Actors who pursue careers in other fields are nothing new, but Paul Newman was probably one of the first ones who did it well enough to become a pro. Even with roles in iconic films like “The Hustler” and “Cool Hand Luke,” Newman still made time for another career as a race car driver.
He was pretty good at it, too, and even won some titles. Paul Newman worked with some of the very best actors in his heyday, including the likes of Tom Cruise and Robert Redford. He retired from acting in 2007 and passed away a year later at 83 years old after fighting lung cancer.
Annette Funicello (1950s)
We all know that stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera started out in the Mickey Mouse Club, but the show has been creating stars long before those two icons were even a thought in the world. In fact, this is how '50s teen star Annette Funicello got her claim to fame.
Funicello was adored by the fans and by Walt himself, who gave her the role of Anita Cabrillo in "Zorro," the TV show. By the 1980s, Funicello had a well-established career as an actress and musician, but it came to an abrupt end when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In 2013, Funicello passed away.
Frankie Avalon (1950s-1960s)
Frankie Avalon had the eyes of many young women on him in the ‘50s after singing "Venus." Other hits were just up ahead, topping charts left and right. Wanting to appeal to teens and adults alike, he didn't want to be categorized as a teen idol.
He later starred alongside Annette Funicello in the "Beach Party" movies. Avalon tried to appeal to different audiences in the 1970s with the song "Beauty School Dropout" from the "Grease" soundtrack. Now in his 80s, he doesn't perform much apart from small guest appearances. He did, however, release a cookbook! We can't help but wonder what dishes he has come up with.
David Cassidy (1970s)
Without a shadow of a doubt, David Cassidy is best known for his role as Keith Partridge from the classic '70s musical sitcom "The Partridge Family." This was the role that turned Cassidy into a teen idol sensation and in many ways, this decade was his for the taking.
As the years went on, Cassidy continued to show up in shows such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "The Best Stiller Show," "Malcolm in the Middle," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," and many more. Sadly though, at the age of 67, Cassidy passed away in his Fort Lauderdale home on November 21, 2017.
Tab Hunter (1950s)
Tab Hunter had his eyes set on acting from the get-go. Even his Coast Guard friends called him "Hollywood" because movies were all he could talk about. All this talking made Hunter one of the biggest names of his time.
On Valentine's Day of 1956, he got 62,000 cards! After making a name for himself in several Warner Bros. hit films, Hunter started dabbling in singing. By the 1970s, rumors about Hunter’s romantic tendencies caused a decrease in his popularity. That didn't stop him from having a 35 year-long loving relationship with Allan Glasser, a movie producer who mourned his 2018 passing.