Celebrities making a fortune from their business interests
Jay-Z's deal with LMVH

Jay-Z has long looked beyond his music career to make money, and his investments in sports teams, music streaming, clothing and alcohol made the hip-hop superstar a billionaire in 2019. And now Jay-Z, who has boasted that he has a "million ways to make money", has sold 50% of his Armand de Brignac champagne brand to luxury French group LMVH, which also owns big-name champagne brands such as Moët Hennessy, Dom Pérignon and Veuve Cliquot. No financial details of the deal have been released, but in 2018 the Armand de Brignac brand was valued at $250 million (£180m).
Jay-Z took ownership of the champagne brand, which is also known as the Ace of Spades due to its gold and black bottle design, in 2014 after falling out with the owners of Cristal champagne, which was the rapper's previous champagne of choice. This new partnership with LMVH is set to help the brand, which is made at a winemaking house with roots in the 1600s and is popular with sports stars, grow. Not that it hasn't been performing; in 2019 Armand de Brignac sold 900,000 bottles. But Jay-Z has had some business misses as well as hits. Click or scroll on to find out more. All dollar values in US dollars.
Jay-Z's investments made him a billionaire

The rapper also owns a cognac brand, D’Ussé, a joint venture with drinks giant Bacardi, which is estimated to be worth $100 million (£74.8m). However, some of Jay-Z's investments haven't fared as well. Streaming service Tidal, which he bought for $56 million (£33m) in 2014, has struggled to challenge the market despite initially having big names including Kanye West, Madonna and Chris Martin on board as investors. In December 2019, after several years of Tidal losing money, Jay-Z shocked fans when he put his music back on Spotify to coincide with his 50th birthday. But this doesn't take away from the fact that savvy investments have made the rapper a lot of money.
But Jay-Z isn't the only one in the family with an eye for an investment opportunity. Click or scroll on to discover Beyoncé's side hustles...
Beyoncé beyond music

Beyoncé has also developed her career beyond being one of the world's most famous music stars, and in 2016 she invested in WTRMLN WTR, a company serving up cold-pressed watermelon juice. Deemed an ultra-nutritious "superdrink", Beyoncé claimed she invested in the brand because it's "the future of clean, natural hydration". The singer, who's worth an estimated $400 million (£280m) according to Forbes, also has her own clothing line in collaboration with Adidas called Ivy Park (the partnership was formerly with Topshop until 2018), as well as a stake in Sidestep, a concert merchandising app that lets fans buy merchandise in advance.
There are lots of celebrities who have branched out from the industries that have made them household names. Click or scroll through to see which other famous faces have made a fortune from their side businesses...
Kate Hudson

In 2013, Kate Hudson co-founded Fabletics, an online subscription retailer that specialises in women's sportswear. The monthly service offers its members personalised sportswear based on their lifestyle and fashion preferences.The company brought in more than $400 million (£300m) in revenues in 2019, and is the fastest-growing activewear brand in e-commerce history. What's more, Fabletics now has 50 retail outlets in North America alone.
Mark and Donnie Wahlberg

When they’re not acting, famous siblings Mark and Donnie can be found with their chef brother Paul Wahlberg (middle) working at the family burger chain Wahlburgers. What started as a simple eatery in Massachusetts has now grown to 29 locations across the US and Canada, and the brothers also set up a London restaurant in May 2019, although it was closed due to financing issues in June 2020.
Susan Sarandon

The award-winning actress has turned her hobby into a hot money-making business, opening a chain of ping pong clubs that are frequented by celebrities. Rumours are the late Prince was a big fan. SPiN now has seven locations across the US and Canada, with more due to open their doors in the coming years. With retro décor and an extensive cocktail list, this is an adult’s playground.
Drew Barrymore

The actress launched her very own make-up line, Flower, at Walmart in 2013. The products can also be bought at major retail chains including Kroger, Ulta, Chemist Warehouse and Superdrug in countries including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Mexico, India and China, with industry sources estimating Flower is worth $125 million (£90.3m).
George Clooney

Casamigos is a tequila brand founded by actor George Clooney, along with friends Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, in 2013. They sold it to global drinks giant Diageo for a hefty $1 billion (£812m) in 2017. Diageo reportedly initially paid $700 million (£568m) for Casamigos, followed by an additional $300 million (£244m) based on the performance of the brand over the next decade.
Maria Sharapova

She’s a whiz on the court, but she’s even better in the boardroom. During a hiatus from her tennis career, Sharapova kept busy with her other interest: confectionery company Sugarpova. The business, which she started in 2012 with a $500,000 investment, has triumphed, selling in 22 countries. In 2018, Forbes reported that the company is worth $195 million (£147m).
Jessica Simpson

