While many celebrities and public figures are known for achievements in just a few specific fields, almost everyone has had more than a few odd jobs on the way to fame. Before she became a legendary actress, Whoopi Goldberg flexed her acting chops on some... mature phone lines. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was a jack of all trades before he finally entered politics. And iconic performer Steve Buscemi was, it turns out, one heck of a heroic firefighter both before -- and during -- his acting career. Tune in for the full scoop on this next installment of Ridiculous History's Surprising Former Careers.

CLASSIC: Prohibition, Prescriptions and the Rise of 'Medicinal' Booze
31:41

Fort Sauerkraut: North Dakota’s Strange, Ill-Planned Origin Story
38:02

The Bizarre Tale of the 1909 Catnip Riot
35:52