It used to be that the great stars of Hollywood were only expected to make movies and live lavish existences. They didn’t care what their fans thought of them as long as tickets sold. These were the days when being a celebrity was actually dangerous. Many of the most popular stage, screen, and recording performers were wrecks when it came to their physical and mental health.
Today the story is very different. Now, stars are expected to be everything at once. They have full lives with families and pets, new diets, exercise routines, and actual philosophies of life. By the time we hear about some new product and they’ve already tried, praised and trashed it. Social media has altered our view of celebrities. Being a star means that everyone knows everything about them. And it’s a tricky business because any wrong step” can prompt widespread criticism or require the appropriate apologies. Unpopular opinions or unresolved issues can draw the attention of stalkers, hackers, and other malicious entities.
In contrast to other eras many stars are working hard not only to advance their reputations but to live well adjusted lives. Like everyone these days they may forget that “basics are best” and crave the distinction of being “the first” to try new things. This new brand of merchandizing and philanthropy is called “conscious celebrity capitalism.” Consider it as business with a conscience and amplified by star power. It marks a shift from the celebrity endorsement to mission-driven entrepreneurship. Vogue features 14 fashion brands owned by stars and Allure lists 31 celebrity beauty brands. These ventures reflect a growing desire to lead with values, not just visibility.
Many conscious stars are originating charitable causes that assist populations whose problems are relatively unknown or unaddressed. Two online sources deserve mention: Look to the Stars – The World of Celebrity Giving and Celebrity Charities Philanthropy Spotlight. It’s only right that those who have far more than they need give to those who are deeply deprived and it’s fair that these benefactors receive credit for their efforts. Their endorsements alert us to situations we should care about. The basic problem with charities is that it is charity—a selfless act of giving freely. It’s most impactful when helping those in dire need with no other hope of relief. In a world of growing affluence, charity should not be a necessity outside of true adversity.
Let’s be honest: charity is often used to ease our guilt for not freely sharing personal and collective resources. It’s how the well-meaning cope within an unjust world. Interestingly, some stars in communication and entertainment are using their platforms to challenge this dynamic. By stepping into roles as influencers, innovators, and investors, they’re launching products and services that promote economic equality and sustainable living. These creative efforts may set new standards for building a world without need—one rooted in fairness, shared responsibility, and long-term sustainability. It’s not just visionary—it’s necessary.
Here’s our list of famous people behind currently successful enterprises, some for profit and others for charity. The Dayology Signatures include almost all the Day Rays and most of the Sun Signs, but it certainly doesn’t hurt being born on a Tuesday in Aquarius!
#04 SUN CAN 6/25/1961
Ricky Gervais donated £1.9 million from his Armageddon stand-up tour to 11 animal charities across the globe. He’s also spoken out for PETA, and against the use of animal fur in fashion.
#06 SUN VIR 9/1/1996
Zendaya doesn’t just donate, she shows up and speaks out. Her work with the Convoy of Hope supports impoverished women and helps to break cycles of poverty.
#13 MON ARI 3/28/1994
Harry Wang also serves as the lead designer for TEAM WANG Design which he co-founded with Henry Cheung. Known for its minimalist aesthetic it reflects a global authenticity.
#13 MON ARI 9/16/1968
Jennifer Garner cofounded Once Upon a Farm, a kids’ organic snack and meal brand with Cassandra Curtis and Ari Raz. It connects children to real food and farm-grown ingredients.
#20 MON SCO 11/11/1974
Leonardo DiCaprio founded Blackadore Caye: A Restorative Island, an eco-friendly vacation resort focused on environmental conservation and sustainable luxury tourism.
#26 TUE TAU 5/10/1960
Bono helped to launch ONE a nonprofit data driven advocacy focused on ending extreme poverty and preventable disease worldwide with a particular emphasis in Africa.
#26 TUE TAU 4/28/1981
Jessica Alba founded The Honest Company, which produces eco-friendly and non-toxic household products. The brand is built on the principles of transparency, and sustainable design.
#35 TUE AQU 2/11/1969
Jennifer Anniston founded LolaVie, a clean haircare brand. She is also a longtime supporter of children’s health and disaster relief, using her platform to champion compassionate causes.
#35 TUE AQU 2/7/1978
Ashton Kutcher Offers investments in tech startups through Sound Ventures, focusing on ethical consumerism, innovative solutions and responsible tech development.
#35 TUE AQU 2/1/1994
Harry Styles: In 2021, English singer Harry Styles launched Pleasing, a unisex beauty and lifestyle brand. His product line includes fragrances, skin care and apparel.
#43 WED LIB – 9/27/1972
Gwyneth Paltrow is the author of the controversial wellness newsletter GOOP. It promotes clean beauty, sustainable fashion, and a wide range of alternative health practices.
#45 WED/SAG 12/13/1989
Taylor Swift launched Taylor’s Version, a bold re-recording project reclaiming ownership of her music catalog. Others can now follow her lead and reassert control over their creative work.
#49 THU ARI 4/5/1973
Pharrell Williams co-founded Bionic Yarn, which creates high-performance yarn and fabric from recovered plastic. Plastic pollution is reduced and useful textiles are produced.
#55 THU LIB 10/8/1970
Matt Damon co-founded Water.org, an organization that provides safe water and sanitation to communities in need. They offer small loans to help people gain access to clean water.
#55 THU LIB 10/8/1970
Lady Gaga and her mother, cofounded the Born This Way Foundation, focusing on youth mental health and empowerment to build a kinder, braver world for all.
#64 FRI CAN 7/6/1979
Kevin Hart is one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. He launched The Laugh Out Loud Network produces and distributes new and diverse comedic content.
#79 SAT LIB 10/12/1968
Hugh Jackman founded Laughing Man Coffee, inspired by an Ethiopian coffee farmer. The proceeds from the coffee sales support educational programs and community development.
#83 SAT AQU 2/18/1933
Yoko Ono has overseen the construction of over 90 schools in Asian and Africa though her Spirit Foundation. She is proud to state that her projects are funded by her own efforts.
#84 SAT PIS 2/20/1988
Rihanna: Launched Fenty Beauty, known for its inclusive range of makeup products that cater to diverse skin tones setting a new industry standard and a commitment to “Beauty for All.”.
