20. NeNe Leakes

Debuting as one of the stars of the hit reality show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, NeNe Leakes rose to fame when she was 41 years old. Leakes started out as a struggling actress, landing roles like a stripper but never really getting recognizable credit for her work. Today, Leakes has established her own production company, fashion line, and a one-woman comedy tour. – you go, girl!