Former Celebrities Trade Hollywood Careers For Regular Jobs
Ever wondered what celebrities do after they retire from the spotlight? Some prefer to leave fame and fortune behind to pursue a different path. And with all the uncertainty in the entertainment industry, having a steady paycheck can be a smart move.
Michael Schoeffling: Carpenter
Meet Michael Schoeffling - the ultimate icon of the '80s! This talented actor starred in unforgettable classics like Sixteen Candles, Vision Quest, and Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken. His performances are etched into American pop culture forever.
Fast forward to today, and Michael is living a new chapter of his life as a carpenter. Running his own business, he now works with private and corporate clients, creating beautiful things with his hands. It's safe to say that life outside Hollywood is treating him well!
Danica McKellar: Best-Selling Novelist And Mathematician
Remember The Wonder Years? Well, Danica McKellar played Winnie, and for almost half a decade, fans grew up with her character in the late '80s and early '90s. Regardless, McKellar has taken a different path today: advanced mathematics and geometric theory.
Believe it or not, McKellar has published four best-selling books on the subjects! These books combine her sassy outlook with advanced math to make it accessible for everyone. She still does the occasional acting gig, but usually in the form of an animated voice-acting performance.
Cameron Diaz: Philanthropist
You probably remember Cameron Diaz from some of the most famous romantic comedies of the past decade or two, like My Best Friend’s Wedding, Something About Mary, and Being John Malkovich. She was also one of the highest-paid actresses in the world and wrote two books on health and wellness.
Nonetheless, these days, Diaz has retired from acting to focus on family life. She married rocker Benji Madden, and the couple has one child. In addition to being a mom, Diaz is also a philanthropist. She works with the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America organization, which helps veterans and military families.
Hayden Christiansen: Farmer
Did you know that Hayden Christiansen's acting career began almost by chance? He actually went along with his older sister to an acting agency's interviews and ended up getting signed on to do commercials. Regardless, his role as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in the Star Wars movies really made him famous.
However, Christiansen eventually decided to take a break from acting and pursue his passion for farming. In 2007, he bought a farm in Ontario, Canada, and even renovated the property himself in 2008. He's also taught himself about livestock, agricultural machinery, and crops. And if that wasn't enough, he's even collaborated with the brand RW&Co. to release his own line of farmer's clothing.
Steven Seagal: Deputy Sheriff
Steven Seagal is a man of many talents - he's been a musician, actor, and martial artist throughout his career, and he even holds citizenship in America, Russia, and Serbia. Even though he's mostly retired from acting, he's keeping busy with other pursuits. He works as a deputy sheriff and is now involved in the weapons industry!
Seagal has a huge sword collection and reportedly has a customized gun made for him each month. He's even part of the Russian weapons company ORSIS and is their spokesperson. Seagal recently announced that he's teaming up with ORSIS to release a long-range rifle that will bear his name - definitely a unique venture for a former action movie star!
Mark Feehily: Barista
Mark Feehily, a member of the Irish Pop boy band Westlife, was a prominent figure in the late '90s and early 2000s. Despite being a songwriter and occasionally releasing his music, he now works as a barista since going solo.
However, fans speculate about Westlife's potential comeback. The band headlined "The 20 Tour" to celebrate two decades since their first hit, Swear It Again, and released a new single, Hello My Love, in 2019 premiered on the Norton Graham Show.
Drake Bell: Musician
Former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell, known for his role in the hit show Drake and Josh, has retired from acting and transitioned into a music career. Beginning his acting career at just five years old, Bell has worked in various voice roles, including the voice of Peter Parker in Spiderman.
Now, as a songwriter and performer, he is signed to Surfdog Records, an independent label, and has been creating his music since the 2000s.
Shaquille O’Neal: Reserve Officer
After retiring from the NBA, Shaq's fascination with law enforcement led him to become a reserve officer with the Clayton County Sheriff's Department in Georgia. He’s a towering seven-foot-tall NBA star holding an honorary Deputy Marshal title and has even worked as a beach reserve officer while in Miami for which he was paid a symbolic salary of $1.
Shaq - despite being a phenomenal figure in the NBA - continues to serve as a reserve officer after his retirement.
Kristin Davis: Spokesperson
Actress and fashion designer Kristin Davis, famous for her role in Sex and the City, has collaborated with Belk to design a line of women's clothing and accessories inspired by her character.
In addition, she is a celebrity spokesperson for the cosmetics brand Maybelline and an advocate for various charities, including Oxfam and the Humane Society. Davis also works with the UN to support women's rights in the Republic of Congo, highlighting her philanthropic endeavors.
