Celebrities Who Live Ordinary Lives
When we think of the entertainment industry, parties and flashy clothes usually come to mind. But some of the rich and the famous that we know actually live a life so far from what we already pre-conceived in our minds. Even though they are credited for various accomplishments and accolades, some would rather stick to the normalcy of the life that they were used to before they were famous- of course, with at least some degree of improvements to it.
Paul McCartney
Beatles living member Paul McCartney will surprise you for never succumbing to the Hollywood lifestyle. Despite the fame of their legendary band, he never felt the need to dive into the stardom and capitalize on it. McCartney chose to live a simple life and remained rooted to the ground.
At his prime, he was credited for many songs he had written, especially the ones that made it to the top of the Billboard charts. He has even fought for many advocacies and earned funds for them to participate in charity fundraisers. Despite all these works, he never felt entitled to the VIP life. Instead, all the more, he focused his efforts on helping others in need.
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is an American singer. In 2005，Carrie Underwood won season 4 of “American Idol” and released her debut album, “Some Hearts.”The second album “Carnival Ride” was released on October 23, 2007. In April 2009, she was named entertainer of the Year at the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards and released her third album, Play On, On November 3.
Although she is one of the famous artists in the country and around the world, Underwood still commutes and even shops for groceries with coupons. She buys from regular grocery stores and never feels the need to get special treatment. It’s hard to believe that she would still settle for this kind of life, one that is ordinary despite not having anything ordinary in her life. She travels alone, too, without any bodyguard. How cool and awesome is that, right? Although maybe for some events, she probably rents a limo.
Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Elliot Zuckerberg was born in White Plains, New York, USA on May 14, 1984. He is the founder of the social networking site Facebook. He is known as the “second Gates” In 2017, Forbes released its annual list of the world’s richest people. On March 9, 2020, with a wealth of 590 billion yuan, it ranked the first in the “2020 Hurun Global Young Men Self-made Rich List”.A few years back, when Facebook just launched, not many of us know the man behind the social media platform that changed the world.
Zuckerberg has already accomplished so much for him to get used to his billion-worth fortune. However, the man chose to maintain the simple life he used to live. Although not without some improvements, he remains to be the quiet guy and continues to discover new creative ways to grow Facebook into whatever the world needs it to be.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio is an American film and television actor and producer. In 1996, he starred in Romeo and Juliet and won the Best Actor award at the 47th Berlin International Film Festival. In 2010 he starred in the film Inception. In 2013, he starred in the great Gatsby. We may think of actor and producer Leonardo DiCaprio as just a pretty face and one of Hollywood’s great talents. Some have probably judged him to be one who lived a lavish life considering his fame and outrageous earnings.
If we look deep into DiCaprio’s lifestyle, we’ll find the noble causes he does with his fame and money. He is actually quite known as a philanthropist and an advocate for the environment. For many years now, his established organization has raised support for the World Wildlife Fund Tiger Habitat. It had even financed the documentary film Before the Flood that landed DiCaprio credits in the National Geographic presentation. Today, he is determined to focus more on immediate issues rather than the limelight.
Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel is an actress, singer-songwriter. In 2011, she starred in the TV series New Girl, for which she was nominated for many Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress. In terms of music, in 2001, Deschanel and her partner Samantha Shelton formed The Jazz band If All The Stars Were Pretty Babies. New Girl star Zooey Deschanel has been Hollywood’s darling for years now. She even went up to the stage to present and receive awards herself several times, yet she remains to be one of the privileged celebrities who chose the less glamorous life.
In fact, in daily living, you’d rarely see her dress up in glam. Despite the achievements and Hollywood successes credited to her name, Zooey never entitled herself the right to spend too much. Even her ex-husband, Ben Gibbard of the indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie, attests to Deschanel’s humble character who still works within her budget as if her career ends today.
Shailene Woodley
Shareen Woodley is an actress and film producer. She is also an environmental activist who served on super PAC’s Board of Directors for Our Revolution. She received further recognition for her role in the 2014 film Shailin. She is also best known for her role as Beatrice Pryor in the science fiction trilogy Divergent Series. A good word about her being down to earth and friendly (maybe a little too friendly like a generous hugger) circulated in Hollywood and her fandom.
Surely for Woodley, it doesn’t matter if you’re one of the famous, part of the crew, or just a big fan, she’s generous with hugs, and that’s just how real she is. She’s also quite the nature lover to the degree that she uses DIY cosmetics and ones that are only organic, and opts to wear second-hand clothing. Can you believe it? Well, you should. This girl is not one you can judge to be shallow. She is an avid advocate of climate and the environment, too.
