18 Lies That Launched Beloved Pop Culture

To be a good storyteller is to be a good liar. Sure, good stories are entertaining and (hopefully) harmless lies, but they are still lies nonetheless. Nothing in a story is true and storytellers don't let the truth get in the way of a good story. It's with that in mind that several successful storytellers, whether they are actors, filmmakers, directors, or other entertainers, told the occasional lie or two in order to get a role, get a job, or get funding.

If it wasn't for a lie, we never would have had The Walking Dead. If it wasn't for a lie, Trey Parker and Matt Stone never would have had careers. If it weren't for a lie, Will Smith wouldn't be in Men In Black.

Here are the stories behind those lies and other examples of creative people who used outright deceit and trickery to make sure their work got made.