50 Celebrities With Secret Business Empires

Celebrities may come into their industry of sports, movies, and entertainment because it was their childhood dream, but many of them transition into practical and stable practices that bring them passive income and stability past their profession. Some of the celebs we know and love engage in real estate, while others have made multi-million dollar profits through investments and royalties from creations. You may be unfamiliar with these endeavors, so check out 50 celebrities with secret business empires to see how they really make their net worth improve!

The hip-hop extraordinaire, Sean Carter makes our list first. Jay-Z's Tidal business is a music streaming platform owned by him and his music label, ROC Nation. Tidal is great because it gives the artist more creative control over their music and more money than other streaming services. Tidal is currently worth more than $600 million as of today!

When we think about actor-turned-investor Ashton Kutcher, jokes and laughter are certain to come to your mind. What also should grab your attention is his ability to make clean investments that make him filthy rich. Ashton Kutcher has placed bets on the finest companies of today like Uber, AirBnb, and Spotify.

From No Doubt to L.A.M.B., the rocker chick from the new millennium would be disappointed if we didn't put her on the list. From behind the scenes of blowing eardrums for more than a decade, Gwen Stefani decided to keep her net worth climbing by creating L.A.M.B., a company for shoes, handbags, and sunglasses.

The name Robert De Niro brings forth aspects of a cunning mind, criminal instinct, and some good ole fatherly advice. But with his newest endeavor, Nobu Fifty Seven, we can also add food to the list. Mr. De Niro's eye for fine dining was taken to the next level when he, chef Nobu Matsuhisa (right), and two of his business partners decided to open a restaurant in 2005.

Sure, she could dance her tail off in the rain, but did you know that Jessica Alba was just as business savvy as the rest of them? The celebrity-turned-entrepreneur has set the stage by partnering with the former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy Heart and creating The Honest Company.

Mark Wahlberg (left) is one of those actors you love to watch because of his seriousness in being funny. Known for his action-packed movies, Mark is also a businessman who still keeps the fun alive with his family. The actor co-operates with his brothers Paul and Donnie Wahlberg in running Wahlburgers, a medium, upscale burger joint with all the fixings.

Fitness clothing will never go out of style, which is why actress Kate Hudson decided to jump on board and continue the trend of attractive, yet comfortable workout gear with her line, Fabletics. Under the parent company, JustFab, Fabletics ties breathable material with stretchy-soft fabrics for ultimate comfort during a hard sweat.

The former heartthrob of Melrose Place has become a full-fledged media-tech mogul. The actor took a leap of faith in 2006 and co-founded CafeMom with his childhood friend. The online community consists of more than 30 million online moms sharing information! It went so well that it expanded into the multi-platform, CafeMedia.

Sofia Vergara was a hidden Hollywood gem for a long time before bursting onto the movie seen with pure flair. The actress is now a full-time mom and entrepreneur with multiple businesses within her company's portfolio. Her major deal came with Rooms To Go when the Sofia Vergara Furniture Collection was accepted to the show floor.

Her life as a fictional lawyer in the film, Legally Blonde, was simple compared to her life as a successful entrepreneur. The actress launched her clothing line, Draper James Clothing and Lifestyle Brand, in May 2015, and literally had people fighting over the product that sold out in just one day!

The glory days of Emilio and Gloria Estephan are still alive and well, hidden within the gems that they have developed for the public since their exit from live performances. The dynamic duo live in Florida and own two restaurants, Bongos Cuban Cafe and Larios, that have won local awards for their Latin-based cuisines.

Remember the Van Halen song "Cabo Wabo"? This rock-out-loud song was part of the inspiration that gave rock singer, Sammy Hagar, the confidence to create his chain of restaurants and nightclub chains. Located in Cabo San Lucas, Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Lake Tahoe, new fun is always around considering that they have recently been remolded.

As superb as she is at the sport, tennis just isn't enough for the multi-Wimbledon winner, Serena Williams. In addition to being one of the best athletes of all time, the entrepreneur founded her diversity venture firm in 2014 and has invested in various domains including tech, fashion, sports, and non-profits. Currently, her firms market cap stands above $12 billion.

Millennials are well aware of the efforts and stylish capabilities that singer Jessica Simpson portrayed in her music during the late '90s and early 2000s. Now, the professional singer has upgraded her business savvy to include the Jessica Simpson Collection! Her line of apparrell consists of the memorable shoes, clothing, and home decor that new home buyers are craving.

