Nathan Kontny cites this star-got-lucky-in-Hollywood story on Signal v. Noise

Lana Turner, one of the most glamorous and popular female stars of Hollywood during the 40s and 50s is a great example.

She was 16, ditching a high-school typing class and drinking a Coke at a soda shop in Hollywood, when someone spotted how attractive she was. He recommended her to his Hollywood agent friend and soon she was in a movie. Gorgeous girl—right place at the right time—lucky.