Tobey Maguire
Tobias Vincent Maguire was born in Santa Monica, California. He played roles in various TV shows before starring in the Fox comedy The Great Scott(1992). The role lasted nine weeks before being canceled. Actor and film producer Tobey Maguire was immortalized by his credit role’s famous line in the movie Spider-Man, “with great power comes great responsibility.” Before he became famous as an actor, he was just a guy from a humble family who aspired for a place in the industry.
When he finally earned his place, he learned the value of his earnings and the skill of having good money management. Even up to this today, he remains responsible and reasonable with his spending. Don’t be surprised, though, if every once in a while, you’ll see him headlining real estate listings. Over the years, he’s been quite a flipper of real estate, especially in the Brentwood area, where he’s been buying properties and selling them a year or two later.
Shia Labeouf
Shia Labeouf was born in Los Angeles, California, and is an only child. In need of finances for his family, he became a child star in Hollywood. Later on, he transformed into this accomplished industry actor. In 2007, he starred in the movie Transformers, which became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. He went on to star in the Transformers sequel, and both films were box office success.
Although Shia Labeouf succeed in the film industry，and he already has a good reputation and tens of thousands of assets, he is one of those who chose the unglamorous life. Back in 2014, Labeouf attended the Berlin Film Festival and appeared with brown paper over his head that read, “I AM NOT FAMOUS ANYMORE.” It turns out to be one of his performing arts pieces which he created Luke Turner and Nastja Säde Rönkkö, who is a Finnish artist. Even though we rarely see him on screen now, he has been busy writing stories for his movies.
Tyra Banks
The fashion industry also has its very own version of Oprah, and she’s Tyra Banks. Banks started modeling at the age of 15 and assembled a model combined with the help of her mother. From the age of 17, she began seeking professional representation from a local modeling agency. In 1994 and again in 1996, she was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People magazine. She made her debut in the dramatic film Higher Education (1995).
She also created and hosted the long-running reality TV series America’s Next Top Model before it was canceled in 2015. Besides that, she also hosted her own show and was recognized and awarded the Outstanding Talk Show Informative. Banks became an inspiration for many women and aspiring models. She is also smart and has a degree from Harvard Business School. She’s wise enough to know how to handle her wealth and heed the humble values her mother taught her, especially now that she is a mother herself.
Hilary Swank
In 1990, Hilary and her mother moved to Los Angeles to start professional acting. She appeared in Buffy of the Vampire Slayer (1992). Since then, she has been engaged in many films. She won an Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Brandon Tina in don’t cry boys (1999). In addition to the Oscars, Hillary also won the Golden Globe and best actress awards from the New York Film Critics, Los Angeles Film Critics, Chicago Film Critics，and Radio Film Critics Association.
Despite that, her humble beginnings connected her more to the life she came from. Until now, she is still a fan of long commutes of buses and trains. She remains down to earth and enjoys a simple life with her entrepreneur husband Philip Shneider who she married back in 2018 after two years of dating. Her most recent movie this year is the thriller The Hunt which flanked on the box office because of the pandemic.
Dave Grohl
As a drummer of the rock band Nirvana, Dave Grover will be remembered forever. Dave’s musical career began at the age of 15 when he became a guitarist. A year later, he played drums for the impossible, and Dan brag. Another year later, he had a chance to play drums with his favorite punk band scream. Most people in rock bands are pictured to be living the rock n’ roll lifestyle reserved for the rockstars only. However, Grohl chose to live a simpler life instead.
Although as a child he grew up well-provided for, he seemed wise for a rock star to figure out that such a lifestyle could lead him to bankruptcy if he won’t stop spending. This led him to manage his money well. With a staggering amount of net worth, he could at least afford a luxurious life with his family, but instead, he currently lives in a simple and modest house in California.
Jose Pepe Mujica
Mujica was born on May 20, 1935. Between the ages of 13 and 17，Mujika is involved in different kinds of clubs. He was also active in the National Party, where he became close to Enrique Erro. In 2009, he became the winner of the presidential election. In 2015, Jose Mujica served his last year as president of Uruguay and he was referred to as “the world’s humblest head of state.” This is because even as he served the state, he chose to still live on his farm rather than in the presidential residence.
Furthermore, President Mujica moved to plant and sell flowers so he could earn a modest amount for living because he donated 90% of his salary as head of the state. He donated it to several local charities so that he could help the needy in his country. The world has yet to meet another leader like him, but who knows, in the near future, one would rise out of nowhere.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on August 15, 1990. Thanks to her outstanding performance in the film Winter’s Bone (2010), she won the Oscar nomination for the first time. In 2012, the romantic comedy Silver Linings Playbook helped her win the Oscars, Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Satellite Awards, and Best Actress Awards for the independent spirit. With her hard work and outstanding performances, she earned titles, awards, and even a hefty amount of cash from all her TV and film projects.
