The Most Unusual Career Paths Famous Celebrities Took After Fame

The Most Unusual Career Paths Famous Celebrities Took After Fame

These unusual celeb careers prove success can come from anywhere, no matter how odd the job you do

When the spotlight dims and the red carpets are rolled up, where do celebrities go next? For some, the answer is their next glamorous Hollywood sequel—but for others, it’s an entirely different plot twist.

“From flipping houses to farming avocados, these stars prove that success doesn’t come with a single script,” says Yassin Aberra, the CEO of Social Market Way, a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO.

Here, Yassin reveals the big stars who moved onto entirely different career paths after fame. These career changes are anything but ordinary—and they just might inspire you to embrace your own curveballs!

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Kevin Jonas – From Pop Star To Contractor

Kevin Jonas, the eldest of the Jonas Brothers, rose to fame with hits like “Burnin’ Up” and “SOS.” After the band took a hiatus in 2013, Kevin pursued a new passion construction.

He co-founded Jonas Werner Homes, a company specializing in building and remodeling luxury homes. “His work was even featured on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, where he led the construction of Kathy and Rich Wakile’s home,” says Yassin.

Dylan Sprouse – From Disney Star To Mead Maker

Dylan Sprouse, one half of the Sprouse twins from Disney’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, took a break from acting to study video game design. He later founded All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn, combining his interest in brewing with entrepreneurship.

Tom Selleck – From Magnum P.I. To Avocado Farmer
Tom Selleck, renowned for his roles in Magnum P.I. and Three Men and a Baby, now owns a 60-acre avocado farm in California. Despite the property being devastated by recent droughts, Selleck has been enjoying the tranquility of agricultural life.

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Vanilla Ice – From Rapper To Real Estate Flipper

Vanilla Ice, famous for the 1990 hit “Ice Ice Baby,” transitioned into real estate in the early 2000s. He began buying and renovating homes, eventually hosting The Vanilla Ice Project, a reality show focusing on his home renovation ventures.

Geoffrey Owens – From Sitcoms To Trader Joe’s

Geoffrey Owens, known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show, found himself in the spotlight again when a photo of him working at Trader Joe’s went viral in 2018.

“Facing a lull in acting opportunities, Owens had to take the job to get by,” says Yassin. “The viral attention led to an outpouring of support, with commenters criticizing news outlets for shaming the former actor for the job he’d taken to make ends meet. Luckily, this support also translated into new acting roles, including offers from Tyler Perry.”

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Chris Owen – From ‘The Sherminator’ To Sushi Waiter

Chris Owen, best known as “The Sherminator” from the American Pie series, experienced challenges securing acting roles after that series ended. To make ends meet, he worked as a waiter at a sushi restaurant in California. Owen has since returned to acting in several minor roles.

Peter Ostrum – From Chocolate Factory To Veterinary Medicine

Peter Ostrum charmed audiences as Charlie Bucket in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. “Despite the film’s success, Ostrum chose not to pursue further acting roles, saying Hollywood wasn’t for him,” says Yassin. “He earned a degree in veterinary medicine and has since been practicing as a veterinarian in New York state.”