Actors Who Pursued Careers in Other Fields

Many male performers have stepped away from the spotlight to find fulfillment in different industries. Some transitioned into academic life while others chose hands-on trades like furniture making or farming. These career changes often occur after decades of success in film and television. Exploring these secondary paths reveals the diverse talents and interests of Hollywood stars.

Daniel Day-Lewis

The three time Academy Award winner is known for his intense dedication to method acting in films like ‘There Will Be Blood’. He famously took a break from the movie industry in the late nineties to live in Italy. During this time he worked as an apprentice shoemaker under a master craftsman. His commitment to the trade showed a desire for a life away from the public eye. He eventually returned to cinema before announcing his official retirement to focus on private creative pursuits.

Gene Hackman

After a legendary career spanning several decades this actor chose to step away from Hollywood in the early two thousands. He transitioned into a second career as a novelist and has published several historical fiction books. His literary work includes titles like ‘Payback at Morning Peak’ and ‘Pursuit’. He focuses on Western themes and nautical adventures in his writing. This shift allowed him to continue his storytelling passion through the written word rather than on screen.

Rick Moranis

This comedy star became a household name with hits like ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids’. He decided to step away from acting in the late nineties to focus on raising his children as a single father. During his hiatus he transitioned into voice acting and music production. He released a comedy album titled ‘The Agoraphobic Cowboy’ which earned a Grammy nomination. His choice to prioritize family over fame remains a well respected story in the entertainment world.

Kal Penn

Known for his leading role in ‘Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle’ this actor took a significant turn in his career path. He joined the administration of President Barack Obama as an associate director in the Office of Public Engagement. This role required him to put his acting career on hold to focus on outreach to various communities. He successfully balanced his interest in public service with his professional background. Later he returned to television while continuing to advocate for various social and political causes.

Frankie Muniz

The star of ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ explored several different professional paths after his sitcom success. He pursued a career as an open wheel racing driver and competed in the Atlantic Championship. In addition to motorsports he managed a band and eventually bought an olive oil shop in Arizona. He also spent time as a professional drummer for the indie rock group Kingsfoil. His transition from child star to multifaceted entrepreneur and athlete shows a wide range of personal interests.

Jeff Cohen

Fans remember him as Chunk from the classic film ‘The Goonies’ but he left acting shortly after his childhood success. He decided to pursue a career in law and eventually earned a degree from the University of California Los Angeles. He founded his own firm where he works as a successful entertainment attorney in Beverly Hills. His professional shift allowed him to stay connected to the industry while working behind the scenes. He has authored books about business and legal strategies for creative professionals.

Charlie Korsmo

After appearing in popular films like ‘Hook’ and ‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ this actor moved away from the camera. He focused on his education and eventually graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He continued his studies at Yale Law School and transitioned into a career in legal academia. Today he serves as a law professor specializing in corporate law and finance. His transition from a young Hollywood star to a respected academic professional is a notable success story.

Josh Saviano

This actor is best known for playing Paul Pfeiffer on the television series ‘The Wonder Years’. Following the conclusion of the show he attended Yale University and pursued a career in the legal field. He became a corporate lawyer and partner at a prominent firm in New York City. Later he moved into the business world to help celebrities and brands with their commercial ventures. He remains an example of a child actor who successfully transitioned into high level professional roles.

Peter Ostrum

He played the iconic role of Charlie Bucket in ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ but chose not to sign a long term film contract. Instead he developed a passion for animals and decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. He graduated from Cornell University and became a doctor of veterinary medicine specializing in large animals. He spent decades working in upstate New York caring for horses and cows. His career choice took him far from the spotlight of his early childhood fame.

Danny Lloyd

This former actor gained worldwide recognition for his role as Danny Torrance in ‘The Shining’. He decided to retire from the film industry at a young age to live a more private life. He eventually found his calling in education and became a biology professor at a community college in Kentucky. His students often do not realize they are being taught by a former horror movie icon. He maintains a quiet life away from Hollywood and focuses on his academic responsibilities.

Jack Gleeson

He earned widespread acclaim for playing Joffrey Baratheon in the hit series ‘Game of Thrones’. After his character was written off the show he decided to retire from professional screen acting to focus on his studies. He attended Trinity College Dublin where he studied philosophy and theology. He also co founded a theater company that focuses on puppetry and experimental performances. His move away from mainstream television allowed him to explore more niche creative and academic interests.

Michael Schoeffling

He became a teen heartthrob after starring as Jake Ryan in the movie ‘Sixteen Candles’. Despite his rising popularity he found it difficult to secure consistent work and grew disillusioned with the industry. He moved to Pennsylvania with his family to start a new life as a craftsman. He opened a woodworking shop and began building handcrafted furniture for clients. He has remained out of the public eye for decades to focus on his trade and family.

