As we all know, fame can be quite fleeting, and the entertainment industry certainly comes with a lot of pressure. With that said, it’s not a surprise that some celebrities fade into a less visible career after their brush with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
However, not all stars fall. Some are destined to be lifelong celebrities, and some of them are eager to pursue other lines of work. While it’s hard to imagine our favorite entertainers working outside Hollywood, many celebrities have other professions, making sure to have a backup trade just in case things in the limelight don’t work out for them in the long run. Sometimes, established actors, musicians, and sports icons will adopt a new profession to expand their horizons.
Here’s a list of the celebrities who have backup careers outside the show business. See if you recognize any of them who’ve worked to become lawyers, investors, business magnates, and more!
50 Cent | Entrepreneur
50 Cent may have kicked off his career as a rapper, selling a whopping 15 million copies of his famous album Get Rich or Die Tryin’. In recent years, however, he has transitioned into an explosive force in the world of entertainment and business. The Grammy Award winner has established the G-Unit Film & Television and has been both an actor and executive producer for the series Power, which is the number one show on Starz.
Beyond his music and acting career, 50 Cent caught the start-up bug early, having investments in Vitaminwater, which was sold to Coca-Cola for over $4 billion. He also ventured into footwear, headphones, Le Chemin du Roi Champagne, Casper mattresses, and Branson Cognac. Today, his net worth stands at $30 million. When asked to define “success,” the famed rapper answered, “It’s about making good choices repeatedly.”
Angelina Jolie | Humanitarian
For someone so renowned in the international scene, you would think Angelina Jolie doesn’t need a backup career. The actress, on the other hand, opted to pour out her efforts and investment money into humanitarian efforts. In recent years, she became involved with UNHCR, collecting funds, donating money to various organizations, and traveling around the world on field missions.
To this day, she promotes various causes, such as education, conservation, and women’s rights, and is most notable for her advocacy on behalf of refugees. For her massive contribution to humanitarianism, Jolie has received a Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. She was also made an honorary Dame Commander (DCMG), among several other honors. The actress has been, at many times, considered the world’s highest-paid actresses, commanding a sum of $20 million for a single role. It’s inspiring to know she uses her wealth for the common good.
Ashton Kutcher | Venture Capitalist
Ashton Kutcher’s career has spanned TV sitcoms, fashion runway, feature films, and prank shows. In terms of his Hollywood earnings, his work on Two and a Half Men has been the most successful. He earned roughly $20 million per season, which at some point, made him the highest-paid actor on TV.
Besides Hollywood, Kutcher also distinguished himself in the vast world of venture capital. Through his firm called A-Grade Investments, the actor has made early financing strategies in startups like Airbnb, Uber, Spotify, Shazam, Kopari Beauty, Soundcloud, ResearchGate, “insurtech” service Lemonade, and more. According to one report, Kutcher and his team turned $30 million worth of shares into $250 million in assets. Aside from being a venture capitalist, he also owns an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles called Dolce, with his former That 70s Show co-stars Wilmer Valderrama and Danny Masterson.
Bethenny Frankel | Entrepreneur
You may recognize Bethenny Frankel from her work on reality television, from Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York to The Apprentice: Martha Stewart, or her New York Times bestselling books. You might also be familiar with her popcorn, coffee, Skinnygirl cocktails, supplements, preserves, or jeans. Moreover, maybe you’ve read from somewhere her philanthropy initiative, BStrong, which gives relief for natural disasters like hurricanes Irma, Dorian, and Maria. To put it simply, Bethenny Frankel is everywhere.
Considered a self-made business mogul, Frankel built up connections while she was working in the show business. She leveraged her connections into her first business, an event-planning company named In Any Event, albeit it was short-lived. From there, she appeared on reality television while working on her many investments. Today, her various entrepreneurial pursuits and TV gigs have solidified her net worth of $70 million.
Beyoncé |Entrepreneur
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is not only an American singer and total performer, she’s now considered a global brand. Even people who haven’t seen her perform may recognize her name from cosmetic lines, fashion labels, and Pepsi commercials. Beyoncé began her career as the frontwoman of the R&B group Destiny’s Child, which was one of the top-selling girl groups in the 1990s. By the early 2000s, she ventured into a solo career.
Beyoncé’s net worth, as of date, is an estimated $500 million. According to Forbes, the songstress raked in $60 million back in 2018, hitting the number 3 spot on the publication’s highest-paid female musicians’ list. She was also the number 51 spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Wealthiest Self-Made Women. Beyoncé also upscaled her credit score from modeling jobs, appearances for fashion magazines, and concert tours. Through her company, Parkwood Entertainment, she produces music, movies, and clothing.
Bono | Hotelier
Bono is a musician and activist who has a staggering net worth of $700 million and is best known as the lead singer of the band U2. Aside from music and activism, Bono is also a businessman. In 1992, he purchased and refurbished the Clarence Hotel in his native Dublin, converting it from a 70-room building to a five-star, 49-bedroom hotel.
As a businessman, Bono also owns vast real estate investments and serves as a board member of a private equity firm Elevation Partners. Through his private equity fund, he invested roughly $210 million in Facebook. The U2 frontman personally made between $40 to $50 million on Facebook, which is indeed a very amazing return! Most recently, in 2019, he joined the Board of Directors of the drone delivery company called Zipline. So now you know why he has a huge net worth!
Brad Pitt | Entrepreneur
Award-winning actor Brad Pitt is undoubtedly one of Tinseltown’s highest-paid entertainers, earning a major film salary of $20 million in recent years. He could also earn as much as $30 million from a movie project through backend points and bonuses. In November 2001, the actor co-founded Plan B Entertainment with his former wife and fellow celebrity, Jennifer Aniston.
Plan B has produced dozens of blockbusters, including Troy, Eat Pray Love, The Time Traveler’s Wife, Moneyball, 12 Years a Slave, and Ad Astra. In a recent interview, he said he enjoys producing more than acting. As a film producer, Pitt has actually earned untold additional millions. We could easily assume that he made more money in producing than in acting. Anyway, he also spent $67 million on a 1,200-acre winery investment in France called Chateau Miraval with his then-wife Angelina Jolie.
Britney Spears | Perfumer
Britney Spears is a pop singer and actress who has become a major figure in mainstream music with her 1999 hit Baby One More Time. She is credited with reviving the music genre of teen pop during the late 1990s. To date, Spears has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Her world tours have also grossed $500 million.
In 2004, Spears endorsed her first perfume called Curious, which made $100 million in its first year. Subsequently, she launched her other fragrances called Fantasy, Curious in Control, Midnight Fantasy, Believe, and Curious Heart, which allowed her to sell 30 million bottles worldwide. As of 2012, Spears’ fragrance brand had grossed more than $1.5 billion worldwide. The Daily Express newspaper once reported in 2013 that a bottle of the pop star’s fragrance was sold every 15 seconds internationally. As of 2020, Spears has released a total of twenty-eight fragrances.
Cam Newton | Motivational Speaker
American football player Cam Newton has a net worth of $75 million. He played quarterback for the Carolina Panthers between 2011 to 2019. In his first nine years playing for the NFL, he earned a total of $121 million in base salary. Newton has also made tens of millions off the field from his advertisements and endorsements with companies like Under Armour, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre.
In 2013, the quarterback partnered with the Southern department store chain called Belk on his clothing line named MADE by Cam Newton. Six years later, he also put up investments in a cigar bar and restaurant called Fellaship, located in downtown Atlanta. In addition, Newton also works as a motivational speaker and has launched a foundation dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth. It won’t be long before Newton starts raising bigger foundations to help create a better future for the younger generation.
