In February 2023, a survey undertaken by SpareRoom.com, (a website advertising spare rooms to rent) found that many renters are facing difficulties in the current rental market. The survey consisted of 1,175 participants who rent in the United States. It found that a huge 41.7% of renters believe that searching for a new living space in the current market has a negative impact on their careers, with 78.38% of renters strongly believing apartment-hunting to be a great source of anxiety.

Even celebrities, who now enjoy fame and fortune, once faced similar challenges. Many of these stars have confessed to sharing living spaces when launching their careers, which only proves their determination to adapt and succeed. Here’s a list of 16 well-known celebrities who shared living spaces before their careers truly took off:

1. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck: While trying to make it in the entertainment industry, the two actors shared an apartment in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and frequently moved to adjust to their financial situation.
2. Brad Pitt and Jason Priestley: Before they became famous, they were roommates who had a competition to see who could go the longest without showering and shaving. Brad always won.
3. Judd Apatow and Adam Sandler: During their early careers, the film director and comedian/actor were roommates who shared a modest apartment and split the rent of $900 per month. As a special treat, they would indulge in a monthly meal at “Red Lobster.”
4. Justin Long and Jonah Hill: Before they gained fame, these actors lived together in an apartment and often argued like a long-married couple.
5. Robert Downey Jr. and Kiefer Sutherland: In the 1980s, Kiefer and RDJ were roommates before they became famous actors. Kiefer provided support to RDJ during his relationship struggles.
6. Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito: Hollywood icons Douglas and DeVito were roommates in New York City. Douglas took care of laundry duties and spoke highly of DeVito as a roommate. If a sock was placed on the door, it meant that they were entertaining female guests.
7. Eddie Redmayne, Andrew Garfield, and Jamie Dornan: Before their big breaks, these upcoming stars were roommates in Hollywood. They used to share a sandwich to save money on parking at the Standard Hotel in West Hollywood and discuss their rejections.

These celebrities’ experiences demonstrate that sharing living spaces can be a stepping stone to success. The challenges they faced in the housing market may have been tough, but their ability to adapt and persevere ultimately paid off. So, if you find yourself struggling with the high cost of rent, remember that you’re not alone, and consider the potential benefits of shared living. Who knows, you might just end up sharing a home with a future superstar!