American Actresses Who Pursued Careers in Other Fields

The transition from acting to other professional spheres is a path taken by many notable American women. These individuals often find that the skills required for performance translate effectively into business or advocacy or science. Some choose to leave the industry entirely while others maintain a dual presence in the public eye. Their varied achievements demonstrate the breadth of talent existing beyond the screen and stage. These stories highlight how a background in the arts can provide a foundation for success in countless other industries.

Hedy Lamarr

This legendary performer was a prolific inventor during the height of her film career. She worked with George Antheil to develop a secret communication system during World War II. Her innovation used frequency hopping to prevent radio signals from being jammed by enemies. This technology eventually provided the groundwork for modern wireless communication tools like Bluetooth and wireless internet. She appeared in movies such as ‘Algiers’ but her legacy is defined by her scientific brilliance.

Shirley Temple

This legendary child star retired from the film industry in her early twenties to focus on public service. She eventually became a prominent American diplomat under several presidential administrations. Her career included service as the United States Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. She also worked as the first female Chief of Protocol of the United States. Her legacy shifted from the silver screen to the international stage of global politics.

Danica McKellar

Famous for playing Winnie Cooper on ‘The Wonder Years’ she eventually pursued a career in mathematics. She graduated with honors from the University of California Los Angeles with a degree in the field. McKellar has written several books designed to make math accessible and engaging for young girls. Her academic work includes co authoring a mathematical theorem known as the Chayes McKellar Winn theorem. She remains a prominent advocate for educational advancement alongside her continued voice acting roles.

Mayim Bialik

This actress rose to fame as the titular character on the sitcom ‘Blossom’. She took a break from Hollywood to earn a doctoral degree in neuroscience from the University of California Los Angeles. Her research focused on the role of hormones in the brain specifically regarding obsessive compulsive disorder. Bialik has used her platform to educate the public on scientific topics through various media channels. She eventually returned to television in ‘The Big Bang Theory’ while maintaining her academic credentials.

Geena Davis

The ‘Thelma and Louise’ star founded an eponymous institute to study gender representation in the media. She uses data and research to advocate for more diverse roles for women in entertainment. Beyond her advocacy she is an accomplished archer who nearly qualified for the Olympic Games. She has served as an advisor for several global initiatives focused on social change. Her work helps industry leaders understand the importance of onscreen inclusivity.

Jessica Alba

After starring in films like ‘Fantastic Four’ she ventured into the world of consumer goods. She co founded The Honest Company to provide ethical and effective products for families. Her business focuses on transparency and health standards in household and baby items. The company grew significantly and eventually became a public entity on the stock market. She now balances her time between acting and her role as a corporate executive.

Elizabeth Berkley

The ‘Saved by the Bell’ actress transitioned into a role as an author and mentor for young women. She created an online program and published a book focused on self esteem and female empowerment. Her work involves hosting workshops across the country to help girls navigate the challenges of adolescence. She draws from her experiences in the public eye to provide guidance on body image and social pressures. This second career has allowed her to make a direct impact on the lives of her fans.

Phoebe Cates

Known for her iconic roles in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ and ‘Gremlins’ she eventually stepped away from acting. She chose to focus on her family and pursued a career in the retail industry. In two thousand five she opened a boutique called Blue Tree on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The shop sells a curated selection of gifts and clothing and home decor. She remains a fixture in her community as a business owner rather than a film star.

Ashley Judd

While she remains a well known face from ‘Double Jeopardy’ she has dedicated much of her life to global public health. She earned a Master of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School. Her work as a humanitarian focuses on poverty eradication and human rights advocacy. She has traveled extensively to serve as a global ambassador for organizations fighting infectious diseases. Her transition highlights a deep commitment to international policy and social justice.

Mara Wilson

The former child star of ‘Matilda’ and ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ decided to leave professional acting in her youth. She pursued a career as a writer and storyteller instead of continuing on the screen. She has published a memoir and numerous essays exploring her experiences and mental health. Her work often appears in literary journals and she has become a popular figure in the storytelling community. This shift allowed her to find her own voice away from the characters she played as a child.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The Academy Award winner for ‘Shakespeare in Love’ transformed her personal interests into a massive lifestyle brand. She launched Goop as a weekly newsletter and grew it into a multi million dollar wellness company. Her business now includes a digital magazine and podcasts and a line of skincare products. While she still appears in films her primary focus is leading her corporate team. She has become one of the most recognizable figures in the global wellness industry.

