Rejecting Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh is a Golden Globe-winning actress known for playing Dr. Cristina Yang on Grey’s Anatomy and Eve Polastri on the hit drama, Killing Eve. But before receiving 12 Emmy nominations, Oh spent a full decade as a day player. She was rejected for major film roles, told there was no room at the top for Asian actors in Hollywood. Join us this week as we tell Oh’s incredible story. From humble beginnings in Ottawa, Ontario, to landing the lead role of a lifetime at 47.

Rejecting Nick Offerman

Nick Offerman is known for his role as the moustachioed, woodworking, saxophone-playing boss of Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation. But before growing out his moustache, Offerman was a struggling actor, living in an unfinished basement and fighting depression after 12 straight years of Hollywood rejection. This week, we tell Offerman’s story. From being told to be more “conventional” to playing one of the most iconic and unique characters of all time.

Rejecting Dr. Mae Jemison (The First Woman of Colour to Fly in Space)

In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison became the first woman of colour to ever fly in outer space. A remarkable and historical achievement. But her journey to the stars wasn’t without turbulence. Jemison’s dream to break down barriers and succeed in a white male-dominated field was baulked at every step of the way. Her grit, resilience and determination are out of this world.

Rejecting Muggsy Bogues

Muggsy Bogues is a record-breaking basketball player with a 14-year NBA career. He’s among the most beloved players of all time. Oh, and he’s also 5’3”. Growing up in Baltimore, Bogues watched his friends and teammates grow tall, while he reached his peak at just 10 years old. He was bullied, teased and told he’d never make it to the pros. Join us this week as we tell Bogues inspiring story. From stepping onto the court to laughter in the rafters, to stepping off the court to a standing ovation.

Rejecting Charles Schulz

Peanuts is one of the most-beloved comic strips of all time. Printed in over 2600 publications, it amassed 350 million readers in its 50-year history. But creator Charles Schulz spent most of his life feeling small as peanuts. He was rejected by family, teachers and publications. Join us this week as we tell Schulz’s amazing story. From being told he’d never make a living by “scribbling,” to creating the longest-running cartoon special of all time.

Rejecting Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman – star of the $821M blockbuster and the first woman-led superhero film in over a decade. But before picking up her Lasso of Truth, Gadot spent her days travelling back and forth from her home in Israel all the way to Los Angeles. Each audition meant a 15-hour flight with her family only to find out she was rejected over and over again, for eight years. Then she was ready to give up acting altogether. This week, we tell Gadot’s amazing story. From the dreaded phone calls that she’d lost yet another part, to the phone call that changed her life forever.

Rejecting Amanda Gorman

Overnight, Amanda Gorman became a household name. She is the youngest inaugural poet in American history, a National Youth Poet Laureate and a New York Times bestselling author. But before her Instagram followers jumped from 3,000 to 3,000,000, Gorman faced rejection and struggled with a debilitating speech impediment . Join us this week as we tell her inspiring story, from bullies and skeptics to Capitol Hill.

Rejecting Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo is an Academy Award-nominated actor, known for his roles in The Kids Are All Right, Foxcatcher and The Avengers franchise. But before stepping into the Hollywood spotlight, Ruffalo was rejected at 800 auditions, ready to give up acting altogether and become a construction painter. Then, news from his doctor threw him for the loop of a lifetime. Kicking off Season Two we tell Ruffalo’s incredible story, from food stamps to Forbes list.