Mama June

A rare reality television example of someone truly good-natured as well as good-hearted, June "Mama June" Shannon attracted both praise and controversy as the surprise breakout star of the reality show "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" (TLC, 2012-14). Born Aug. 10, 1979 in McIntyre, GA, June Shannon entered the public eye when her daughter, Alana "Honey Boo Boo Child" Thompson lost the pageant but stole an entire episode of "Toddlers & Tiaras" (TLC, 2009- ). With hilarious quotes and high energy, "the redneck Shirley Temple" Thompson won over viewers, as did her plus-sized mother, June, who displayed a similar unflappable self-confidence, dancing along with her daughter's routines. When a YouTube clip featuring Thompson and Shannon went viral, execs greenlit a spin-off for the entire family called "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo." An instant ratings smash, the series attracted criticism for allegedly glorifying ignorance, vulgarity and poverty, but defenders countered that the family demonstrated admirable love, optimism and self-acceptance. All the controversy only helped boost the show's ratings, and Shannon surprised many with how down-to-earth she remained about their success, turning down offers she felt were inappropriate and putting her family's happiness ahead of money. In stark contrast to Kris Jenner, matriarch of the Kardashian clan who first slammed Honey Boo Boo's success then offered to manage her, Shannon displayed a refreshing self-awareness, lack of vanity and low-key attitude towards fame.

By Jonathan Riggs