Businesses You Didn't Know Your Favorite Celebrities Own

Some of your favorite stars are even more talented than you might realize. In addition to honing the craft that made them rich and famous, many entrepreneurial actors and singers have gone into other businesses.

More than just a celebrity endorsement, these stars are deeply involved in their business ventures. Take a look at these popular companies under very famous ownership.

(By Laura Woods)

Aviation Gin, Ryan Reynolds

In February 2018, Ryan Reynolds took to Instagram to announce his ownership stake in Aviation Gin. It’s unclear exactly how much of the company he owns, but he’s actively involved in the business, serving as both a board member and a creative director, according to Forbes.

One glance at the company’s website also reveals Reynolds is the face of the brand, which was founded by bartender Ryan Magarian and distillery owner Christian Krogstad in the early 2000s.

Reddit, Snoop Dogg

You might not realize it, but Snoop Dogg has been a co-owner of Reddit, one of the most popular companies on the internet, since 2014. Co-founded by Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian in 2005, he joined forces with other investors to give the company a $50 million cash infusion.

Snoop Dogg’s level of involvement with Reddit is unclear, but he seems pretty chummy with the tech titans behind it. In May 2017, Ohanian was a guest on his GGN podcast, where he explained net neutrality to the rapper.

Sauza 901 Tequila, Justin Timberlake

Drinking like Justin Timberlake is easier than you might think. The multitalented star first got into the tequila business back in 2009, but in 2014, he joined forces with Beam, Inc. to rebrand his spirit into Sauza 901.

It’s unknown exactly how hands-on Timberlake is with the brand, but he’s clearly proud of his tequila. He stars in a Sauza 901 commercial featured on the company’s website, originally released for Cinco de Mayo 2015.

Chicagoist, Chance the Rapper

More than just a rapper, proud Chicago native Chance the Rapper purchased news site Chicagoist in July 2018. He made the announcement on his track “I Might Need Security,” saying “I bought the Chicagoist just to run you racist [obscenity] outta business.”

He’s not listed on the Chicagoist staff page, so his level of involvement with the company remains a mystery.

Handsomecharlie Films, Natalie Portman

Not just a talent in front of the camera, Natalie Portman founded her own production company Handsomecharlie Films, named after her late dog, more than a decade ago. A couple films the company has produced include Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Jane Got a Gun.

Handsomecharlie Films doesn’t have a website, but Variety lists Portman as the company’s president.

Fancy, Will Smith

Will Smith and other investors joined forces to raise $53 million for Fancy -- an online shopping platform with items curated by its community in 2013 -- according to Bloomberg. His involvement with the company is unknown, but he’s listed on its Partners page under “Friends” and is quoted as saying “Fancy.com, my favorite site.”

A-Grade Investments, Ashton Kutcher

Show business isn’t Ashton Kutcher’s only line of work. In 2010, he co-founded venture capital fund A-Grade Investments with his friends Guy Oseary and Ron Burkle.

Serving as angel investors, the fund invests in technology startups. A few companies the group has backed include Uber, Airbnb and Duolingo, according to Crunchbase.

Denver and Delilah Productions, Charlize Theron

One of the savviest celebrity entrepreneurs, Charlize Theron doesn’t just star in movies. Her company Denver and Delilah Productions -- named after her dogs -- does behind-the-scenes work.

Theron serves as principal of the company, according to Variety, and many of its credits include her own films, such as Atomic Blonde, Tully and Monster. Also in the television business, Denver and Delilah is the production company behind the Netflix drama Mindhunter.

Funny or Die, Will Ferrell

Comedian Will Ferrell’s business skills are no laughing matter. In 2007, the actor joined forces with Adam McKay, Chris Henchy and other partners to create Funny or Die.

The company initially captivated audiences by making funny videos, but has since evolved into an Emmy-winning comedy studio. Some of its projects include "American Vandal,” “Brockmire” and “I Love You, America.”

In 2018, Funny or Die announced plans to shift to the Vox Media platform, which Variety reported could result in long-form entertainment collaborations.

Just Water, Jaden and Will Smith

Just Water, an eco-friendly bottled water company, was co-founded by father-son duo Jaden and Will Smith. They created the company in 2015, but the elder Smith told the Associated Press they chose to stay behind the scenes until 2018, to let the brand gain momentum on its own terms.

For his part, Jaden has been working to promote the company’s vision by creating several videos on climate change, sustainability and renewable resources, according to the Associated Press. He’s also visiting schools to spread awareness of the dangers of plastic and pollution and encourage youth to be part of the change.

Naja, Gina Rodriguez

Co-founded by Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez and Catalina Girard, Naja is a lingerie company with a purpose. The eco-conscious brand’s garment factory is mainly staffed by single mothers or female heads of households. Not only does the company pay above-average wages; It also offers flexible working conditions and funds books, school supplies, uniforms and school meals for all employees’ children.

Kravitz Design, Lenny Kravitz

An artist in more ways than one, singer Lenny Kravitz founded Kravitz Design in 2003. Since then, he’s worked on many design projects, including wallpaper for Flavor Paper, furniture for CB2 and Kartell, a chandelier for Swarovski and most recently 75 Kenmare, a multi-unit residential building in New York City, according to the New York Times.

Kode with Klossy, Karlie Kloss

More than just a pretty face, Karlie Kloss is a serious brainiac with a passion for tech. The New York University student founded Kode with Klossy in 2015, when she started taking coding classes.

A project of the New Venture Fund -- a 501(c)(3) charitable organization -- Kode With Klossy is a free two-week summer program for girls ages 13 to 18.

Pinot, Titus Burgess

Fans of The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt will find Tituss Burgess’ celebrity endorsement of Pinot a fitting move. Launched in 2016, Pinot by Tituss Burgess is a 2014 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir.

The actor’s involvement in the winemaking process is unclear, but his face and signature are displayed proximately on the label of the bottle.

Whoopi & Maya, Whoopi Goldberg

Launched in 2016 by the multitalented Whoopi Goldberg and Om Edibles founder Maya Elisabeth, Whoopi & Maya is a California-based medical marijuana company. The brand is known for its signature line of herbal medical cannabis products, designed to help women suffering from menstrual cramp pain. Products are currently available in more than 300 dispensaries, according to the company website.

Chong's Choice, Tommy Chong

One half of the comedy duo Cheech and Chong, Tommy Chong is best known as a marijuana enthusiast, so turning it into a business venture is no surprise to fans. Strains and products sold by his medical marijuana company, Chong’s Choice, are hand-selected by the star, allowing fans to benefit from his decades of knowledge and vast industry connections.

Mansinthe, Marilyn Manson

Rocker Marilyn Manson is so passionate about absinthe that he created his own brand. Launched in 2006, Mansinthe is made in the small Swiss village of Kallnach.

Clearly a high-quality spirit, Mansinthe is rated 90 points by Wine Enthusiast. A 750-milliliter bottle of Mansinthe can be yours for approximately $65.99.

Kingdom and State, Tan France

In 2011, Queer Eye star Tan France founded womenswear company Kingdom and State. The company was originally based in London but moved its operations to the U.S. in 2013.

Now the lead designer, in a March 2018 interview with Athleisure, France revealed he was the company’s only employee during its first three years of operation. Additionally, he co-created Rachel Parcell, Inc., in 2015, where he also serves as lead designer.

Starting Up

Growing a Business

Franchise

Inspiration

Follow Us

Browse By

Editions