Cardi B | Entrepreneur
Rapper turned TV personality Cardi B launched her career in 2017, thanks to the success of her song Bodak Yellow. She developed her stage name as a derivation of the rum brand, Bacardi, which was her nickname in the past. In 2013, Cardi B gained a high degree of notoriety because of her entertaining videos going viral on social media, such as the popular video-sharing app Vine.
The female rapper’s first endorsement deal came in 2016 with the New York fashion chain Romantic Depot. Other partnerships she was involved in include MAC Cosmetics, Reebok, Gypsy Sport, and Pepsi. Through her exposure to these businesses, she became interested in producing her own clothing line with Fashion Nova. Meanwhile, her partnership with Reebok allowed her to release her apparel and footwear collection, inspired by her style and paying homage to the classic ’80s styling.
Carmen Electra | Entrepreneur
Carmen Electra is a glamor model, television personality, actress, and singer who began her career as a musician. She later went into acting, and today, she is dubbed as one of the most recognizable figures in the industry. Her notable shows and films include Baywatch, Scary Movie 4, Meet the Spartans and Disaster Movie.
Outside Hollywood, Electra launched a perfume business. With social media, she promoted her products in 2017, which started off being sold online on Amazon. Now, her perfumes sell out in Walmart and T.J. Maxx globally. Aside from the perfume, the actress also launched an intimate line called With Love from Carmen. She now has a net worth of $8 million and continues to appear on television from time to time, making sure that her credit score remains high. Her latest on-screen appearance was in the 2020 documentary, The Last Dance.
Chris Brown | Restaurateur
R&B musician Chris Brown boasts a net worth of $50 million. Since making his musical debut in 2005, he has released nine studio albums, several of which have garnered multi-platinum merit. With his mother’s help, Brown sought a recording contract during his early teens and eventually hired a moving company to relocate to New York to find representation. His debut album, Chris Brown, was recorded when he was just sixteen.
His single Run It! became famous enough to make him the first male artist to debut at no. 1 on the Billboard charts. Brown is also wise when it comes to multiplying his wealth. He claims to have franchised a total of 14 Burger King restaurants. In 2012, he also launched a clothing line named Black Pyramid. Aside from this, the music artist has operated a record label called CBE (Chris Brown Entertainment) under Interscope.
Chrissy Teigen | Cook
Chrissy Teigen is a fashion model turned social media star who has a $26 million net worth. She also earns north of $10 million every year through her various endeavors. Thanks to a combination of her modeling job and internet fame, Teigen’s wealth is rising day by day. Before she became a highly-paid model and an internet icon with 13.5 million Twitter followers, she shared in an interview that she faced financial problems in the past.
Back then, she had no bank accounts and credit cards, and her road to success was not a bed of roses. Nevertheless, she started her career at 18 when she was discovered by a photographer at Huntington Beach, California. From there, she established her show business career. Aside from Hollywood, Teigen is also a cook. She once filmed a cooking channel special titled Cookies and Cocktails and is the author of two cookbooks.
Clint Eastwood | Real Estate Investor
This list won’t be complete without the legendary Clint Eastwood. Why? Well, with a career spanning six decades, the actor worked various jobs. He was once a mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea from 1986 to 1988, but he is most renowned as a film director, producer, and composer. As for his acting career didn’t just do an ordinary job; his on-screen performances were exceptional!
As we all know, Eastwood established himself as a director. His directorial credits include over 30 films from genres of drama, Western, and action films. Now 91 years old, there seems to be no room for him to quit show business. His most recent work is the 2021 neo-Western drama film, Cry Macho. Outside show business, he spent nearly $20 million to build a 15,000-square-foot property in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Within the community, he plans to launch a 90-home development called Tehama.
Daymond John | Businessman, Investor, Author, Motivational Speaker
There are a lot of credits to Daymond John’s name. Aside from being known as the CEO of FUBU, the American hip hop apparel company, he is also an investor, author, motivational speaker, and, of course, TV personality. The 52-year-old is also known as the investor behind the hit ABC reality series Shark Tank and the founder of The Shark Group. John also has a good talent for speaking, though. He is a motivational and business speaker of different engagements, from conferences to tours to schools and other programs.
John even signed a deal with Audible, an Amazon-owned podcast service, which will help further his career in this field, but he won’t just stop there. Apart from publishing four books, he also co-founded Daymond John’s Success Formula, a program that aims to teach new business owners and entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. It is now called Next Level Success, which seems to speak volumes about John’s victories, big and small.
Diane Keaton | Blogger, Photographer, Real Estate Developer, Author
Fans may have widely known Diane Keaton as the actress behind her role as Kay Adams-Corleone in the iconic The Godfather movie series. Her acting career moves more further when she worked with Woody Allen in several films, like Play It Again, Sam, Sleeper, Annie Hall, and Love and Death, but this is just one of the many things Keaton can do.
The 75-year-old star has done so many things and has contributed to The Huffington Post as a blogger since 2005 and made significant investments on different TV and movie projects. If those aren’t enough, Keaton is also a photographer who has successfully published original collections. In addition, Keaton has established herself as a real estate developer and sold several mansions in Southern California. To top it off, she had her memoir, titled Then Again, released to the public in 2011.
Dolly Parton | Businesswoman
Everyone knows as a country music icon, a multi-instrumentalist, and an actress, but she is not just for the show business. The 75-year-old personality is a successful businesswoman, too, and with her success, she sure knows where to put her hard-earned investment money. Parton reportedly put a big part of her earnings into different business ventures in her hometown of East Tennessee. She co-owns The Dollywood Company, which runs the theme park Dollywood, formerly known as Silver Dollar City.
In addition to this, Parton also co-owns Sandollar Productions, a film and TV production company behind the hit TV series Buffy and the Vampire Slayer and the movie series Father of the Bride. When her business partner, Sandy Gallin, who is also her former manager, retires, the performer operated Dolly Parton’s Southern Light Productions for a while and announced her new production company’s name as Dixie Pixie Productions in 2015.
Dr. Dre | Audio Engineer, Record Producer, Entrepreneur, Apple Employee
Sure, we all know Dr. Dre as one of the legendary rappers in the business, but he focuses on producing new records for budding artists as he eyes to hone other aspiring stars’ talents. For example, Eminem and 50 would not be as famous today if not for Dr. Dre. Why? He is the man who has these two signed in 1998 and 2002, respectively, and co-produced their albums.
With the proper investment planning in mind, he has produced and overseen several famed rappers’ careers, like Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and more. As he furthers his Love for music, Dr. Dre founded and became the CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics. He also used to co-own, co-founded, and was the president of Death Row Records. In case fans don’t know, Dr. Dre was also a former Apple employee with an executive role for years.
Drake | Producer, Entrepreneur
Nobody can forget the hit 2015 song Hotline Bling, as well as the man behind its success, Drake. Though the 34-year-old has a reputation as a rapper, singer, and songwriter, he also has his eyes on the business. The hitmaker is also a producer and entrepreneur, and with a considerable net worth, he doesn’t need any money loans to fund his business ventures.
Drake is the founder of the record label OVO Sound, along with his longtime collaborator 40. Warner Bros. Records now distribute the firm. He was also the global ambassador of the Toronto Raptors, becoming a part of the NBA franchise’s executive committee in 2013. Come 2016, and Drake worked with the famed American entrepreneur Brent Hocking to make bourbon whiskey called Virginia Black. In addition, he even penetrated the fashion world with his sub-label collaboration with Nike.
Drew Barrymore | Businesswoman
Gone are the days that we want to squish Drew Barrymore’s chubby cheeks with her incredible degree of cuteness when she was a child. Now that she’s a full-blown adult, she now has set her priorities straight, becoming a successful businesswoman. In line with her profession as an actress, Barrymore founded her own production company, Flower Films, which produced some of her projects. She also had a cosmetics line, which she launched under the Flower banner.
