15 Actors Who Became Powerful Producers

Many actors captivate audiences with their on-screen charisma, but some take their passion for storytelling a step further by stepping behind the scenes. Becoming a producer allows these stars to shape projects, champion bold ideas, and leave a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.

This article dives into 15 actors who transitioned into powerful producers, creating films and shows that resonate with viewers worldwide. From blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas, their work behind the camera has redefined their legacies and influenced the stories we love.

Drew Barrymore

Flower Films
Drew Barrymore, a beloved actress since her childhood role in ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ (1982), founded Flower Films in 1995. Her production company has delivered hits like ‘Never Been Kissed’ (1999), where she also starred, and the action-packed ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (2000, 2003).

Flower Films also produced the cult classic ‘Donnie Darko’ (2001) and romantic comedies like ‘50 First Dates’ (2004). Barrymore’s knack for picking diverse projects shows her commitment to stories that entertain and inspire, proving her influence extends far beyond acting.

Reese Witherspoon

Hello Sunshine
Reese Witherspoon, known for her roles in ‘Legally Blonde’ (2001) and ‘Walk the Line’ (2005), launched Hello Sunshine to champion female-driven stories. Her company produced the acclaimed series ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017-2019) and ‘The Morning Show’ (2019-present).

Witherspoon’s vision led to films like ‘Gone Girl’ (2014) and ‘Wild’ (2014), both showcasing strong, complex women. Her work as a producer has not only earned critical praise but also sparked conversations about representation in Hollywood.

Brad Pitt

Plan B Entertainment
Brad Pitt, a heartthrob from ‘Fight Club’ (1999) and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019), co-founded Plan B Entertainment in 2001. The company has produced Oscar-winning films like ‘The Departed’ (2006) and ‘12 Years a Slave’ (2013).

Plan B also backed ‘Moonlight’ (2016), a groundbreaking drama that won Best Picture. Pitt’s ability to select bold, impactful stories has made his company a force in creating culturally resonant films that linger with audiences.

Tom Cruise

Cruise/Wagner Productions
Tom Cruise, the action star of ‘Top Gun’ (1986) and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise (1996-present), co-founded Cruise/Wagner Productions. He produced the entire ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, which has grossed billions worldwide.

Cruise also took on projects like ‘The Last Samurai’ (2003), blending epic storytelling with intense action. His producing work reflects his knack for delivering high-stakes entertainment that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Appian Way Productions
Leonardo DiCaprio, celebrated for ‘Titanic’ (1997) and ‘The Revenant’ (2015), started Appian Way Productions to tackle meaningful stories. The company produced ‘The Aviator’ (2004) and ‘The Revenant’, both earning critical acclaim.

DiCaprio’s focus on environmental and social issues shines through in documentaries like ‘Before the Flood’ (2016). His producing career highlights his dedication to projects that entertain while sparking deeper reflection.

Margot Robbie

LuckyChap Entertainment
Margot Robbie, known for ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013) and ‘Barbie’ (2023), co-founded LuckyChap Entertainment. The company produced ‘I, Tonya’ (2017), earning Robbie an Oscar nomination, and the blockbuster ‘Barbie’.

LuckyChap also backed ‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020), a sharp thriller that won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Robbie’s bold choices as a producer highlight her commitment to unique, female-driven narratives.

Adam Sandler

Happy Madison Productions
Adam Sandler, the comedy king of ‘Happy Gilmore’ (1996) and ‘Billy Madison’ (1995), founded Happy Madison Productions. The company produced hits like ‘Grown Ups’ (2010) and ‘Murder Mystery’ (2019).

Happy Madison also ventured into television with ‘The Goldbergs’ (2013-present). Sandler’s ability to churn out crowd-pleasing comedies has made his company a reliable source of laughter for millions.

Nicole Kidman

Blossom Films
Nicole Kidman, star of ‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2001) and ‘The Hours’ (2002), launched Blossom Films in 2010. The company produced ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017-2019), where Kidman also starred, earning Emmy Awards.

Blossom Films backed series like ‘The Undoing’ (2020) and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ (2021). Kidman’s producing work focuses on gripping dramas that explore complex human emotions, cementing her as a storytelling powerhouse.

Jordan Peele

Monkeypaw Productions
Jordan Peele, known for his comedic roots in ‘Key & Peele’ (2012-2015), founded Monkeypaw Productions. His directorial debut ‘Get Out’ (2017), produced by Monkeypaw, won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Monkeypaw also produced ‘Us’ (2019) and ‘Nope’ (2022), blending horror with social commentary. Peele’s innovative approach has redefined genre storytelling, making his company a leader in bold, thought-provoking content.

Elizabeth Banks

Brownstone Productions
Elizabeth Banks, recognized for ‘The Hunger Games’ (2012-2015) and ‘Pitch Perfect’ (2012), co-founded Brownstone Productions. The company produced the entire ‘Pitch Perfect’ trilogy, grossing over $350 million.

Banks also produced ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (2019), where she directed and starred. Her work behind the scenes showcases her knack for creating fun, empowering stories that resonate with wide audiences.

Ice Cube

Cube Vision
Ice Cube, a rap icon and actor in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ (1991), founded Cube Vision in 1998. The company produced the ‘Friday’ franchise (1995-2002), starting with ‘Next Friday’ (2000).

Cube Vision also backed ‘Straight Outta Compton’ (2015), a biopic about N.W.A. that earned critical acclaim. Ice Cube’s producing reflects his commitment to authentic, culturally rich stories.

Spike Lee

40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks
Spike Lee, the visionary behind ‘Do the Right Thing’ (1989), founded 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks in 1979. The company produced classics like ‘Malcolm X’ (1992) and ‘BlacKkKlansman’ (2018).

Lee’s work often tackles race and identity, with projects like ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ (1986). His producing legacy is defined by bold storytelling that challenges and inspires.

Tina Fey

Little Stranger Productions
Tina Fey, the comedic genius of ‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975-present), founded Little Stranger Productions. The company produced ‘Mean Girls’ (2004) and the hit series ‘30 Rock’ (2006-2013).

Fey also backed ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ (2015-2020), blending humor with heart. Her producing work showcases her sharp wit and ability to craft stories that connect with audiences.

Salma Hayek

Ventanarosa Productions
Salma Hayek, known for ‘Frida’ (2002), launched Ventanarosa Productions to highlight diverse stories. The company produced ‘Frida’, earning multiple Oscar nominations.

Ventanarosa also backed the series ‘Ugly Betty’ (2006-2010), which celebrated cultural identity. Hayek’s producing focuses on empowering underrepresented voices, making her a trailblazer in inclusive storytelling.

Clint Eastwood

Malpaso Productions
Clint Eastwood, the legend of ‘Dirty Harry’ (1971), founded Malpaso Productions in 1967. The company produced ‘Unforgiven’ (1992) and ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004), both winning Best Picture Oscars.

Eastwood’s work, like ‘Gran Torino’ (2008), blends grit with emotional depth. His producing career reflects his ability to craft timeless stories that resonate across generations.

Which actor-turned-producer’s work inspires you most, or is there another star I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!