She might not be the first celebrity to launch a clothing line but she’s certainly one of the most successful. The singer-turned-actress launched The Jessica Simpson Collection in 2006, with lines selling in big department stores including Macy’s. Now it has more than 30 different product lines including swimwear, jewellery, luggage and even kid’s clothes. The brand makes an estimated $1 billion (£709m) in retail sales annually, although Simpson sold part of her ownership for an undisclosed sum in 2015.
Tony Bennett

He’s known around the world as a legendary entertainer but the crooner makes a nice chunk of change for something entirely different than his vocals – painting. Working under his birth surname Benedetto, his paintings can go for $10,000 (£8k) a pop. He’s been commissioned by the United Nations twice, one of which was later purchased by Oprah, while three Benedetto originals are in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.
Sofia Vergara

She’s one of the highest-paid women in television, earning $44.1 million (£33.2m) in 2019 according to Forbes. But it’s not just her Modern Family paycheque that’s keeping Vergara’s coffers high. The actress co-founded talent management and marketing firm Latin World Entertainment 20 years ago to promote Hispanic talent in the entertainment world. And that's not all. The Colombia-born star also has her own perfume, and in 2017 launched EBY, a subscription underwear service that hopes to not only empower the women who wear the clothing but those making them. The company has chosen a manufacturer that is part of the “Women Go Beyond” programme, which helps to improve working conditions in Sri Lankan garment factories.
Sean Combs

Rapper Diddy, formerly known as Puff Daddy and whose real name is Sean Combs, might be best known for his music but he's got a whole host of business ventures too. The music mogul, whose net worth was pegged at $740 million (£557m) in 2019, has a company called Combs Enterprises that comprises a portfolio of business interests and investments. One of these is a lucrative deal with drinks conglomerate Diageo, whereby Combs oversees and manages all branding initiatives for its CÎROC vodka company. His other brands and interests include Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, Combs Wine & Spirits, The Blue Flame Agency, AQUAhydrate water, REVOLT Films and REVOLT MEDIA & TV.
Oprah

The former talk show host became a household name during her daytime TV reign, but it’s largely her entrepreneurial pursuits that netted her a $2.6 billion (£1.8bn) fortune. She launched her own cable network (OWN), in which she owns a 25.5% share, which is estimated to be worth $75 million (£56.4m). She also owns an 8% stake in Weight Watchers, owns and produces several hit TV shows, including Dr. Phil and The Rachael Ray Show, and is co-founder of the TV channel Oxygen Media.
Robert De Niro

He's made a fortune from the silver screen but the actor is also making millions in the kitchen. That’s right, the Raging Bull star co-founded famed restaurant chain Nobu in 1994, which now has 39 restaurants and eight luxury hotels across five continents. But he didn’t stop there. The star also owns several Italian restaurants in New York, including Locanda Verde, and in 2014 co-created a vodka brand, VDKA 6100.
Tyra Banks

She walked the catwalk for Victoria’s Secret and made history as the first Black woman to have a solo cover of Sports Illustrated in 1997, but Tyra Banks also has a thriving media brand. Banks started her own TV production company Bankable Productions in 2003, as well as creating the hugely-successful TV show America’s Next Top Model, which spawned 24 seasons and versions overseas in countries including the UK, Australia and Germany.
Jeremy Renner

When he’s not saving the world in the popular Avengers franchise or walking the red carpet, the actor is likely to be found with a hammer in hand as he fulfills his other passion: house flipping. Teaming up with friend Kristoffer Winters, in the past 15 years the duo have bought and sold more than 20 homes. And they’re making a tidy profit from it – an Art Deco mansion bought for $7 million (£3.6m) in 2007 was later sold for a cool $24 million (£16m) in 2013.
Reese Witherspoon

She banks mega bucks when she’s in front of the camera but Witherspoon is just as successful behind it too. The actress started her own production company, Pacific Standard, in 2012 and has produced a string of hit films including Gone Girl, which took $369.3 million (£274.9m) at the box office globally with only a $61 million (£45.4m) budget. In 2016, she founded media company Hello Sunshine, which focuses on women's storytelling, operating a book club, audio programming with Audible and two podcasts. She also owns a clothing company, Draper James, which has four stores in the US.
Chris Brown

The R&B star has often found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons but should his music career take a nosedive, he’s got a lucrative side gig to fall back on to – Burger King. That’s right… the entertainer revealed he owns not one but 14 Burger King restaurants around the US. While we don’t know exactly how much Burger King contributes to Brown’s rumoured $50 million (£37.2m) fortune, the popular chain is sure to net the star a very tidy income.
Venus Williams

She’s proved she’s a winner on the tennis court but Venus Williams also has a creative streak. When she’s not on the court Williams can be found at her interior design firm V Starr Interiors. Launched in 2002 with little fanfare, her portfolio includes the swanky multimillion-dollar homes of NFL and NBA players, the Intercontinental Miami’s presidential suite and an $18 million (£14m) revamp of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center in Washington. Williams is also the CEO of sportsware range EleVen.
Nicole Richie

