The glamour of Hollywood often overshadows another aspect of its biggest stars: their business ambitions. While acting remains their primary source of fame, many actors and celebrities have ventured into diverse fields such as casinos, restaurants, fitness, technology, and health. For some, these ventures have evolved into global empires, while others have encountered setbacks that indicate stardom does not guarantee business success.

What Happened with Jay-Z’s Casino Bid?

In September 2025, Jay-Z’s high-profile proposal to build a casino in New York’s Times Square was rejected by a state advisory committee. Partnering with Caesars Entertainment and SL Green Realty, Jay-Z envisioned a vast entertainment complex featuring a casino, hotel, and nightlife venues under his Roc Nation brand. While Jay-Z may have many challenges, managing a large casino is no longer one of them.

The proposal faced opposition from Broadway theater owners and local leaders concerned about its potential impact on neighborhood culture, traffic, and community balance. Despite the rejection, this bid underscored the growing interest of celebrities in entertainment and amusement-based businesses. The modern casino landscape is also shifting online, with platforms like Coin Poker AU leading innovations in online gaming by integrating poker with blockchain technology. With Jay-Z’s bid turned down, many New Yorkers may need to stick to online gaming for now.

How Did Francis Ford Coppola Enter the Wine Industry?

Francis Ford Coppola exemplifies a Hollywood star who pursued his passion and transformed it into a profitable venture. His winery in Sonoma County has become a significant tourist attraction, offering exquisite wines alongside an immersive visitor experience. Coppola’s passion for wine reflects his desire to create art beyond the screen by blending storytelling with local culture.

What Role Does Robert De Niro Play in Nobu Restaurants?

Robert De Niro is well-known for his intense performances on screen, but his business strategies are equally astute. He partnered with Nobu, the renowned restaurant chain specializing in Japanese cuisine. Originating in New York City, Nobu has expanded globally with numerous restaurants and luxury hotels. De Niro’s keen eye for talent and support for chef Nobu Matsuhisa transformed a single dining venue into an international powerhouse.

How Has Mark Wahlberg Expanded His Business Ventures?

Mark Wahlberg stands out as an actor who has diversified into multiple industries. Together with his brothers Donnie and Paul, he founded Wahlburgers, a casual dining chain that has grown to include locations across the United States, Canada, and beyond. This venture even inspired a reality television series that increased its visibility.

Beyond burgers, Wahlberg has made significant strides in the global fitness market. His investment in F45 Training represents an international chain of high-intensity fitness gyms that aligns with his image as a disciplined and health-conscious individual. Through Wahlburgers and F45 Training, Wahlberg illustrates how celebrities can leverage their personal brands to create successful businesses that resonate with consumers.

While these are some of the most notable businesses owned by Wahlberg, he also has several other ventures ranging from his own clothing line to bottled water; his influence extends well beyond Hollywood today.

What Is The Honest Company Founded by Jessica Alba?

Jessica Alba co-founded The Honest Company with the aim of providing non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products for households. Initially focusing on baby and wellness products, it has since evolved into a widely recognized brand. The Honest Company went public in 2021, affirming Alba’s status not just as an actress but also as a serious entrepreneur capitalizing on the increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products.

How Did Ashton Kutcher Become a Successful Investor?

Ashton Kutcher may have begun his career in sitcoms, but his subsequent success as an investor has established him as one of Hollywood’s most prominent investors. Through A-Grade Investments and Sound Ventures, he has backed early-stage companies such as Airbnb, Uber, and Spotify. These investments yielded substantial returns, positioning Kutcher as a key player in Silicon Valley. His journey demonstrates that celebrities can thrive in fields outside entertainment if they are willing to experiment and explore new opportunities.

What Is Ryan Reynolds’ Contribution to Aviation Gin?

Ryan Reynolds transformed a once-niche gin brand into a global sensation through strategic marketing infused with his signature humor. His involvement with Aviation Gin extended beyond typical celebrity endorsements; he actively participated in shaping the brand’s strategy and campaigns. The business was sold to Diageo in 2020 for up to $610 million. Reynolds’ experience illustrates how charm and storytelling skills honed in Hollywood can lead to remarkable success in business.

What Can We Learn from Hollywood Entrepreneurs?

The entrepreneurial journeys of Jay-Z, Robert De Niro, Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Alba, Ashton Kutcher, and Ryan Reynolds highlight both the opportunities and challenges associated with celebrity entrepreneurship. While fame can attract investors and open doors, sustained success requires dedication, vision, and a thorough understanding of the chosen industry.

Not every venture succeeds; Jay-Z’s unsuccessful casino bid serves as a clear example of this reality. However, failure is an integral part of the entrepreneurial experience. What unites these stars is their willingness to take risks beyond their film careers. Their endeavors illustrate how Hollywood’s influence extends into boardrooms, dining establishments, vineyards, and fitness studios worldwide.

Hollywood actors and entertainers are increasingly unwilling to rely solely on the unpredictable nature of film careers. By exploring industries as varied as casinos, restaurants, fitness centers, wellness products, and technology sectors, they demonstrate that creativity and ambition can transcend traditional boundaries. Although not all ventures succeed, these stories encourage audiences to view these stars as more than mere entertainers; they are entrepreneurs, innovators, and risk-takers who embody the spirit of reinvention inherent in Hollywood.