The latter business eventually grew and even included makeup, perfume, and eyewear lines. Barrymore also used her love for fashion to introduce her clothing line in conjunction with Amazon.com, called Dear Drew, in 2017. In addition, it has its pop store in New York City. If those are not year enough, she also entered the wine business. With the number of firms Barrymore holds, what else will she do in the future?
Drew Brees | Analyst
After Drew Brees announced his retirement as NFL’s quarterback for 20 seasons, everyone’s question is what’s next for him. For more of his career, the 42-year-old athlete had been with the New Orlean Saints. He used to lead completions, percentage, and passing yards credits his incredible ability as a famed footballer. Brees was twice named Offensive Player of the Year, and though he didn’t win the Most Valuable Player award, he was Super Bowl XLIV’s MVP.
Now that he’s out of the field, Brees now works in the front of the camera, joining NBC Sunday Night Football as an analyst. According to reports, the sportsman agreed to deal and work with NBC when he was still an NFL player. Brees will be joining several presenters from Al Michaels to Chris Collinsworth to Michele Tafoya and more. However, only time will tell if these relationships will give birth to new ventures in the industry that will benefit Brees as a presenter/analyst.
Ellen DeGeneres | Businesswoman, Voice Actress, Spokesperson
For someone as rich as Ellen DeGeneres, she doesn’t only rely on her stint as a TV host, no matter how famous she is. She indeed has a lot of investments here and there, making her wealthier than she already is. DeGeneres has her lifestyle brand called ED by Ellen, which was later changed to ED Ellen DeGeneres, if not many fans know.
It’s an online store under the TV personality’s name, selling different shoes, accessories, pet items, and other home products. Of course, we already knew her as a voice actress, who is behind the character of Dory in Finding Dory and Finding Nemo. In line with this, she’s also a commercial spokesperson, appearing in several ad campaigns. Lastly, DeGeneres used to own the now-defunct music label, called eleveneleven. Some of the artists who used to sign here were Greyson Chance, Tom Andrews, Jessica Simpson, Savannah Robinson, and more.
Erykah Badu | Actress, Model, Activist
Dubbed as the Queen of Neo-Soul, Erykah Badu has knocked us off our feet with her extraordinary voice that can be comparable to Billie Holiday. In addition, she’s known for her eccentric style, with her vast and colorful headpieces that eventually became her trademark. Outside of the music scene, Badu is also into acting. She has a couple of movie credits and appearances on music videos and the sitcom Girlfriends.
The 50-year-old star is also a model in her own right, becoming the face of Tom Ford’s White Patchouli fragrance, Givenchy, and even walked for Kerby Jean-Raymond at New York Fashion Week in 2016. Elsewhere, Badu is also an activist in her hometown of South Dallas. She chose to establish her charity organization, Beautiful Love Incorporated Non-Profit Development (B.L.I.N.D. 501c3). It aims to help the city’s youth develop their skills through music, dance, theater, and visual arts.
George Clooney | Philanthropist
George Clooney is not only good-looking, but he may also have the purest heart, helping a lot of causes to help other people. Unbeknownst to many, the iconic actor is a philanthropist. He is involved with the organization Not on Our Watch Project, which helps stop and prevent mass atrocities. The ER star is also an advocate for resolving the Darfur conflict and supports recognizing the Armenian genocide.
In addition, Clooney helps the Syrian refugees, together with his lawyer wife, Amal Clooney. He also donates a whopping $500,000 to March of Our Lives that supports the gun control legislation, and a huge supporter of LGBT rights. Aside from his philanthropic works, Clooney has been one of the United Nations Messenger of Peace since 2008 and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Indeed, Amal is proud of what her husband has become.
Gisele Bündchen | Philanthropist, Ambassador
Gisele Bündchen is not only famous for being a model. She is also widely known as Tom Brady’s wife. The 40-year-old also has credits for ending the heroin-chic era of modeling with her sexy and healthy, curvy looks. However, despite being a supermodel, she has the heart to help the needy. Bündchen has many charitable endeavors, including Brazil’s Zero Hunger program, wherein she donated $150,000.
She also gladly auctioned her autographed iPod with her playlist to donate to Music Rising to replace the lost and destroyed instruments of the musicians after the hurricane in the Gulf Coast Region. She’s also known for her and her husband’s incredible environmental works, supporting different ecological projects involving forest and water-related projects in the Amazon rainforest and Atlantic Forest. These are just some of Bündchen’s philanthropic works, along with being a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme.
Gwen Stefani | Businesswoman, Designer
Gwen Stefani may have made a name as a singer and songwriter, fronting the ’90s rock group No Doubt, but she also tried her luck on fashion design. Without everyone knowing, the 51-year-old star designed most of the clothing she donned on stage when she was still with her group, making a considerable saving from her credit card. Thanks to Andrea Lieberman’s stylist for introducing her to haute couture clothing, Stefani launched her fashion line, called L.A.M.B., in 2004.
She then expanded her collection and introduced the Harajuku Lovers line to the world. She then unveiled a limited edition collection of dolls called Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Fashion dolls. In addition, Blake Shelton’s fiancée has her perfume line, called L, a fragrance line, an Urban Decay limited edition cosmetic collection under her name, eyewear, and more. Stefani also invested in an animated series production about her and her brand, Harajuku Girls.
James Franco | Painter, Teacher, Writer
James Franco has an incredible degree of Love for the arts. Aside from acting, filmmaking, and writing, he is also into painting. The 43-year-old star volunteers for Elysium charity’s Art and teaches film classes at New York University. He also has courses at the University of Southern California, UCLA, Studio 4, Palo Alto High School, and Playhouse West. Franco considers painting as an outlet he needed when in high school.
He has been painting long before he started acting, and his works had already been displayed at the Glü Gallery in Los Angeles in 2006. He also held a European art exhibition in 2011. In addition to Franco’s considerable art skills, Scribner published a collection of short stories by the actor himself. Titled Palo Alto, it tells some of his teenage memories and other Palo Alto Senior High School students.
Jay-Z | Businessmen, Media Proprietor
Jay-Z is known for too many things. He is among the most influential hip-hop artist in history and one of the greatest rappers of all time. However, outside the music scene, Beyoncé’s husband also experiences tremendous success as a businessman. He is the man behind the multimillion-dollar companies Rocawear and 40/40, which he both founded. The 51-year-old personality also funded the entertainment company Roc Nation, acquired the tech company Aspiro, and handled Tidal’s media streaming service.
According to reports, he is now a significant shareholder of this company, which probably has excellent insurance. After signing a two-year deal with Weinstein Company, Jay-Z also entered the producing world to create scripted and unscripted film and TV projects exclusively. He joined the TPCO Holding Corp. for his latest business venture to be its Chief Visionary Officer. What a busy man he is?
Jennifer Aniston | Producer, Businesswoman, Philanthropist
Jennifer Aniston has done a lot beyond being Rachel in the iconic TV sitcom Friends. She is now known as a great actress today. However, like other stars who have been in this business for decades, she has also tried her hands in making significant investments. She co-founded the production company Echo Films, first established in 2008, along with the producer Kristin Hahn. Just a little trivia: did you know Aniston founded the film production Plan B Entertainment with Brad Pitt and Paramount Pictures CEO Brad Grey in 2002?
However, she and Grey left the company in 2005, the same year she and Pitt broke up. In addition, aside from her works and businesses, Aniston is also into philanthropic works. She is an advocate of several charities, and her donations always get everyone’s attention. For example, Aniston didn’t mind donating half a million dollars to medical and health care organizations and another $500 million each for Red Cross and Rick Martin Foundation. How good is her heart?
