It is no longer a secret in Hollywood that the main focus is no longer on the glitz, glamour, and red carpets, but rather on the people who are running the show behind the scenes. What are these celebrities doing next? They are leaving the limelight and taking on producing roles, thus building their own creative empires. From Oscar winners to comedy queens, these celebrities are changing the face of the industry and producing the kind of movies they want. These are the 10 influential actors who have become producers and are making a difference – just for fun, in reverse order.
10. Halle Berry – 606 Films
Halle Berry is not just an Oscar-winning star; she’s also the force behind 606 Films. The production company has created titles such as the thriller Kidnap and the television remake of Boomerang, spinning familiar tales in a new way. Berry’s producer role provides her with the vehicle to promote new voices and veer from Hollywood’s typical stereotypes.
9. Margot Robbie – LuckyChap Productions
Margot Robbie is Barbie-plus—she owns LuckyChap Productions. Her production company has produced such successes as I, Tonya, Birds of Prey, Promising Young Woman, and the cultural behemoth Barbie. Robbie’s priority is manifest: shine a light on fearless, female-fueled tales and give independent films a chance.
8. Sandra Bullock – Fortis Films
Sandra Bullock, America’s sweetheart, is just as fabulous behind the camera as she is in front of it. With Fortis Films, she’s produced rom-com favorites like Practical Magic, Miss Congeniality, and The Proposal. Bullock shows you can be the lead and designer of your own Hollywood career.
7. Elizabeth Banks – Brownstone Productions
Elizabeth Banks plays multiple roles—actor, director, and producer. Brownstone Productions has supported films such as the Pitch Perfect franchise and Cocaine Bear. Banks is passionate about bringing opportunities to women in comedy and action and never hesitates to break barriers.
6. Reese Witherspoon – Hello Sunshine
Reese Witherspoon saw little in the way of meaningful female roles—and set out to change it herself. Hello Sunshine has given us hits such as Legally Blonde 2 and a slew of female-led projects. Witherspoon’s mission is straightforward: more women at the center of more stories, and more meaningful roles to boot.
5. Jordan Peele – Monkeypaw Productions
Jordan Peele upended horror with Monkeypaw Productions. Get Out, Us, and Nope all blend frights with biting social commentary. Peele’s on-camera work is more than telling stories—it’s transforming Hollywood’s discourse on race and identity.
4. Brad Pitt – Plan B Entertainment
Brad Pitt is not only a leading man—he’s the mastermind behind Plan B Entertainment. The studio has made Oscar-winning movies such as 12 Years a Slave, Moonlight, and The Big Short. Pitt is committed to bold, smart projects that stretch the boundaries of cinema.
3. Charlize Theron – Denver and Delilah Productions
Charlize Theron reigns supreme on screen as well as behind the scenes as a producer. Denver and Delilah Productions produced films such as Monster and Atomic Blonde. Theron is on a mission: strong, multidimensional women as the main characters—no damsels in distress here.
2. Drew Barrymore – Flower Films
Drew Barrymore was raised in Hollywood but forged her niche with Flower Films. The firm has made everything from Never Been Kissed to Charlie’s Angels and Donnie Darko. Barrymore’s producing career is one of creativity, longevity, and providing herself—and other women—roles to play.
1. Spike Lee – 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks
Spike Lee is the greatest actor-producer of all time, and 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks is the stuff of legend. From Do the Right Thing through Malcolm X and BlackKkKlansman, Lee’s productions are fearless, socially conscious, and unapologetic. His production company is a haven for fearless storytelling that confronts the issues straight on.
Why Actors Are Taking the Helm
So why do all these actors go into producing? Actors desire creative input, artistic expression, and the power to guide projects from beginning to end, says David Genik. Producing also breaks up income streams, provides new career paths, and broadcasts diverse perspectives that Hollywood tends to ignore. It’s ultimately about leaving a legacy—providing opportunities, championing worthy stories, and constructing something greater than themselves.
From horror films to rom-coms, indie blockbusters to Oscar nominees, these actor-producers are reshaping Hollywood. They’re not merely bright lights—they’re constructing the entire constellation.