Hidden talents of Hollywood's A-list: from poker tables to jet skis

Hollywood’s A-list are known for blockbuster films, but a growing tally of stars are publicly flaunting hidden skills that surprise even their most devoted fans. From professional poker to jazz-ready piano work, these artists show a side of celebrity life that extends far beyond the red carpet.

Jennifer Tilly, 67, has parlayed an Oscar-nominated acting career into a long-running second career as a professional poker player. She has earned millions in tournament winnings and holds a World Series of Poker bracelet, a coveted prize in the game. In a 2012 interview with NY Magazine, Tilly compared poker to a drug-like rush, noting she had stepped away from acting to chase the thrill of the cards.

Hugh Laurie has long been celebrated as a leading man on television, but the English actor’s true love is music. A gifted pianist and multi-instrumentalist, Laurie has released two albums that reached the top three on the UK charts and has toured Europe performing jazz and blues. In a 2013 interview with The Guardian, Laurie said he prefers making music to acting, describing a “sensual pleasure” in harmonious sound that acting cannot match.

Natalie Portman, a Harvard graduate, has had papers published in scientific journals and has spoken about applying her psychology training to her acting. The 44-year-old Oscar winner has said she uses her psychology degree “all the time” when reading scripts and portraying complex disorders or behaviors on screen.

Neil Patrick Harris is respected as an actor and entertainer, but he is also a seasoned illusionist. He served as the President of the Academy of Magical Arts, the organization behind Hollywood’s Magic Castle, and has been performing magic for decades, including a memorable Tonight Show appearance in 1990.

Pierce Brosnan, best known for his James Bond role, has a daredevil streak. The Irish actor is a fire-eater who learned the skill in the late 1960s with a theatre company. After Goldeneye, he demonstrated fire-eating on The Muppets — an act that left him with blistering injuries when the flame misfired.

Vanilla Ice, one of hip-hop’s most famous one-hit wonders, is also a jet-ski racer and a house flipper. By 1995 he was the world’s No. 6-ranked jet ski racer and held a major sponsorship with Kawasaki. He also pursued motocross in the early 2000s and appeared in the PlayStation motocross game Championship Motocross. Outside of music, he hosted an HGTV renovation show that ran for nine seasons.

The mix of talents highlights a broader cultural trend: celebrities often cultivate varied skills that cross over into sports, science, magic, and craft. The public’s fascination with these hidden talents underscores how fame can coexist with surprises that extend well beyond the screens and stages.