15 Actors Who Became Surprisingly Successful Entrepreneurs

Actors often become known for memorable performances, but some have found even greater success as entrepreneurs. Instead of relying solely on acting, these stars launched businesses, invested in growing industries, and created brands that continue generating wealth long after the cameras stopped rolling.

Their ventures span everything from restaurants and wineries to tech startups and consumer products, proving that business success can be just as impressive as box office success.

1. Dylan McDermott

A man in a dark shirt poses indoors next to a small, scruffy tan dog wearing a black bow tie. They are both looking at the camera. There is a blue wall and a framed picture in the background.

Beyond acting, McDermott has invested in restaurants and hospitality ventures, quietly building a business portfolio alongside his television career.

2. James Van Der Beek

A man sits at a table, wearing a gray shearling coat and a plaid scarf. His hands are clasped, and he looks slightly to the side against a plain, light-colored background.

The Dawson’s Creek star expanded into wellness, online education, and digital partnerships while continuing selective acting work.

3. Jeremy Renner

A man with short brown hair, glasses, and earbuds sits indoors in a gray t-shirt, looking at the camera. Bookshelves, framed art, and a notebook are visible in the background.

Renner has earned substantial profits by buying, renovating, and selling luxury homes, making real estate one of his most successful businesses.

4. Dan Aykroyd

A man wearing sunglasses, a dark suit, blue shirt, and dark tie smiles in front of a light-colored background with partially visible text.

Aykroyd co-founded Crystal Head Vodka, which became an internationally recognized premium spirits brand.

5. Rick Moranis

A man in glasses and a brown blazer smiles while sitting indoors. The background is blurred and colorful, possibly depicting a painted or illustrated scene.

After stepping away from Hollywood, Moranis carefully managed his finances and publishing projects while maintaining valuable licensing income.

6. Jessica Szohr

A woman with long dark hair in a ponytail smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black t-shirt and a gold necklace. Green plants are visible in the background.

In addition to acting, Szohr has invested in lifestyle partnerships and fashion-related ventures.

7. Sarah Michelle Gellar

A woman with long blonde hair smiles while holding a compact mirror and applying lipstick. She is wearing a white top and sitting indoors with a patterned curtain in the background.

Rather than focusing exclusively on acting, Gellar co-founded Foodstirs, a baking company that expanded into major retailers.

8. Hill Harper

A man in a white t-shirt leans on a kitchen counter, holding a smartphone and looking to the side with a relaxed expression. Modern kitchen appliances are visible in the background.

Harper founded companies focused on financial education and technology while also writing bestselling books about wealth building.

9. Patrick Dempsey

A man with wavy hair, wearing a navy polo shirt and striped pants, stands smiling in a cozy RV kitchen with a fireplace, TV, and wooden cabinets in the background.

Dempsey owns successful businesses related to motorsports, coffee, and commercial real estate alongside his acting career.

10. Paul Newman

A man in a blue sweater stands on a wooden dock by the water, smiling and looking into the distance, with green trees and fishing gear in the background.

Newman’s Own became one of the world’s most recognizable food brands, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for charity.

11. Dermot Mulroney

Mulroney has quietly invested in independent film production and commercial real estate outside Hollywood.

12. Kevin Bacon

A man wearing glasses and a blue plaid shirt plays a red acoustic guitar while sitting near a goat in a barn with wood walls and outdoor fencing visible in the background.

Beyond acting, Bacon invested in production companies, music projects, and technology startups.

13. Mark Wahlberg

A man in a light blue polo shirt and white cap smiles indoors, holding a water bottle. There is a TV screen with graphics and text behind him and modern office decor in the background.

Although now widely recognized as a businessman, Wahlberg built an extensive portfolio that includes restaurants, fitness, apparel, and automotive dealerships.