Jennifer Lopez | Entrepreneur
Jennifer Lopez rose to prominence in the late 1990s after appearing in films such as Selena and Anaconda. She also released her debut studio album, On the 6. Since then, Jennifer has been a staple in both sectors, releasing many successes and starring in an astonishing number of blockbusters over the last two decades.
During her career, J.Lo was one of the highest-paid Latina actors in Hollywood. Her timing was ideal because she was developing a degree of popularity as a top performer in the music industry at the same time. In addition to being a force to be reckoned with, J.Lo has also made inroads in the business world. Lopez debuted her business acumen in 2001 when she created J. Lo by Jennifer Lopez, an eponymous clothing and accessory line. Indeed, she is fusing her marketability with her identity and riding her brand to the bank.
Jeremy Renner | Real Estate Developer
For the most part, Jeremy Renner is known as a Hollywood celebrity. He is a versatile, high-caliber actor who studios can rely on to fill seats with butts. Renner’s cinematic career has always been a financial success, including blockbuster action films such as Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol and The Bourne Legacy. However, he is most known for playing Hawkeye in the Marvel Studios world.
Outside acting, Renner makes it evident that making music and being in the studio is a true passion for him. He began his career with the band Sons of Ben as a singer-songwriter and guitarist. He has a lot on his plate from making blockbusters, his thriving music career, and his extensive property development investments. Renner has been flipping residences in California for over a decade, which is a strange hobby for most A-list actors. However, he sees it as lucrative and an activity in which he can be creative.
Jessica Alba | Businesswoman
Jessica Alba made her first appearance on the big screen in the 1994 comedy Camp Nowhere. Then came her role as Max Guevera in the sci-fi series Dark Angel, which catapulted her into the spotlight. After that, Alba starred in two chapters of a big-screen Fantastic Four adaptation and worked with Robert Rodriguez on several projects. The actress took part in 44 movies in all, but she now prioritizes her business and charitable endeavors over her acting career.
When it comes to Alba’s business career, honesty is undoubtedly the best policy. It all started in 2008 when Alba couldn’t locate affordable natural and eco-friendly baby supplies. She came up with a “clean and natural” product line and launched The Honest Company in 2011. The company now sells dozens of items such as trendy baby diapers, detergents, and wipes. Jessica continued to grow her business investment, devoting the majority of her spare time to it.
Jessica Simpson | Businesswoman
Jessica Simpson has been in the entertainment industry since her debut album, Sweet Kisses. She became an instant international pop sensation, and he was the talk of the town. Simpson decided it was time to explore a different venture after a successful career in music and television. Simpson may not be as well-known in the music world as she once was, but she is far too preoccupied with amassing her investment money from her empire. In 2005, the actress and Vince Camuto collaborated to develop their debut collection.
While the product was supposed to be a one-time offer, it sold out so quickly that Simpson had no choice but to keep adding to it. Given how popular Simpson’s brand has become, the singer-turned-business entrepreneur has entirely revamped her entire company and its 22 separate licenses, all of which cater to women and juniors. Jessica has three children, a music career, and an empire to oversee, so it’s safe to say she can do it all.
Justin Timberlake | Entrepreneur
No one could have predicted Justin Timberlake’s career trajectory when he first appeared on stage as a New Mickey Mouse Club member. Timberlake left the Disney show after three years to join the band NSYNC. The boy band was a big hit, and they had record-breaking popularity for seven years. Timberlake chose to go solo in 2002. He continued to reach the top of the charts and decided to try his hand at acting.
Timberlake appears to possess it all. But it turns out he hasn’t been satisfied with his artistic and personal achievements. Along the way, the multi-talented artist has invested in firms such as Bai, and he decided to try his hand at fashion by launching William Rast. The collection emphasized a relaxed denim appearance with traces of motorcycle style. While he may not require the revenue from his investments to make ends meet, he appears to enjoy experimenting with new ideas. Many of them, like William Rast, have generously compensated him.
Kate Hudson | Businesswoman
Kate Hudson was born into showbiz aristocracy as the daughter of Bill Hudson and Goldie Hawn. She didn’t rely on her parents, though, as she forged her route into the doors of Hollywood. Hudson has since established herself as one of Hollywood’s top rom-com actresses, starring in films such as Bride Wars, My Best Friend’s Girl, and Fool’s Gold.
Hudson was born into the performing world, but she developed other hobbies and turned them into lucrative companies. Her business investments placed her among the list of celebrities who have built an empire. Hudson’s athletic company Fabletics has grown since its founding in 2013 with 50 stores across America. Hudson also launched INBLOOM in August 2020. She is making so much money in the wellness industry that we’re sure she’ll be thinking of new ways to extend her business in the future.
Kesha | Businesswoman
Kesha appeared out of nowhere in 2009 and took the music industry by storm. Her debut album charted at number one, and her fans adored her colorful, party-girl style. Kesha kept putting out hit after hit. While she took a quick break from the spotlight, she announced that she is back with the launch of her new album. Kesha is not only a fantastic singer, but she’s also a gifted lyricist. She has created successful songs for several other well-known musicians like Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Alice Cooper.
However, Kesha appears to be a one-woman show. Outside singing, she’s appeared in a few minor roles on programs like Nashville, Jane the Virgin, and Robot Chicken. But, of course, without their merchandise line, no major star would be complete. Kesha’s signature designs include a rainbow, which is the title of one of her albums. While her merch isn’t going to make her rich, it also doesn’t hurt her investment money.
Kevin Costner | Entrepreneur
Kevin Costner is most known to modern audiences as the leading man in Yellowstone. However, he has a lengthy and illustrious Hollywood career that includes several critically acclaimed films. Costner’s nearly four decades in the entertainment industry have earned him a sizable net worth and a slew of awards. However, many fans are unaware that Costner has created a side business dedicated to the humanitarian goal of rescuing the earth.
Costner’s role in the 1995 film Waterworld gave him a keen understanding of the need for ocean preservation. He devised a system to filter water from oil after being inspired by his work and watching the disastrous effects of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil disaster. The gadget assisted in mitigating the impacts of catastrophic oil spills, which can have severe consequences for ocean biodiversity. The investment offered much-needed relief, and Costner was able to help save the earth while also profiting handsomely from the transaction.
Kylie Jenner |Businesswoman
Many viewers may wonder how each Kardashian-Jenner family member acquired their money outside of their TV show Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Each sibling has had their business pursuits through the years, with some being more successful than others. Kylie Jenner was rated the highest-paid celebrity by specialized media in December 2020. The youngest member of the renowned family has the most fans.
Between modeling for social media photographs and promoting her Kylie Cosmetics brand, she keeps herself extremely busy. Kylie and her sister Kendall Jenner began their business investment in 2014 when they teamed up with the apparel brand PacSun. She then launched her own cosmetics line, Kylie Cosmetics, when she was 18 years old. What started as a lip kit company has expanded into a comprehensive cosmetics brand, including skincare with Kylie Skin. True enough, the youngest Jenner has grown into a successful and affluent businesswoman at the age of 23.
Lady Gaga | Businesswoman
Lady Gaga is without a doubt the musician who has most recently altered the music industry. Dubbed the “modern-day Madonna,” she has released success after smash and was the first artist to exceed one billion cumulative video views on YouTube. Lady Gaga has sold millions of records in the last decade, and her performance as the lead in A Star Is Born contributed to the film’s success. Now she’s taking on her most challenging task yet: that of an entrepreneur.