Elizabeth Hurley: Charity Ambassador
Liz Hurley, a renowned supermodel, made her mark in the industry at the age of twenty-nine when she signed with Estee Lauder, a leading cosmetics brand. Though she lacked experience, the company took a chance on her. This contract established Liz as a top model.
Today, she remains in demand in the modeling world and is a dedicated charity ambassador, actively involved in the Estee Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. She even designed her own lipstick to support breast cancer research.
Daniel Day-Lewis: Charity President
Fans weren’t pleased when Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement in 2017. Despite having a net worth to envy, the sixty-two-year-old explained that he no longer felt the urge to act.
Yet he has since found solace as the honorary president of a UK-registered charity called The Poetry Archive. This online treasure trove has an ever-growing collection of English poets reading their work out loud. Day-Lewis even added his father's poetry collection to help support this good cause.
Portia de Rossi: Philanthropist
Portia de Rossi is recognized for her role as Lindsay Bluth on the beloved TV show Arrested Development. Although the former model has taken a hiatus from acting, she revealed that she'd gladly make an exception for the character if producers revive the show.
Nowadays, de Rossi channels her energy into philanthropic pursuits, supporting Locks of Love, which offers human hair wigs at low or no cost to cancer patients and people with alopecia. She is also a big fan of FXB International, an organization that helps people with AIDS in Africa.
Meg Ryan: Producer
Remember America's sweetheart, Meg Ryan? The actress who captivated audiences with her romantic comedies in the '80s and '90s, like You've Got Mail? After hanging up her acting boots, she's since taken on the director role, financing and producing indie productions through her business connections.
Since 2010, Ryan has released a string of acclaimed films, from Lives of Saints to Half the Sky, working with A-listers like John Lithgow, Kat Dennings, and Kevin Zegers. Her debut film premiered at the Middleburg Film Festival in 2015.
Terrence Howard: Producer
The curtains have drawn for Empire actor Terrence Howard, who recently announced his retirement from acting, leaving fans disappointed. Howard revealed that he was weary of the facade that came with acting and no longer had the passion for it.
In Cut Throat City, he had a small role as The Saint and co-produced the film, but it is uncertain what Howard's next endeavor will be as a producer.
Taylor Momsen: Musician
Taylor Momsen, who rose to fame with her roles as Jenny in Gossip Girl and Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, announced her retirement from acting in 2012, citing a lack of passion.
However, Momsen has found her true calling in music. She is the lead singer and frontwoman of the rock band The Pretty Reckless, which has produced four number-one hits on the U.S. rock charts since its formation in 2009 in New York City.
Lauryn Hill: Teacher
Did you know that Lauryn Hill, the Grammy Award-winning singer, and actress, quit Hollywood and opted for a regular day job? After achieving immense success with her album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and starring in hit movies like Sister Act 2 and The Preacher's Wife, she decided to take a break from the limelight.
In 2012, she even served time in prison for tax evasion. Hill now works as a teacher and focuses on raising her six children. It shows that even the most prominent stars can prioritize their personal lives over fame and fortune.
Adam Lamberg: Development Associate
Do you remember Adam Lamberg from the hit TV show Lizzie McGuire? After the show ended, Lamberg went on to attend UC Berkeley and later worked in various film production jobs.
Now, he's a development associate at the Irish Arts Center in New York City. It's great to see former child stars making a successful transition into other careers outside the entertainment industry.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: Fashionistas
Are you familiar with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen? These famous twins were once child stars known for their roles on TV shows like Full House and in movies like Passport to Paris. But they decided to quit Hollywood and pursue other interests.
The Olsen twins now have their fashion line called The Row, which has become incredibly successful. It's funny how taking a chance on something you love can lead to great things. Sometimes it's good to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Who knows where it might take you!
Bill Murray: Bartender
After entertaining audiences in popular films such as Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, Bill Murray has changed career paths and can now be found serving drinks as a bartender. In the 2000s, he worked as a bartender at his son's bar in Brooklyn.
He reportedly loved the experience of connecting with people and being part of a community. Murray is known for being a bit of a free spirit, so it's not surprising that he would take a break from the glitz and glam of Hollywood for a more down-to-earth experience.
Jeri Ryan: Real Estate Agent
Jeri Ryan, the actress who starred in popular TV shows like Star Trek: Voyager and Boston Public, decided to leave Hollywood and switch to a regular job. Can you believe it?
After years of acting, Jeri decided to step away from the limelight and pursue a more low-key life. She now works as a real estate agent in California, and by all accounts, she loves it! This is a perfect example of how a change of scenery can work wonders for a person.