From Anchorman to the dorky fun of Elf, Will Ferrell has done such a great job at keeping the laughter coming. The dynamic actor and comedian created "Funny or Die," a platform for comedic content. It serves the purpose of allowing users to generate funny videos, while also conducting interviews with up-and-coming artists and celebs.

Rihanna was right when she said to "stand under my umbrella" because it's literally raining dollars. The Caribbean-American singer has grown into a well-established businesswoman since the drop of her first single in 2005. Since then, her music career has calmed down due to becoming a mom and having a business valued at over $600 million.

From the '80s to the new generations, Dr. Dre has shown consistency in his hip-hop career by creating stars like 50 Cent and the iconic Eminem. However, no feature is bigger than his creation of the music production company, Aftermath Entertainment, and Beats Electronics.

Noted mature heartthrob actor George Clooney and his business partner, Rande Gerber, created Casamigos Tequila while living in their twin Mexican mansion. According to Insider, it took more than 1,000 bottles over the course of a few years to perfect the smooth, rich taste of the house tequila.

Bono was the leader of one of the most conscious bands on the music scene during the early 90s, U2. Since then, he has yet to stop his actions of philanthropy and continues to help others in multiple ways via his private-equity firm, Elevation Partners. Their ultimate goal is to invest in new technology and media from across the globe.

Goop started in 2008 as a weekly newsletter that helped others find wellness within their daily lives. Today, the lifestyle and wellness brand has taken over as one of the top newsletters of 2022; it even has its own series on Netflix that describes various topics from eating right to women's bodies.

The Kardashians definitely make our list and Khloe is our first. Her family of famous entrepreneurs - and scandals - have inspired her to create her own brand of denim jeans called Good American Clothing. The simple platform services body-positive denim that ranges in sizes 00 to 24.

If you're a fan of the entrepreneur show Shark Tank, then you know who Bethenny Frankel is. The former Real Housewives of New York City developed a brand of cocktails called "Skinnygirl" as a way to enjoy libations without gaining weight from daily alcohol drinking.

The name "Magic" Johnson is forever tied to the history of the National Basketball League and the Los Angeles Lakers. The living NBA legend founded Magic Johnson Enterprises in 1987 and has invested in many of today's most stable brands like Pepsi-Cola, Sony Entertainment, Founders National Bank, and even Burger King.

Supermodel Cindy Crawford has yet to go out of style and it's thanks to her entrepreneurial endeavors. She is the co-founder of Meaningful Beauty, an anti-aging skincare line, as well as Ladder, a line of wellness supplements that Arnold Schwarzenegger and LeBron James are partners in.

Kylie Jenner makes our list considering that she became the youngest billionaire based on the valuation of her company, Kylie Cosmetics. Her popular Lip Kit brand became extremely popular among millennials and Gen Z as the then 21-year-old applied pressure to her entrepreneurship as much as she did foundation to the faces of millions.

The movie industry wouldn't be what it is today without the help of Academy Award-winning director Francis Ford Coppola. When he isn't directing actors and stuntmen on their lines and scenes, the movie mogul is pruning his weeds and picking grapes in his vineyard. With the help of his wife, the Francis Ford Coppola Winery was created in 2006.

The Flower brand is the hub of actress Drew Barrymore's portfolio. It started off simple with her own production company, Flower Films, in 1995. Since then, the noted thespian has expanded into the domain of other prominent industries like fashion, accessories, and even eyewear.

Nas is one of the Hip-Hop legends still schooling us in the art of the streets and business. After returning to music in 2022 after a massive investment spree, Nas still holds the crown as one of the most lucrative rappers in Hip-Hop history. Nas' firm, QueensBridge Venture Partners has early investments in companies like Lyft and Dropbox, and his clothing line, HSTRY.

Sex And The City is the early 2000s show that brought actress Sarah Jessica Parker to the center limelight of Hollywood. The prominent thespian's character, Carrie Bradshaw, was typically complimented on her shoes, which is part of the reason Parker started her own show brand, SJP.

Of course, Oprah Winfrey is on our list of business empires. She was a broadcasting guru for more than 25 years, and because of it, has expanded into her own cable channel, OWN network. Now, Oprah sold 74.5% of her company, receiving $75 million for her stake in the $300 million company (which is also the amount she makes per year!)

Remember the show Laguna Beach? That's how Lauren Conrad got her rise to fame, although it was short-lived in the realm of Hollywood. However, who knew that Conrad had a knack for business? The former reality star took the leap in 2009 to create the LC brand line filled with home goods, handbags, accessories, and of course, clothing.

