1

Nike’s Swoosh was created for $35

Image: Shubham Mittal

Yes, it was. The iconic Nike swoosh was sketched in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student, for the grand sum of $35. She was helping out a friend—Nike co-founder Phil Knight—who needed a logo for his up-and-coming sneaker brand.

Years later, as Nike soared, the company gave her a thank-you gift: a gold swoosh ring and stock options that ended up being worth millions .

2

Coca-Cola originally contained cocaine

Image: Olena Bohovyk

It sounds like an urban legend, but it’s true: early versions of Coca-Cola did contain coca leaf extract , which naturally included trace amounts of cocaine. When pharmacist John Pemberton invented the drink in 1886, it was marketed as a "brain tonic" and nerve remedy, back when cocaine was legal and considered medicinal. By 1929, the formula was fully decocainized.

3

Neither Ben nor Jerry had any previous business experience

Image: Hybrid Storytellers

Absolutely. Longtime friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield took a $5 correspondence course in ice cream making from Penn State and launched their first scoop shop in a converted gas station in Vermont in 1978.

4

Barbie was based on a German adult doll

Image: Peyman Shojaei

True! She sure was. In the 1950s, Ruth Handler spotted a German novelty doll called Bild Lilli while on vacation. Originally sold as a gag gift for men, Lilli was fashionable, curvy, and definitely not meant for children. But Handler saw potential: she reimagined Lilli as a stylish role model for girls, and the first Barbie debuted in 1959.

5

Milton Hershey missed the Titanic voyage

Image: Janne Simoes

He definitely wasn’t on board—lucky for him! But just how close he came to sailing is uncertain. Legend has it that Milton Hershey and his wife were set to sail on the Titanic in 1912, but canceled at the last minute.

The only clue? A check stub showing a $300 deposit to the White Star Line. While there’s no confirmed ticket, the story has stuck.

6

GM hated (and banned) the nickname "Chevy"

Image: Jose Mueses

This one is partially true. In 2010, GM sent a memo urging employees to stop using the nickname "Chevy" in favor of the full "Chevrolet." The public backlash was swift—critics called the move tone-deaf. After all, "Chevy" was beloved, catchy, and woven into Americana.

Within days, the company backpedaled , assuring fans that "Chevy" wasn’t going anywhere. You just can’t mess with a nickname that’s already set in people’s hearts.

7

Apple was named after the forbidden fruit

Image: TheRegisti

Not quite. Steve Jobs chose the name "Apple" in 1976 because it sounded "fun, spirited, and not intimidating." It also gave the young company a strategic edge—it came before "Atari" in the phone book, which mattered in the era of printed directories.

8

Starbucks was named after Moby Dick’s first mate

Image: Athar Khan

Yes, though it was a winding path. The founders were searching for a name that evoked the seafaring tradition of coffee trading. After toying with " Pequod " (Captain Ahab’s ship), they landed on "Starbuck"—the first mate in Moby-Dick and a name with a strong, classic ring to it.

9

Harley-Davidson was going bankrupt, but its logo saved it

Image: Donald Teel

This one is sort of true. In the early 1980s, Harley-Davidson was revving on empty. The rise of Japanese bikes had them cornered—until the brand leaned hard into nostalgia . The bar-and-shield logo, dating back to 1910, became the centerpiece of a marketing push built on American pride, leather jackets, and the unmistakable growl of a V-twin engine.

It worked. The logo became a badge of rebellion, and Harley rebounded.

10

There’s an arrow hidden in FedEx’s logo

Image: Toni Pomar

Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Look closely between the "E" and the "x" in the FedEx logo—there’s a white arrow formed by the negative space. It’s a perfect symbol for speed, direction, and efficiency.

The logo was designed in 1994 by Lindon Leader, and the hidden arrow was no accident. It’s a subtle nod to the company’s core promise: to get it there fast .

11

"Breakfast at Tiffany’s" launched the brand

Image: Sam Lashbrooke

False! Breakfast at Tiffany’s didn’t launch the brand. Tiffany & Co. had been around since 1837, known for fine jewelry and that iconic blue box. However, after the 1961 film, Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress and wistful gaze into the Tiffany’s shop window helped cement the brand’s image of elegance .

12

Levi’s blue jeans were created for gold miners

Image: Varun Gaba

Absolutely. In 1873, Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis patented durable denim trousers with copper rivets— perfect for miners during the California Gold Rush . The jeans were tough, practical, and ideal for the grueling work conditions out west. In time, what began as rugged workwear became an American icon.

13

Amazon was named after "the biggest river"

Image: Sunrise King

Yes, it was intentional. Jeff Bezos wanted a name that conveyed vastness, exoticism, and would appear early in web listings . "Amazon" fit the bill—although it could have been named "Nile," which is often cited as the world’s longest river. Bezos liked the idea of building the biggest online store in the world, just like the Amazon is the biggest river by volume.

