Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford has had a long and successful career whether you associate him with Han Solo or Indiana Jones, he’s portrayed plenty of iconic characters over the years. However, he had humble beginnings growing up in Illinois then attending Ripon College in Wisconsin. There he actually decided first to study drama to get over his shyness, which he obviously did successfully, moving to LA and signing a contract with Columbia Pictures after his graduation.
Daisey Ridley
Unlike some of the other members of the Star Wars cast, it was Daisy Ridley’s role as Rey that really elevated her to international fame. Previously she had her minor roles on the TV shows Silent Witness, Casualty, and Toast of London. However, nothing that even got close to the scope of the Star Wars universe. At one point she even had to support her acting aspirations by working as a barmaid at pubs in London for two years before she could study with Open University and take online classes.
Adam Driver
These days Adam Driver is instantly associated with his excellent portrayal of the villain Kylo Ren. But before he found his way onto the big screen and built a successful acting career his life was quite different. Growing up in Indiana, he was a self-described misfit and rebel in high school, stating that he would kill time by lighting things on fire and climbing radio towers. However, following the 9/11 attacks, he made the decision to join the Marines. His three-year stint in the military probably taught him the discipline which he later applied to his acting career.
Oscar Isaac
Oscar Isaac is now associated with his role as the beloved pilot Poe Dameron. However, when he was young, he was quite the troublemaker. As a kid, during his time at a private Christian school, he engaged in pranks like setting off a fire extinguisher and defacing a mural and ended up getting expelled. However, this rebellious period was short-lived once being accepted into Julliard acting program in 2001. He found the focus and direction needed that led to his successful acting career.
John Boyega
Unlike some of the other cast members, John Boyega has always had acting as a guiding force in his life. Though he grew up in a tough part of South London, he always found refuge in theater, taking part in plays throughout his youth. He had planned to get a degree in the Performing Arts but dropped out to learn on the job and pursue acting as an immediate career. Now, Boyega is best known for portraying Finn in the Star Wars franchise.