15 Celebs Who Made More Money Outside of Acting

Many celebrities dazzle us with their on-screen performances, but some have turned their fame into massive wealth through ventures far removed from acting. From liquor brands to tech investments, these stars have proven they’re as savvy in business as they are in Hollywood.

I’ve gathered 15 actors who’ve made more money outside acting than in it. Their stories show how creativity and smart moves can lead to fortunes that outshine even their biggest movie paychecks.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg, known for ‘Ted’ (2012) and ‘The Departed’ (2006), has starred in blockbuster hits, but his real wealth comes from business. His acting career is solid, yet his entrepreneurial ventures have far surpassed his Hollywood earnings.

Wahlberg co-founded Wahlburgers, a burger chain that sparked a reality TV show, and invested in F45 Training, a fitness franchise valued at over $1 billion when it went public in 2021. These deals, along with real estate and production, have built him a fortune estimated at $400 million.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba shone in ‘Fantastic Four’ (2005) and ‘Sin City’ (2005), but her acting paychecks pale compared to her business success. She’s transitioned from action star to a leading entrepreneur with a knack for consumer products.

In 2011, Alba co-founded The Honest Company, selling eco-friendly baby, beauty, and cleaning products. By 2015, it was valued at over $1 billion, earning her hundreds of millions, despite some lawsuits over marketing claims.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro, iconic for ‘Taxi Driver’ (1976) and ‘Goodfellas’ (1990), is a screen legend, but his restaurant empire has outearned his acting roles. His business acumen has made him a powerhouse off-screen.

De Niro partnered with chef Nobu Matsuhisa to create Nobu, a global chain of high-end Japanese restaurants. Valued at $500 million by 2015, Nobu’s success, along with his Tribeca Grill and real estate, has built a fortune far beyond his film salaries.

George Clooney

George Clooney, star of ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ (2001) and ‘Gravity’ (2013), is a Hollywood heavyweight, but his biggest payday came from a side hustle. Acting made him famous, but business made him rich.

In 2013, Clooney co-founded Casamigos Tequila, initially for personal use. Its popularity led to a $1 billion sale to Diageo in 2017, netting him more than any film role, with $700 million upfront and potential for $300 million more.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher, known for ‘That ’70s Show’ (1998-2006) and ‘Two and a Half Men’ (2011-2015), earned big from TV, but his tech investments dwarf those checks. His knack for spotting startups has redefined his wealth.

Kutcher co-founded A-Grade Investments, backing companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Spotify early on. His portfolio, valued at over $250 million by 2025, has outstripped his acting income, making him a tech mogul.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds, star of ‘Deadpool’ (2016) and ‘Red Notice’ (2021), commands huge film salaries, but his business ventures have brought in even more. His charm translates seamlessly into smart investments.

Reynolds bought a stake in Aviation Gin, later selling it for $610 million in 2020. His marketing firm, Maximum Effort, and investments in tech like 1Password have earned him millions more than his acting gigs.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow, known for ‘Shakespeare in Love’ (1998) and ‘Iron Man’ (2008), won an Oscar, but her lifestyle brand has far outpaced her acting earnings. She’s turned her fame into a wellness empire.

In 2008, Paltrow launched Goop, a brand selling health products, fashion, and books. Despite controversies, Goop’s valuation hit $250 million by 2018, making her millions more than her film career ever did.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon, star of ‘Legally Blonde’ (2001) and ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017-2019), is a talented actress, but her media ventures have brought in bigger bucks. Her business savvy has reshaped her wealth.

Witherspoon founded Hello Sunshine, a production company behind hits like ‘The Morning Show’ (2019-present). Selling it for $900 million in 2021, she earned far more than her acting salaries, cementing her as a media mogul.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx, who won an Oscar for ‘Ray’ (2004), also starred in ‘Django Unchained’ (2012). His acting and music careers are impressive, but his entrepreneurial side has quietly built a larger fortune.

Foxx has invested in restaurants, real estate, and tech startups, including a stake in the fitness brand Privé Revaux. These ventures, combined with his production work, have reportedly outearned his Hollywood paychecks.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock, known for ‘The Blind Side’ (2009) and ‘Gravity’ (2013), is a box-office draw, but her wealth stems more from production and real estate. Her business moves have multiplied her earnings.

Bullock’s production company, Fortis Films, has backed profitable projects, and her real estate portfolio, including flipped luxury homes, has netted millions. These ventures have surpassed her acting income, building a $250 million net worth.

Will Smith

Will Smith, star of ‘Men in Black’ (1997) and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ (2006), has earned big from films, but his production and investment ventures have brought in even more. His business instincts are as sharp as his acting.

Through Overbrook Entertainment, Smith produced hits like ‘The Karate Kid’ (2010). His investments in tech startups and real estate have outpaced his acting salaries, contributing to a $350 million fortune.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt, iconic for ‘Fight Club’ (1999) and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019), commands high film salaries, but his production company has been the real moneymaker. His off-screen work is a masterclass in business.

Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment produced Oscar winners like ‘12 Years a Slave’ (2013). Combined with real estate deals, including a $100 million property portfolio, his non-acting ventures have outearned his screen work.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger, star of ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991), earned millions acting, but his real estate and business deals have built a bigger fortune. His hustle goes beyond his action-hero persona.

Schwarzenegger’s real estate investments, including commercial properties in California, have grown into a $300 million empire. His fitness expos and bodybuilding ventures have also outstripped his film earnings.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres, known for ‘Finding Nemo’ (2003) and ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ (2003-2022), made her name in entertainment, but real estate flipping has been her biggest earner. Her off-screen deals are massive.

DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have flipped over a dozen properties, including a $40 million mansion sold for a $15 million profit. These deals have earned her more than her acting and hosting combined.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson, star of ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017) and ‘Moana’ (2016), is a top-paid actor, but his business ventures have outshone his film salaries. His entrepreneurial drive is unstoppable.

Johnson’s Teremana Tequila, launched in 2020, could earn him up to $1 billion, per estimates. His production company, Seven Bucks, and Under Armour endorsements have also surpassed his acting income.

Which star’s business hustle surprised you the most, or do you know another celeb who struck gold outside acting? Share your thoughts in the comments!