Sometimes we forget that celebs are just like everybody else—with their own struggles and obstacles to overcome. The following stars absolutely epitomize that, and have totally inspired us with their amazing personal stories.

• Demi Lovato

  By InTouch Weekly

  Demi has shared her personal struggles with eating disorders, and in doing so, has helped to raise more awareness on the issue: “Having an eating disorder doesn’t show ‘strength.’ Strength is when you are able to overcome your demons after being sick and tired for so long. There’s a wide misconception that anorexia and/or bulimia is a choice.”

• Oprah Winfrey

  By InTouch Weekly

  Oprah wasn’t always one of the most successful women in America. In fact, she had an extremely difficult upbringing. An alleged victim of sexual abuse, the talk show host gave birth to her first child at age 14, only for him to pass away shortly after. Intent on making a change, Oprah persevered and was a model student throughout high school. She worked her way through the ranks of television to become one of the most influential TV personalities around.

• Sarah Jessica Parker

  By InTouch Weekly

  Sarah Jessica was one of eight kids, and occasionally had to live off of welfare support growing up. Despite not always having the means to support her interests, the future ‘Sex and the City’ starlet pursued her passions of dancing and singing, which ultimately paid off as she was cast in a Broadway play, marking the start of her career in showbiz. 

• Jay Z

  By InTouch Weekly

  Raised by a single mother in a housing project in Brooklyn, Jay Z grew up in a rough neighborhood and was caught up in various crimes. Wanting something more than the path he was leading, he turned to music. Despite having to sell CDs out of his car because no record label would sign him, he started his own independent label and would go on to become a true hip-hop mogul.

• Charlize Theron

  By InTouch Weekly

  Charlize may be one of
  Hollywood’s biggest names, but she had humble beginnings, just like many
  others. In fact, she recently opened up about her troubled family life growing
  up, and the traumatic event of witnessing her mother shoot her abusive,
  alcoholic father dead. As a testament to her strength, Charlize has since overcome the trauma, and even confronted it head on in her role for the upcoming movie, ‘Dark Places.’

  

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• Viola Davis

  By InTouch Weekly

  Self-described as having “lived in abject poverty and dysfunction” throughout her life, ‘The Help’ actress gave a moving speech about her struggles with hunger and being hungry at ‘Variety’s’ 2014 ‘Power of Women’ luncheon. Her powerful story brought herself and the crowd to tears, and is one of the most inspirational celebrity speeches ever given.