1

The diner from "Seinfeld" - New York City

Image: Peter Bond

Remember Tom's Restaurant, where Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer hatched their hilariously terrible plans over coffee and endless conversations about nothing ? It's a real place!

The restaurant has embraced its TV fame, and fans from around the world stop by daily to snap photos and enjoy a meal where sitcom history was made. Fair warning: the actual interior looks nothing like the show, but you’re still eating where Seinfeld characters theoretically ate!

2

Central Perk from "Friends" - Times Square, New York City

Image: Ilse Orsel

Friends fans, your dreams have come true: Central Perk now has a permanent location in Times Square where you can actually grab your morning coffee! Located at the northeast corner of 7th Avenue and 47th Street, this is the real deal—a functioning coffeehouse where you can sit near that iconic orange couch and pretend you're part of the gang. There's also a sister location in Boston, so if you're in either city, you can finally experience the coffee shop that was supposedly right there in New York all along.

3

The "Breaking Bad" car wash - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Image: Juliann Hervio

Walter White's car wash empire might have been built on crystal meth money, but the actual building is squeaky clean and still operating! Mister Car Wash (formerly Octopus Car Wash) at 9516 Snow Heights Circle NE in Albuquerque is where they filmed those tense scenes of Walt and Skyler's legitimate business venture. You can even get your car washed at the same spot where some of TV's most dramatic moments unfolded.

4

Luke's Diner from "Gilmore Girls" - Unionville, Ontario (okay, Canada, but close enough!)

Image: ayumi kubo

Coffee addicts and fast-talking fans of Gilmore Girls will be thrilled to know that Luke's Diner is real — sort of . The exterior shots were filmed at a building in Unionville, Ontario, just outside Toronto. The charming small-town main street where the diner sits perfectly captured that Stars Hollow magic, even if it technically wasn’t in Connecticut. The building now houses different businesses, but the streetscape remains wonderfully quaint and photogenic.

5

The "Full House" house - San Francisco, California

Image: Kyle Smith

The Tanner family's iconic Victorian home, with its unforgettable Painted Lady facade, is absolutely real and stands at 1709 Broderick Street in San Francisco's Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood. While the interior scenes were filmed on a set, the exterior is the genuine article and has become one of the most photographed houses in the city. Fans regularly make pilgrimages to stand across the street and recreate that opening credits moment.

6

Courthouse Square from "Back to the Future" - Universal Studios, California

Image: Roger Ce

Doc Brown's time-traveling DeLorean circles around Hill Valley's Courthouse Square in one of cinema's most memorable scenes, and you can visit that exact spot! The Courthouse Square is a standing set on the Universal Studios backlot in Los Angeles , and has been used in countless productions over the decades. On the studio tour, you'll recognize it instantly—it’s where Marty McFly skateboarded through 1955 and where the clock tower still stands.

7

Katz's Delicatessen from "When Harry Met Sally" - New York City

Image: Michał Kubiak

"I'll have what she's having" became one of the most famous movie lines ever uttered in a restaurant, and you can eat at that very same spot! Katz's Delicatessen, located at 205 East Houston Street on Manhattan's Lower East Side, is where Meg Ryan filmed that unforgettable scene. The deli has been serving up massive pastrami sandwiches since 1888, and they’ve marked the table where the scene was filmed with a sign that reads, "Where Harry met Sally… hope you have what she had!"

8

The "Twin Peaks" Double R Diner - North Bend, Washington

Image: DJ Paine

Fans of David Lynch's surreal masterpiece can grab a slice of cherry pie and "a damn fine cup of coffee" at Twede's Cafe in North Bend, Washington . This is the actual diner used for exterior and some interior shots of the Double R Diner, where Agent Cooper discussed his dreams and Deputy Hawk dispensed wisdom. After a 2000 fire, the diner was rebuilt and renovated, but it has maintained its Twin Peaks connection, which continues to draw fans from around the world.

9

The "Cheers" bar - Boston, Massachusetts

Image: Savann Prak

Sometimes you really do want to go where everybody knows your name, and you can do exactly that in Boston! T he Bull & Finch Pub, located at 84 Beacon Street beneath the Hampshire House, is the real bar that inspired the exterior of Cheers . There's even a replica Cheers bar in Faneuil Hall Marketplace for tourists who want the full experience.

Here’s the catch: the interior of the Bull & Finch Pub looks nothing like the TV show—those scenes were all filmed on a Hollywood soundstage. But the Faneuil Hall location recreated the TV set’s interior, so if you want to feel like you’re really stepping into the show, that’s your best bet.