Lady Gaga understands how to generate buzz with her outrageous clothing and performances, so there’s no doubt she’s a businesswoman. She is involved in a variety of investments, including her perfume and headphones. She also has an exclusive agreement with MAC Cosmetics and a comic book series. Not only that, she even became a part-owner of Vince & Eddies, a Manhattan restaurant. Gaga’s fortune continues to prove she’s a force to be reckoned with on and off the screen.
Lauren Conrad |Entrepreneur
Lauren Conrad cleared the path for a slew of reality series and celebrities to follow in her footsteps. The Laguna Beach grad has made her way to MTV’s The Hills. Lauren remained the show’s headliner, with her love life and career on display for all to see. However, Conrad officially quit the series after the first half of season 5. Lauren’s brand has evolved into a multi-million-dollar empire after her departure, thanks to her numerous business investments.
Lauren spent three years at Teen Vogue and went to FIDM for fashion school, so it was only reasonable for her to stretch her fashion career. Fortunately for LC, she was approached by none other than Kohl’s to design her line. In 2009, the actress launched her label, LC Lauren Conrad, which was designed exclusively for the mass retailer! It effectively catapulted Conrad into the fashion world, and it was an achievement she had not expected to achieve. She then started another firm, The Little Market. Fortunately, it seems like being a fashion entrepreneur, designer, and author wasn’t enough to fill her cup.
Lenny Kravitz |Businessman
Lenny Kravitz is a virtuoso at hitting notes and displaying his abilities on records and shows. However, the Grammy winner who controlled the airwaves with classics has a passion project that few could have predicted. It’s normal for many artists to seek alternative creative channels where their passions emerge as hobbies or side gigs. Kravitz has tapped into his creativity in various ways, one of which is through an interior design firm.
When he founded Kravitz Design Inc. in 2003, he wanted the company to be known for its interior design work rather than for his celebrity. He’s also involved in the process. His investment firm specializes in residential and commercial construction, ranging from Miami condos to Paris houses. Kravitz and his crew can transform any room, and they even completed the set for Queen Latifah’s talk show. From being an iconic singer to a business mogul, Lenny always has something to boast about.
Leonardo DiCaprio |Entrepreneur
Leonardo DiCaprio has always been a force to be reckoned with for more than 30 years. The actor has been one of the hottest – in more ways than one – leading men in Hollywood, and he continues to be a hot commodity to this day. However, while Leonardo is most known for his on-screen performances, his investment portfolio is just as diverse.
Like other entrepreneurs, he has chosen to invest his fortune to make even more money. Appian Way Productions, which DiCaprio created in 2004, is that company. In some situations, he employs it to produce films in which he has acted, such as The Aviator. Leo also worked on projects for his industry pals, such as Gardener of Eden. In a similar spirit, rather than producing pictures for his studio, DiCaprio has purchased movie rights to works he hopes to adapt into films.
Madonna | Businesswoman
When it comes to pop music history, only a few singers have come close to matching Madonna’s degree. Madonna became one of the most famous people on the planet during her meteoric rise to stardom in 1980. She not only dominated the music charts, but she also made a name for herself as an actress. Madonna was a chameleon who reinvented herself regularly. She set her sights on becoming a tycoon as well as a musician in the 1990s.
So she didn’t just ask Time Warner to issue her a check-in in 1992; she wanted to launch her own media firm under their cover. They had two options: say yes or lose her. Soon, Maverick was founded and coincided with the debut of Madonna’s bestselling book and the accompanying Erotica album. In addition, Madonna has various revenue streams outside of music, including the MDNA Skin brand, a stake in Jay-TIDAL, a clothing line for H&M, and a sunglasses brand with Dolce & Gabbana.
Maria Sharapova | Businesswoman
Maria Sharapova has shown great promise on the competitive circuit. She turned pro at the age of 14 but continued to compete among her peers, placing second in the junior Wimbledon and French Open competitions in 2002. Maria rose to prominence after winning the 2004 Wimbledon women’s singles title after turning professional as a teenager. With her win at the French Open in 2012, Sharapova became the 10th woman to win a Grand Slam, and she added her second French title and fifth total Grand Slam victory in 2014.
Aside from sports, she has a diverse business portfolio that includes her candy line, Sugarpova. She also threw in some investments in UFC, a sunscreen line, and technology and hospitality collaborations. With all of these under her belt, we cannot help but wonder how she manages to combine all of her business activities while also being a professional tennis player.
Mark and Donnie Wahlberg | Entrepreneur
Mark and Donnie Wahlberg started in the music and fashion industry before becoming well-known actors. Donnie began to part of the boy band, New Kids On The Block, while his brother shone as Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. The two transitioned to acting and received praises for their acting chops. Donnie has appeared in films like The Sixth Sense and Band of Brothers, while Mark’s films included The Italian Job and Shooter, to name a few.
Outside of the glamor of Hollywood, the brothers have put their investment money on their burger chain called Wahlburgers. Their burger joint was founded by their brother, Paul, and they chipped in as well. Needless to say, that their burgers are in demand as they now have 25 retail outlets in the United States plus one in the UK.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen | Fashion Entrepreneurs
Mary-Kate and Ashley, or more famously known as The Olsen Twins, began their career in Hollywood even before they could string two words on their own. They grew up on the TV sitcom Full House set and went on to star in their own films, which went on until their teenage years. Most assumed that since they have established themselves as bona fide actresses in Hollywood, they will continue making movies. Well, they turned their back on acting and found a better outlet for their talents, establishing The Row.
The Row is their baby, and it is where their taste for luxury fashion became apparent. To their credit, the two proved that they have a knack for fashion. Moreover, their savvy for running a business is that their products sell out most of the time. Yes, even those pricey items disappear from their stores thanks to their wealthy clientele. What’s even impressive about the two is that they rarely attend The Row events, which is quite different from other fashion brands today.
Michael Strahan | TV Host
Former NFL star, Michael Strahan, has found a home as one of the hosts of Good Morning, America. Strahan had a stellar career in football, being one of the Super Bowl-winning team members, Giants, in 2007. He is also famous for being a player with the most sacks in a single season, plus he is a two-time NFC Champion and NFL Defensive Player of the Year. After his retirement, Strahan has appeared as an analyst for NFL Sunday on Fox. He was also the host of Pros Vs. Joes.
Strahan continued his time as a TV host by co-hosting Live! With Kelly and Michael after Regis, Philbin stepped down. Afterward, the former NFL star has found his new gig with ABC’s Good Morning America segment. He has put some of his investments into writing the book, Wake Up Happy – The Dream Big, Win Big: A Guide to Transforming Your Life.
Natalie Portman | Vegan Shoes/FINCA International
Natalie Portman is one of Hollywood’s A-listers. After finding fame for her work in Leon: The Professional, she appeared in many blockbuster titles such as Heat, Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, Beautiful Girls, Mars Attacks! And Everyone Says I Love You. She took a break from acting to nurture a degree in Psychology at Harvard while still appearing in stage plays. Later in her career, she landed several significant roles, such as in Black Swan and Thor and its sequel, Thor: The Dark World.
Outside of Hollywood, Portman holds a reputation of being an entrepreneur herself. She released a line of vegan shoes as a way of helping animals out. Although the Te Casan brand was well-received, her business closed after some time. The actress is also known to support FINCA, aiming to provide microfinancing to aid in developing emerging countries and their economies.
Nicki Minaj | Housewife
The Super Bass singer, Nicki Minaj, shocked her fans when she tweeted that she will retire from making music. The singer mentioned that she was retiring to have a family as reports stated that she planned on marrying her boyfriend, Kenneth Petty. It seems that she did have a family during her break and is now a mother and a housewife. To her credit, Minaj appears to be having a great time in her new role.
