19 Celebrities Who Built Huge Careers Outside of Entertainment and Fashion

19 Celebrities Who Built Huge Careers Outside of Entertainment and Fashion

You know these names for blockbuster roles and chart-topping hits, but their biggest wins might be happening far from the red carpet.

These celebrities built serious businesses in tech, wellness, food, and finance, proving star power can translate into real-world impact.

As you skim this list, you will find playbooks you can borrow, from smart equity bets to mission-driven brands.

Ready to see how entertainment icons turned into boardroom heavyweights?

1. Ashton Kutcher

Starting with a bold leap into Silicon Valley, Ashton Kutcher reinvented himself as one of Hollywood’s most active venture capitalists.

He co-founded A-Grade Investments and Sound Ventures, two firms that back transformative technologies and early-stage disruptors.

Kutcher’s portfolio includes industry giants like Uber, Airbnb, Duolingo, and Spotify, all of which benefited from his early confidence in their potential.

His reputation in the tech world stems not from celebrity novelty, but from a proven ability to spot scalable ideas.

Through persistent involvement, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking enthusiasm, Kutcher has built a business legacy that rivals — and in many ways surpasses — his acting career.

2. Jessica Alba

Launching a mission-driven company from her own need for safer household products, Jessica Alba reshaped the consumer-goods landscape.

She founded The Honest Company to deliver eco-friendly baby items, plant-based cleaners, and clean beauty essentials built around ingredient transparency.

Her brand quickly resonated with health-conscious families looking for trustworthy alternatives to traditional products.

The company’s rapid expansion and eventual IPO validated Alba’s entrepreneurial instincts and business discipline.

Today, Honest continues to evolve with new product lines and sustainability initiatives, positioning Alba as a powerhouse founder whose success stands firmly outside entertainment.

3. Jay-Z

Emerging as a strategic thinker beyond music, Jay-Z transformed himself into a global business architect.

He built Roc Nation into a multifaceted powerhouse encompassing artist management, sports representation, entertainment production, and corporate partnerships.

His ventures extend into hospitality through the 40/40 Club and into spirits with D’Ussé cognac.

Alongside those achievements, he has invested in a variety of high-growth companies, showcasing sharp financial instincts.

Through deliberate expansion and an unwavering commitment to ownership, Jay-Z created a business empire that stands as one of the most influential celebrity-built portfolios in the world.

4. George Clooney and Rande Gerber

What began as a private passion project among friends evolved into one of the biggest celebrity-business success stories via Casamigos Tequila.

George Clooney and Rande Gerber originally created the tequila for personal enjoyment during their time in Mexico.

Its smooth profile and relaxed branding resonated strongly with consumers once the pair brought it to market.

Casamigos grew into a global favorite, earning a reputation for quality and authenticity.

When Diageo acquired the brand in a deal worth up to $1 billion, Clooney and Gerber cemented themselves as major players in the ultra-premium spirits industry.

5. Kevin Hart

Driven by a desire to build beyond comedy, Kevin Hart has constructed a surprisingly expansive business portfolio.

He launched Laugh Out Loud and Hartbeat to bring fresh comedic content, digital programming, and innovative storytelling to global audiences.

His entrepreneurial reach also extends into venture capital through Hartbeat Ventures, a fund supporting inclusive startups and emerging consumer brands.

On the lifestyle side, he introduced VitaHustle, a plant-based nutrition company, and co-created the Gran Coramino tequila line.

Through diversified ventures and relentless work ethic, Hart developed an empire that reflects his ambition to influence business culture as much as entertainment.

6. Jennifer Garner

Beginning her entrepreneurial path with a focus on family wellness, Jennifer Garner helped create Once Upon a Farm to bring nutrient-rich foods to children everywhere.

She joined the brand as co-founder and Chief Brand Officer, lending both her expertise and personal values to its mission.

Using ingredients sourced from trusted farms, including her own Oklahoma family property, the company emphasizes freshness and transparency.

