This list of celebrities who started as backup dancers is loosely ranked by fame and popularity. Several famous actors and musicians started their careers in the entertainment industry as backup dancers. A few of these talented dancers went on to become some of the biggest pop stars of all time. One famous backup dancer is well known for his gritty performances on dark HBO dramas.
Who is the most famous person who started as a backup dancer? Jennifer Lopez tops this list. In 1991, Lopez performed as a backup dancer for New Kids on the Block. She went on to become a Fly Girl dancer on the popular sketch comedy series "In Living Color." “Material Girl” singer Madonna was also a backup singer and dancer, she worked with Patrick Hernandez in 1979.
The Wire and Boardwalk Empire actor Michael K. Williams previously worked as a backup dancer for Madonna and Tupac Shakur. Shakur also started his own career as a backup dancer.
Are you surprised that so many superstars started as backup dancers? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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Carrie Ann Inaba
"Dancing with the Stars" judge Carrie Ann Inaba first appeared on American television as a Fly Girl dancer on "In Living Color."
Columbus Short
"Scandal" actor Columbus Short was previously a backup dancer for Britney Spears.
Jenna Dewan
Step Up actress Jenna Dewan performed as a backup dancer for several artists including N' Sync, Janet Jackson, Missy Elliot, and Ricky Martin.
Jennifer Lopez
In 1991, Jennifer Lopez performed as a backup dancer for New Kids on the Block. She went on to become a Fly Girl dancer on the popular sketch comedy series "In Living Color."
Julianne Hough
Before she was a regular on "Dancing with the Stars," Julianne Hough performed on the show's tour as a backup dancer.
Kevin Federline
Before he became Mr. Britney Spears, Kevin Federline worked as a backup dancer for Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and Gwen Stefani.
Madonna
Madonna was a backup singer and dancer for Patrick Hernandez in 1979.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey was a backup singer and dancer for Brenda Starr in the late 1980s.
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur started his career as a backup dancer for the 1990s hip hop group Digital Underground.
Heather Morris
"Glee" actress Heather Morris first caught producers' eyes as a backup dancer for Beyonce.