Gene Hackman: Now a Star Novelist
Despite retiring from acting after a long career, Gene Hackman continues to write novels and has not announced his retirement. His six-decade career began in 1956 with two Oscars, a SAG Award, two BAFTAs, and four Golden Globes. Before retiring, Hackman starred in the satirical film, Welcome to Mooseport.
Hackman is currently a novelist, after his official retirement in 2017. He wrote three historical fiction books, a Western, and a police thriller. His thriller, Pursuit, is his most recent book. It was released in 2013 with a 4/5-star rating on Amazon.
Sarah Michelle Gellar: A Unique Cookbook Writer
When she was four years old, Sarah Gellar appeared in the movie Invasion of Privacy. After starring in All My Children and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she had her breakthrough.
Gellar opened her lifestyle brand with an emphasis on cooking after she left acting. Her first cookbook went on to become a best-seller after she formed her business entity in 2015. Whole Foods and Giant Eagle have her brand, Foodstirs, which was named to CNBC’s “Upstart 25” list in 2017 as an up-and-coming company to watch.
Frankie Muniz: Outrageous Olive Oils Store Owner
His most famous role was as the title character in Malcolm in the Middle, a Fox sitcom that earned him an Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations. Upon resigning from acting, Muniz started an open-wheel racing career, competing in the Atlantic Championship and tracks across America.
He has turned to business now. He and his girlfriend, Paige Price, bought a specialty olive oil store in Arizona, called “Outrageous Olive Oils and Vinegars." Muniz handles logistics while Price handles inventory and social media promotion.
Eva Amurri: A Great Career In Blogging
A famous film and TV actress, Eva Amurri is best known for her role in Californication. Eva is the daughter of Meryl Streep. She got into acting at an early age, with a role in a movie in 2002.
Amurri's decision to quit acting may not be a permanent one. She now owns a small business as a YouTuber and blogger.
Ron Howard: Settles For Teaching And Business
Ron Howard has two Hollywood Walk of Fame Stars, one for acting and one for directing. His roles in movies such as Cocoon, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, and other massive hits have given him impressive directing credentials, while his role in Happy Days made him a household name as an actor.
Currently, Howard is a business owner. He is the co-chair of Imagine Entertainment, a film production business. He also declared openly in 2017 his intention to start teaching at a film school.
Erik Estrada: Police Officer
Erik Estrada went from playing a cop on the screen to become one in real life, making a most remarkable career switch. After years of thrilling audiences with his portrayal of Frank "Ponch" Poncherello on CHiPs, he is now taking on real-life criminals with his law enforcement career in his 70s.
Estrada's journey from Hollywood to the police force proves that life can imitate art, and art can inspire life at any age!
Nikki Blonsky: Artist
After achieving global fame in 2007 for her leading role in Hairspray alongside John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky's career took an unexpected turn. Despite early predictions that she would become a Hollywood A-lister, we haven't heard from her since 2017, when she was set to appear on Stuffed but withdrew from illness.
Blonsky has since worked as a makeup artist and sells her videos on Cameo. Who knows what the future holds, though? Maybe this talented star will yet again come back to the scene.
Tiffany: Entrepreneur
Tiffany, the '80s pop star sensation, rose to fame with her hit song I Think We're Alone Now, which topped the Billboard charts. Besides music, she also modeled for Playboy, appeared in reality shows, and acted in low-budget horror/sci-fi movies.
Today, Tiffany focuses on running her clothing store business and occasionally performs at smaller venues like coffee shops and festivals to promote her brand. With a net worth of $4 million, Tiffany has indeed transitioned well from her music career to entrepreneurship.
Freddie Prinze Jr.: WWE Producer
Freddie Prinze Jr. found fame on the silver screen, starring in blockbuster hits like She's All That. However, he has now transitioned from acting to working behind the camera as a WWE producer.
Freddie and his wife also run a successful company called Foodstirs. Although he doesn't act much anymore, he has lent his voice to several animated shows, including Star Wars Rebels for the character Kanan Jarrus.
Charlie Korsmo: Lecturer
Once a child star who captivated audiences in the Disney comedy What About Bob? Charlie Korsmo left his showbiz days behind to pursue an academic career. After his brief Hollywood stint, he attended law school and now teaches corporations and corporate finance law at Case Western Reserve University.
Once a child star who captivated audiences in the Disney comedy What About Bob? Charlie Korsmo left his showbiz days behind to pursue an academic career. After his brief Hollywood stint, he attended law school and now teaches corporations and corporate finance law at Case Western Reserve University.
That's why some former A-listers have opted for "normal" day jobs. They may not have all the perks of being a Hollywood star, but the privacy and peace of mind of a regular job can be worth it. From actors to athletes and more, these celebrities have switched career paths and have no regrets.