These Celebrities Were All Cheerleaders Before Making It Big

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler might be a top tier comedian, but she was also once on top of the cheer pyramid! The SNL legend cheered and chanted for the Burlington High School in Massachusetts. Then, she went to Boston College and eventually made her way to Chicago, where she learned to create not only cheers but laughs as well. 

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks is famous for her leading role in Orange Is the New Black, but back in high school, she was actually a member of her high school cheer squad. Eventually, she quit the team because she felt uncomfortable in the short skirts. She eventually wrote about the experience on her blog, saying "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."