You know there are a few I can mention here, mostly British but an American as well.
There was Supermodel Naomi Campbell spotted as a supermarket cashier. EdSheeran was busking on the streets and was spotted by an agency. Simon Cowell was on his parent's sofa, but with his family's connections in TV, they managed through the back door to launch his TV career initially. and then there was Anthony Bourdain, the famous American chef.
It was a woman who was a friend of his mother, who pushed her husband to get his scripts read in the publishing world that launched his book and Television success Kitchen Confidential, No Reservations, Parts Unknown etc
So, all the above had and have talent, but they met the right people at the right time.
Many equally talented don't get there.
I cannot compare myself to any of the above, but I relied and always have, on a sharp eye for an opportunity and hard work coupled with a determination to succeed in my own way.