10

The Biltmore Hotel from "Mad Men" - Los Angeles, California

Image: Stephanie Klepacki

Don Draper and the gang from Sterling Cooper certainly knew how to pick a sophisticated meeting spot, and the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles was one of their favorites.

The Biltmore is still a functioning luxury hotel where you can book a room, grab a cocktail at the bar, or simply wander through the stunning public spaces. It has hosted Academy Awards ceremonies, presidential candidates, and countless Hollywood events over its nearly 100-year history.

1

Norma Jeane Mortenson

Image: Juliane Liebermann

She’s the iconic blonde from 1950s cinema, famously portrayed by artists like Andy Warhol! Films like Some Like It Hot (1959) and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) catapulted her to stardom.

Here’s another hint: This was the real name of the woman who famously sang, " Happy birthday, Mr. President! " You got it?

2

Frances Ethel Gumm

Image: Chau Le

If we say " red ruby slippers, " who comes to mind? Remembered, among other things, for her melodious voice, this actress starred in classics like A Star Is Born (1954) and Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). But the role that made her truly unforgettable was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (1939). Have you guessed it yet?

3

Marion Robert Morrison

Image: Ashim D’Silva

A true gem of Hollywood’s Golden Age, this actor became a legend in Westerns and war films. His commanding presence and deep voice made him the perfect fit for roles like Ringo Kid in Stagecoach (1939) and Ethan Edwards in The Searchers (1956). His birth name was Marion Robert Morrison, but in our hearts, he'll forever be "The Duke."

4

Bernard Herschel Schwartz

Image: Jordan Whitfield

With his bright smile and clean-cut style, he was considered one of the most handsome actors of the 20th century. Bernard Herschel Schwartz starred alongside the blonde from our first entry in the legendary Some Like It Hot (1959) . One of the highlights of this blue-eyed star’s career was his versatility, as he showcased his talent in both dramatic and comedic roles.

5

Margarita Carmen Cansino

Image: Brady Bellini

If anyone ever blended talent and beauty to perfection, it was her! One of the most celebrated stars of the 1940s, she rose to fame with the 1942 film You Were Never Lovelier , but her most iconic role was in Gilda (1946) . Her elegant presence and striking red hair made her an unforgettable symbol of the silver screen. In addition, she also had a short marriage to the very famous Orson Welles. Who is she?

6

Issur Danielovitch

Image: Austrian National Library

Maybe his real name might not ring a bell, but his stage name is legendary! His career took off in the 1940s and 1950s, with tough-guy roles that made him stand out, like his performance in Champion (1949), where he portrayed a talented boxer. As a final clue, we can't forget his unmistakable cleft chin!

7

Norma Jeane Mortenson: Marilyn Monroe

Image: Susi Kleiman

Norma Jeane Mortenson was the birth name of the iconic and incomparable Marilyn Monroe! That’s right—the famous actress was born with that name on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. As her Hollywood career took off, she changed her name to Marilyn Monroe, inspired by Broadway star Marilyn Miller , a celebrated actress and dancer of the 1920s and early 1930s.

8

Frances Ethel Gumm: Judy Garland

Image: Aman

The legendary star we know as Judy Garland was actually born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Coming from a show-business family, she received a stage name at the tender age of 13. That's right—by that age, she had already signed her contract with MGM.

9

Marion Robert Morrison: John Wayne

Image: Eniko Polgar

Marion Robert Morrison was the birth name of one of Hollywood's most beloved and famous actors—the incredible John Wayne . He changed his name when he was still young in the early 1930s , at the start of his career, something that was very common at the time. And who chose his legendary stage name? That would be Fox Studios !

10

Bernard Herschel Schwartz: Tony Curtis

Image: Levi Meir Clancy

Bernard Herschel Schwartz may be a difficult name to remember, which is why this iconic actor changed it to Tony Curtis. Born in New York in 1925, he had a passion for acting from a young age. However, Hollywood wasn't his first career path—before pursuing acting, Curtis joined the Navy during World War II!

11

Margarita Carmen Cansino: Rita Hayworth

Image: Unseen Histories

We all remember the iconic Rita Hayworth , but many don’t know her real name—Margarita Carmen Cansino! Quite different, right? Why did she change her name? Well, when Margarita signed a contract with Columbia Pictures in the late 1930s, the studio believed she needed a shorter, more artistic, and memorable stage name. And so, Rita Hayworth was born—a star who would become an indelible part of American film history.

12

Issur Danielovitch: Kirk Douglas

Image: Natalie Parham

"Issur Danielovitch" may sound exotic, but it was the birth name of the legendary star we know as Kirk Douglas . Before rising to fame as an actor and film producer, Issur worked various jobs to help support his family. In 1940 , he made the bold decision to move to Hollywood and pursue his dream career: acting. It was then that his great stage name was born.