However, unlike most celebrities who rush to acquire luxurious homes, with some having several listings to their name, Lawrence is the opposite and chose to live in an apartment even after she won Oscar. Her parents did great to instill in her the value of every penny she made, so she took her time to save. Now, she may have several homes to her name, but we believe she is wise with her spending.
Jay Leno
In 1992, Jay Leno became popular with his late-night talk show The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992). Owing to high popularity on the late-night talk show，he has been a permanent guest host on the tonight show, hosted by Johnny Carson for several years. However, despite his fame and wealth which he accumulated from his long-time running shows, he chose to live an ordinary life so far from his net worth.
The self-made millionaire shared how his father’s advice changes the way he managed his finances. Unlike most celebrities who lavished themselves with parties and glamour, he saved his earnings, which he is glad that he did. Although he is known for his massive car and motorbike collections, which is estimated to be worth $100 million alone. You may think this is a splurge, but to him, this is just a collection that later on he can choose to sell if need be.
Sarah Jessica Parker
After graduating from high school, Sarah decided to pursue a full-time acting career instead of continuing her studies. She has appeared in several films. Thanks to her portrayal of Manhattan sex-columnist Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO series Sex and the City (1998)，she came to prominence. In 2000, she won the Golden Globe Award for best actress. According to her, she was used to being given hand-me-downs and never complained about it as a child.
When she finally made it to Hollywood and become a successful actress, we’d think she’ll finally be able to splurge on all the brand new and designer-made clothes. However, she didn’t have to do it now as she models and wears it for the designers. Then maybe she could take the splurge on other things, but Parker firmly values her hard-earned money and chose to handle and manage it well. Credits to the values she learned in her childhood, she’s one of those who kept her feet on the ground.
Kristen Bell
Kristen Anne Bell was born in 1980. She is an American actress and singer. In 2004, Bell appeared in the television film, Gracie’s Choice, which received high ratings. She attracted much attention due to her excellent performance. In 2013, Bell voiced Princess Anna in the Disney animated film Frozen(2013), which won the Best Animation Award at the 86th Academy Awards.
In 2019, she was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame and made her mark in the comedic department. When we don’t see her face on the screen, she’s doing voice acting for TV series or movies like her breakthrough as the narrator in the hit series, Gossip Girl and Disney’s Frozen. Although Bell has made millions for all the projects she did in the industry, she remained low-key about her wealth and the earnings she received for her roles. In fact, she and her husband live a simple life where she uses supermarket coupons and saves a lot of cash.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar was born in New York City on April 14, 1977. Her wonderful performance in the TV series Swan crossing (1992) has made a breakthrough in her acting career. In 1997, she was known to film audiences after appearing in two films I know what you did last summer (1997) and scream 2 (1997). But she is best known for her role in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997). She also won an Emmy for playing Kendall Hart in the soap opera All My Children (1970).
Since she embraced being a mother, she has long opted for a simple life, where savings was an important part of her lifestyle. Despite her net worth and her earnings from her business, Gellar still uses grocery coupons to save money. To her, it’s a simple theory of whether wanting to pay more for something or paying less for it, as she would.
JK Rowling
Joanne Rowling was born in Yate, near Bristol. One day in 1990, on a train between Manchester and London, she dreamed of a boy named “Harry Potter”. Then she began her creative journey. In 1996, she decided to publish Harry Potter. After the release of this book, it has gained numerous fans and swept the world. JK Rowling doesn’t like her fans to see her like that – a person who owns a bank account with multiple zeroes. She remains down to earth.
In fact, on account of the billions she earned from her best-selling book series, she said she didn’t need the billions. She kept donating funds to charities as her wealth grew even more. With a wonderful story that teased the magical imagination of many kids and adults alike, for sure, many will still flock to read her book and expect more from her. Her fans for sure are waiting for her next book project and are excited to imagine again with her.
Mick Jagger
Michael Philip Jagger was born in Dartford, Kent, on July 26, 1943. When he was four years old, he met Keith Richard and became friends with each other. One day in 1960, they met by chance on the train. During the conversation, they both realized that they were interested in rock music. Between 1960 and 1962, The Rolling Stones formed. After that, they had released numerous hit albums and created an album sales record that is hard to surpass.
