Katie Couric

The wildly successful newscaster and TV host Katie Couric bombed so badly during her first appearance on camera at CNN that network exec Reese Schonfeld called down to say "I never want to see her on the air again." He has since seen her on NBC, CBS and ABC, as well as get inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2004.

Also read: Katie Couric Renews Anchor Deal at Yahoo

The Beatles

In one of the biggest mistakes in music industry history, Decca Records decided not to sign The Beatles — The Beatles — because they believed guitar groups were on the way out.

Also read: 9 John Lennon Quotes That Still Pack a Punch 35 Years After His Death (Photos)

"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

When "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" opened against Marvel's "The Avengers," it was predictably crushed at the box office. But it eventually went on to pull in $137 million on a $10 million budget, making it one of the most successful independent films of all time.

Also read: ‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ Sequel Tops Original at Overseas Box Office

Vanessa Williams

Who better for Miss Colombia to look to for comfort than another pageant queen who had her crown taken away? After having her Miss America crown revoked in 1984, but went on to have a long, successful career as an actress and recording artist.

Also read: Miss America Pageant Apologizes to Vanessa Williams 32 Years After Yanking Her Crown

Jennifer Hudson

When she was eliminated from "American Idol's" Season 3, fans were outraged that the talented singer finished in just seventh place. But Hudson had the last laugh when she went on to win an Oscar for her role in 2006's "Dreamgirls."

Also read: ‘Empire’ Star Jennifer Hudson on First Cookie Encounter and 5 Other Emmy Contender Quickies

"Veronica Mars" Fans

The CW unceremoniously cancelled "Veronica Mars" after three seasons because of low ratings, but fans kept clamoring for more. So when series creator Rob Thomas announced a Kickstarter to fund a movie follow-up, they met the $2 million goal in less than 24 hours, breaking records in the process.

Also read: ‘Veronica Mars’ Reviews Agree It Is Kickstarter Money Well Spent

Steve Jobs

As chronicled in a 2015 biopic, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was fired from the company before he returned to make it the richest company in the world.

Also read: ‘Steve Jobs’ Fatigue? 7 Reasons the Movie Crashed at the Box Office