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Reality TV has often been derided as a lowbrow genre, full of fleeting moments and fame that doesn’t last. However, over the years, some reality TV stars have managed to transcend their humble beginnings and become global icons in Hollywood. These individuals have used their platform to launch careers in acting, producing, and even music, proving that reality TV can be more than just a stepping stone—it can be a launchpad to lasting fame. Here’s a look at the best reality TV stars who became Hollywood icons.

1. Kim Kardashian

It’s hard to talk about reality TV stars without mentioning Kim Kardashian, the queen of reality television. She first rose to prominence as part of the family-centric reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2007-2021), which chronicled the lives of the Kardashian-Jenner family. Initially known for her socialite lifestyle and a controversial sex tape, Kim Kardashian’s fame skyrocketed with the success of the show.

What sets Kardashian apart, however, is her transformation from a reality TV star to a bona fide mogul. She built a multi-million-dollar empire with her KKW Beauty line, entered the world of criminal justice reform, and has cultivated a massive following on social media. Kim has proven to be more than just a reality TV star—she’s a savvy businesswoman, an influencer, and a cultural phenomenon.

2. Jennifer Lopez

Before she was a music sensation and an Oscar-nominated actress, Jennifer Lopez first gained attention as a dancer on the 1990s TV show In Living Color. However, it was her role as the host of American Idol (2011-2016) that brought her back into the spotlight as a reality TV star. Though she had already established herself as a powerhouse in film and music by this time, American Idol helped solidify her status as a pop culture staple.

J.Lo’s career as a reality star opened up new doors for her, allowing her to connect with a new generation of fans. In addition to her ongoing music and acting career, Lopez has become a prominent producer, philanthropist, and fashion icon, all while remaining an unstoppable force in Hollywood. Her story proves that a reality TV appearance can serve as a springboard to even bigger things.

3. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was already a household name as a professional wrestler in WWE, but it was his time as a reality TV star on The Hero (2013) that marked his transition into mainstream Hollywood stardom. Johnson hosted the competition-based reality show, in which contestants competed in extreme challenges to prove they had what it takes to be "a hero."

But it was his breakout roles in action films like The Fast and the Furious franchise and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) that catapulted him into Hollywood legend. Today, The Rock is one of the highest-paid actors in the world, known for his larger-than-life persona both in front of the camera and on social media. His time on reality TV helped introduce his charismatic and approachable personality to an even wider audience, making him a true Hollywood icon.

4. Eva Longoria

Before she became a household name as the sassy Gabrielle Solis on the hit TV series Desperate Housewives (2004-2012), Eva Longoria first gained attention in the reality TV world. Longoria appeared on The Housewives of Beverly Hills and briefly took part in the competition reality show The Real Housewives of Miami. It was her time in the reality TV sphere that helped her hone her acting chops and prepare for the spotlight.

Her role in Desperate Housewives made Longoria one of the biggest stars of the 2000s, but it was her savvy business sense—coupled with her ongoing charitable work—that cemented her legacy in Hollywood. She went on to produce television shows, direct films, and advocate for Latino causes. Today, Longoria is regarded as one of the most influential Latinas in Hollywood.

5. Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton was one of the earliest reality TV stars to become a pop culture icon. She and her best friend Nicole Richie starred in The Simple Life (2003-2007), a reality show that followed the two socialites as they tried to live a more “normal” life working odd jobs in small-town America. The show was a smash hit, and Hilton quickly became a global sensation, known for her "party girl" persona and catchphrase, “That’s hot.”

While Hilton’s career as a reality TV star seemed to be just a momentary flash of fame, she managed to build an empire from her early exposure. She transitioned into acting, music, and fashion, and became a successful entrepreneur with ventures such as her fragrance line. Paris Hilton’s place in pop culture is undeniable, and she continues to make waves in various industries. Her ability to reinvent herself proves that reality TV fame can be the foundation for a long-lasting career.

6. Khloé Kardashian

Another member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan who has carved out her own place in Hollywood is Khloé Kardashian. While she initially gained fame through Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Khloé has built a successful career beyond the show. She has hosted Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian, a reality competition show where contestants undergo dramatic physical transformations, and The Kardashians (2022-), a continuation of her family’s reality empire.

Khloé has also ventured into business, launching her own clothing brand, Good American, which focuses on size inclusivity. Like her sister Kim, Khloé’s ability to pivot from reality TV stardom into a multifaceted career has made her one of the most influential figures in Hollywood today.

7. Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks began her career as a supermodel but skyrocketed to fame in the early 2000s with her groundbreaking reality TV show America’s Next Top Model (2003-2018). As the host and creator of the show, Banks became a household name, using the series as a platform to showcase aspiring models and provide them with opportunities in the competitive fashion industry.

However, Banks didn’t stop at reality TV. She became an influential figure in the worlds of television and film, even hosting her own talk show, The Tyra Banks Show (2005-2010). Banks continues to remain a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, using her platform to advocate for diversity and body positivity in the modeling world. Her ability to parlay reality TV fame into a successful career as a businesswoman, producer, and philanthropist makes her one of the most iconic reality TV stars turned Hollywood moguls.

8. Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen first gained widespread attention as a model, but it was her appearance on Lip Sync Battle (2015) that turned her into a household name. Teigen’s infectious personality, combined with her quick wit and humor, made her a natural fit for the reality competition show. Her authentic and relatable presence in the public eye has helped her transition into a beloved media personality.

Teigen has since expanded her career into writing, with best-selling cookbooks, and as an entrepreneur, launching her own kitchenware line. She’s also become a staple on social media, where she uses her platform to connect with fans and advocate for causes close to her heart. From reality TV star to mogul, Chrissy Teigen is an example of how a successful career can evolve in many different directions.

Conclusion

The reality TV genre has proven to be an unlikely yet powerful springboard for some of the biggest names in Hollywood. These stars, who began their careers on reality shows, have evolved into cultural icons, using their fame to transition into acting, business ventures, and other creative pursuits. Whether through savvy entrepreneurship, acting chops, or sheer star power, these reality TV personalities have shown that, sometimes, fame on a reality show is just the beginning of an even more impressive journey.