Garner frequently visits suppliers and participates in product development to ensure authenticity.

Her commitment to clean nutrition has turned Once Upon a Farm into a fast-growing leader in the refrigerated kids’ food category, far beyond her acting career.

7. Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Taking a cross-industry approach to entrepreneurship, Priyanka Chopra Jonas built a diverse portfolio that reflects her global ambitions.

She launched Anomaly Haircare to provide clean, affordable, and sustainably packaged hair products designed for everyday use.

Her business interests also include tech investments, restaurant ventures, and a production company that elevates underrepresented storytelling.

Chopra approaches each new project with meticulous attention to brand identity and consumer needs.

Through her blend of creativity, strategy, and cultural influence, she has established a business reputation that stands independently from her successful acting career.

8. Cameron Diaz

Inspired by a desire for more transparency in consumer beverages, Cameron Diaz shifted into entrepreneurship with the launch of Avaline.

The brand focuses on clean, additive-free wines made from organic grapes and clearly labeled ingredients.

Diaz and her co-founder, Katherine Power, built Avaline around accessibility, promoting wine that aligns with modern wellness values.

The company quickly captured attention for its minimalist approach to winemaking and its stylish packaging.

As Avaline expands into new varietals and markets, Diaz’s growing influence in the natural wine space proves her entrepreneurial instincts are just as strong as her on-screen charisma.

9. Sofia Vergara

Branching out with bold confidence, Sofía Vergara crafted a multi-channel business presence that extends well beyond Hollywood.

She co-founded Latin World Entertainment, a full-service talent-management, licensing, and marketing firm representing Latino creators and brands.

Her entrepreneurial efforts continued with successful product ventures, including a major lifestyle partnership with Walmart and the launch of EBY, an underwear subscription line with a philanthropic mission.

Vergara’s ventures consistently blend business savvy with cultural awareness.

Through her work in consumer goods, media representation, and social empowerment, she has become one of the most influential Latina entrepreneurs in the United States.

10. Robert De Niro

Stepping into the hospitality world with remarkable vision, Robert De Niro helped shape one of the most respected restaurant and hotel brands on the planet.

He co-founded Nobu alongside chef Nobu Matsuhisa and producer Meir Teper, creating a global empire of upscale dining and luxury accommodations.

The brand expanded to dozens of cities, earning acclaim for its signature dishes, elegant interiors, and high-end service.

De Niro also co-owns The Greenwich Hotel and Tribeca Grill, further rooting his legacy in hospitality.

Through thoughtful partnerships and long-term commitment, he built a business portfolio that rivals his achievements in film.

11. Rihanna

Rising from global pop icon to industry disruptor, Rihanna revolutionized the beauty market with the launch of Fenty Beauty.

Her brand debuted with an unprecedented 40-shade foundation range, instantly setting new standards for inclusivity and representation.

The company’s success was immediate, drawing praise from consumers, makeup artists, and business analysts alike.

Fenty Beauty expanded into high-performing skincare and bold color cosmetics, maintaining its emphasis on accessibility and innovation.

Through strategic partnerships and meticulous brand curation, Rihanna transformed herself into a powerhouse entrepreneur whose influence in beauty rivals her impact on music.

12. Kim Kardashian

Building on her instinct for branding, Kim Kardashian entered the skincare world with SKKN by Kim, a science-forward line crafted around minimalist routines.

She collaborated with leading formulators to create products designed for hydration, renewal, and skin-barrier health.

The brand’s sleek packaging and high-performance formulas positioned it firmly within the prestige beauty market.

In addition to skincare, Kardashian continues to grow SKIMS, her wildly successful shapewear and apparel company, solidifying her influence across multiple consumer categories.

Her willingness to innovate and refine her product lines has made her one of the most formidable celebrity entrepreneurs of her generation.

13. Hailey Bieber

Approaching beauty with a fresh, modern perspective, Hailey Bieber introduced Rhode Skin as a brand focused on simplicity and skin-barrier care.

