Becoming a parent is something that most people look forward to. For some, there’s nothing more satisfying than bringing new life into the world, and passing on wisdom to the next generation. But while most people envision themselves becoming parents once they’ve gotten married and been able to experience life, sometimes things don’t workout that way. Having children as a teenager is a reality for many people all over the world. Unfortunately for some, an unexpected pregnancy can totally derail their lives, but for others, having children at a young age serves as motivation to become successful. For these celebrities, having children while they were technically still children themselves, didn’t stop them from accomplishing their goals. Here are 10 celebrities who had children as teenagers.

Fantasia

American Idol winner, Fantasia Barrino, rose to fame in 2004 as a contestant on the show. However, while Fantasia has been able to overcome her humble beginnings, she definitely had a few obstacles along the way. Aside from being functionally illiterate, Fantasia also became pregnant as just 16 years of age. After the relationship with her then boyfriend fell apart, Fantasia was left to raise her daughter on her own.

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Anna Nicole Smith

The late actress and former Playboy playmate, Anna Nicole Smith, had her first child when she was just 18-years-old. During the 90s, Smith gained mainstream fame for her roles on both the big and small screens. Unfortunately, Smith’s son, Daniel, passed away unexpectedly while visiting her in the hospital in the fall of 2006. Those who knew Smith said that a part of her died with him. Less than a year later, Smith passed away of a drug overdose.

 (Photo by Phil McCarten/Getty Images)

Solange

Being the younger sister of one of the biggest artists in the world can’t be easy. When Solange became pregnant at just 17, many people counted her out, and assumed that any chance she ever had at having a career was gone. However, despite being a single teenage parent, Solange managed to balance raising her son and making steps in her career. While she has not reached the same heights as her big sister, she has found her own lane, and seems to be perfectly happy with her accomplishments.

 (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Gucci)

Naomi Judd

Naomi Judd is one of the biggest names in country music. However, there was a time when everyone counted her out. When Naomi was just 18-years-old, she gave birth to her first child, Wynonna Judd. During the 80s, the mother daughter duo formed the extremely successful music group, The Judds. While some people assume that once a person has a child as a teen, both that person and their child are doomed to fail, Noami and Wynonna have completely debunked that myth.

 (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Gucci)

Sofia Vergara

Sofia Vergara is currently one of the biggest names in Hollywood. However, even some of her biggest fans may not have known that the 43-year-old Colombia native became a mother when she was just 19-years-old. Unfortunately, her relationship with her child’s father didn’t work out, and the couple divorced after only a year of marriage. However, despite having to raise her son on her own, Vergara has been able beat the odds and become one of the brightest stars.

(Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

LeBron James

LeBron James is arguably the best basketball player in the NBA. Since his teenage years, LeBron has been attracting huge audiences. However, basketball wasn’t the only thing he had to focus on as a teen. When he was 19-years-old, LeBron became a father for the first time when he was 19-years-old. Since then, LeBron has had another son, and he and the mother of his children have gotten married.

(Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr is all about making people laugh, but unfortunately her own life hasn’t been filled with laughter. When she was 17, Roseanne gave birth to a daughter who she gave up for adoption shortly after. Although she originally planned to keep the child,  she soon realized that her financial situation wouldn’t allow it. Fortunately for Roseanne, she was eventually reunited with her daughter when the girl was 17.

(Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was one of the most powerful and well-respected voices of her generation. Throughout her lifetime, she educated and inspired countless people with her stories and fearlessness. However, although eventually become a cultural icon, her life was once full of pain and hardships. After a rough childhood, Angelou gave birth to her first and old child, Guy, when she was just 17-years-old.  Guy, as well as other members of Angelou’s family, became prominent figures in her work.

 (Photo by Kris Connor/Getty Images)

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg isn’t one of the stars who frequently mentions her children, but she is a proud parent. Whoopi gave birth to her first and only child, actress/producer, Alex Martin, when she was just 18-years-old. Whoopi’s daughter also became a teenage mother at the age of 16, making Goldberg a grandmother at only 34 years of age.

(Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne is one of the most well-known rappers in the industry, and that’s partly due to the fact that he has been in the game since he was just 11-years-old. However, when he was 15, Wayne was forced to step his game up when his daughter, Reginae was born. Wayne has since had three other children.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for BET)

Lead  (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

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