{"id":2503036,"date":"2026-07-15T13:21:49","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T13:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2503036"},"modified":"2026-07-15T13:21:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T13:21:49","slug":"15-actors-who-became-surprisingly-successful-entrepreneurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/15-actors-who-became-surprisingly-successful-entrepreneurs\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Actors Who Became Surprisingly Successful Entrepreneurs"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

1. Dylan McDermott<\/h2>\n
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Beyond acting, McDermott has invested in restaurants and hospitality ventures, quietly building a business portfolio alongside his television career.<\/p>\n

2. James Van Der Beek<\/h2>\n
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The Dawson’s Creek star expanded into wellness, online education, and digital partnerships while continuing selective acting work.<\/p>\n

3. Jeremy Renner<\/h2>\n
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Renner has earned substantial profits by buying, renovating, and selling luxury homes, making real estate one of his most successful businesses.<\/p>\n

4. Dan Aykroyd<\/h2>\n
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Aykroyd co-founded Crystal Head Vodka, which became an internationally recognized premium spirits brand.<\/p>\n

5. Rick Moranis<\/h2>\n
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After stepping away from Hollywood, Moranis carefully managed his finances and publishing projects while maintaining valuable licensing income.<\/p>\n

6. Jessica Szohr<\/h2>\n
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In addition to acting, Szohr has invested in lifestyle partnerships and fashion-related ventures.<\/p>\n

7. Sarah Michelle Gellar<\/h2>\n
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Rather than focusing exclusively on acting, Gellar co-founded Foodstirs, a baking company that expanded into major retailers.<\/p>\n

8. Hill Harper<\/h2>\n
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Harper founded companies focused on financial education and technology while also writing bestselling books about wealth building.<\/p>\n

9. Patrick Dempsey<\/h2>\n
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Dempsey owns successful businesses related to motorsports, coffee, and commercial real estate alongside his acting career.<\/p>\n

10. Paul Newman<\/h2>\n
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Newman’s Own became one of the world’s most recognizable food brands, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for charity.<\/p>\n

11. Dermot Mulroney<\/h2>\n
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Mulroney has quietly invested in independent film production and commercial real estate outside Hollywood.<\/p>\n

12. Kevin Bacon<\/h2>\n
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Beyond acting, Bacon invested in production companies, music projects, and technology startups.<\/p>\n

13. Mark Wahlberg<\/h2>\n
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Although now widely recognized as a businessman, Wahlberg built an extensive portfolio that includes restaurants, fitness, apparel, and automotive dealerships.<\/p>\n

14. Kelsey Grammer<\/h2>\n
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Grammer expanded beyond television by producing shows, investing in breweries, and owning entertainment businesses.<\/p>\n

15. Danny Trejo<\/h2>\n
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Trejo transformed his personal brand into a successful restaurant empire with Trejo’s Tacos, coffee, donuts, and packaged food products.<\/p>\n

Keep Reading About Actors and Life Beyond Hollywood<\/h3>\n