Keanu reeves
Story: Keanu Reeves was abandoned by his father when he was three, and the Speed star subsequently had minimal contact with him growing up. They last met when Reeves was 13. When speaking to Rolling Stone in 2000, the actor duly explained, “The story with me and my dad’s pretty heavy. It’s full of pain and woe.”
Success: Keanu Reeves achieved success through resilience, overcoming personal hardships and becoming a beloved actor known for his humility, dedication, and iconic roles in films like The Matrix and John Wick.
Kanye West
Story: Kanye West spent long periods of time apart from his father Ray after his parents divorced when he was three.
Success: Kanye West achieved success by revolutionizing the music industry with his innovative production, bold creativity, and genre-defying albums, becoming one of the most influential artists of his generation.
Samuel L. Jackson
Story: Samuel L. Jackson was raised by his mother and only met his alcoholic father twice before he passed away. One of those meetings came after Jackson became a dad himself.
Success: Samuel L. Jackson achieved success through his powerful performances and perseverance, rising from humble beginnings to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic and highest-grossing actors, known for roles in films like Pulp Fiction and The Avengers.
Adelle
Story: British superstar Adele was abandoned by her dad Mark when she was two. The pair’s already strained relationship deteriorated yet further in 2011, though, when he sold his story to a British tabloid, admitting there that he was a “rotten,” alcoholic dad.
Success: Adele achieved success with her soulful voice and emotionally resonant songwriting, becoming a global sensation through chart-topping albums like 21 and 25, and earning numerous awards for her raw, heartfelt performances.
Quentin Tarantino
Story: Quentin Tarantino has no inclination to connect with his father Tony, who divorced his mother soon after he was born.
Success: Quentin Tarantino achieved success by redefining modern cinema with his unique storytelling, sharp dialogue, and bold direction in iconic films like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, establishing himself as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation.
Gene Simmons
Story: When Gene Simmons was just eight years old, his father Feri Witz left his family – and the two were never to meet again before Witz died in 2002.
Success: Gene Simmons achieved success as the co-founder and bassist of KISS, transforming the band into a global rock phenomenon with his larger-than-life persona, business acumen, and iconic stage performances, making KISS a cultural and commercial powerhouse.
Christina Aguilera
Story: Christina Aguilera has alleged on many occasions that her father Fausto was abusive towards her growing up – something he has always denied. Aguilera’s parents divorced when she was six, with her dad virtually absent from her life since then
Success: Christina Aguilera achieved success with her powerful vocals and versatile artistry, rising to fame with hits like "Genie in a Bottle" and evolving into a pop icon known for her vocal range, bold image, and lasting impact on music and pop culture.
Lil wayne
Story: Lil Wayne’s father deserted the family when the future rapper was just two years old.
Sucess: Lil Wayne achieved success by becoming one of the most influential rappers of his generation, known for his prolific output, groundbreaking lyrics, and iconic albums like Tha Carter III, which solidified his place as a hip-hop legend.
Kelly Rowland
Story: Former Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland has had no contact with her father – who was an abusive alcoholic – since she was seven.
Success: Kelly Rowland achieved success as a member of the iconic group Destiny’s Child and as a solo artist, making her mark with hits like "Motivation" and establishing herself as a versatile performer, actress, and influential figure in the music industry.
Guy Pearce
Story: When he was just eight years old, Guy Pearce’s childhood was torn apart, as his RAF pilot father passed away in a plane crash.
Success: Guy Pearce achieved success through his versatile acting, starring in critically acclaimed roles in films like Memento and L.A. Confidential, establishing himself as a respected and talented actor in both independent and mainstream cinema.