Erik Estrada

The star of ‘CHiPs’ became famous for portraying a motorcycle officer on the small screen. In a rare case of life imitating art he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement long after the show ended. He became a reserve police officer in Indiana and worked as a deputy sheriff in Virginia. He focused much of his service on protecting children from online predators. His commitment to public safety allowed him to serve his community in a meaningful way.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas

As a major teen idol on ‘Home Improvement’ this actor was one of the most recognizable faces of the nineties. He decided to step back from the industry to prioritize his education at prestigious universities like Harvard and Columbia. During his break he traveled extensively and focused on academic achievements rather than film roles. He occasionally returned for small projects but has largely transitioned into a more private life focused on directing and writing. His departure from the spotlight showed a desire for personal growth outside of fame.

Taran Noah Smith

He spent his childhood playing Mark Taylor on the long running series ‘Home Improvement’. After the show ended he decided to leave the acting world to focus on environmental activism and business. He started a vegan food company and became an advocate for sustainable living practices. He also worked as a technical manager for a disaster relief organization that focuses on rebuilding communities. His career path shifted toward humanitarian and ecological efforts rather than entertainment.

Andrew Shue

This actor was a regular on the popular drama ‘Melrose Place’ before moving into the business world. He co founded several successful digital platforms including a social networking site for mothers. His work as an entrepreneur allowed him to apply his celebrity influence to technology and community building. He also played professional soccer for a brief period in his early life. His success in the tech industry established him as a prominent figure in the world of online media.

Omri Katz

The lead actor in the cult classic ‘Hocus Pocus’ enjoyed success in several television and film roles. He eventually decided to step away from the entertainment business to pursue a different interest. He moved into the field of horticulture and became a specialist in the cannabis industry. He launched his own brand and focused on the cultivation and production of plant based products. His transition allowed him to build a career based on his personal interests in nature and agriculture.

Tony Danza

The star of ‘Who is the Boss’ and ‘Taxi’ had a long and successful career in television. He decided to challenge himself by stepping into a new role as a high school English teacher in Philadelphia. This experience was documented for a television project but he took the responsibility of teaching very seriously. He worked with students daily and developed lesson plans to help them improve their literacy skills. His time in the classroom showed his dedication to public service and education.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

After starring in teen classics like ‘She is All That’ this actor diversified his career in several ways. He became a published cookbook author and shared his passion for culinary arts with a wide audience. He also worked as a producer and writer for professional wrestling organizations. His involvement in the gaming industry as a voice actor and commentator further expanded his professional reach. He balanced his early film fame with a variety of successful ventures in food and sports entertainment.

Kevin Jonas

As a member of the Jonas Brothers he achieved massive success in the music and film industry. During the band’s hiatus he transitioned into the world of construction and home development. He founded a contracting company that specialized in building luxury homes for clients. He also ventured into the tech industry by developing a food searching application. His business acumen allowed him to thrive in competitive fields outside of the entertainment sector.

Kirk Cameron

The ‘Growing Pains’ star was a major television personality before shifting his focus to religious work. He became a dedicated minister and founded several organizations focused on faith and family values. He produced and starred in films that aligned with his spiritual beliefs rather than mainstream Hollywood projects. His career transitioned into public speaking and hosting religious events across the country. He has spent decades advocating for his community through ministry and media.

Steven Seagal

This action movie star is known for his roles in martial arts films like ‘Under Siege’. In addition to his film career he pursued a serious path in law enforcement. He served as a reserve deputy sheriff in Louisiana for many years and worked with local police departments. His experience in the field was even featured in a reality series that followed his duties as an officer. He continues to involve himself in international relations and security training projects.

Vanilla Ice

The rapper and actor gained fame in the early nineties with his hit song ‘Ice Ice Baby’. After his music career slowed down he found incredible success in the real estate market. He began flipping houses and eventually hosted a television show about home renovation. His knowledge of construction and property investment turned into a lucrative second career. He is now recognized as an expert in the field of real estate development and luxury home design.

MC Hammer

This performer became a global sensation with his dance moves and music during the late eighties. When faced with financial challenges he reinvented himself as a tech investor and entrepreneur. He became an early advocate for social media platforms and invested in several Silicon Valley startups. He also spent time as a minister and a television producer for various projects. His ability to adapt to new industries helped him find success in the world of technology and business.

Dylan Sprouse

One half of the famous twins from ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’ this actor took a break to attend university. He graduated from New York University with a degree in video game design. Instead of returning immediately to full time acting he opened a meadery in Brooklyn. He manages the business and oversees the production of craft honey wine. His venture into the beverage industry highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and interest in artisan craftsmanship.