Once known simply as Paris Hilton’s cheeky partner in crime on reality show The Simple Life, Nicole Richie has transformed herself into a respected designer. In 2009 she launched jewellery line House of Harlow 1960, and in 2014 a ready-to-wear clothing collection under the same moniker. And she’s not just slapping her name on the brand; Richie’s won countless design awards along the way.
Bethenny Frankel

She got her start on reality TV but she makes her money through cocktails. Frankel, who first appeared on The Real Housewives of New York City, was once a private chef who dreamed of releasing her own lines of low calorie drinks. And she did it. In 2011 her company Skinny Girl Cocktails was purchased by Beam Global. Forbes estimates the sale to be around the $100 million (£76m) mark. We’ll drink to that.
Madonna

The singer is worth an estimated $550 million (£390m), but when she’s not working the stage Madonna can be found working with her daughter on their clothing line Material Girl. The collection, launched in 2010, is available exclusively at Macy’s and has had a string of famous faces front the brand, including daughter Lourdes and Kelly Osborne. But that's not all for the original material girl. In 2017, Madonna launched her own beauty range in the US. The range, called MDNA SKIN, has been available in Japan since 2014, and features high-end products such as a $600 (£453) magnetic clay face mask and a $50 (£38) cleanser. All items come in sleek, futuristic packaging.
Paul Newman

Fans of Newman in the 1970s and 1980s know him for his incredible films, but fans today are more likely to associate the late actor, race car driver and director with his range of food and condiments. In the early 1980s the star founded Newman’s Own, which initially just sold salad dressing. More than 20 years later, the company has grown to sell everything from popcorn to pizza. From the get-go the company has donated 100% of its profits to charity, and to date Newman's Own and Paul Newman have given more than $550 million (£412m) away to various good causes.
Dr. Dre

With an estimated net worth of $800 million (£599m), the hip-hop star is inching closer and closer to billionaire status. And despite his string of hits, a large chunk of his fortune comes from side businesses, namely his Beats by Dre headphones, which he created when he was disappointed with Apple’s earbud. Dre later sold the company to Apple for $3.2 billion (£2.5bn) in 2014 – the largest one-off payday of any living musician in history. However, Dre is currently going through divorce proceedings with his wife of 24 years, Nicole Young, which could make a dent in the rap mogul's finances. The pair are fighting over the validity of a pre-nuptial agreement signed in 1996 that Dre says still exists but his estranged wife says he ripped up after they married.
Kylie Jenner

Jenner, who found fame on Keeping up with the Kardashians, hit the headlines when Forbes named her the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world in 2019, although her net worth has been since contested and is now estimated at $900 million (£674m). Her most lucrative business without a doubt has been her beauty line, Kylie Cosmetics, which had revenues of $200 million (£150m) in 2019. In November 2019, Jenner sold 51% of the company to Coty, Inc. for $600 million (£449m).
Ashton Kutcher

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow is now almost as well-known for her lifestyle brand Goop as she is for her acting career. Paltrow founded Goop in 2008, initially as a wellness newsletter, but the controversial brand is now worth at least $250 million (£187m). In 2017 the company got into trouble for selling jade "eggs" for $66 a pop, claiming they could alter women's hormone imbalances. The company was fined $145,000 (£109k) for making "unsubstantiated claims". It was even at the centre of a Netflix docu-series, The Goop Lab, in January 2020.
Rihanna

In 2019, Rihanna was named the richest female musician in the world by Forbes with a net worth of $600 million (£450m), yet she earned the bulk of her fortune from her businesses. The singer has a successful make-up brand, Fenty Beauty, which is owned by luxury goods conglomerate LVMH and generated an estimated $570 million (£427m) in revenue in 2018, according to Forbes. Rihanna has since launched Fenty Skin in 2020. She also co-owns lingerie company Savage x Fenty. However, her main Fenty fashion label, which was launched in spring 2019 and made her the first Black woman to lead a fashion house under the luxury French LMVH brand, has just closed less than two years after it started. Some critics said that the price point of the clothes meant that they weren't attainable for the singer's core fanbase.
Ryan Reynolds

Actor Ryan Reynolds recently cashed in on the sale of gin company Aviation American Gin, which he has co-owned since 2018, as part of a $610 million (£456m) deal with drinks conglomerate Diageo. As part of the agreement, Reynolds will receive an initial payment of $335 million (£250m), followed by up to $275 million (£206m) more depending on the performance of Aviation Gin over the next decade. Reynolds will also have to remain the face of the brand for that period. In February this year Reynolds, alongside fellow actor Rob McElhenney, invested around £2 million ($2.5m) into struggling Welsh football team Wrexham, which plays in the fifth tier of the English league system. The pair agreed to buy into Wrexham, reportedly with the intention of making a Netflix documentary about the club, but only time will tell if the investment is a success on and off the field.
Now read about some celebrity business ventures that flopped
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