With his worldwide fame and net worth, he reserves the right to a lavish lifestyle. However, Jagger remained in control of his spending and saved his earnings. Furthermore, his wife attests to Jagger’s stinginess when it comes to his money. Even with his belongings, he prefers to have them repaired first before he decides on buying something new. His spending guide when it comes to his personal equipment is to never throw it away unless it is entirely broken. As a father of eight children, they would probably be taught his financial values.
Renee Zellweger
Rene Kathleen Zellweger was born in Katy, Texas, on April 25, 1969. She has acted in several films and was known for her role in Jerry Maguire (1996). In 2019, Zellweger played her first major TV role in the Netflix anthology series What/If and won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance. Award-winning actress and producer, Renee Zellweger learned at a young age the value of money.
According to Zellweger, growing up as an immigrant in the US, her parents not having anything yet and still setting up a new life in a foreign land, taught her the great value of appreciating what she has. As a young child, she saw how her parents worked hard to sustain their needs. That is why, when Zellweger finally became an actress, she didn’t completely change her lifestyle and continued living her simple and humble life. She does so by making wise investments and only spending on essentials. Until now, even with her wealth, she still uses shopping coupons.
Matthew McConaughey
Actor Matthew McConaughey is one of Hollywood’s beloved leading men and is famous for his cowboy accent. He is also widely credited for his effortless acting skills and charming looks. For the younger generation’s information, McConaughey is considered a treat and eye candy, especially by rom-com lady-fans, way back in the early 2000s.
Unlike other celebrities of his caliber, McConaughey enjoys living in his trailer and parking it by the beach. Although he owns a mansion in Texas, this actor also loves his home on wheels by California’s coast. The fans might wonder how come we don’t see much of him lately, but for sure, they’ll understand how he is now a settled family man who loves spending time and taking care of his wife and kids. It seems like McConaughey couldn’t stop being an ideal man, even in real life.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton was born in a family with a strong musical atmosphere. His grandmother plays the piano. His uncle and his mother like to listen to big bands. This laid the foundation for Patrick’s later career in music. Despite the fortune he earned from his music, he lived an ordinary life away from a glamorous and privileged one. Back in his prime, he held titles and awards and even became a three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist and a separate member of two bands.
Until today, he is considered important and the most influential guitarist in the music industry. However, even with all his accolades, he’d rather steer clear from the limelight of the rich and famous parties. To the degree that in public, it’d be considered a feat and sort-of amazing to recognize the famous Eric Clapton, with no-frills and buzz, just him in his ordinary clothes.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves rose to fame with the role of totally rad dude Ted Theodore Logan in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989). In 1994, with the release of “Speed” (1994), the understated actor became a big-budget action star. Actor Keanu Reeves cements his Hollywood career with his legendary credit roles. Even if he is well deserving and well able to live the glamorous life, he is determined to avoid fame and luxury.
As a matter of fact, after the end of the franchise of The Matrix, Reeves made a bold and generous move of distributing 80 percent of his income to the movie’s team for special effects and design. He is undoubtedly one of the few rare finds of the industry – such a humble, grateful, and generous man! Even after all his giving away, he still stands at a stunning $360 million net worth today. Indeed, the old adage proves true: we reap what we sow. Generosity does get us a long way.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry is considered one of Hollywood’s most enduring actresses. She made her way through the industry through pageantry as a candidate and placer in the national and international contests. Berry was praised in independent works such as Things We Lost in the Fire (2004). Her television work in the science fiction limited TV series Extant (CBS 2014-15) opened up a new avenue for her as well.
Despite this, Berry had the rare ability to do well in both major tentpole movies and small indie dramas, making her one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood. In fact, Berry has made quite a name for herself in her heroic credit roles that came close to her natural character. Growing up, she was a child who witnessed how her father was indifferent and hurt her mother, causing her to toughen up and become a woman of strength. She also lived wisely by managing her finances and work as if it’s her last day or project.
Britney Spears
In the late 1990s, Britney Spears was signed as a Jive Recording Artist, and her career ushered in a huge breakthrough. Pop icon Britney Spears caused quite a stir back in the late 1990s through the early years of the 2000s with her hit songs Hit Me Baby One More Time and Oops! I Did It Again. The songs topped the charts and to this date have sold over 100 million records around the world.
Aside from that, she is also a successful entrepreneur, doing good business with her own perfume and clothing brand. Though we haven’t seen much of her lately, she learned to manage and grow her investments while living a modest life for a pop icon. Oh, you wouldn’t believe how this famous country girl still buys her groceries from Target and Walmart. She also enjoys a simple and quiet time at home with her boyfriend and two boys.