They stand in front of the camera, win film awards like the Oscar, or fill sports arenas. Nevertheless, some stars have long since expanded beyond their actual profession and have built second careers alongside their main work.
Successful brands such as Rihanna's (38) Fenty empire, Kim Kardashian's (45) Skims, or Gwyneth Paltrow's (53) Goop are well known to most people interested in the lives of stars. However, there are also some celebrities who have chosen significantly more unusual side jobs than fashion lines, cosmetics brands, or restaurants.
Nicole Kidman Completes Training as End-of-Life Companion
For instance, Oscar winner Nicole Kidman (58) revealed in 2026 that she is training to become an end-of-life companion. The goal of this work is to provide emotional, organizational, and spiritual support to dying individuals and their families. Kidman explained to the "San Francisco Chronicle" that the death of her mother Janelle Ann Kidman in 2024 had a profound impact on her in this regard.
"When my mother was dying, she was lonely, and the family could only be there for her to a limited extent", Kidman told an audience at the University of San Francisco. "My sister and I have so many children, our careers and our work, and we wanted to care for her because my father was no longer with us. That's when I thought: 'I wish there were people in the world who would be there without judgment and simply provide comfort and care.' So this is part of my evolution and one of the things I will be learning", the Hollywood star stated.
Teyana Taylor Attends Culinary School
Recently Oscar-nominated for her performance in "One Battle After Another", Teyana Taylor (35) is already active alongside acting as a singer, dancer, and choreographer. But recently she has also turned to the kitchen, completing training in culinary arts and pastry. "I remember as a little girl I would always stick to the side of whoever was in the kitchen, while the other kids were running around", she wrote on Instagram alongside a video showing her in a chef's uniform.
Cooking represents a "safe space" for her, is her passion, and serves as therapy. "No matter how hectic life may be, I find comfort in the rhythm of it all - in the cutting, stirring, and creating", the multi-talented artist writes on Instagram.
Lucy Liu is a Visual Artist
American actress Lucy Liu (57) was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood around the turn of the millennium, appearing in blockbusters like "3 Engel für Charlie" or "Kill Bill". But alongside this, Liu has been working as an artist for many years - in the fields of painting, photography, sculpture, screen printing, and textile work. Her art has been exhibited in galleries and museums in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Speaking to "People" magazine, the Hollywood star explained, however, that it's not always easy for an actress to be taken seriously as an artist.
@sethrogen1000 I made these vases… and I’m giving them away for free because I’m tired of people asking me how to get my vases. Go to Houseplant.com to sign up.
♬ original sound - Seth Rogen
Comedian Seth Rogen Sells Ceramics
Comedian Seth Rogen (44) also has a second career. The actor, who recently had a hit with the showbiz satire "The Studio", sells ceramics. Together with his production partner Evan Goldberg (43), he founded the company Houseplant. Rogen came to ceramics through his wife Lauren Miller Rogen (44). What started as a hobby eventually became a business.
"Parks and Recreation" Star Nick Offerman Runs a Carpentry Workshop
Anyone familiar with the brilliant comedy series "Parks and Recreation" shouldn't really be surprised: Actor and comedian Nick Offerman (55) has been running the Offerman Woodshop in Los Angeles since 2001, a carpentry workshop and woodworking center. Just like his legendary "Parks and Recreation" character Ron Swanson, Offerman is skilled with his hands.
According to his own account, he developed his passion for woodworking as a child and learned the craft from his father. "That other clown job really cuts into my woodshop time", he joked in 2016 in an interview with NPR about his acting career.
Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan Run a Candy Store
Comedian Paul Rudd (57), "The Walking Dead" star Jeffrey Dean Morgan (60), his wife Hilarie Burton (43), and Rudd's wife Julie (57) took over the candy store Samuel's Sweet Shop in New York State.
For the ownership team, it wasn't particularly important to sell candy, coffee, and the like. Rather, they wanted to preserve Samuel's Sweet Shop as a local gathering place for the neighborhood after the death of the previous owner.
Comedian Steve Carell Owns a General Store
Comedian Steve Carell (63) and his wife Nancy (59) have also taken over a rather unglamorous store: the general store Marshfield Hills General Store in the state of Massachusetts.
Carell knows the store from his childhood and saved it from closure by purchasing it. His wife Nancy's sister now runs it, and Carell is reportedly frequently seen there. The traditional store sells items like candy, toys, wine, coffee, and much more.
Venus Williams Owns an Interior Design Company
Tennis legend Venus Williams (45), on the other hand, founded the interior design company V Starr back in 2002. The Florida-based firm has designed luxurious hotel lounges, rooftop bars, luxury private residences, and much more over the years.
"Design has always been my passion, and I'm proud to have built a team that consistently delivers performance at the highest level", the former tennis star explains on the company's website.
