Guys, we need to talk about these celebrity facts because I am shook .
It’s the age of the internet, so I honestly didn’t think there was much left that could surprise me, but I was very, very wrong.
From incredible family drama to surprising talents, I promise that you haven’t heard these facts before.
1. Jerry Springer was once the mayor of Cincinnati.
Wait, what?
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The famous talk show host, who’s known for pulling apart petty feuds on The Jerry Springer Show , actually served two terms as the mayor of Cincinnati in the 1970s.
2. Justin Timberlake’s mother was Ryan Gosling’s legal guardian for six months while the two of them starred on The Mickey Mouse Club.
Justin Timberlake revealed on Ellen that his family and the Goslings became so close while he and Ryan were on the show that they even lived in the same house.
3. Geena Davismade it to the semifinals in the qualification rounds for the Olympics in 2000.
The multi-talented actress picked up archery in her 40s and became proficient enough in the sport that she actually became a prospect for the Olympics in Sydney, Australia.Move over, Katniss Everdeen. Geena Davis is the real deal.
4. Buzz Aldrin recorded a rap song with Snoop Dogg called “The Rocket Experience.”
This collaboration is iconic.
Aldrin recorded the track to commemorate the 40th anniversary of his walk on the moon and to benefit various organizations that support space exploration.
5. Martin Luther King Jr. was a huge Star Trek fan.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a huge fan of Nichelle Nichols, who played Uhura on the show. In fact, he even convinced her to stay on the show when she was considering leaving for Broadway.
He viewed her presence on the show as very important for diversity and equality.
6. Rob Riggle served with the United States Marines for 23 years.
Riggle, who is best known for starring in 21 Jump Street and Modern Family , has toured in Liberia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.
Despite achieving success in the entertainment industry, Riggle maintains strong ties to the military and only retired in 2013.
7. Before making it big as an actress, Brie Larson released an album and toured with Jesse McCartney.
Her debut album, Finally Out of P.E. , came out in 2005 and tragically remains her only album release to date.
8. Keanu Reeves is just a seriously good person.
Seriously . He’s known for being extremely generous with his time and wealth.
Back when he was filming The Matrix , he gave a bunch of Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the stunt crew as a thank you for their hard work.
9. Christopher Walken used to work as a lion tamer.
Before he became a household name for his performances in films like The Deer Hunter and Pulp Fiction , Christopher Walken worked as a lion tamer at a circus.
Why has no one made a movie about this yet?
10. Leighton Meester was born while both of her parents were in prison.
When Leighton Meester was born, her parents were both serving time for drug-related offenses.
“My family has a crazy history,” said Meester. “Probably the craziest I’ve heard of.”
11. Jeremy Renner was once a makeup artist.
It might surprise you to learn that when Jeremy Renner was a struggling actor, he worked as a makeup artist.
“It bought me a lot of free time to go audition when I needed to because I only had to work a few hours a week. I didn’t have to wait tables, so it was actually a great gig,” said Renner.
12. Michael J. Fox’s middle name does not actually start with a “J.”
Well, my life is a lie.Apparently, Fox’s middle name is actually Andrew and he added the “J” as an homage to character actor Michael J. Pollard.
13. Both Dakota and Elle Fanning go by their middle names.
I had no idea!
Dakota’s first name is actually Hannah and Elle‘s is Mary. According to Elle , their mother also goes by her middle name so I guess it’s just a Fanning family tradition.
14. Jennifer Lopez was the first person in history to release a number one album and star in a number one movie in the same week.
I mean, this really isn’t that surprising because there’s nothing Jennifer Lopez can’t do.The Wedding Planner and her second album,J.Lo,both hit number one in 2001.
15. Woody Harrelson’s father was a notorious assassin.
I can’t believe that this is a thing. It sounds more like the plot of a movie starring Woody Harrelson than his actual life.
Harrelson’s estranged father, Charles Harrelson, worked as an assassin in ’60s and ’70s before he was caught. He died in prison in 2007.
16. And finally, Tom Hardy once brought his dog to a movie premiere.
This is important information, and it should honestly be commemorated on a postage stamp or something.