Mary-Kate Olsen

After achieving immense fame as a child star on ‘Full House’ she shifted her focus toward the fashion industry. She moved to New York City to co found several successful luxury clothing brands. Her work in high fashion has earned her numerous awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. She serves as a creative director for the label known as The Row. This career path allowed her to transition from a child performer to a respected figure in global business.

Ashley Olsen

She began her career alongside her twin sister on the popular television series ‘Full House’. Like her sibling she walked away from acting to build a massive empire in the garment industry. She has played a vital role in the design and management of multiple high end fashion lines. Her influence in the retail world has been recognized by prestigious industry organizations. She remains dedicated to her corporate and creative duties within her fashion companies.

Victoria Principal

Best known for her long running role on ‘Dallas’ she leveraged her fame to enter the skincare industry. She founded Principal Secret to provide accessible beauty products to a wide audience. Her business became a staple of the direct to consumer market through successful television marketing. She also wrote several books on health and fitness and beauty. Her entrepreneurial success allowed her to retire from acting with a lasting professional legacy.

Jane Fonda

The star of ‘Klute’ has balanced her acting career with decades of high profile political activism. She became a central figure in the anti war movement and later focused on environmental issues. Beyond her politics she revolutionized the home fitness industry with her exercise videos. Her workouts became a global phenomenon and helped establish the modern aerobics trend. She continues to use her public platform to advocate for climate change legislation and social reform.

Daryl Hannah

The ‘Splash’ actress transitioned from Hollywood leading lady to a dedicated environmental activist. She has spent years advocating for renewable energy and the protection of natural habitats. Her commitment to her cause has led to numerous arrests during peaceful protests against pipelines and logging. She also maintains a sustainable lifestyle and promotes eco friendly living through her various platforms. Her second act is defined by her hands on approach to planetary preservation.

Jennifer Beals

While she gained fame in ‘Flashdance’ she has also developed a professional career as a photographer. Her work has been published in various books and showcased in galleries. She often captures behind the scenes moments and candid portraits of her colleagues. This artistic pursuit provides her with a creative outlet outside of her performance roles. She continues to act while maintaining her standing in the fine art community.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

The star of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ ventured into the food industry as a co founder of Foodstirs. Her company focuses on creating organic and kid friendly baking kits. She aimed to make the experience of cooking together more accessible for modern families. Her business has expanded to thousands of retail locations across the country. This entrepreneurial move reflects her interest in sustainable living and family centered commerce.

Kate Hudson

The ‘Almost Famous’ actress expanded her career into the world of athletic apparel. She co founded Fabletics to offer stylish and affordable workout clothing for women. Her subscription based business model helped the company grow into a global retail powerhouse. She also launched a line of nutritional supplements and a brand of craft vodka. These ventures have established her as a versatile business leader in the lifestyle sector.

Reese Witherspoon

After winning an Oscar for ‘Walk the Line’ she transformed her career by becoming a powerful producer. She founded Hello Sunshine to create more diverse and female led stories in Hollywood. Her company also manages a massive book club that influences the publishing industry significantly. She has successfully adapted numerous novels into award winning television series. Her work as a media executive has redefined her role within the entertainment landscape.

Amanda Bynes

Bynes became a household name with ‘The Amanda Show’ and ‘What a Girl Wants’. She eventually decided to step away from the cameras to explore her interest in the fashion industry. She enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising to sharpen her creative skills. The former child star earned an Associate of Arts degree in merchandise product development. Her journey reflects a desire to find fulfillment through artistic expression in the world of apparel.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Before her high profile marriage she was best known for her role in the legal drama ‘Suits’. She transitioned from her acting career to a prominent role in international diplomacy and global philanthropy. Her work now focuses on humanitarian efforts through her various charitable organizations. She advocates for gender equality and racial justice on a worldwide stage. This career shift has made her one of the most discussed figures in modern public life.

Cynthia Nixon

Famous for her role as Miranda on ‘Sex and the City’ she moved into the world of American politics. She has been a long time advocate for public education and LGBTQ rights in New York. In twenty eighteen she launched a campaign for the governorship of New York. While she did not win the election her platform influenced the local political discourse significantly. She remains an active voice in grassroots organizing and political strategy.

