18 years ago, Chris Gardner’s story of homelessness was told in the film The Pursuit of Happyness.
Gardner went from sleeping in public bathrooms to becoming a multi-millionaire and philanthropist.
Here are 3 key details missing from the movie:
1. Gardner’s childhood
Gardner had a very difficult childhood. He was temporarily placed in foster care after his mother tried to murder his stepfather, who was violent and abusive, while his biological father was absent.
Despite this, his mother did her best to build his confidence. Every day, she told him he was capable of greatness.
2. Jackie Medina
While serving in the Navy, Gardner became a medical specialist and later a medical assistant at the University of California.
He began selling medical equipment but soon abandoned it to seek more lucrative work.
Tension was building between Gardner and his wife, Jackie.
After he was arrested for 10 days for having $1,200 in unpaid parking tickets, Jackie left with their young son and Gardner became homeless.
3. The internship
Desperate but determined, Gardner noticed man step out of red Ferrari one day and asked what he did for a living.
That man was Bob Bridges, who introduced Gardner to the finance industry.
This led to Gardner entering an unpaid training program at Dean Witter Reynolds while he was still homeless.
A few months in, Jackie gave Gardner custody of their son, who was only 2 years old rather than 5, as in the movie.
Gardner used what little he had to put his son in daycare while he “marathoned” cold calls at Dean Witter.
He worked relentlessly and even restricted his water intake to use the washroom less.
Gardner landed a paid position that he has since cultivated into multi-million dollar entrepreneurial success.
What are other details are missing from the movie adaption of The Pursuit of Happyness? Let us know below!
