Comebacks of 2010

Comebacks of 2010

From the 88-year-old who hosted "Saturday Night Live" to the QB who uplifted his team and town, several people have come back bigger than ever in 2010. Meet the following folks (and one company) who overcame adversity to achieve dramatic success.

Betty White

Betty White

Then: Underemployed icon of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Golden Girls".
2010: At advanced age, kills as "SNL" host. Appears in new sitcom and has a book deal.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock

Then: Moving into a perilous age for Hollywood, she slogs through low-buzz films.
2010: Nabs Best Actress Oscar for this movie and hits this box office record.

Jerry Brown

Jerry Brown

Then: Ex-governor of California who ran thrice for this job and failed.
2010: Decades later, is re-elected California governor against rich opponent.

Conan O'Brien

Conan O'Brien

Then: After a short stint, O'Brien leaves dream job. Transcript of farewell speech.
2010: Pockets settlement, joins Twitter, launches new show, scores huge ratings.

Cher

Cher

Then: Last movie? 1999. Last album? 2002.
2010: Outshines "Burlesque" co-star half her age. Rocks fishnets in magazine.

Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin

Then: After losing historic election, she quits governor's job.
2010: Power broker; best-selling author; reality TV star. And, big question ...

Harry Reid

Harry Reid

Then: Racial comments about future President Obama. Tough re-election looms.
2010: Held on to his Senate seat and will retain his powerful position.

Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges

Then: Appears in 1982's "Tron". Are the Dude's best roles behind him?
2010: Wins Best Actor Oscar for this movie. Appears in "Tron: Legacy"

Aaron Sorkin

Aaron Sorkin

Then: His "West Wing" ends. Creates short-lived Matthew Perry show.
2010: Writes "The Social Network". Directing true tale of unfaithful politico.

Julie Taymor

Julie Taymor

Then: Director of 1997 Broadway smash releases Beatles movie to mixed reviews.
2010: Teams with legendary rockers to bring "Spider-Man" to Broadway.

Eminem

Eminem

Then: Overdosed on this drug in 2007. Tense relations with mother and ex-wife.
2010: Releases album "Recovery" with hit single with Rihanna. Grammy nomination.

Ursula Burns

Ursula Burns

Then: As president of an ailing corporate giant, Burns had to swing the hatchet.
2010: Named CEO last year; assumed this title in May. Why is this historic?

Jonathan Franzen

Jonathan Franzen

Then: Declines to chat with Oprah Winfrey, who does this. No big book since 2001.
2010: Critics praise his best-selling novel. Appears on you-know-who's book club list.

Ford Motor Co.

Ford Motor Co.

Then: Reports staggering loss for 2008. Joins other automakers in requesting this.
2010: After refusing federal funds, Ford announces this for first time since 2005.

Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers

Then: Losing gigs to this star-bashing comedienne. Resigned to reality TV.
2010: After winning reality-TV contest, revives career with acclaimed documentary.

Drew Brees

Drew Brees

Then: After returning to Hurricane Katrina-hit home, Saints fail to make '07 and '08 playoffs.
2010: Leads Saints to Super Bowl win. His charity helps kids affected by Katrina.

Rihanna

Rihanna

Then: Could she ever top "Umbrella"? Boyfriend sentenced for abuse.
2010: Wins "Run This Town" Grammys. Hits No. 1 with "Only Girl"

Chilean miners

The Chilean Miners

Then: While mining for this, 33 men were trapped underground. What went wrong?
2010: After more than two months, all were rescued.

Mark Twain

Mark Twain

Then: Been dead for how long? "Huckleberry Finn" too edgy for children?
2010: Twain autobiography published. Author hits amazing milestone.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Then: Sexy pop song is song of summer 2008. One-hit-wonder alert?
2010: Confirms star status with two summer hits: "California Gurls"