More Than Meets the Eye: 3 Janitors Who Changed the World

When we think of fame and success, our minds often go straight to actors, athletes, CEOs, or public figures. But not every inspiring story begins in the spotlight. In fact, some of the most incredible life journeys have started with a broom, a mop, and a willingness to do the hard work no one else wanted to.

Janitorial work is often overlooked, seen by many as a simple job with little room for growth. But history tells a different story. Here are three individuals who began as janitors and went on to leave a lasting mark on the world.

Jim Carrey

Long before he was known for blockbuster hits like The Mask, Ace Ventura, and The Truman Show, Jim Carrey was a teenager growing up in poverty. After his father lost his job, the family was forced to live in a van and park at campgrounds to survive. When his dad found employment at a factory, Carrey and his brothers were hired as janitors there. At just fifteen, Jim left school to work full-time on the night shift, cleaning toilets and scrubbing floors. Though life was tough, Carrey has often credited those early struggles with giving him the determination and perspective that later fueled his success in Hollywood.

Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington, one of the most respected African American educators and leaders of the late 19th century, started life under the harshest conditions. Born into slavery in 1856, Washington gained his freedom as a child after the Civil War. His family moved to West Virginia, where young Booker worked in salt furnaces and coal mines to help support the household. He desperately wanted an education and eventually got into the Hampton Institute. With no money to pay tuition, he worked as a janitor at the school to cover his costs. He kept a demanding schedule, rising well before dawn to clean and studying late into the night. His efforts paid off — he went on to found the Tuskegee Institute and became a key voice for Black education and advancement.

James Croll

James Croll may not be a household name, but his contributions to science are still recognized today. Born in 1821 in rural Scotland, Croll had little formal schooling and spent much of his life doing odd jobs. He eventually became a janitor at Anderson University Library. Surrounded by books, Croll used his time there to teach himself physics, geology, and astronomy. Over the years, his independent research led to groundbreaking work in climate science, particularly in understanding how Earth’s orbit affects ice ages. His journey from custodian to scientist is a powerful example of what self-education and perseverance can achieve.

The next time you walk past a janitor in your office, remember that person may have a story in progress — one built on hard work, quiet strength, and untapped potential.