10 Celebrities who produced movies they didn't star in

In Hollywood, many celebrities have gone beyond acting by donning the producer's hat, shaping movies from their very roots. They produce movies for better prospects in the world of cinema while making the best storylines come alive on screen. They become the names behind the curtain by choosing the script, bringing funds, and making a good team while transforming their creative vision into reality.

While Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie have produced innovative and thought-provoking films through their production companies, Leonardo DiCaprio and Oprah Winfrey have been funding projects in line with their shared passion for selected cinematic causes. From intense dramas to landmark documentaries, these celebrities have found a way to nudge storytelling in the right direction by employing their understanding of the art and by floating their influence around the industry.

Here is a list of ten well-known actors who wore producer hats and mounted notable films without acting in them.

1. Brad Pitt – Women Talking (2022)

Brad Pitt's production firm, Plan B Entertainment, has supported several award-winning movies, such as Women Talking (2022), a gripping drama of a community of women discussing their future after enduring abuse. Although Pitt did not appear in the movie, his company's support facilitated director Sarah Polley's vision. The film was widely praised by critics and won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Plan B has a track record of backing socially aware movies, and Pitt's influence in Hollywood still extends far beyond the screen.

2. Leonardo DiCaprio – Cowspiracy (2014)

Though Leonardo DiCaprio is notably famous for his film roles, he is also a dedicated environmentalist. His production house, Appian Way, supported the thought-provoking documentary Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014). The film investigated the environmental cost of the meat business. Unlike most of his productions, this was not a scripted film but a blunt documentary meant to raise awareness. His impact made the film go international, resulting in Seaspiracy (2021), which explored similar thematic problems in the fishing sector.

3. Reese Witherspoon – Daisy Jones & The Six (2023)

Reese Witherspoon has made a seamless leap from a popular actress to a proficient producer. She has been notably seen championing women's stories through her production company, Hello Sunshine. Among her successes is Daisy Jones & The Six (2023), a Prime Video miniseries adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid's top-selling novel about an imagined 1970s rock group. Witherspoon did not appear in the series, but her interest in book adaptations made it a huge success on Prime Video. The realistic representation of the music business and an original soundtrack resonated with viewers and demonstrated Witherspoon's producing power in Hollywood that goes far beyond acting.

4. Will Smith – Charm City Kings (2020)

Outside his acting career, Will Smith chose to produce films like Charm City Kings (2020), a drama about coming into age against Baltimore's underground dirt bike culture. Smith produced this award-winning film that walked the runway at Sundance through Overbrook Entertainment, the Smith family production company that he runs with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. The film illustrates how young men struggle to find ways to escape their surroundings while continually being tempted toward fits of crime. Although not featured in this movie, Smith's advocacy of diverse and authentic storytelling shows his commitment to supporting diverse and underrepresented voices in Hollywood.

5. Margot Robbie – Saltburn (2023)

LuckyChap Entertainment is a production company founded by Margot Robbie. The company has been on a rampage by bankrolling different types of interestingly unconventional projects like Saltburn (2023) - a black comedy psychological thriller film co-produced by these two brilliant minds - Emerald Fennell. The actors, Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi played brilliant roles and took the film to new heights. The plot shows a twisted tale centering on themes of obsession, privilege, and power. Robbie did not act in the film but her company was instrumental in bringing Fennell's cinematic vision to fruition. LuckyChap has established itself as a force behind fresh-to-the-field female-led storytelling, marking Robbie's impact behind the camera as she continuously triumphs before the lens.

6. George Clooney – The Tender Bar (2021)

George Clooney has been involved in the world of cinema all his adult life, not always as an actor but also as a producer. The Tender Bar (2021), produced by Clooney, portrays the life of a young boy who finds a father figure in his uncle, who runs a bar. The movie is produced by Clooney's own production company, Smokehouse Pictures. Starring Ben Affleck, the film was warmly welcomed for its nostalgic and emotional storytelling. His decision to direct and produce the film, rather than acting in it illustrates Clooney's growing preference for directing and producing.

7. Oprah Winfrey – The Color Purple (2023)

The legendary American talk show host, Oprah Winfrey produced the musical film The Color Purple (2023), based on the original epistolary novel written by Alice Walker. Winfrey starred in the 1985 film but took herself off stage this time to contribute by incorporating the producer's perspective to the powerful story. As a producer, Oprah ensured the authenticity of the film by offering an emotionally powerful representation of the resilience and empowerment of black women. The fresh adaptation drew applause for its performances and music, showing Oprah's phenomenal magic in Hollywood.

8. Tom Hanks – My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (2023)

In every sense, Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have been longtime supporters of the franchise My Big Fat Greek Wedding through their production company Playtone. Though Hanks never acted in any of the films, he was instrumental in bringing My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (2023) to life. His company was involved in the making of the first film in 2002, which was a surprise hit, and has followed the series ever since. The latest in the franchise has the beloved Portokalos family traveling to Greece. Although Hanks stayed off-screen, his involvement helped to keep the essence of the franchise alive.

9. Ben Affleck – Air (2023)

Ben Affleck is widely recognized for both his acting and directing talents. In Air (2023), he took on the additional role of producer, bringing to life the incredible story behind Nike’s signing of Michael Jordan. While Affleck directed and acted in the film, his producing role—alongside longtime collaborator Matt Damon—was key to shaping the project. The film received critical acclaim for its unique take on how business and sports intertwine, proving that Affleck’s filmmaking prowess extends beyond his on-screen performances.

10. Bradley Cooper - Joker (2019)

Known for his exceptional acting abilities, Bradley Cooper has also made a name for himself as a producer, writer, and director. Notably, he served as a producer on Joker (2019), the critically acclaimed American psychological thriller centered on the iconic DC character. The film premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival, earning widespread recognition and numerous accolades. With its dark thematic representation of a decaying Gotham City, Joker played a pivotal role in Joaquin Phoenix’s career, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Cooper's involvement as a producer contributed to the film’s success, despite receiving mixed reviews from some critics.