1. Disney Star Who Became a Registered Nurse
The world knows Jennifer Stone from her popular role as Harper Finkle on the Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place. However, after the show wrapped, she shifted her focus from acting to medicine. Stone went on to graduate from nursing school, earning her Registered Nurse (RN) license. Her pivot was motivated by a desire for a stable and meaningful profession, particularly after she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in her early twenties, which sparked an interest in the medical field. In 2020, at the height of the global pandemic, she bravely stepped up to the front lines, working in an emergency room, proving that her commitment to helping others was as real as her star-power once was.
2. Queen Guitarist With a Doctorate in Astrophysics
Brian May, the legendary lead guitarist for the rock band Queen, is not only a musical icon but also a highly educated scientist. While Queen was rising to global fame, May was already working on a Ph.D. in astrophysics. He initially paused his academic work to focus on his music career, but 30 years later, he returned to his studies and successfully completed his thesis, earning his doctorate from Imperial College London in 2007. His research focused on the zodiacal dust cloud. Beyond his Ph.D., he has co-authored multiple scientific books and papers, and he served as Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University for five years, demonstrating a profound commitment to his scientific pursuits.
3. The Goonies Star Who Became an Entertainment Lawyer
Jeff Cohen, who charmed audiences as Chunk in the 1985 classic film The Goonies, made a deliberate and successful transition out of acting into the field of law. Cohen attended the University of California, Berkeley, and later earned his Juris Doctor from the UCLA School of Law. He went on to co-found the law firm Cohen & Gardner LLP in Los Angeles, specializing in entertainment law. His career shift was based on his practical understanding of the industry, cultivated from his years as a child actor, now applying that knowledge to representing some of Hollywood’s top talent and major production companies from the business side.
4. Heavy Metal Frontman Who Flies Commercial Jets
Bruce Dickinson, the charismatic lead singer of the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden, possesses a unique set of skills that extend far beyond the stage. A licensed commercial pilot, Dickinson is qualified to fly Boeing 747 jets. He initially worked as a pilot for the now-defunct British airline Astraeus, serving as a captain for years. Even after his band’s reunion, he continued to fly, often piloting Iron Maiden’s own chartered plane, nicknamed “Ed Force One,” on their world tours. This surprising second career is not just a hobby but a serious profession that requires immense focus and practical, life-or-death responsibility, highlighting his disciplined nature.
5. Willy Wonka Child Star Who Became a Veterinarian
Peter Ostrum, who played the titular role of Charlie Bucket in the 1971 movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, chose a life far removed from Hollywood after his one and only acting role. After the film’s production, he decided not to pursue a career in entertainment. Instead, Ostrum found his true calling in animal medicine, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 1984. He specializes in large animal veterinary medicine and has spent his professional life practicing in rural New York, working with horses, cows, and other livestock. His dedication to his practical, hands-on career has spanned decades, making it a powerful testament to finding meaningful work outside of fame.
6. Child Star Who Is Now a Criminal Defense Attorney
Ashlie Brillault, best known for playing the role of Kate Sanders on the Lizzie McGuire television series, stepped away from the cameras and into the courtroom. She left her acting career to focus on higher education, earning her undergraduate degree and later a Juris Doctor degree. Brillault became a criminal defense attorney in California. This transition from a lighthearted Disney Channel role to the serious, demanding field of law showcases a desire for a profession that directly involves advocacy and a deep understanding of legal procedures, representing a truly substantial career shift.
7. Malcolm in the Middle Star Who Became a Race Car Driver
Frankie Muniz, the Emmy-nominated star of Malcolm in the Middle, successfully transitioned from child actor to a professional athlete in one of the most mechanically demanding sports. After his years on the sitcom, Muniz committed to his lifelong passion for motorsports, becoming a competitive open-wheel race car driver. He has competed in several series, including the ARCA Menards Series. This career requires intense physical fitness, split-second decision-making, and deep technical knowledge of automotive engineering, a complete departure from the world of scripted television.
8. Actress Who Trained as a Martial Arts Instructor and Bodyguard
Katheryn Winnick, renowned for her role as Lagertha in the series Vikings, had a highly practical and physically demanding second profession long before her acting career took off. Winnick is a licensed martial arts instructor, holding a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a second-degree black belt in Karate. By the age of 21, she had established three martial arts schools and, perhaps most practically, she was a licensed bodyguard. Her background provided the physical skills and discipline that proved invaluable for her later action-oriented roles in film and television.
9. Actress Who Trained as a Certified Sommelier
After achieving massive success on the big screen, Tori Spelling (best known from Beverly Hills, 90210) pursued a serious and practical passion in the culinary world: wine. She took extensive courses and became a certified sommelier, a professional wine expert. This career involves rigorous training in wine theory, food and wine pairing, and the practical service and storage of wine. It requires a highly developed sense of taste and smell, plus deep knowledge of global viticulture and enology (the science of wine-making). This demanding qualification shows her commitment to a skill-based, service-oriented profession outside of acting.
10. Stranger Things Actor Who Was a Summer Lifeguard
Noah Schnapp, who rose to global fame as Will Byers on the Netflix hit Stranger Things, took on a very relatable and practical job during a break from filming. He worked as a lifeguard at a local pool during the summer between production seasons. While he could have opted for a more private life, the job offered a chance to maintain a sense of normalcy and grounding outside of the high-pressure environment of Hollywood. It is a classic, responsible teen job that requires practical skills like water safety certification and fast-response emergency training.
11. Rock Star Who Is a Professional Watchmaker
Dan Spitz, best known as the lead guitarist for the thrash metal band Anthrax, successfully transitioned from a musician to a highly skilled, certified luxury watchmaker. After leaving the band, Spitz trained extensively in Switzerland, the heart of the luxury watch industry. He became certified by the prestigious Swiss-based Audemars Piguet and later trained with other renowned manufacturers. His work involves the meticulous repair and restoration of high-end timepieces, a precise, hands-on craft that requires incredible dexterity and technical knowledge, representing a complete change in professional pace.
12. Supermodel Who Co-Founded a Successful Tech Investment Firm
Beyond her iconic career on the runway, supermodel Tyra Banks has cultivated a substantial second career as a serious entrepreneur and business investor. She attended Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management (OPM) program and later co-founded Fierce Capital, an investment fund that focuses on supporting and investing in technology and startup companies. This practical second career involves the strategic evaluation of business models, market analysis, and financial planning, demonstrating a sharp shift from fashion into the highly demanding and analytical world of venture capitalism.
13. Former Late-Night Host Who Is an Experienced Automotive Mechanic
Jay Leno, famed host of The Tonight Show, has a lifelong, hands-on second career as a dedicated and skilled automotive mechanic and restorer. While his large collection of classic cars and motorcycles is well-known, Leno doesn’t just display them; he actively works on them. He maintains a massive garage and employs his own mechanics, but he is known to personally handle the restoration, repair, and technical maintenance of his vehicles. This is a practical, trade-based skill that requires expertise in engineering, metalwork, and engine mechanics, making him a true working enthusiast in the automotive field.
These stories remind us that a passion for learning and a drive for practical application can take root in anyone, even those who seem to have reached the pinnacle of public success. Whether it’s the quiet precision of an emergency room or the detailed work of a laboratory, the ability to build a meaningful second career is a powerful testament to human versatility.
This story 13 Celebrities With Shockingly Practical Second Careers was first published on Daily FETCH