But the singer corrected her tweet, saying that she is still going to make some music, but her focus is on somewhere else. Minaj has been entirely private since her announcement that she was pregnant, but she recently revealed her little bundle of joy in her social media account. It is expected that the singer will be releasing an album soon as her fans are clamoring for more of the rapper. However, we might wait a bit for that to happen.
Nicole Richie | Sitcom Actress
Nicole Richie is the adopted child of singer and songwriter Lionel Richie, who grew up reveling under the limelight. The younger Richie gained fame by starring in a reality show alongside Paris Hilton. The actress experienced some tough times, especially when she relied on recreational medications. However, Richie was able to turn her life around because of family support. The Simple Life alum took a step back from the limelight to rebrand herself and became a fashion designer.
The actress has used her investment money to set up her fashion line, which achieved early success. Aside from being a housewife and a mother, Richie has also worked on becoming a sitcom actress. The actress found that she had a knack for doing comedy and even worked on acting for it. It is certainly impressive how the young Richie was able to avoid imminent failure and found success in it too.
Oprah | Philanthropy
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most celebrities of today. She rose to fame hosting her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and from there launched a massive empire that propelled her to billionaire status. Among the numerous investments are Harpo productions, as well as an impressive array of real estate properties. Oprah is also known for her philanthropy works. The TV host is also known to give back to the community, primarily focusing on education.
She launched Oprah’s Angel Network that supports different non-profit organizations. She has also established the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa and has given $40 million to it from her funds. Thanks to her philanthropy work and her contribution to the entertainment industry, Oprah was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom which former President Barack Obama gave. Indeed, the famous host is a beacon of hope to women and people of color around the world.
Portia De Rossi | Art Entrepreneur
Portia De Rossi has established a considerable presence in Hollywood by taking on cold, calculating roles and has a dry sense of humor. However, she truly became a household name when she appeared in the sitcom Ally McBeal, but she acted before that. Rossi also appeared in films like Scream 2, Who is Cletis Tout?, Cursed, and Now Add Honey. De Rossi spent most of her acting on TV, so she has become a familiar face already.
De Rossi is also the wife of fellow actress and comedian Ellen De Generes. After getting married, De Rossi took things slow and eventually retired from acting altogether. She did find an outlet through which is her love for the arts. She tied up with Fujifilm to create a 3D technology that one of her investments, General Public, uses to print most of its creations.
Sarah Michelle Gellar | Lifestyle Entrepreneur
Sarah Michelle Gellar stole our hearts when she played Buffy in the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She started her career in Hollywood as a child actress doing TV commercials before appearing on films like Funny Farm, High Stakes, and An Invasion of Privacy. She was also a staple in the show, All My Children, which gained her a wider audience and plenty of accolades. While still working in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gellar was also busy doing films like I Know What You Did Last Summer, the hit classic Cruel Intentions, and the fan-favorite Scooby-Doo.
But Gellar has recently been missing on TV and in the film, which made many of her fans wonder where the actress has been. The Simply Irresistible star has been busy raising her family as well as taking care of Foodstirs. The actress has used her investment money to build this startup food crafting brand back in 2015 and has since found success in it.
Reese Witherspoon | Entrepreneur
Reese Witherspoon is one of the darlings of Hollywood who started her career in the film The Man in the Moon, which earned her a nomination. She then appeared in two major films, Fear and Freeway. For her performance in the film Pleasantville, she won a Young Hollywood Award for Breakthrough Performance – Female. Witherspoon was also in the movie, Cruel Intentions, where she would meet her future husband, Ryan Philippe. The couple had two children between them but later split.
Witherspoon is also known for taking charge of her own career by creating Hello Sunshine Productions. This is the same production company that produced the projects Gone Girl and Big Little Lies. The actress also dabbled in creating her own online book club, which features her favorite titles. Witherspoon certainly knows where to put her investments from her Hollywood earnings.
Rihanna | Fashion Entrepreneur
Rihanna’s music career began when Jay-Z invited her for an audition after hearing her demo. After the audition, the singer was signed up for a six-album record deal, which propelled her into the limelight. Among her hit singles were Love the Way You Lie, Princess of China, This is What You Came For, and Umbrella. She has since released multiple albums that were well received across the globe.
Aside from her music career, Rihanna has also appeared in films like Battleship, Ocean’s 8, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, and Guava Island. The singer has shown that she had a good head when it comes to business as her FENTY line is one of the biggest fashion and beauty lines today. To her credit, Rihanna has also been doing philanthropy work with the money she has been earning.
Rita Wilson | Singer
Rita Wilson and her husband, Tom Hanks, are one of the most popular Hollywood couples. Wilson had a great acting career and even worked with her husband in several films like in Sleepless in Seattle. Today, the actress has found solace in pursuing her dream of becoming a singer. She has released four studio albums to date: AM/FM, Rita Wilson, Bigger Picture, and Halfway to Home.
Wilson found that she had a knack for singing and songwriting back in the day but didn’t pursue it seriously until 2012, the year she dropped her first album. She has been recording herself at home singing songs, and they are impressive to say the least. Their investment planning did help them live a life of comfort. With her husband still active in Hollywood, they don’t have to worry about debt and mortgages anytime soon.
Rob Lowe | TV Actor
Rob Lowe gained celebrity status during the 1980s. At the time, he was considered one of the youngest heartthrobs. Though he started out as a child actor, Lowe became a household name thanks to his debut in The Outsiders, alongside fellow actors Patrick Swayze and Emilio Estevez. He also worked with Estevez in St. Elmo’s Fire, which officially sealed them as members of the Brat Pack. He went on to make more films and won numerous nominations and awards too which proved, to his credit, that he was an actor to watch out for.
Though the actor had personal problems that affected his career, he eventually overcame them and kept his career intact. The actor has since gone back to being a TV actor, with projects like Parks and Recreation and 9-1-1 Lone Star. He also hosts the podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe.
Robert De Niro | Entrepreneur
Robert De Niro is one of Hollywood’s veteran actors that got the acting bug when he appeared on a stage play in his school. Though the actor does not possess a degree, he has trained under the legendary coaches Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg. His full exposure to acting was in Bang the Drum Slowly. This also created a long-lasting friendship and partnership with the director Martin Scorsese. Among his popular works are Taxi, Godfather II, Raging Bull, and The Goodfellas.
Aside from being a well-known method and award-winning actor, De Niro is also a successful entrepreneur himself. He is the proud owner and co-founder of the Nobu restaurant chain. He is also the co-owner of The Greenwich Hotel. There is no doubt that the actor will still be appearing in films as it is his lifeblood. For sure, a lot of his fans will miss him if he does step back from the limelight.
Rupert Grint |TV Actor and Beekeeper
Rupert Grint became a household name thanks to his landing the role of Harry Potter’s best friend, Ronald Weasley, in the Harry Potter franchise. His work on the franchise made him one of the highest paid child actors in the United Kingdom, and rightfully so. He had been earning quite a lot ever since the first movie, but it had a negative effect to his career too. The actor felt trapped in the character and decided to take a break from it after a while to drive an ice cream truck.
Grint was able to get back on the saddle by appearing on stage plays, where he found success. He is also busy doing acting for TV, with the latest being Servant on Apple TV+. Aside from that, he is also into beekeeping, which might yet be another source of income for the actor if he decides to make honey out of it. Though he doesn’t have any idea on how much he has earned over the years, a financial advisor might be able to point him in the right direction on how to make his earnings grow.
Ryan Reynolds | Business Investor
Ryan Reynolds has been in front of the movie and TV screen since the early 1990s. He first appeared in the Canadian teen soap opera Hillside before landing a bigger role in the Hollywood industry. Reynolds’ breakthrough role in the past years is Deadpool, which contributed to his whopping net worth of $150 million. After landing the starring role for its two movies, the actor is now considered as one of the A-list actors of Hollywood.
