Before they were household names, these celebrities were just like the rest of us—flipping burgers, brewing coffee, or manning the drive-thru window. But not all of them were model employees. From showing up late, these future stars found themselves getting the boot from their fast food gigs. Curious which celebs couldn’t cut it in the service industry? Here are 10 famous faces who were fired from fast food jobs (and the stories are just as juicy as the burgers).
10. Rachel McAdams – McDonald’s
Regina George may not work for McDonald’s, but the actress who played her role, Rachel McAdams, did. While Rachel wasn’t fired from her job, she admitted that she wasn’t the best employee. The Hollywood A-lister recalled that she broke the orange juice machine and was slow for a fast food place. It didn’t help matters that her OCD made her wash her hands since she wasn’t really fond of greasy food. Instead, the management placed her in front to greet the customers. Lucky for her, she lasted three years on the job.
9. Pharrell Williams – McDonald’s
Pharell Williams applied his “Happy” song to life way too much. The singer didn’t just get fired at McDonald’s once, but twice! Well, yes, it’s from three different locations. He admitted his shortcomings, claiming that he was a very lazy employee. Pharell said that he wasn’t doing much at McDonald’s except munching on some McNuggets. Well, it’s safe to assume that the singer improved his work ethic now that he’s successful.
8. Madonna – Dunkin’
Before Madonna became the Queen of Pop, she had to work jobs just like the rest of us. She once worked at Dunkin’ in Times Square, and she wasn’t actually great at her job. Well, reports say that she accidentally squirted jelly filling from the donuts on customers! It’s really hard to think how it had happened more than once, but hey, accidents happen. Looking at the bright side, she became the Queen of Pop cause she’s good at this job.
7. Hugh Jackman – 7-Eleven
Before Hugh Jackman became a leading man in your favorite romance movies, he worked many jobs, including one at 7-Eleven. The star shared that he was in high school when he applied for the job. His boss fired him for talking too much to the customers since he only wanted them out. Well, it all went out well for Hugh in the future!
6. Pink – Wendy’s
Alicia Beth Moore, known by her stage name as “Pink,” worked at McDonald’s and Wendy’s. Despite a singer being a bad worker at McDonald’s, she didn’t get fired. Pink shared that she would sm*ke at drive-thru windows and give freebies to her friends. However at Wendy’s, she didn’t last a day since she failed the task of making French Fries.
5. Nick Cannon – Weinerschitzel
Nick Cannon, known for his comedic stunts had taken them way too far when he would bring his jokes to work. When the actor was a teenager, his mom required that he get a job. He had chosen Weinerschitzel, which is a popular chain known for their Chili Cheese Hot Dogs. His role was to man the drive-thru, but he was fired by his boss for telling too many jokes. Well, safe to say those jokes landed him a pretty good career in the entertainment industry.
4. Russell Simmons – Orange Julius
You may have known Orange Julius as an orange juice brand in Dairy Queen, but before, they used to have locations at malls. Well, producer and entrepreneur Russell Simmons once worked in one of Orange Julius stores during his younger years. He was fired a month later because he didn’t have what it takes to be one of their employees. Luckily, he bounced back from that and is now successful at what he does.
3. Kate Walsh – Burger King
Kate Walsh is known for her role as Dr. Addison Montgomery from the hit ABC series Grey’s Anatomy. Well, before she landed that role, she used to work for Burger King. However, she was fired since, according to her, the Assistant Manager didn’t like her. It is unclear what the reason is behind it, but she had a better experience when she moved to Dairy Queen. The rest was history.
2. Tyler, the Creator – Starbucks
Before Tyler, the Creator had a successful career as a singer and songwriter, he had to brew coffee at Starbucks. However, he used to steal danishes in his two-and-a-half years at the coffee chain. Not long after, he clashed with the new Manager, Cindy, who fired him. For his grand exit, he ate three cheese danishes in front of Cindy before walking out.
1.Nicki Minaj – Red Lobster
Nicki Minaj proved her impact on the world, especially with her “Super Bass” hit that we can “rap” up until now. Well, behind her success, we also heard news of the rapper having quite a sharp tongue. When she was a teenager, Nicki was fired from her waitress job at Red Lobster. The reason? She followed a couple to their car when they didn’t bring back her pen that they borrowed. The rapper banged on their car window hard enough to break it. Well, she was fired after that drama.