She emphasized minimalism by offering a tight collection of essentials that deliver hydration, smoothness, and long-lasting radiance.

The brand’s debut sparked immediate sellouts as fans praised its gentle formulations and clean aesthetic.

Bieber’s involvement spans product testing, creative direction, and community engagement, giving Rhode an authentic, founder-led identity.

Her rapid rise in the beauty sector highlights a strong entrepreneurial intuition and a commitment to delivering thoughtfully crafted skincare for everyday use.

14. Mark Wahlberg

Taking a hands-on approach to entrepreneurship, Mark Wahlberg built a wide-ranging business career anchored by the success of Wahlburgers.

He and his brothers expanded the restaurant into a recognizable franchise known for its comfort food and friendly atmosphere.

Wahlberg later diversified his portfolio with investments in fitness companies, nutrition brands, and production ventures.

These strategic moves allowed him to evolve from actor to business leader, balancing entertainment with industry-wide influence.

Through sustained effort and a practical mindset, Wahlberg developed a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most committed and wide-reaching entrepreneurs.

15. Dr. Dre

Beginning with a vision for superior sound quality, Dr. Dre transformed the audio industry when he co-founded Beats Electronics.

He partnered with Jimmy Iovine to design headphones that combined clean engineering with cultural relevance.

The brand’s rapid rise made Beats a household name and a status symbol around the world.

When Apple acquired the company for billions, Dre cemented his place among the most successful celebrity-business founders in tech.

His achievements in hardware, branding, and product design demonstrate a career that extends far beyond music, marking him as a genuine industry innovator.

16. 50 Cent

Starting with one of the savviest equity gambles in celebrity history, 50 Cent turned his Vitaminwater partnership into a multimillion-dollar breakthrough.

He chose ownership over a standard endorsement, securing a massive payout when the brand was acquired.

From there, he expanded into SMS Audio, G-Unit Film & Television, and various consumer-goods and wellness projects.

His instincts for identifying culturally resonant products helped him build a diverse portfolio with real staying power.

By blending sharp negotiation with relentless ambition, 50 Cent established a business legacy that stands confidently beside his achievements in music.

17. Gwyneth Paltrow

Entering the wellness space long before it became mainstream, Gwyneth Paltrow launched Goop as a modest newsletter focused on mindful living.

The brand evolved quickly into a full lifestyle ecosystem spanning skincare, supplements, home products, media content, and curated retail.

Her bold approach to wellness branding sparked debate, attention, and undeniable commercial growth.

Goop’s expansion into product development and experiential events reinforced its place in the premium wellness market.

By shaping conversations around health, lifestyle, and self-care, Paltrow secured a lasting entrepreneurial identity far removed from her acting career.

18. Justin Timberlake

Venturing far outside performance, Justin Timberlake steadily built a portfolio that reflects wide-ranging business curiosity.

He co-founded William Rast, explored hospitality by investing in the Mirimichi Golf Course, and partnered with Sauza to launch the 901 tequila brand.

Timberlake also purchased a minority stake in the Memphis Grizzlies, expanding his influence into sports ownership.

Additional investments in beverages, technology, and lifestyle brands round out his entrepreneurial résumé.

Through thoughtful diversification and consistent involvement, he has proven himself much more than an entertainer, emerging as a multi-industry business figure.

19. Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez built one of the most successful celebrity fragrance empires ever created, transforming a simple beauty launch into a long-running global business.

Her debut scent, Glow by JLo, became an international bestseller and opened the door for a multi-fragrance portfolio spanning nearly two decades with remarkable consistency.

These fragrances reshaped the celebrity-beauty landscape and generated significant commercial success across multiple regions and demographic markets.

Outside consumer products, she co-founded the Lopez Family Foundation to improve healthcare accessibility for underserved women and children through meaningful community partnerships.

Through philanthropy and business innovation alike, Lopez continues to influence industries well beyond film and music.