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SMALL BUSINESS
McDonald's Famous
Former Employees
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Getty Images
The first McDonald's franchise opened in Des Plaines, Ill., in April, 1955. More than 50 years later, there are more than 30,000 restaurants in 119 countries serving 47 million people daily.
By some estimates, up to 10 percent of the American workforce first worked at McDonald's.
Check out some of Mickey D's most famous alumni in the following photo gallery.
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Shania Twain
Before taking the country and pop music charts by storm with multiplatinum albums like 'The Woman in Me' and 'Come on Over,' Shania worked in her teens at McDonald's in Ontario, Canada.
"I learned tons about the meaning of service there," Twain once said.
Next: Sharon StoneMore on Shania Twain:
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Sharon Stone
Pennsylvania native Sharon Stone is another famous Mickey D's alumna.
She became a successful model in the 1970s before she got into movies. After many forgettable roles she became a superstar thanks to her 1992 megahit 'Basic Instinct.'
Next: Andrew CardMore on Sharon Stone:
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Andrew Card
George W. Bush's first chief of staff before he resigned in 2006, Card assisted the president with many of his policy decisions.
Card worked for McDonald's twice -- first in high school in Brockton, Mass., where a meal of a burger, fries and a drink cost about 35 cents; then at the University of South Carolina, to support a wife and family.
Next: Jay LenoMore on Andrew Card:
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AP
Jay Leno
Comedian and host of 'The Tonight Show,' Leno's first job was behind the counter at Mickey D's in Andover, Mass.
After many years as a stand-up comic, Jay Leno replaced Johnny Carson as host of the popular late night show in 1992. He says he will step down when his contract ends in 2009.
Next: PinkMore on Jay Leno:
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Pink
Before pop music diva Pink got the party started she worked at McDonald's in Philadelphia.
She says "I would open (the restaurant), because I'd be tripping on acid ... and I would say, 'Could I have bathroom duty?' And I would sit in the bathroom and watch the tiles."
Next: Jeff BezosMore on Pink:
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AP
Jeff Bezos
Before starting Amazon.com and becoming Time Man of the Year in 1999, CEO Jeff Bezos had a high school job at the golden arches where he was a cook. "One of the great gifts I got from that job is I can crack eggs with one hand."
Next: Carl LewisMore on Jeff Bezos:
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Carl Lewis
This McDonald's alumnus went on to become the most decorated track & field star in American history with nine Olympic gold medals.
He recently appeared in a McDonald's ad touting the leadership skills he learned while working under the golden arches.
Next: Macy GrayMore on Carl Lewis:
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Macy Gray
Ohio native Macy Gray was a shy, awkward youngster who was frequently teased about her odd-sounding voice.
Before hitting it big on the music charts with 'I Try' and other songs Gray worked at McDonald's as a teen.
Next: Rachel McAdamsMore on Macy Gray:
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Rachel McAdams
Canadian born actress McAdams has been in blockbuster movies like 'Mean Girls' and 'Wedding Crashers.'
Rachel McAdams says she worked for years at McDonald's, and will never forget where she came from.
Next: Andrew DornenburgMore on Rachel McAdams:
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Courtesy
Andrew Dornenburg
Chef and James Beard Award-winning author of culinary books, including 'The New American Chef' worked at McDonald's in the mid-1970s.
He notes: "Having my first job at McDonald's definitely taught me how to get organized in the kitchen, and to work fast and as part of a team. It taught me the importance of a clean kitchen and good work habits."
Next: BarbieMore on Andrew Dornenburg:
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AFP
Barbie
The world's most famous doll joined millions of others by wearing McDonald's famous uniform in 2001 when toymaker Mattel launched McDonald's Fun Time Barbie with a worldwide donation and toy exchange program to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities®.
Next: D.L. HughleyMore on Barbie:
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D.L. Hughley
You may best know him as the star of the sitcom 'The Hughleys' or from the his current role on NBC's 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,' but before he became a successful comedian and actor D.L. Hughley's first job was cleaning the lobby at McDonald's.
Next: More on McDonald'sMore on D.L. Hughley
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More on McDonald's
By focusing on the hours between traditional mealtimes, the fast-food giant is sizzling.
McDonald's 24/7
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