With this kind of fame and fortune, it does not come as a surprise how Reynolds was able to make wise money management decisions. He put a major portion of his money into the start-up company Mint Mobile, a mobile virtual operator that has seen growth in the past four years. Reynolds surely made some great financial moves when he invested in the firm.
Sandra Bullock | Production Company Founder
Sandra Bullock is Hollywood’s sweetheart. After getting major fame from her movies Miss Congeniality and Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, she has etched her name as a force in comedy movies. Aside from comedy, Bullock also delivered great portrayals in drama and thriller films, including her latest critically acclaimed role in Bird Box. Before being the famous star that she is, she has juggled odd jobs in order to pay rent and electricity bills.
She jumped from being a waitress, coat checker, and bartender before landing a career in the movies. It seemed like all her hard work pay off, as the actress does not only live a life of fame but also one of great fortune. Bullock invested some of her earnings in a production company that she owns. She founded Fortis Films, which produces movies and documentaries.
Sarah Jessica Parker | Footwear Brand Owner
Sarah Jessica Parker is known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in the hit HBO series. For her portrayal, she was able to take home numerous awards including two Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress. The series also spawned two hit movies and is getting a reboot entitled And Just Like That…
After portraying this iconic role, Parker has focused on being a wife to fellow actor Matthew Broderick and a mother to their three kids. She decided to veer away from the limelight for a couple of years to focus on her family. In 2005, Parker made time to focus on her other love which is fragrances and fashion. She was able to make investments in her own brand, SJP Collection, a company that sells women’s footwear. She mirrors her collection to the typical New Yorker who loves to wear various kinds of shoes, from slip-ons to leather pumps.
Scarlett Johansson | Creative Director and Investor
Scarlett Johansson is one of the world’s most paid female actresses in 2018 and in 2019, following her great portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As part of the cast of the franchise, Johansson has been pulling multimillions from royalties and subscriptions of all her movies, apart from her regular salary as an actress. She was also included in the Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list for her whopping fortune.
Even though she has already made millions for working as a full-time actress, she is still eyeing other ventures to grow her wealth. Johansson’s big fortune explains why she was able to make investments in a few businesses. The actress is the creative director of Snow Days, a pizza bites brand that sells organic and gluten-free pizza snacks. She is also an investor for HumanCo, a firm that backs companies leaning on healthy consumerism.
Sean Combs | Entrepreneur
Sean Combs is mostly known by rap music lovers as P. Diddy. He rose to fame for being not only a rapper but also as a record producer and executive. However, Combs is not someone who will stop doing music in order to elevate his career. He has other grand plans to add cash to his growing bank account and increase his assets. For a certain time, the rapper focused on proper investment planning methods to put his money where it can grow.
One of his actions was when he founded Combs Enterprises. It boasts of a myriad of business brands that cater to music, fashion, beverages, fragrances, marketing, media, and film and TV. This makes him one of the richest rappers today with a whopping net worth of $740 million, which is more than enough money for him and his three daughters.
Selena Gomez | Philanthropist
Who wouldn’t know Selena Gomez? A former Disney actress who worked her way towards becoming an international pop star, she has changed from being a child star to a big force in music and in philanthropic works. Aside from her popularity as an actress and singer whose hits reach top charts such as Hand to Myself, Who Says, and Love Want What It Wants, Gomez is also making a name as a young philanthropist.
Following her disease diagnosis, Gomez has dedicated herself to being an advocate of health. She is an active philanthropic for many causes, including UNICEF. She is currently an ambassador of the organization. She also participates in the Trick-or-Treat Fundraising Program, which enables her to travel to Ghana to visit impoverished children. With her fame, she gave a higher degree of world awareness about what is happening in Ghana that many should pay attention to.
Serena Williams | Clothing Line Owner and Investor
Alongside her sister Vanessa Williams, Serena Williams is one of the forces to reckon with when it comes to tennis. The world’s professional champion is one of the best female athletes in the sport and the highest-paid female player of all time. She is regarded as a powerhouse in sports and an international name as well. Aside from her whopping salary pegged somewhere between $30 to $40 million, Williams also makes multimillions for brand endorsements.
With this, she can afford a luxurious lifestyle with lavish vacations, real estate property purchases, and fancy cars without making a dent in her $210 million net worth. This gives her the fortune to make her own company without having to make cash loans in the bank. Williams is also the owner of S by Serena, a self-funded and direct-to-consumer clothing line which she established in 2018. She is also an investor for the Miami Dolphins and the UFC.
Shaq | Franchise Owner
Many basketball fans will know about how great and legendary Shaquille O’Neal is. He is a former professional basketball player who is now a sports analyst for the TV programs Inside the NBA. O’Neal is known for his great leg work inside the basketball arena, which catapulted his name as one of the lining legends of NBA. With his fame in sports also comes the opportunity to make investments money on the side.
Aside from being an NBA star, O’Neal has allotted so much effort in growing his money. One of the ways he put his money into is through business ventures. O’Neal owns 155 Five Guys burger restaurants and 40 24-Hour Fitness franchises. He also owns 17 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels franchise and has 150 car washes sprawled across many states. Not only have that, O’Neal’s business portfolio also includes major investments in the Sacramento Kings, Lyft, Ring, and Vitaminwater.
Snoop Dogg | Venture Capitalist
Snoop Dogg is one of the music industry’s legends when it comes to rap. He is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and media personality. In the early 1990s, Snoop Dogg earned major attention when he was featured in the debut solo single of Dr. Dre and his solo album The Chronic. Since then, the rapper made a name in the halls of music and has been regarded by many young rappers as their role model not only in music but also in gaining a fortune.
Aside from his career in music, Snoop Dogg also made a name as a business owner, which allows him to afford a luxurious lifestyle. He was able to buy many real estate investments as well as fancy cars and luxurious vacations around the world. For several years now, Snoop Dogg has launched an array of business ventures. He has a venture capital firm named Casa Verde, which holds a myriad of start-ups. Snoop Dogg’s company also backs plant-based food companies and tech businesses such as Reddit, Robinhood, and Klarna.
Sofia Vergara | Talent Agency Owner & Clothing Line Founder
One of Hollywood’s favorite Latina superstars is Sofia Vergara. The Colombian-American actress worked as a model to make ends meet for her and her only son as a single parent before she clinched international success on TV. In 1998, Vergara co-founded the talent agency Latin World Entertainment, which prioritizes Latin talents for the U.S market. From this business, she was able to launch many new ventures.
She got her breakthrough role when she was cast as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in the TV series Modern Family. After this, Vergara has welcomed so many opportunities for her in the industry and on the business side. She also launched her own clothing line in partnership with Kmart, where she used her own investment money for selling handmade designs of dresses, pants, tops, accessories, and more in vivid colors. The actress is also set to be a producer in the coming years as she tries to reach out to the Argentinean market.
Susan Sarandon | Pingpong Parlor Owner
Susan Sarandon is a veteran actress and producer who has bagged various accolades since she started her career in Hollywood in the 1970s. Her iconic roles include The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Thelma & Louise, and That’s My Boy. Sarandon is a ping pong parlor owner for more than a decade. Her business’ name is SPiN and has many branches across Northern America.
Recently, Sarandon signed with National Press Club at 1332 F St. NW for a new space that will feature 18 Olympic-style ping pong tables, numerous private lounge spaces, and a restaurant with a bar. The restaurants offer American cuisines and well-loved cocktails which guests can all enjoy while playing ping pong. The actress founded the business in 2009 with her then-boyfriend Jonathan Bricklin. It has grown to be a chain of ping pong parlor establishments that many love to visit on Friday nights.
