Forgotten Stars and Their Weird Pre-Fame Days: From Slaves to Giants
Behind the glamour and fame of Hollywood lie some incredibly bizarre stories of how certain actors carved their way to stardom. Two notable figures from the annals of film history, Errol Flynn and Nathan Jones, have particularly strange pre-fame careers that are rarely talked about.
The Dark Chapter of Errol Flynn: Slave Trade in New Guinea
The renowned swashbuckler and actor, Errol Flynn, had a pre-fame job that stands out as disturbingly dark. Prior to his rise to stardom, Flynn engaged in the despicable trade of slavery. This harsh reality saw Flynn capturing and selling human beings as commodities, an action that evoked immense suffering in those he wronged. His reliance on this illegal and inhumane profession stood in stark contrast to his later portrayal of heroic figures in Hollywood.
Though shamefully reversing his course, Flynn candidly acknowledged this chapter in his life, describing it in his biography. His truthfulness during the era of Old Hollywood—from 1920s to 1960s—did not necessarily ruin his career. Despite the abhorrence of his past involvement in the slave trade, his legacy in the film industry carried on.
Brad Pitt's Achilles vs. Nathan Jones: Australia's Most Wanted
Another actor with a similarly astonishing pre-fame history is Nathan Jones, who starred in the 2004 epic Troy as the giant warrior opposing Brad Pitt’s Achilles. Beyond this, Jones had an even more extraordinary past.
In the 1980s, he was known as “Australia’s Most Wanted” criminal, referring to his various acts of violence and daring escapes. Nicknamed “The Colossus of Boggo Road,” Jones was a formidable escape artist and an extreme powerlifter. He weighed over 300 pounds and stood nearly 7 feet tall, making him a real giant in the world of crime and athletics. His physical strength and unyielding willpower allowed him to escape handcuffs, perform extraordinary feats of strength, and rip jail cell doors from their hinges.
Jones’ notorious criminal life was marked by eight armed robberies, earning him a 16-year prison sentence. However, in prison, he turned towards athletics as a path to rehabilitation. He worked out religiously to earn a living and support himself, eventually transforming from a feared criminal to a respected wrestler and actor.
Upon his release, Jones embraced his newfound path towards law-abiding citizenship by marrying, having a child, and living a family life. This dramatic transformation from a large, menacing bank robber to a respected wrestler and actor provides an inspiring and empowering ‘rags to riches’ story, illustrating how far one can climb after laying down their criminal tendencies.
Conclusion: Hollywood’s Hidden Gems
Errol Flynn and Nathan Jones are just two of the many actors who had notably bizarre or controversial pre-fame careers. These tales underscore the human complexity behind accomplished individuals and highlight the resilience and transformation potential that exists in our society. As we delve into the past, we often uncover hidden stories that add depth and interest to the remarkable journey of becoming a famous Hollywood star.