Stacey Dash

The ‘Clueless’ star transitioned from acting into the realm of political commentary. She became a frequent guest and contributor on various news networks to discuss conservative policies. Her shift in career led her to run for a congressional seat in California during twenty eighteen. Though she eventually withdrew from the race she remains active in political discussions. Her professional life is now more focused on public policy than the entertainment industry.

Roseanne Barr

The comedian and star of ‘Roseanne’ spent several years pursuing a career in agriculture. She purchased a macadamia nut farm in Hawaii and dedicated her time to land management. Her interest in farming was documented through her reality series about the experience. She also entered the political arena by running for President of the United States on the Peace and Freedom Party ticket. Her career outside of sitcoms has been marked by a focus on self sufficiency and politics.

Shirley MacLaine

This Academy Award winner has balanced her film work with a prolific career as an author. She has written numerous books exploring metaphysical topics and her own spiritual journey. Her literary work has made her a leading figure in the New Age movement. She often speaks at conferences and seminars about her beliefs in reincarnation and extraterrestrial life. Her writing career has provided her with a separate following outside of her acting fans.

Marlee Matlin

After winning an Oscar for ‘Children of a Lesser God’ she became a tireless advocate for the deaf community. She has worked extensively with the National Association of the Deaf to improve accessibility in media. Her efforts led to the implementation of closed captioning on several digital platforms. She also serves as an ambassador for various charitable organizations focused on disability rights. Her career is as much defined by her activism as it is by her acting talent.

Jennifer Garner

The ’13 Going on 30′ star turned her attention to the world of organic farming and nutrition. She co founded Once Upon a Farm to provide healthy and fresh food options for children. Her company utilizes produce from her family farm and emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices. She is also a prominent advocate for early childhood education through her work with Save the Children. Her business and philanthropic efforts have become a central part of her professional identity.

Lauren Conrad

After starring in ‘The Hills’ she left the world of reality television to become a successful designer and author. She launched several clothing lines that are sold in major retail stores across the country. Beyond fashion she has written a series of best selling novels and lifestyle guides. She also co founded a nonprofit online marketplace that supports global artisans. Her transition from television personality to business mogul has been highly effective.

Kellie Shanygne Williams

Known for her role as Laura Winslow on ‘Family Matters’ she moved into the field of arts education. She founded a program designed to give children the opportunity to learn about film and television production. Her organization provides hands on experience to youth in the Washington DC area. She focuses on empowering the next generation of creators through mentorship and technical training. Her career shift highlights a dedication to community service and the arts.

Lark Voorhies

The ‘Saved by the Bell’ actress pursued a secondary career as a writer and independent publisher. She has written several books that explore themes of spirituality and personal growth. Her literary work allows her to express her creativity in a format different from television performance. She has also spent time working in the music industry as a producer and singer. Her diverse interests have led her to explore multiple paths beyond her early fame.

Soleil Moon Frye

The star of ‘Punky Brewster’ became a successful entrepreneur and author in her adult life. She co founded a boutique for eco friendly children products and later launched a social media platform for parents. Her business ventures often focus on the intersection of technology and family life. She has also written books about her experiences with motherhood and personal style. Her professional focus is now heavily centered on the tech and lifestyle sectors.

Ali MacGraw

The ‘Love Story’ actress moved away from Hollywood to pursue a life focused on wellness and animal advocacy. She became a prominent voice in the yoga community and released several influential instructional videos. Her work helped popularize hatha yoga in the United States during the nineties. She also works closely with organizations dedicated to the protection of animals and wildlife. Her later years have been dedicated to personal health and humanitarian causes.

Grace Kelly

This Academy Award winner left Hollywood at the peak of her career to become the Princess of Monaco. Her new role involved significant diplomatic and philanthropic responsibilities on a global scale. She established foundations to support the arts and provided aid to children in need. Her life in Monaco was defined by her service to the principality and her work as a humanitarian leader. She remains a symbol of the successful transition from film star to international stateswoman.

Pauley Perrette

Best known for her role on ‘NCIS’ she eventually opened a successful bakery in New York City. The business was established in honor of her late mother and focuses on southern style baked goods. She has also been a dedicated advocate for civil rights and animal welfare for many years. Her philanthropic work includes significant contributions to programs helping the homeless and LGBTQ youth. She now focuses more on her community and charitable efforts than her acting career.

