Danielle Brooks starred in “Orange is the New Black,” but before she did that, and before graduating, she was part of the cheerleading team at her school. She ended up quitting because she was uncomfortable or nervous about the skirt that was part of the uniform, but she used it as a growing opportunity.
In a letter to herself, the actress shared online, she wrote: “You really quit cheerleading because of how you felt you looked when you were wearing a skirt? OK! Never ever quit anything again because you’re scared of what others might think of you – unless you become an exotic dancer, the only exception. But even then, only quit because you want to.”
Mandy Moore
Mandy has done plenty throughout her years in Hollywood – not only did she star in 2001's "The Princess Diaries" (wielding pom poms in the film as Lana Thomas), but she also put on a hit song at the tender age of fifteen: “Candy.” She's starred in "A Walk to Remember" and has a starring role on the show "This is Us."
But Mandy got her start as a star cheering on the local Pop Warner football team, which undoubtedly helped her get the acting and active skills that have ended up taking her far in life. What started off as an innocent cheerleader role turned into an amazing actress who has not yet said her last word.
Amy Poehler
Before she started appearing on shows such as "Saturday Night Live," "30 Rock", and "Parks and Recreation," Poehler was part of the Burlington High School cheerleading team, wielding pom poms and pumping up the crowd during football games, pep rallies, and much more.
Poehler attended high school from 1986 to 1989 and then went on to Boston College to get a degree in communications. After that, she made her way to the Windy City, where she worked on her comedic skills and made herself into the TV and film actress we know today. These days she is considered one of the best female comedians the industry has.
Megan Fox
Want a fact that's sure to surprise you? Future famous beauty and Hollywood superstar Megan Fox, while attending Morningside Academy in Port St. Lucie, Florida, was the subject of cruel bullying. She was part of the cheerleading squad both at this high school and an earlier one in Tennessee.
But the eye candy of the "Transformers" franchise wasn't to be denied, and after moving to California, she began acting, eventually starring alongside Lindsay Lohan as, drum roll, a cheerleader in "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen." Looks like Fox got plenty of rehearsal time in her teens for the role she ended up landing on.
Paul Rudd
The incredibly shrinking man was one of the “yell leaders” at Overland Park High School in Kansas. His infectious smile and endearing personality also helped him get elected as Student Body President. Flips and jumps and bringing energy to the crowd surely have some kind of use while acting, but we're not sure what.
There aren't a whole lot of male cheerleaders on this list, but it may surprise you to know they were once far more prevalent. In fact, until around the 1950s, cheerleading was made up of mostly males! Paul Rudd is best known for "The Cider House Rules," "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," and "Avengers: Endgame," placing him comfortably on the big star list.