Freddie Boath

He is best remembered for his role as the young Alex O’Connell in ‘The Mummy Returns’. Despite the success of the film he decided to move away from professional acting as an adult. He pursued a career in the corporate world and began working in the advertising industry. He found success as a marketing professional and has held various roles at major agencies. His transition shows how a child actor can find a fulfilling career in a completely different professional environment.

Barret Oliver

The star of ‘The NeverEnding Story’ and ‘Cocoon’ left the acting world while he was still a young man. He developed a deep interest in photography and the history of printing processes. He became a highly respected photographic historian and an expert in nineteenth century techniques. He has written books on the subject and his work has been displayed in galleries. His dedication to this specialized field allowed him to become a scholar and artist away from Hollywood.

Noah Hathaway

Known for playing Atreyu in ‘The NeverEnding Story’ this actor pursued several diverse career paths. He trained extensively as a martial artist and worked as a competitive dancer. Eventually he transitioned into the world of tattoo artistry and opened his own studio. He also spent time working as a motorcycle builder and racer. His career shifts reflect a passion for physical arts and hands on craftsmanship.

Ross Bagley

He played the adorable Nicky on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and appeared in ‘Independence Day’. After his time as a child star he decided to focus on his education and eventually entered the professional workforce. He pursued a career in the real estate industry and became a licensed agent. He also worked in the world of marketing and consulting for various firms. His success in business demonstrates his ability to transition from entertainment to a corporate environment.

Jason Hervey

Best known as the older brother Wayne on ‘The Wonder Years’ this actor moved into a different side of the industry. He became a successful television producer and marketing executive. He co founded a production company that created numerous reality shows and sports programs. His work behind the scenes allowed him to utilize his knowledge of the business to build a lasting career. He remains an influential figure in the world of media production and brand management.

David Faustino

The actor who played Bud Bundy on ‘Married with Children’ explored the music and nightlife industry. He founded a popular nightclub in Los Angeles that became a hotspot for local artists. He also pursued a career as a radio host and voice actor for various animated series. His work in the music scene allowed him to express his creativity in ways that acting did not. He continues to balance various entertainment and business ventures today.

LeVar Burton

While he is a famous actor from ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Roots’ he dedicated much of his life to education. He became the face of a long running educational program that encouraged children to read. He has transitioned into the world of podcasting and digital media with a focus on literature. His work as an advocate for literacy has made him a respected figure in the academic community. He continues to use his platform to promote learning and storytelling across different media.

Jim Carrey

This legendary comedian and actor has spent much of his recent years focusing on the fine arts. He is an avid painter and sculptor who maintains a large studio for his creative work. His art often features vibrant colors and social commentary on the world around him. He has hosted exhibitions to showcase his paintings to the public and critics alike. This transition allowed him to find a new way to express his thoughts and emotions outside of performance.

Tom Selleck

The ‘Magnum P.I.’ star has maintained a successful acting career while also working as a farmer. He owns a large avocado ranch in California where he spends much of his time working the land. He has spoken about the hard work required to maintain a commercial farm and the satisfaction it brings. His connection to agriculture provides a balance to his high profile life in Hollywood. He remains dedicated to his ranch and the rural lifestyle he has cultivated.

Dolph Lundgren

Before becoming an action star in films like ‘Rocky IV’ he was a highly accomplished scholar. He earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering and received a prestigious scholarship to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Although he chose to pursue acting he has always maintained an interest in science and fitness. He has authored books on health and continues to be involved in various business ventures. His background in engineering remains a unique part of his personal history.

Ken Jeong

This comedic actor is well known for his roles in ‘The Hangover’ and ‘Community’. Before finding fame in Hollywood he was a practicing internal medicine physician. He balanced his medical residency with stand up comedy before making the leap to full time acting. He still maintains his medical license and has used his skills to help people in emergency situations. His transition from the medical field to the entertainment industry is one of the most famous career shifts in the business.

George Foreman

The former heavyweight boxing champion also had a successful stint as an actor and television personality. He found his greatest post sports success in the world of entrepreneurship and marketing. He became the face of a popular indoor grill that sold millions of units worldwide. His business ventures expanded into clothing and food products making him a massive success in the commercial world. He continues to be a prominent figure in the business community through his various endorsements.

Shaquille O’Neal

This basketball legend and actor has built a massive business empire after his time on the court. He owns dozens of franchises in the food and fitness industries and serves on several corporate boards. He also pursued a career in law enforcement and became an honorary deputy in multiple states. In addition to his business success he is a professional DJ who performs at major music festivals. His diverse career path shows his ability to excel in sports and entertainment and corporate leadership.

Tell us which of these actor career changes surprised you the most in the comments.