Lisa Rinna

While she gained fame on ‘Days of Our Lives’ she has since built a massive career in the beauty and fashion industries. She launched a successful line of apparel on a major shopping network and later started her own cosmetics brand. Her business ventures have become a primary source of her professional success. She also authored several books about her life and her approach to health and fitness. Her ability to diversify her career has made her a prominent figure in the business world.

Jamie Luner

After starring in ‘Just the Ten of Us’ she pursued her passion for the culinary arts. She trained as a professional chef and worked in various aspects of the food industry. Her interest in cooking has led her to explore opportunities in catering and food education. While she continues to take acting roles she remains dedicated to her culinary skills. Her dual career paths allow her to balance her creative and professional interests.

Lisa Kudrow

Before she became famous for ‘Friends’ she worked as a researcher for her father. She assisted him on a scientific study regarding the likelihood of left handed individuals developing cluster headaches. Her name is credited on the published research paper resulting from the investigation. While she ultimately chose acting she maintains a strong interest in the sciences. This early career in clinical research showcases her academic background before television stardom.

Mia Farrow

The star of ‘Rosemarys Baby’ has dedicated decades of her life to humanitarian work. She has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and traveled to numerous conflict zones. Her advocacy focuses on the rights of children in countries affected by war and poverty. She has worked tirelessly to bring international attention to the crisis in Darfur and other global issues. Her second career as a humanitarian has earned her numerous awards for her service.

Susan Sarandon

The Academy Award winner has used her fame to become a significant figure in social and political advocacy. she serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is involved in numerous humanitarian organizations. Her work includes advocating for the end of the death penalty and promoting environmental sustainability. She is frequently seen at protests and rallies supporting various progressive causes. Her life as an activist is a major component of her public profile.

Dorothy DeBorba

As a child star in the ‘Our Gang’ series she was known for her curls and playful personality. After her time in the spotlight ended she pursued a career as a senior clerk in a municipal court system. She spent several decades working in the administrative sector far away from the cameras of Hollywood. She remained active in the fan community later in life but her professional identity was rooted in her court work. Her story represents a full transition from child star to a stable civic career.

Gaby Hoffmann

The actress known for her roles in ‘Girls’ and ‘Transparent’ has also worked as a professional doula. She spent several years away from the film industry to focus on supporting women through the birthing process. Her interest in natural health and maternal wellness led her to pursue this specialized training. She eventually returned to acting but continues to advocate for the rights and health of mothers. This career path highlights her commitment to personal and communal well being.

Alana Austin

She gained recognition for her work in various family films during the nineties. She eventually decided to leave the entertainment industry to pursue a career in medicine. She attended college to study science and prepared for a future as a healthcare professional. This shift allowed her to focus on a path dedicated to helping others through scientific practice. Her transition away from acting shows a dedication to academic and professional growth.

Andrea Elson

Famous for her role on the sitcom ‘ALF’ she eventually moved into the world of health and wellness. She became a certified yoga instructor and now leads classes for students of all levels. Her focus shifted from performing on television to promoting physical and mental health. She uses her platform to share the benefits of yoga and a balanced lifestyle. Her second career has provided her with a sense of peace and community outside of Hollywood.

Karyn Parsons

The ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ actress founded a nonprofit organization called Sweet Blackberry. Her mission is to bring little known stories of African American achievement to children through animation and books. She works as an author and producer to create educational content for schools and libraries. This career allows her to combine her storytelling skills with a passion for history and education. She is now a respected leader in the field of children educational media.

Nikki Reed

The ‘Twilight’ star transitioned into the world of sustainable business and jewelry design. She founded BaYou with Love to create ethical products using recycled materials and sustainable practices. Her company focuses on environmental consciousness in the fashion and beauty industries. She also works as an advocate for animal rights and environmental conservation. Her professional life is now dedicated to promoting a more sustainable and compassionate world.

Priscilla Presley

After her time in the spotlight and starring in ‘The Naked Gun’ trilogy she focused on her business ventures. She was instrumental in turning Graceland into a major international tourist destination. Her leadership helped manage the estate of her former husband and grow it into a massive brand. She has also launched successful lines of fragrances and clothing. Her corporate acumen has made her a respected figure in the world of commerce.

Share your thoughts on these diverse professional journeys in the comments.