Tom Selleck | Ranch Owner
Tom Selleck is an actor and producer who rose to fame for his role as Thomas Magnum, a private investigator, in the hit TV series Magnum, P.I. Since 2010, he has also appeared in Blue Bloods, which further catapulted his name in the TV acting arena. Despite the fame that he has accumulated throughout the years of being active in acting, Selleck decided to turn his back away from the limelight and settle in his massive ranch in Ventura, California since 1988.
He ditched the spotlight he has been showered with since his portrayal in Magnum P.I for a quieter and more peaceful life away from the city. Living with his wife Jillie, Selleck loves spending time which his horses, which he has been raising as part of his hobbies inside his property. The actor has said that his relationship with his property keeps him sane. He loves watching things grow and have a retreat every now and then.
Tony Bennett | Painter
Tony Bennett is a singer of traditional pop standards and jazz. He is a legend when it comes to music, which makes him looked up to by young musicians today. The artist is now an octogenarian but continues to be active in the industry. Moreover, music is not only what Bennett is known for. Many are also interested in how he was able to balance his talent as a musician and a painter.
Bennett has many paintings with his name on the credit. He has arranged numerous silent art auctions in many parts of the state, especially in Las Vegas. Much of the proceeds of his art show are for the benefit of the charities he supports which includes the Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. His works mainly use watercolor. He has also been commissioned by the United Nations for its 50th anniversary in 2001.
Tyra Banks | Cosmetics CEO
Many aspiring supermodels look up to Tyra Banks as one of their idols. She is one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angles and the renowned host of America’s Next Top Model for 24 seasons. Needless to say, Banks has created an empire of her own when it comes to the world of modeling and fashion. Aside from walking the runway and posing for big brands, she is a businesswoman who has made a name for herself.
She had an entrepreneur education and went on to add to her knowledge with a certificate from the Harvard Business School. She launched her cosmetics brand Tyra Beauty a few years ago. It was followed by her e-commerce platform which was launched in 2015. Since then, Banks’ fortune has only kept on increasing each year. It also means more opportunities for other ventures, including a media network Ty Ty Baby Productions that has been growing since it was launched several years ago.
Venus Williams | Clothing Line Owner
Venus Williams is Serena Williams’ bigger sister. While her sister earns her name as a tennis player superstar, Vanessa is equally great when it comes to the spot. She was a former world No. 1 in both singles and doubles and is one of the all-time greatest women tennis players in history. She is a seven-time Grand Slam champion.
Outside the arena, Williams has a name in the business industry. She launched her own athletic-wear line called Eleven as well as a plant-based diet company Happy Vikings. Williams also made huge investments as she put up an interior design firm called V Starr. The athlete is still savoring all the fortune and fame she has acquired as a tennis player while waiting for more cash to come into her bank account. She currently has a net worth of $95 million and seems unstoppable when it comes to growing her own brand.
Wiz Khalifa | Delivery-Only Restaurant
Among many things, dedicating some time improving on one’s talents can be quite an investment. Well, such was the case for Wiz Khalifa. Born Cameron Jibril Thomaz, he began writing lyrics at a young age. By the time he was in his teens, he was already recording songs in a studio. The management, being more than impressed with him, allowed him to record his songs for free!
His first shot to fame in the music industry came with his 2006 critically acclaimed album Show and Prove. Since then, he has released several hit tracks, one of the most notable titles being See You Again, which was a collaboration he did with Charlie Puth. Khalifa is also quite fond of dabbling in other endeavors outside the spotlight. His most recent venture is called HotBox by Wiz, a delivery-only restaurant with a menu filled with the rapper’s favorite dishes.
Nick Offerman | Wood Craftsman
Not long after getting his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Nick Offerman made his way to the acting scene by co-founding the Defiant Theatre, a Chicago-based theater company. After a couple of on-stage stints, he eventually made his way to more on-screen roles. Now most recognized for portraying Ron Swanson in the TV show Parks and Recreation, the actor has since worked on other projects such as Fargo, The Lego Movie, and The Founder.
Besides acting, Offerman also has a passion for other things in life. During his time with Defiant Theatre, the actor also worked as a master carpenter, building sets and props for several productions. With his passion for wood craftsmanship, it’s no surprise the Parks and Recreation star has his very own company called Offerman Woodshop. Along with other enthusiastic woodworkers, Offerman Woodshop sells all kinds of handmade crafts, including spoons, furniture, and even ukuleles.
Victoria Beckham | Fashion Designer
A journey usually starts with a push, like a goal or a spark of inspiration. For Victoria Beckham, it was the latter. After seeing the 1980 musical film Fame, she immediately set her sights on a music career. Well, after years of preparing and improving on her talents, Beckham eventually garnered worldwide fame as a member of the all-girl group Spice Girls. In more recent years, she spends most of her investment money in the fashion scene.
Besides landing a couple of modeling gigs and collaborations with big-name brands, the Spice Girls star also established her very own eponymous label. Launched in 2008, the brand sells a variety of products, including dresses, eyewear, and handbags. Along with it now selling products in over 400 stores worldwide, Beckham has expanded her horizons by co-founding Victoria Beckham Beauty, which focuses on cosmetic products that benefit users without negatively affecting the environment.
Will.I.Am | Tech Entrepreneur
Throughout his teens, William James Adams Jr. was quite a partygoer. The experience eventually played a significant influence in his career in the music industry, where he donned the stage name, will.i.am. While he is now often recognized for founding the Black Eyed Peas, the singer-rapper also takes credit for producing songs for other artists such as Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga.
Through the years, will.i.am has ventured to other kinds of projects. While he’s appeared in films and landed a spot as a judge in The Voice, it would be quite a disservice to disregard the Black Eyed Peas founder’s contribution to the technology industry. His early projects include an add-on accessory that allows an iPhone to capture more defined and high-quality images. Other endeavors will.i.am had along the way include becoming Intel’s director of creative innovation in 2011 and, three years later, 3D Systems’ chief creative officer.
Zendaya | Fashion Designer
At a young age, Zendaya already displayed a high degree of passion for the arts. Throughout her school years, she dabbled in various gigs, such as starring in stage productions, joining a hip-hop group, and landing a couple of stints as a dancer here and there. Since then, she has made quite a name for herself under the spotlight, thanks to her performance in projects like Spider-Man: Far from Home, The Greatest Showman, and Malcolm & Marie.
Along the way, Zendaya also dabbled in the world of fashion. Besides modeling for big-name brands, the Euphoria actress established her very own line of products under the name Daya. Debuting in 2015 with a shoe collection, Daya eventually added various types of clothing to its array of products. Another notable endeavor would be the actress’ co-designing efforts on the Tommy x Zendaya capsule collections back in 2018, which received widespread praise during the Paris and New York Fashion Week.
Will Smith | Entrepreneur/Investor
During the earlier years of his career under the spotlight, Will Smith gained recognition as the rapper Fresh Prince. A few years later, though, his fame only soared even higher, thanks to his acting debut in the TV sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Since then, Smith has had the chance to work on other notable projects such as Bad Boys, Independence Day, and the Men in Black movies. While he’s still quite active in the acting business, appearing in newer films like 2017’s Bright, 2019’s Gemini Man, and 2020’s Bad Boys for Life, the actor has also dabbled in other endeavors. With his entrepreneur skills just as impressive as his acting chops, he’s made plenty of notable investments through years, including Just Water, an eco-friendly water start-up he co-founded with his son Jaden. Another one would be Dreamers VC, a venture capital that aims to connect investors with start-up businesses.
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