Before Winona Ryder rose to fame and fortune and an impressive net worth of $18 million, her first job was far from the glamorous sets of Hollywood. In a candid interview, the actress revealed several details about herself, but one may be of particular interest to her followers.
Her unexpected beginnings and the contrast with her later successes in the industry showcase a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to fame. Although her initial professional experience had nothing to do with her career, she reached heights that only one in a million can achieve.
Winona Ryder’s humble beginnings
Winona Ryder’s journey to becoming a household name began with her first job in a mailroom, and she revealed details about it in an “Ask Me Anything” segment on Elle with Jenna Ortega, her co-star from Beetlejuice 2She worked in her father’s bookstore and learned how to package books.
So, I wasn’t really paid, but my father worked in a used bookstore that was pretty upscale. He was cataloging the first love letter that he hadn’t written, which was on an Egyptian leaf, and I got to work in the mailroom. There they taught me how to properly package books to ship them, but I didn’t get paid, maybe a quarter or 50 cents, you know, which felt like a big deal or like an extra blind.
She recalled the fond memories of her early days and said that even 50 cents seemed like a big sum to the young Winona. This anecdote puts things in perspective for audiences who have witnessed her development as an actress over the decades but know nothing of her humble beginnings.
Winona Ryder’s journey from mailroom to $18 million.
This meager salary was a far cry from the millions of dollars she later earned as a top-notch actress. Her career began with the film Lucasbut her breakthrough came with roles like Lydia in Beetlejuice and Veronica in Heather.
She further changed the course of her career by delivering solid performances in Edward Scissorhands And Little Womenwhich made audiences appreciate her talent and versatility. After facing some challenges in the early 2000s, the series marked her triumphant return. Stranger Thingsand proved that she could capture the interest of both old and new fans.
Her early job laid the foundation for a great work ethic and dedication that paved the way to her success in Hollywood. As Ryder achieved her impressive net worth, her story became an inspiration to many.
Winona Ryder’s story is a powerful reminder of how our early experiences can shape us and lead us to great success. Today, she continues to captivate viewers with her diverse roles and her early days in the mailroom remain a poignant part of her journey.
Beetlejuice 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on September 6, 2024.
