Multifaceted in the truest sense
Many actors in the entertainment industry juggle multiple careers, showcasing diverse talents and interests beyond acting. Motivated by personal interests and the desire for meaningful work, they contribute to their communities in various roles that may be surprising to their fans.
Steve Buscemi
At 18 years old, Steve Buscemi took the FDNY civil service exam and became a firefighter in NYC in 1980. He worked at Engine Co. 55 for four years before quitting to pursue a successful career in acting, writing, and directing.
Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford used to work as a carpenter to support his family before he was chosen to play Han Solo in Star Wars by George Lucas during the film's early stages of production. Ford learned carpentry by reading library books.
Nick Offerman
Nick Offerman is not just an actor—he's also a professional boat builder and wood craftsman. He creates furniture, canoes, and boats in his woodshop. Offerman released a tutorial DVD on canoe building in 2008 with Jimmy DiResta.
Ken Jeong
Before making waves in comedy, Ken Jeong was a doctor. He attended the UNC School of Medicine, then later moved to New Orleans for his residency in internal medicine, specializing in adult healthcare.
Walt Disney Television, Flickr
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Dwayne Johnson initially played football, briefly joining the CFL before being dismissed. Following the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he transitioned to professional wrestling, launching a successful career in the WWE ring.
Dylan Sprouse
Gone are the days of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody—Dylan Sprouse became the youngest master brewer in the US after his Disney Channel stint, developing his passion for mead at 17 years old in California.
Condé Nast (Vogue Taiwan), CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Danica McKellar
Danica McKellar is renowned for her acting career but is also recognized as a Ph.D. mathematician. She graduated top of her class at UCLA and co-authored the groundbreaking Chayes-McKellar-Winn Theorem.
Walt Disney Television, Flickr
Lisa Kudrow
Before fame, Lisa Kudrow excelled in tennis and pool, studied Psychobiology at Vassar College, and initially aimed for a research career. But after being inspired by Jon Lovitz, she pursued showbiz in Los Angeles.
Geena Davis
Geena Davis nearly became an Olympic archer. Intrigued by the sport in 1996, she took lessons and trained daily. She then competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympic qualifier and placed 24th out of 28 competitors, just falling short of landing a spot on the Olympic team.
Christopher Walken
Christopher Walken's beloved quirky character on screen led to an incomparable career—but most people are unaware that he once had a surprising stint as a lion tamer in a circus.
Everett Collection, Shutterstock
Jon Heder
Jon Heder studied at Brigham Young University in Salt Lake City before his first movie. Initially pursuing film at BYU. he switched to computer animation before graduating in 1999 and had a short gig as an animator.
Vincent Kartheiser
Vincent Kartheiser, known for his role on "Mad Men," is a successful real estate investor alongside his acting career. Before divorcing his ex-wife Alexis Bledel, he used to strategically invest in properties with her.
Dominick D, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Adrian Grenier
Adrian Grenier is a nature conservation advocate, helping launch Clean Seas to stop marine plastic pollution. He also co-founded the Lonely Whale Foundation, focusing on ocean health and reducing plastic straw use.
Jessica Alba
Constantly in the spotlight since age 12, Jessica Alba went from Hollywood actress to successful businesswoman. She founded The Honest Company in 2011, now valued at nearly $2 billion.
Mara Wilson
American actress Mara Wilson was born in 1987. She gained fame starring in films like Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, and Matilda. Wilson decided to take a break from acting for 12 years in order to concentrate on writing.
Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo, known for his acting career, is also a passionate advocate for addressing climate change and advancing renewable energy. He has received numerous awards for his environmental advocacy work.
Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik, Emmy-nominated actress from The Big Bang Theory, also holds a PhD in Neuroscience from UCLA. She is dedicated to educating children on scientific topics while maintaining her acting career.
Brie Larson
Brie Larson portrayed Mason Weaver in Kong: Skull Island, bringing along her Canon AE-1 from high school to document her journey while filming. She showed off her photography skills with a real Leica camera on set.
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner, the actress, philanthropist, and mother of three, co-founded the successful child nutrition company Once Upon a Farm. Their organic, farm-to-table snacks and meals for babies and older children are available in more than 13,000 stores nationwide.
