Life in the spotlight may be glamorous. Hollywood stars may get to experience a lot of things in their rich lives, but even celebrities need downtime. When the cameras stop rolling and the red carpets are packed away, many Hollywood stars have similar hobbies. 

Some are predictable, others surprisingly down-to-earth. Popular hobbies include strategic card games and even painting in peace. We take a closer look at how some of the biggest names in entertainment choose to unwind.

Poker – A Hollywood Staple

Poker is a Hollywood hobby in a lot of people’s minds and has carved out a steady following in Hollywood circles. It’s more than just a game as it can provide a mental workout, and sometimes even a social element. Quite a few stars are known to shuffle up and deal when they’re off-set.

Ben Affleck, for instance, has long been a familiar face at high-stakes tables. He’s taken part in major tournaments and has even clinched a few titles. Fellow actor Tobey Maguire also has a serious poker streak and is famously playing in private games that later inspired a Hollywood film. 

Some celebrities prefer the privacy of home games with a select group of friends, while others dive into online poker platforms. With digital tables open around the clock, many appreciate the convenience and the chance to quietly play a few hands between projects. There are a lot of choices for players. Texas Holdem is a very popular variety, but a simple variation that just involves more hole cards is Omaha. People can play Omaha online for real money in the same way that other forms of poker are available. As poker has grown and evolved, there have been different varieties that have cropped up, and some are named after the locations where they were first played. Celebs may dabble in multiple forms of poker.

Celebs live different lives from most of us. They still learn from the same masters of poker that the rest of us do (the difference is, they might be able to set up a meeting if they want to!) There are many social media stars also sharing poker content that people can explore who also discuss poker strategy or share their experiences.

Music

Plenty of actors are also part-time rock stars. Music gives them a different kind of creative outlet and one that doesn’t rely on scripts or stage directions. Some stars have a lot of musical talent and may spend time playing with real rock bands and even touring when they can. Ryan Gosling has his own indie band, and we’ve even listed him as a musician on our biography page. while Keanu Reeves spent years playing bass in a group called Dogstar. The band has also left the door open for future tours.

For many, music is more than just a fun pastime. These are creative people, and music can give them a chance to stay grounded away from the fast pace of film sets and media attention.

Art and Collecting

Creativity doesn’t stop with acting, and art is another creative outlet for people. A number of celebrities are serious about art. This might mean collecting rare pieces or creating their own. Jim Carrey has filled entire studios with vivid and emotional paintings. Sylvester Stallone also paints in bold and expressive styles. He’s even had his work displayed in galleries.

Meanwhile, others focus on collecting. Leonardo DiCaprio is a well-known art collector with a sharp eye for contemporary work. Some appreciate the aesthetic value. Others see it as a long-term investment. Either way, art offers a quiet corner away from the noise of showbiz.

Cooking at Home

Some people assume that the biggest celebs have chefs or get all of their meals delivered – this isn’t the case for some. Cooking has become an increasingly popular interest, especially for those who want to slow things down. Some stars share their culinary adventures online. Others keep it private, experimenting in their kitchens or hosting intimate dinners.

Gwyneth Paltrow has written cookbooks. Chrissy Teigen shares recipes and kitchen fails in equal measure. Even more low-key foodies like Stanley Tucci have captured public attention with simple, elegant meals made from scratch and even been in shows about their love of food. It’s a reminder that many stars enjoy the same calming routines as anyone else.

Nature and the Great Outdoors

A lot of celebs also use their time outside enjoying nature. Oprah Winfrey has spoken about the peace she finds in her garden. Zac Efron has embraced outdoor travel in recent years, filming projects that bring him closer to nature. For others, it’s about getting off the grid and connecting with something out in nature.

Hobbies offer a peek into a side of celebrities that doesn’t often make headlines. Hobbies come in all different forms, and these stars remind us that everyone needs something that brings joy outside of work. It’s not always about performance or press.