Hollywood can be unpredictable—one day you’re starring in hit shows or topping the charts, and the next you’re punching a timecard at a job that couldn’t be further from the spotlight. Fame doesn’t always last forever, and for some stars, the biggest twist in their story wasn’t onscreen but in their real-life career pivots. From scrubs to fire trucks to farm animals, these are ten celebrities whose post-fame career paths are sure to surprise (and actually, inspire) you.
10. Kay Panabaker – From Disney Darling to Zookeeper
Kay Panabaker used to be a regular on Disney Channel programs such as Summerland and family movies such as Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3. But after a few disappointing experiences in Hollywood, including being asked to lose weight for a part, she discovered that acting was not her passion. Kay returned to school, earned a degree in zoology, and currently works with animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For her, going from scripts to safaris was the best career change she ever made.
9. Jennifer Stone – From Teen Sitcom to ER Nurse
Fans of Wizards of Waverly Place recognized Jennifer Stone as Harper, Alex Russo’s eccentric best friend. After she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Jennifer discovered a new passion: nursing. Now, she is an emergency room nurse in California, showing compassion and kindness to patients during their most trying times. She credits her experience as an actress for being able to relate to people in unexpected ways.
8. Willa Ford – From Pop Heart to Interior Designer
Willa Ford rode into the spotlight in 2001 with her hit song I Wanna Be Bad. But when the music career didn’t pan out, she found a passion for design, working on house renovations during her marriage. That secondary venture turned into a full-time profession—she now owns her own design company and designs luxury interiors. It turns out that her biggest hit wasn’t a chart-topper, but on people’s living room couches.
7. Peter Ostrum – From Golden Ticket to Large Animal Vet
At only 12, Peter Ostrum portrayed wide-eyed Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Rather than pursuing more acting, he departed from it altogether. Today, he practices a less hectic life as a veterinarian in upstate New York, primarily with dairy cows. Peter has stated that he liked being in film, but veterinary medicine provided him with the stability and satisfaction that he was seeking.
6. Jamie Walters – Heartthrob to Firefighter
Jamie Walters was a household name due to his stint on Beverly Hills, 90210, and his hit song How Do You Talk to an Angel. He eventually decided on another form of heroism: being a firefighter. Walters is now a firefighter and paramedic in Los Angeles, happy to serve his community in a way his children believe is cooler than his days in Hollywood.
5. Nikki Blonsky – From Hairspray Star to Beauty Professional
Nikki Blonsky won over fans as Tracy Turnblad in the blockbuster musical film Hairspray. When acting work slowed up, she applied her attention to the beauty world, working as a hair stylist and make-up artist. Nikki has been candid about the pride she has in being able to support herself through honest labor while continuing to pursue her acting ambitions.
4. Anneliese van der Pol – Going from Sitcom Actress to Working in Restaurants
Best recognized as Chelsea on That’s So Raven, Anneliese van der Pol ultimately found herself serving tables in New York between gigs. She conceded it felt surreal when patrons recognized her, and even more uncomfortable when she once had to wait on fellow Disney graduate Ashley Tisdale. Nevertheless, she claimed the experience humbled her and gave her self-assurance beyond Hollywood.
3. Dylan Sprouse – From Disney Twin to Mead Maker
While his brother Cole remained busy acting, Dylan Sprouse did something else after The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. At NYU, he worked as a restaurant host for entertainment and some extra money. He later co-founded All-Wise Meadery, making his hobby for craft brewing into a business venture. Since then, Dylan has gone back to acting in independent films, but with a side business as unusual as his acting career.
2. Geoffrey Owens – From Sitcom Stardom to Trader Joe’s
Geoffrey Owens, the Elvin from The Cosby Show, was making headlines after being photographed working at a Trader Joe’s. Some ridiculed him, but Geoffrey took it with dignity, reminding everyone that no job is degrading and that actors, just like everybody else, at times require steady paychecks. His authenticity resonated, precipitating an even larger discussion on work, dignity, and resilience.
1. Drew Barrymore – From Teen Star to Coffee Shop Attendant
Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most popular actresses after a massive comeback, Drew Barrymore experienced some wild times as a teenager. After freeing herself at 14, she waited tables at a Los Angeles coffeehouse for cash. Although she confesses she was not the greatest barista, the experience brought her back down to earth and taught her some hard-knocks life lessons before her comeback.
Not all Hollywood tales result in superstardom—and for a few, that’s a blessing. These stars exchanged fame for fulfillment, demonstrating that success isn’t about remaining in the limelight perpetually, but rather finding work that adds purpose and happiness. Saving lives, serving communities, or nursing animals, these stars demonstrate there’s life after the red carpet—and sometimes it’s even greater.