Kal Penn
Best known for his work in Harold & Kumar, Kal Penn started working for the Obama administration in 2009, in the White House Office of Public Engagement as a liaison to Asian Pacific Americans and arts communities. His role led to his character on House being written out.
U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, Flickr
Shaquille O'Neal
Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal transitioned into a successful businessman and entrepreneur, investing in various ventures and representing multiple companies. He has a net worth over $400 million.
Tony Danza
Angels in the Outfield's Tony Danza started as a teacher before finding success in boxing and acting. At 59, he returned to teaching and his experiences were documented in a television show.
John Mathew Smith, Wikimedia Commons
Hilarie Burton
Hilarie Burton, formerly of One Tree Hll now operates Mischief Farm in New York with husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan. They focus on sustainable farming, caring for various animals.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar is famous for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but she is also making waves in another market. Today, she is the co-founder of Foodstirs with Galit Laibow and Greg Fleishman, entering the seven-billion-dollar baking industry.
Freddie Prinze Jr.
Freddy Prinze Jr claims to have dropped out of a culinary institute, having previously worked as a busboy at his chef mother's restaurant in high school. He considered pursuing a career in the culinary field for a long time before relocating to LA at 18 years old from New Mexico.
Walt Disney Television, Flickr
Jeremy Renner
Jeremy Renner, known for his film roles and portrayal of Hawkeye in Marvel movies, is also an active house flipper. With 20 successful sales in 15 years, he has made nearly $6,250,000 from his last five flips.
Julia Roberts
Along with her acting career, Julia Roberts also manages the production company Red Om Films. She has been an executive producer for projects she has acted in, as well as for the initial four movies of the American Girl series.
Everett Collection, Shutterstock
Peter Ostrum
Former child actor Peter Ostrum is known for playing Charlie Bucket in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. After filming, he pursued a career in veterinary medicine, earning his Doctorate in 1984 from Cornell University College. Ostrum retired in late 2023.
Tom Selleck
Tom Selleck ran an avocado farm as a side business, but the endeavor ended up becoming a scandal. Selleck allegedly took 1.4 million gallons of water for his farm during a drought, leading to legal action by Calleguas District.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt of Jurassic World fame enjoys fishing, which is a passion he developed from his past as a discount ticket seller and part-time fisherman. He often shares his catches on social media.
Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria from Desperate Housewives succeeded in the food industry as a co-owner of Beso restaurant in Hollywood with a menu by Todd English. She shares her love of food through her best-selling cookbook.
Web Summit, CC-BY-SA-2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Terry Crews
Terry Crews, known for acting in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Everybody Hates Chris, also excels as an illustrator and artist. He honed his skills through education and shares his creations online.
Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood, known for his acting, served as mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California from 1986 to 1988. He was motivated by disagreements with local policies and successfully implemented changes to city administration.
Jennifer Aniston
Famous for her role in Friends, Jennifer Aniston co-founded the hair care brand Living Proof in 2008. She contributed to product development and marketing, leading to the brand's success and eventual acquisition by Unilever in 2016.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Robert Pattinson
Twilight's Robert Pattinson is also pursuing a music career. He showcases his musical talents through movie soundtracks, live performances, and collaborations with artists like Death Grips and Bobby Gillespie.
James Franco
James Franco, known for his versatile roles in movies, has also taught film courses at various universities. With multiple degrees in writing and film, he shares his passion for storytelling with students.
Viggo Mortensen
Beyond his acting career, Viggo Mortensen is also a respected painter and artist. His passion for painting started before acting, leading him to exhibit his work worldwide and release books featuring his art.
Josh Jensen, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lucy Liu
Prior to Charlie's Angels, Lucy Liu was an up-and-coming visual artist. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Asian Languages and Cultures, but spent much of her time creating art via painting, collage, and mixed media.
Bethany, CC-BY-SA-2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rainn Wilson
Rainn Wilson, famous for playing Dwight Schrute on The Office, is also a farmer at SoulPancake Farm with his spouse close to Los Angeles. They focus on organic and regenerative farming to support conservation and offer local food.
David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jeff Goldblum
Jeff Goldblum is more than just a talented actor—he's also a skilled jazz pianist. He leads the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, performing globally with his charming stage presence.
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