These 9 Celebrities Have the Most Surprising Side Hustles

**Celebrities Embrace Unusual Side Hustles Beyond Fame**

In recent times, a growing number of actors, musicians, and entertainers have sought to diversify their interests by engaging in ventures that are distinctly different from their primary careers. While many are well-known for their successes in front of the camera or on stage, some have chosen to pursue unexpected passions, turning their hobbies into thriving side businesses.

Among these celebrities, Teyana Taylor stands out as a soon-to-be graduate of culinary school. The Golden Globe and Grammy-winning performer announced her new educational journey in July 2025, expressing a life-long dream to explore culinary and pastry arts. Enrolled at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Taylor revealed how her childhood experiences in the kitchen shaped her desire to pursue this path. “Since I was a little girl, I remember being glued next to whoever was in the kitchen,” she noted, and added that she had long been affectionately dubbed the “‘hood Betty Crocker’!”

Nicole Kidman, another renowned figure, has also ventured into less conventional territory. The Academy Award-winning actress is in the process of becoming a death doula—someone trained to provide support and care to individuals nearing the end of their lives. Speaking at the University of San Francisco, Kidman shared her motivation, revealing how her own mother’s passing led her to seek this role. “As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide,” she explained, underscoring her desire to offer solace in difficult times.

In an entirely different artistic pursuit, Seth Rogen has developed a passion for pottery and ceramics, founding Houseplant with partner Evan Goldberg in 2019. Rogen credited his wife, Lauren, for introducing him to the craft, and he has since produced a range of handmade pottery that has gained popularity. He fondly reminisced about his initial foray into ceramics, capturing the joy he found in creating unique pieces, including ashtrays.

To the delight of fans of the television series “Parks and Recreation,” Nick Offerman, who played the quintessential woodworker Ron Swanson, truly embodies his character’s passion for woodworking. Since establishing the Offerman Workshop in 2001, Offerman and his team have produced hand-crafted wooden items using sustainable methods. He has shared the philosophical joy of woodworking, expressing that working with loved ones to create meaningful items adds a layer of authenticity to both life and work.

Lucy Liu has made a name for herself not only in acting but also as a dedicated artist. Since her youth in Queens, New York, Liu has pursued a creative life through various mediums including painting and sculpture. Her work has been featured in renowned galleries and museums, and she has expressed some frustration about being pigeonholed as just an actress. “My work will probably not be received well until postmortem,” she remarked, reflecting on the struggles she faces in being perceived as both an actor and an artist.

Joining the ranks of celebrity entrepreneurs, Paul Rudd and his wife co-own a charming candy store named Samuel’s Sweet Shop, alongside fellow actors Hilarie Burton and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Located in Rhinebeck, New York, the shop offers a nostalgic selection of sweets harking back to old-fashioned penny candy stores. Rudd and his partners took over ownership in 2014 after the previous owner passed away, aiming to foster community spirit through their business.

Steve Carell and Nancy Carell have also dabbled in entrepreneurship by purchasing the Marshfield Hills General Store near their childhood home in Massachusetts. As fans of the establishment, they were taken aback by its imminent closure and quickly decided to acquire the beloved local shop. It now carries a broad selection of goods, from candy to coffee, serving as a reminder of their roots.

In a business venture that may surprise many, tennis superstar Venus Williams founded her interior design firm, V Starr, in 2002. This unexpected career move showcases her passion for design, as her firm has tackled a variety of projects, including luxury residences and hotel lounges. Notably, Venus’s sister, Serena Williams, commissioned her firm to design her new home, which further underlines the blending of family and enterprise.

Finally, crossing into the realm of music, Jeff Goldblum has captivated audiences not just as an actor, but as a musician leading the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. With piano playing as a foundational passion, Goldblum has maintained an active musical career alongside his acting pursuits, highlighting his versatile talents in the arts.

These celebrities exemplify how pursuing passions beyond mainstream fame can yield fulfilling side hustles, proving that creativity and ambition can flourish in many forms. Whether through art, food, woodworking, or community businesses, their side ventures enrich their lives and often contribute positively to their respective communities.