“You’ll never make it in this town, kid” – that’s what thousands of wannabe stars hear everyday!

But these talented folks proved the “experts” wrong and went on to become successes.

Meryl Streep

At her audition for “King Kong,” producer Dino De Laurentiis asked in Italian, “Why do you bring me this ugly thing?” Meryl shot back in Italian, “I’m sorry I’m not beautiful enough to be in ‘King Kong!’ ” But she was pretty enough to win three Oscars.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Hollywood bigwigs told the future “Terminator” he’d never make it because of his Austrian accent, his muscle-bound body and his lack of acting skills.

Shakira

One producer told the Latin singer she was wasting her time because her voice sounded like a goat. The joke’s on him because she’s won four Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards.

Kate Winslet

Her drama teacher told the curvy actress she’d have to take “fat girl parts,” but Kate ignored the warning and became a “Titanic” star.

Sally Field

Her own agent told her she lacked beauty and talent, so Sally fired him and found out fans and the Academy “really like me” enough to hand her not one, but two Oscars.

Reese Witherspoon

Supposedly not tall, pretty or smart enough, Reese became “Legally Blonde” and had to “Walk the Line” to accept her Oscar for playing June Carter Cash opposite Joaquin Phoenix.

Winona Ryder

A casting director interrupted her mid-sentence and told her she wasn’t pretty enough and should go back home and find a different career path. But Winona hit the big time faster than you can say “Beetlejuice!”