10 celebrities that found success in other professions and not acting 

When we're thinking of celebrities, we're often on the minds of red carpets, box office stars, or tabloid moments. But a career as a celebrity doesn't necessarily equate to one of acting or a stay within Hollywood. Some of the globe's most iconic names have completely revamped their tales to change lanes for success in a career far outside of Hollywood productions. From boardrooms and biotech to beauty empires and blockchain, these public figures have shown that talent has no bounds.

What distinguishes these people isn't fame, it's vision, timing, and entrepreneurial spirit that enabled them to translate their power into effective, enduring careers. Some of them began in sports, music, or reality television and became investors, CEOs, or activists creating significant change. Their paths remind us that celebrity is not a destination but a strong platform, and when utilized well, it can exceed the boundaries of the limelight.

On this list, we examine 10 amazing celebrities who discovered their second calling beyond the acting world. Each one details a different route that was both creative and calculated, with surprising rediscovery. You might be looking for inspiration, or you may simply be nosy, but these tales prove second acts steal the show, again and again.

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Celebrities who found success in other professions and not acting

1. Rihanna – Billionaire Beauty Mogul

Prior to becoming the youngest self-made female billionaire in America, Rihanna dominated music charts. But it was really off the ground after the 2017 debut of Fenty Beauty, lauded for its expansive shade palette. By 2024, the valuation of Fenty had surpassed $2.8 billion, and her undergarment label, Savage X Fenty, was also set to follow. She's now investing in clean beauty and green fashion. Interestingly, Rihanna's entrepreneurial actions are influencing coursework at Harvard's entrepreneurship programs. While fans wait for her next album, she has demonstrated that business mastery eclipses any stage light.

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2. Gwyneth Paltrow – Wellness Tycoon

Acclaimed for her Oscar-winning turn in Shakespeare in Love, Gwyneth Paltrow has since made a sharp turn into a completely different limelight: wellness entrepreneurship. In 2008, she founded Goop, which started as a newsletter and has expanded into a lifestyle empire worth more than $250 million. Goop's product offerings range from skincare to supplements, clothing. In 2024, she ventured into AI-personalized wellness coaching and launched Goop Labs in London. Even with the criticism, Paltrow feeds on provocation and innovation. She's not merely selling products, she's curating a fearless alternative way of living, modern health,h and luxury.

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3. Ashton Kutcher – Tech Investor & Startup Visionary

Ashton Kutcher is perhaps most famous for That '70s Show and Two and a Half Men, but true success is found in Silicon Valley. Through his venture capital company, Sound Ventures, Kutcher invested in Airbnb, Uber, and Spotify well before they were household names. In 2024, he created an AI-themed fund that promotes ethical innovation in healthcare and education technology. His skill in identifying high-growth potential has earned him one of the most admired celebrity investors. Kutcher demonstrates that a keen mind can shine way beyond the screen.

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4. Leonardo DiCaprio – Eco-Investor and Climate Champion

Leonardo DiCaprio has used his fame to become a force to be reckoned with in climate tech and sustainable business. He invested in Regeneration VC, a venture capital fund that invests in businesses that prioritize circular and regenerative economies. In 2024, the fund closed on a $100 million round to invest in startups addressing plastic waste and water management. DiCaprio's investment portfolio also features Beyond Meat, Mosa Meat, and VitroLabs, all of which are transforming food sustainability. His latest investment in green-lifestyle travel company AirJetZero is evidence of his commitment to sustainable aviation.

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5. Jessica Alba – Honest Empire Builder

Jessica Alba might have begun in front of the camera, but The Honest Company turned her into a force to be reckoned with as a businesswoman. Focused on sustainable baby and home products, the company went public in 2021, and its 2024 expansion into Europe and Asia was a milestone. Alba recently co-created AI tools to increase supply chain transparency. Her commitment to ethical consumerism placed her on TIME's list of best social entrepreneurs. Alba's Honest is more than a celebrity brand; it is redefining sustainability and trust in the marketplace today.

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6. Sofia Vergara – Retail Queen and Branding Powerhouse

Sofia Vergara has cultivated a lifestyle brand that goes well beyond her acting success. She rolled out her eponymous beauty and fashion lines in 2023 at Walmart, both of which were overnight bestsellers. Her denim line reached $100 million in sales by early 2025, fueled by inclusive sizing and low prices. Vergara also co-founded Toty, a luxury coffee company whose name was inspired by her mother, blending heritage with quality. With licensing partnerships in furniture, fragrance, and health supplements, she's among the best-paid Latina business owners. Vergara's keen brand sense has propelled her to ubiquity in American homes both on and off television.

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7. Kylie Jenner – Cosmetics Powerhouse at 26

Kylie Jenner made a social media following into an international beauty brand. Kylie Cosmetics, which is worth over $1.2 billion today, branched out in 2024 with a line of skincare products designed for Gen Z men. Her product drops sell out consistently in minutes due to her direct-to-consumer marketing approach. Though her billionaire status was controversial, her business model remains a topic of study at business schools because of its influencer-to-founder template. Aside from cosmetics, she also recently invested in clean energy start-ups. At the tender age of 26, Kylie is already transforming from beauty mogul to astute investor with a forward-looking portfolio.

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8. Robert De Niro – Luxury Hospitality Mogul

Robert De Niro is a film legend, he's also a powerhouse in the luxury hospitality industry. As co-founder of Nobu Hospitality, he transformed one restaurant into a global brand of more than 50 hotels and restaurants. In 2024, Nobu opened its first sustainable hotel in Spain, establishing a new sustainability standard. De Niro is involved in creating the brand's upscale atmosphere and culinary perfection. He also co-owns the Greenwich Hotel in New York, a favorite of A-listers. De Niro's entrepreneurial spirit shows that his power runs well beyond Hollywood into the very center of international luxury.

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9. Mark Wahlberg – The Fitness and Franchise Tycoon

Mark Wahlberg has turned his celebrity into a diversified business empire. In 2024, his sportswear company Municipal entered Europe, collaborating with top athletes for co-branded apparel. He's also a co-owner of F45 Training, a fitness chain that went public and is still expanding internationally. Wahlberg's restaurant chain, Wahlburgers, has more than 50 locations and introduced new healthy menu options this year. Outside of brick-and-mortar, his production house, Unrealistic Ideas, makes blockbuster documentaries, maintaining his entertainment connections alive. Wahlberg's demonstration of simultaneously acting, investing, and entrepreneurship illustrates how grit and branding can create a cross-industry legacy.

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10. Reese Witherspoon – Storytelling Entrepreneur

From Legally Blonde to Big Little Lies, Reese Witherspoon has made it a point to select projects that feature powerful women. In 2021, she sold the firm for $900 million but stayed on creatively. By 2024, Hello Sunshine branched out into podcasts, branded content, and book-to-screen adaptations. Witherspoon also started a book club that now impacts publishing trends and bestseller lists. Her ability to spot compelling stories both on screen and page has rebranded her as an entertainment mogul with purpose-driven media at its core.