What Would They Be if They Weren't Celebs?
If Angelina Jolie had a résumé, her credentials would probably read something like this:
Film actor, 1993-present. Received three Golden Globe awards, two Screen Actors Guild awards, one Academy Award and earned two Emmy award nominations.
Goodwill ambassador for UN Refugee Agency, 2001-present. Concentrated efforts on field missions, visiting refugees and internally displaced persons; donated over $5 million to national relief organizations.
Co-founder, Jolie/Pitt foundation, 2006
Global Humanitarian Award, 2005
And that's the abbreviated version. Remarkably, Jolie's humanitarian efforts come close to -- if not surpass -- the length of her acting accolades. It's safe to say that should Jolie decide to put the brakes on acting, she could easily find a job heading up a non-profit organization or foundation.
Though they are glamorized in the tabloids, celebrities are people too; they'd have to do something to earn a living if they weren't blessed with their current career. The question is, what? We took a look at some of the most-talked-about celebrities and picked a new career for them based on their hobbies and current projects -- or just what they're "famous" (read criticized) for.
Amy Winehouse, English singer-songwriter
Celebrity status: Not long ago Winehouse's celeb standing would have coined her as the next big thing in soul, jazz and R&B music. She's won (and been nominated for) several music awards, including five Grammy awards. Despite this, Winehouse has been in the news more for her substance abuse and mental issues than any musical achievements.
If she weren't a celeb: Winehouse has been seen more than once walking the streets of London bloody, bruised and battered. In April 2008, Winehouse slapped a man, a "common assault" offense for which she was jailed overnight. Additionally, in an interview with World Entertainment News Network, Winehouse said:
"I'll beat up [my husband] Blake when I'm drunk. I don't think I have ever bruised him, but I do have my way. If he says one thing I don't like then I'll chin him."
Her experiences slapping, hitting and punching others would make her great in the ring as a professional boxer -- lightweight category, of course. And if that doesn't happen, we're pretty sure she could make things work by recreating her famous beehive hairdo for others as a hair stylist.
Pete Wentz, bassist and back-up vocalist
Celebrity status: Wentz, the bassist for Chicago-based band Fall Out Boy, has his own record labels, production company and night club. In June 2008, Wentz created a new show on MTV, "FNMTV Premieres," which debuts music videos and features live performances.
If he weren't a celeb ... As a successful lyricist, it's no surprise words come easily to Wentz. He could be an author -- or rather, continue on as one. Along with his other endeavors, Wentz published his first book, "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side," in 2005; another children's book, "Rainy Day Kids," has a postponed release date. In addition, he's currently co-writing another book with another singer.
Madonna, singer, songwriter and actress
Celebrity status: Dubbed "The Queen of Pop," by the media, Madonna has 11 successful albums, seven of which were No. 1 sellers. Her "Madge-esty," is ranked as the best-selling female rock artist of the 20th century and the second top-selling female artist in the United States with 63 million certified albums, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
If she weren't a celeb ... She'd make a great personal trainer. Though it seems a far cry from music, fitness is another of Madonna's fortes. Have you seen the woman's arms? She is frequently seen leaving her private gym, a $12 million project conveniently located in the house next door to her home in London.
Tony Romo, quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys
Celebrity status: When he's not in the news for game-winning touchdown passes, Romo is spotted on romantic trysts with his female companions or vacationing in exotic places.
Romo mainly gained his celebrity status through dating famous starlets like Carrie Underwood, Sophia Bush and most recently, Jessica Simpson.
If he weren't a celeb ... He'd make a great professional golfer. Should Romo's football career fall short, he could rest easy knowing that a career in golf would be waiting in the wings. In the offseason, Romo is an avid amateur golfer and has even attempted to qualify for huge tournaments like the U.S. Open.
Naomi Campbell, supermodel
Celebrity status: Campbell has been the cover girl of over 500 publications. She was the first African-American to grace the covers of at least three publications and she's starred in several music videos.
If she weren't a celeb ... Unfortunately, Campbell's criminal record is longer than her résumé. She has several allegations of assault (and at least two arrests) on personal assistants, maids, even police officers. If she could get her emotions in check, we think she'd be a perfect fit as an anger management counselor.
Matthew McConaughey, actor
Celebrity status: McConaughey, a hunky actor who bodes well in any movie genre, has starred in 26 films to date, with four more either in production or awaiting release. Frequently seen running shirtless and barefoot on Hawaii beaches, he is the epitome of carefree.
If he weren't a celeb ... Even though he's carefree, he's not careless. McConaughey rescued several animals that were stranded in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He also saved a cat from two youngsters who had doused the kitty in hairspray and were going to set it on fire. For these reasons, we think he could make a decent living in animal rescue.
Jennifer Lopez, singer and actress
Celebrity status: Lopez is best known for her ventures in music. She has released seven albums, four No.1 hits and has earned several musical nominations for Grammy, American Music and MTV video music awards. Lopez has also starred in several films and is one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood.
If she weren't a celeb ... She would make a great entrepreneur. Though music and acting are her strong suits, Lopez has ventures on the side including clothing lines, restaurants, fragrances and a film and TV production company.