Kevin Costner is the actor that protected Whitney Houston in the 90s film, The Bodyguard, and continues to use his protection for his investments. Kevin makes our list because he made a solid deal that made millions. Costner had an idea to create a device that separates 200 gallons of oil from water in one minute!

"Can't stop, won't stop. Bad Boy Baby!" is the tagline that will live on past the life of living legendary rapper and producer, Diddy. Sean is CEO and chairman of Comb Enterprises which is the parent company of many of his business ventures like Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment, Sean John clothing line, and Ciroc vodka.

Let's face it, the Kardashian sisters would not be as popular if it weren't for their ring leader, Kim. With motherhood on her plate now, the noted reality star has paved her way to success by creating multiple businesses attached to her already famed name.

Lisa Vanderpump was a regular on the former hit show Real Housewives of Beverly Hills during the early 2000s. To date, Lisa's net worth has skyrocketed to a solid $75 million based on her strategic business plans. She and her husband our restaurateurs who own more than 30 establishments including SUR and Pump.

One of America's favorite pair of identical twins are also one of the richest on our list. Despite their personal setbacks, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen removed themselves from the limelight to solely focus on developing their fashion brands, The Row and Elizabeth and James.

Beautiful women from Brazil like Gisele Bundchen are not only stunning, but intelligent in their chosen domain. The South American supermodel makes close to $50 million per year from modeling alone, and has a estimated net worth of $368 million based on what you ask? Her business, Sejaa Pure Skincare.

Here are somethings that you should know about famous British personality, Simon Cowell. First, he has a business called Syco Entertainment that is divided into three sections: Syco Film, Syco TV, and Syco Music. Second, when he partnered with Sony Entertainment at a 50/50 split, they created the show X Factor.

Justin Timberlake is one of the more impressive members of the secret business club considering that he has moved away from music to focus on other multiple endeavors. One of them being 901 Tequila, which he co-founded in 2009. Additionally, Timberlake is also the owner of a restaurant chain, Southern Hospitality, and a golf course investor.

The first lady of the former band, The Black Eye Peas, changed her name from Stacy Ann to Fergie to match her personal and business evolution. Her branded name has her noticed across many realms of investment including holding a stake in the NFL team, the Miami Dolphins.

Willard Smith is an undeniable American face that has blessed our TV screens for over 20 years. The rapper-turned-actor made the bulk of his money doing films and TV, but investments are a trade that he and his children are a major fan of. Like with his son Jaden, whom he helped found his water company, while also being the co-founder of Overbrook Entertainment.

Sandra Bullock does more than just play the awkward girl next door well and she has the business savvy that no one was expecting based on her movie roles. Her secret business is based on restaurants that she has invested in and come to own later in her life as this was a dream of hers since becoming a star.

Tyra Banks is one of the more known supermodels of the 1990s and 2000s that took herself away from modeling to help other girls accomplish their dreams via the hit show America's Next Top Model. Did you know that her production company, Bankable Productions was behind the highly-rated show from the beginning?!

The funny actor Ryan Reynolds is best known for his snarky remarks and portrayal of superheroes like Deadpool and The Green Lantern. However, his major secret is that he loves Gin so much that he decided to invest in Aviation American Gin.

Yes, we all know the name Steven Spielberg as he is one of the greatest directors of all time. But when the famed director is not creating epic films, Steven is working on his restaurant building franchise, Dive!

Creatively named Qream, the music business mogul, Pharrell, uses his liqueur brand as a way to thank the ladies for being themselves and always wanting to have a good time. The brand was determined "delicious" in many competitions and has even won a few titles for best liqueur in the early 2010s.

She isn't a celebrity, just the wife of world-renowned music artist, Gucci Mane, with a knack for business based on her desire choice of beauty products. Keyshia is the CEO of her company Ka'Oir Cosmetics, and has grown it into a stellar, multi-million dollar company worth $35 million.

The most famous female artist of 2022 has to be Beyonce, still carrying hot sauce in her bag from the heat that she's bringing to the boardroom. The singer is best known for her vocals and close to two decades of entertainment, but what you may not know is that some of her wealth is due to her company and investments.

"JLo" has become the brand name of Jennifer Lopez, singer, and former block resident. The beauty industry has another sharp entrepreneur in its midst as Jennifer claims that her JLo Beauty line has the power to make skin younger based on her olive oil-infused skincare creams for collagen boost.

Deep, intuitive, cute, and downright special, R&B and Soul singer Alicia Keys takes a high note on her self-care by going past the skin and into the soul. The Grammy Award winner has three major creams that are sold in Ulta Beauty: the Golden Cleanser, Skin Transformation Cream, and Rich Nourishing Body Cream.