before). So, after you watch the show, make a list of the 5 things you’re going to accomplish this week and get started!
Oprah We all know that Oprah has had amazing success, but did you know that she didn’t hit her stride and debut The Oprah Winfrey Show until she was 32 years old? She had numerous years of challenges and discouragement before creating the amazing reign on television that she held for 25 years.
Andrea Bocelli Now he is known as an acclaimed opera singer, but this wasn’t always the case. Andrea began training to be an opera singer at 32 years old. He persevered even though many said that he was too old to begin training. He did all of this while not being held back by blindness!
Toni Morrison Ms. Morrison published her first novel The Bluest Eye at the age of 39 after having a successful career as a book editor. Even though her first book wasn’t a financial success and was met with moderate acclaim, Ms. Morrison continued to write. Later she published Sula and eventually received widespread literary acclaim when she published her third novel, Song of Solomon. Third time was the charm for Ms. Morrison who went on to receive financial acclaim for all of her works after the recognition of Song of Solomon.
Ken Jeong Before he was making us all die of laughter in the Hangover movies, Ken was a doctor. He did his residency in my second hometown of New Orleans. Then he moved to LA to keep working as a doctor while establishing his career as a comedian. And of course the rest is movie history.
Viola Davis You may know her name now, but Viola didn’t begin her career in theater on Broadway until she was 31 years. She didn’t captivate the members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences until she somehow stole a scene from Meryl Streep in Doubt which she filmed at 43 years old.
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