For many Hollywood stars, blockbuster movies are just one part of their income. While acting can bring fame and fortune, some celebrities earn even more from side businesses, endorsements, and investments. These extra income sources not only boost their bank accounts but also help them build long-term wealth and influence.
Take Rihanna, for example. Though she started in music, most of her wealth comes from Fenty Beauty, her cosmetics brand. The same goes for Jessica Alba, who co-founded The Honest Company, now worth over a billion dollars. Similarly, George Clooney sold his tequila brand, Casamigos, for around $1 billion — showing that business can be even more profitable than acting.
Celebrities also earn through brand endorsements and social media promotions. With millions of followers, stars like Dwayne Johnson and Kim Kardashian charge large sums to promote products. Their influence allows them to land major deals with global brands, sometimes earning more from a single Instagram post than from weeks on a movie set.
Streaming platforms, fashion labels, tech start-ups, and real estate are also popular areas where Hollywood stars invest their money. These ventures often give them steady income even during breaks in their film careers.
From Fashion to Tech: Where the Real Money Comes From
Today’s celebrities are thinking like businesspeople. Many launch their own fashion lines, beauty products, or wellness brands. Others back new tech start-ups, using their fame to attract investors and customers. These ventures offer financial security that a movie role can’t always guarantee.
Here are a few key ways Hollywood celebs make money outside of acting:
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Brand Ownership: Celebs like Kylie Jenner (Kylie Cosmetics) and Gwyneth Paltrow (Goop) have turned their personal brands into global businesses.
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Investments: Ashton Kutcher is known for investing early in tech companies like Uber and Airbnb.
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Production Companies: Many actors, like Reese Witherspoon and Brad Pitt, run their own production houses, giving them control over content and profits.
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Real Estate: Buying and flipping luxury properties is another favorite strategy among the rich and famous.
These outside ventures often give stars more freedom and control over their careers. Instead of waiting for the next film offer, they create opportunities on their own terms — and often, with bigger paychecks.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): CNN
