10 Stars Who Left Hollywood and Built Impressive Fortunes After

Walking away from Hollywood doesn’t always mean walking away from success. While some stars leave fame behind for a quieter life, others turn their celebrity momentum into surprising second acts, building impressive fortunes through business ventures, creative projects, real estate, and smart investments. These 12 former Hollywood names prove that sometimes the biggest payday comes after the cameras stop rolling.

Cameron Diaz

Though she was once a reigning queen of the rom-com, Cameron Diaz traded red carpets for entrepreneurship. Stepping away from acting, she launched Avaline, a clean wine brand that’s become wildly successful, and wrote bestselling wellness books. Since the brand’s launch in July of 2020, it has achieved over $20 million in sales, as reported by Forbes. Her business acumen and lifestyle ventures contributed to building a fortune well beyond her box office hits.

Suzanne Somers

Suzanne Somers made an empire far beyond sitcom stardom. After TV, she became one of America’s most recognizable self-help personalities, amassing wealth through best-selling books and her fitness products, most notably the ThighMaster. She revealed in 2022 that she had made more than $300,000,000 from the fitness device, according to WWD. Her career pivot and resilience made her a self-made business mogul.

Cole Sprouse

Best known for his Disney Channel days, Cole Sprouse transitioned from child actor to sought-after adult performer before exploring photography and entrepreneurial ventures. His editorial photography work impressed a J Brand marketing executive enough that he was hired to shoot the denim label’s own ad campaign, starring his twin brother Dylan, per Nylon. With a strong social media presence and collaborations with luxury brands, his smart business moves have greatly expanded his financial portfolio.

Kevin Jonas

Kevin Jonas first found fame as a musician, but built surprising wealth after the band’s initial hiatus. He started a home-building company called JonasWerner and became co-founder of an influencer marketing agency, The Blu Market, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, all while continuing to collaborate musically with his brothers. His recent solo ventures show his talent for adapting and thriving in business.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba went from action star to entrepreneur when she co-founded The Honest Company. The company’s sales climbed from roughly $10 million to an estimated $250 million within just a few years of its launch, according to Forbes, making her one of Hollywood’s most successful business founders. Alba’s brand is proof that a passion for wellness, coupled with star power, can build a modern fortune.

Peter Ostrum

Famed for playing Charlie in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Peter Ostrum left acting behind for veterinary medicine. He left Hollywood at a young age to build a fulfilling career caring for animals, per Us Weekly. His choice proves fortune and fulfillment can be found beyond the silver screen.

Mara Wilson

Once the beloved face in classics like Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, Mara Wilson pivoted to writing and advocacy. Her essays have since been published by outlets including Jezebel, The Toast, McSweeney’s, and The Daily Beast, as reported by NPR. Through creativity and candor, Wilson found her way to both financial independence and peace.

Frankie Muniz

Frankie Muniz, the former Malcolm in the Middle star, left showbiz to pursue a professional racing career and a range of business endeavors, including owning a specialty retail shop. He has shifted away from acting in recent years to become a full-time driver on the NASCAR circuit, according to Variety. His competitive spirit and smart investments have helped him quietly amass wealth outside Hollywood.

Rick Moranis

A comedy icon, Rick Moranis stepped away from film work to raise his children. He has said he left acting to raise his two kids on his own after his wife Ann died of breast cancer in 1991, as reported by People. Despite his absence from Hollywood, royalties and wise financial planning have kept him secure. Selective return to voice work and upcoming film projects have only strengthened his lasting legacy.

Gene Hackman

The revered actor, Gene Hackman, chose to leave behind a legendary film career for a quieter life of writing novels and indulging in personal passions. Working with undersea archaeologist Daniel Lenihan, he co-wrote three historical fiction novels: Wake of the Perdido Star, Justice for None, and Escape From Andersonville, per The Hollywood Reporter. Hackman’s prudent investments and successful ventures in literature have quietly added to his substantial fortune, proving there’s life well beyond Hollywood’s red carpets.