According to a survey conducted by SpareRoom.com, a site listing spare rooms to rent, 41.7% of renters in the United States believe that the current rental market has had a negative impact on their career growth. The survey, which was taken by 1,175 renters in the United States in February 2023, also found that 78.38% of participants strongly agreed that searching for an apartment in the current rental market was a source of anxiety. These results highlight the difficulties that many people are facing in the current housing market.

Even celebrities, who now enjoy fame and fortune, once faced similar challenges. Early in their careers, these stars shared housing to make ends meet, proving that success is often born out of necessity and adaptation. Here are 16 celebs who once shared living spaces with other future stars:

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!