1. Suzanne Somers: From Three’s Company to Thighmaster Empire
After leaving Three’s Company, Suzanne Somers reinvented herself as a health and wellness mogul. She took her fame and leveraged it into a highly successful business career, most famously with the Thighmaster, an exercise device that became a cultural sensation. What started as a simple fitness tool quickly became a multi-million dollar empire, with Somers marketing her products on infomercials and building a lasting brand. Over the years, her brand expanded into books, health supplements, and even her own skincare line.
Somers took her entrepreneurial journey to new heights with her own line of vitamins and a series of successful business ventures. She also embraced the world of direct sales, which allowed her to interact directly with consumers. Her ability to blend personal health with business savvy made her one of the most successful actors-turned-entrepreneurs of the ’80s, and she built a legacy beyond just her TV roles.
2. Jane Fonda: The Fitness Queen
Known for her iconic workout videos in the ’80s, Jane Fonda took her passion for fitness and turned it into a billion-dollar business. After a successful acting career, Fonda capitalized on the growing fitness craze with the release of her home workout videos. These videos made Fonda a household name in the fitness world, and she sold millions of copies, making her one of the biggest stars of the fitness industry at the time.
Not only did Fonda tap into the market with her workout videos, but she also launched a line of exercise apparel and fitness products. Over time, her fitness empire expanded into a broader range of health-focused initiatives, and she even started her own fitness center. Fonda’s business acumen proved that the ’80s was more than just a decade of acting fame for her—it was the beginning of her lasting impact on the fitness world.
3. Jessica Simpson: A Fashion Mogul in the Making
While Jessica Simpson first gained fame as a pop singer in the late ’90s and early 2000s, it was her venture into fashion that turned her into a business mogul. Simpson’s clothing and shoe line, launched in 2005, became a massive success, making her one of the wealthiest celebrity entrepreneurs. Her brand went beyond just clothes, extending into accessories, fragrances, and even home goods, proving her versatility in business.
Simpson took a hands-on approach to her business, focusing on building a brand that was accessible yet luxurious. Her keen eye for market trends and understanding of her audience helped elevate her to new heights, eventually making her business worth billions. It’s a testament to how Simpson’s entrepreneurial spirit allowed her to redefine herself and secure a place in the fashion industry.
4. Richard Gere: Hotelier with a Vision
Richard Gere is known for his charming roles in films like Pretty Woman and An Officer and a Gentleman, but he also made an unlikely leap into the world of business. In the 2000s, Gere partnered with a group of investors to buy and revitalize a historic hotel in New York’s famed Chelsea neighborhood. The hotel, known as the Chelsea Hotel, had a long history and was once a hotspot for artists and musicians, and Gere’s team worked to restore it to its former glory.
Gere’s entry into the hospitality industry wasn’t a flash-in-the-pan idea; it was part of a broader vision to revamp and modernize spaces while preserving their cultural significance. He followed that with other real estate investments, showing that Gere was more than just a pretty face on the big screen. His business ventures reflected a passion for art, culture, and preservation, making him a standout in the world of celebrity entrepreneurs.
5. Dan Aykroyd: From Ghostbusters to Crystal Head Vodka
While Dan Aykroyd is best known for his comedy career, especially his time in Ghostbusters and Saturday Night Live, he also found success in the world of spirits. Aykroyd co-founded Crystal Head Vodka in 2007, which quickly became a hit with consumers thanks to its distinctive skull-shaped bottle and premium quality. The vodka, made from the finest ingredients and distilled in a unique way, became a symbol of Aykroyd’s ability to branch out beyond the entertainment world.
The success of Crystal Head Vodka solidified Aykroyd as a serious businessperson, showing that his interest in alcohol and entrepreneurship was more than just a gimmick. The brand has grown globally, and Aykroyd’s success in the alcohol business highlights the diverse paths former ’80s stars can take after their acting careers. Aykroyd continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a successful actor-turned-entrepreneur.
6. Paul Newman: The Salad Dressing King
Paul Newman’s name became synonymous with quality and philanthropy long after his time in the spotlight as an actor. In 1982, he co-founded Newman’s Own, a company that started with salad dressings but quickly expanded into a wide range of food products. The company’s success came from Newman’s commitment to using all-natural ingredients, creating a brand that stood out in a crowded market. What set him apart was his decision to donate all profits to charity, making it a socially responsible business from the start.
Newman’s business didn’t stop at salad dressings; he expanded the line to include pasta sauces, popcorn, and even organic food options. The company’s commitment to giving back, along with its quality products, turned it into a beloved brand. Newman’s Own continues to be a success story, proving that a Hollywood icon can also be a thriving business tycoon with a heart for giving.
7. Madonna: The Queen of Branding
Madonna is known for her ever-evolving career, and by the ’80s, she was not just a pop star—she was a brand. She capitalized on her fame by branching out into multiple ventures, from clothing lines to fragrances, and even fitness centers. In 1996, Madonna launched her first perfume, Truth or Dare, which became an instant hit, and she continued to build on her business portfolio with various products.
Madonna’s approach to business has always been as innovative as her music. Her brand evolved to include a series of books, a gym franchise, and even ventures into the world of film production. By turning her name into a global brand, Madonna proved that pop culture icons could redefine themselves as business moguls with lasting influence in the market.
