Not everyone in the spotlight wants to stay there. Explore the surprising careers of these stars who traded fame for fulfilling paths.
The Shift from Fame to Fulfillment
In an age where fame often seems synonymous with success, many well-known personalities have opted for a turn back to simpler, more meaningful lives. Thankfully, these celebrities remind us that happiness does not solely reside on red carpets or in front of camera flashes. Here are 20 famous celebrities who went back to 'normal' jobs, embracing roles that resonate with their interests, values, and even their past professions.
Kevin Jonas: The Builder
In 2013, Kevin Jonas transitioned from music to real estate by starting JonasWerner Homes, aiming to create custom mansions in New Jersey. He didn't stop there; alongside his real estate venture, he developed the Yood app to aid decision-making for social influencers and co-created Amazing Baby Days to help new parents capture important memories. His journey into the building industry showcases how passion can lead to a fulfilling second act.
Bridgit Mendler: From Disney to Satellites
Bridgit Mendler, best known for her role in Disney shows, made headlines again in 2023 when she co-founded Northwood Space, a satellite company. Armed with impressive degrees from USC, MIT, and Harvard Law, she successfully raised $6.3 million from investors to launch a venture that started as a quarantine project aimed at building DIY antennas. Shifting from acting to entrepreneurship demonstrates a fearless embrace of new challenges.
Kate Gosselin: The Return to Nursing
Kate Gosselin marked a poignant return to her original profession when she renewed her nursing license in 2021, stepping back into the role of a labor and delivery nurse she once embraced before her rise to fame. Moving to Troutman, North Carolina, she continues to be a significant presence in a field that highlights the indispensable value of healthcare professionals in society.
Dylan Sprouse: Hosting in New York
During his time away from acting, Dylan Sprouse focused less on paparazzi and more on personal growth. While studying at NYU, he took a job as a host at a New York City restaurant to gain new perspectives and learn humility beyond the lights of Hollywood. Trading his scripts for shift schedules wasn't merely about earning money; it was a journey of growth away from the screen.
David Lee Roth: Emergency Response Hero
In a surprising turn, legendary Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth became a certified EMT at age 50 in 2004. He engaged directly with urban emergency response, handling over 200 ambulance calls. His decision reflects a profound shift from the stage to real-world heroism, largely inspired by his father, a surgeon, proving that celebrity can coexist with service.
Danielle Fishel: Gift Wrapping with Grace
Danielle Fishel has always been relatable, even during her time in the spotlight. In 2009, while balancing college responsibilities, she found herself taking up a seasonal job gift-wrapping at Bloomingdale's in Newport Beach. Her natural talent caught the attention of the store, leading her to embrace a role that celebrated service during a much-needed holiday hustle.
Jeremy Renner: Designing Spaces
Before starring in blockbuster films, Jeremy Renner dived into home renovation. Partnering with Kristoffer Winters, he transformed around 20 homes since 2002, valuing the architectural character of each property while infusing modern upgrades. His skills as a designer have yielded significant profits and offered the actor a creative outlet outside of his on-screen roles.
Jennifer Stone: Nursing Career and Reality
Following her type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Jennifer Stone dedicated herself to earning a nursing degree, ultimately becoming an ER nurse by December 2019, just in time for a global health crisis. While she continues to act, her commitment to caring for others amid challenging times showcases the depth of purpose that transcends celebrity.
MC Hammer: Faith and Community Work
MC Hammer reinvented himself as an ordained minister in the late '90s and created a faith-based program called MC Hammer and Friends on TBN. He became an officiant for celebrity weddings, including those of Corey Feldman and Vince Neil, embracing a spiritual pathway that allowed him to support his community and reconnect with his faith.
Terry Crews: The Artful Pursuit
Before entertaining audiences with his acting chops, Terry Crews cultivated his passion for art. Starting as a courtroom sketch artist, he later pivoted to the NFL, balancing preparation for sports with his creative ventures. The ability to chase multiple aspirations showcases his diverse talents a testament to the importance of pursuing one’s passion.
Tony Danza: Real-World Teaching Experience
From the small screen to the classroom, Tony Danza experienced life as a high school teacher when he co-taught English at Northeast High School in Philadelphia during a full school year in 2009. His experience, captured in the A&E series Teach: Tony Danza, allowed him to impact the lives of students while stepping away from his scripted roles.
Devon Werkheiser: The Multi-Talented Artist
After wrapping Ned’s Declassified, Devon Werkheiser explored various artistic avenues, including voice acting and music. In 2023, he released an EP titled Good/Vlly, showcasing his artistic evolution while pushing boundaries as a multi-hyphenate performer.
Matthew McConaughey: Educating Future Filmmakers
Stepping away from the red carpet, Matthew McConaughey embraced a new role in academia starting in 2015. As a co-instructor of “Script to Screen” at UT Austin, he mentors aspiring filmmakers and helps them understand the intricacies behind creating compelling stories. His commitment to education after a successful film career illustrates the value of sharing one’s knowledge with others.
Anneliese van der Pol: Broadway and Beyond
After concluding her role in That’s So Raven, Anneliese van der Pol stepped into Broadway shows, including playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Yet offstage, the actress faced challenges navigating Hollywood without representation while working side jobs, which emphasizes the resilience required in pursuing a performing arts career.
Steve Buscemi: Firefighter Turned Actor
Before hitting the big screens, Steve Buscemi served as a firefighter with Engine 55 from 1980 to 1984. His dedication to battling real fires remained with him even after attaining success, as he returned to Ground Zero post-9/11, illustrating the depth of his commitment to both service and storytelling.
Drew Barrymore: A Waitress in Hollywood
At just 14, Drew Barrymore took a break from acting to work as a waitress at a coffee shop in Santa Monica. Despite struggles in her role, her stint served as a turning point, leading her back to Hollywood. Her humble experience has become a story of persistence that many aspiring actors can look up to.
Angelina Pivarnick: EMT with a Heart
Switching gears from reality TV, Angelina Pivarnick made a purposeful leap to become a certified EMT with the FDNY in 2016, showcasing a dedication to helping others and working through challenging shifts with pride. Her journey highlights beauty in service beyond mere entertainment.
Pamela Anderson: Dog Love in New York
While performing as Roxie Hart in Chicago, Pamela Anderson missed her pets, prompting her to volunteer as a dog walker for a local attorney's lively Irish Setter. Her decision to devote time to animals provides a glimpse into her heart beyond the glitz of fame.
Kay Panabaker: Passion for Zoology
Kay Panabaker, after her acting journey, channeled her passion for animals into a zoology degree from UCLA. She secured a role at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where she engages with wildlife, shaping educational programs and managing petting zoos, reflecting her dedication to animal care and conservation.
Willa Ford: Interior Design Talent
Shifting from singing to home design, Willa Ford launched WFord Interiors in 2012, where she transformed her creative energy into residential designs. Her talent caught the eye of Scott Disick, leading to an appearance on Flip It Like Disick, demonstrating her ability to leave a mark in the interior design landscape.
It's refreshing, surprising, and honestly kind of inspiring to see what happens when stars decide that ordinary is exactly what they need. These celebrities remind us that no matter how successful one might become, there’s always room for career pivots that lead to even deeper fulfillment.