Stars often seem to live in a different world, filled with money, parties, and fun. However, some celebs prove that there’s more than meets the eye. Read on to find out which superstars had a skill for invention…
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen certainly has had a collection of scandals and controversies over the years. The Two and a Half Men star is known for his drunk driving and womanizing, but he also has a patent for a lip balm with a retractable cap.
Christie Brinkley
You might remember Brinkley for her successful modeling years, but she was also an inventor! She created a toy that taught children the alphabet in 7 pieces.
Jamie Lee Curtis
The actress has been typecast as a mother in the past, but she’s had some practice in the role. Her invention was a match made in motherhood. She designed a diaper with a pocket for wipes, making cleanup a breeze for busy moms.
Hedy Lamarr
She’s not just another pretty face. Lamarr also is credited with making the technology behind blocking torpedos in WWII. This led to creations like GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Hedy Lamarr made the tech era, and we’re forever grateful.
Paula Abdul
The American Idol judge was known as the definitive yes on the show. However, she didn’t get the same definitive yes for her product, Big Stand. The stand was a punching bag that looked like a mic stand.
Prince
Prince was known for his eccentric ideas. One of these might be his keytar, a keyboard guitar. His was named the Purpleaxxe!
Eddie Van Halen
Guitar genius Eddie Van Halen got his fame from his great playing, but this invention probably helped with that. He created an add-on to his instrument that allowed him to hold the neck of the instrument while playing.
George Lucas
The man practically invented the modern sci-fi genre of cinema, but that’s not the invention we’re thinking of here. Instead, Lucas created the Star Wars action figures. Thanks for everything George!
Michael Jackson
The King of Pop had a few signature moves, but one of the most iconic was the gravity defying lean. To do this, Jackson invented a shoe that hooked into the floor so he wouldn’t fall over. What a trick!
Julie Newmar
You might not know the name, but Newmar was the original Catwoman. The role wasn’t without issue though, and she felt the tight suit wasn’t showing off her curves. So she invented her own version of Spanx, one that made her curvier, not flatter. Go Julie!
Andy Warhol
Everyone wants 15 minutes of fame, according to Andy Warhol. In order to track those 15 minutes, Warhol created a five-faced watch.
Bill Nye
This one might not be surprising, but what he created might surprise you. It’s nothing science related. In fact, he made a device to held ballerinas feet when they dance. Strange, but helpful!
Steven Spielberg
Scriptwriting can be a tumultuous time. Thankfully, Spielberg had a solution. He patented an audio editing device that let users edit documents from any location.
Neil Young
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, and is regarded as one of the best rockstars to ever live. He also is a model train fiend. He’s invented a programmable control system for the hobby!
Marc Jacobs
Fashion designers are always releasing new patents for designs, but Marc Jacobs’ ring has a twist. The ring has a few hidden compartments that can only be opened a certain way. Marc Jacobs spy line, anyone?
Abraham Lincoln
Yes, the president counts as a celebrity. The former President designed a boat that has bellows in the bottom portion. The idea, sadly, sank.
Mark Twain
Sam Clemens is better known as Mark Twain, but he’s also known as Mr. Inventor. He created an adhesive alternative to glue for scrapbooking.
Marlon Brando
Whether you prefer him in Apocalypse Now or The Godfather, Brando is one of the most acclaimed actors of all time. He’s also the inventor of an automatic drum tuner.
Fabio
Once upon a time, Fabio Lanzoni made his fortune on the cover romance books. However, he also made some money on the side with his diet water invention, which promised slimming nutrients for customers.
James Cameron
Titanic was a masterful work of cinema, and Cameron didn’t stop there. He made an underwater dolly for filming below the surface.
Harry Houdini
The illusionist arguably made many inventions over the course of his career as a magician. He famously made a diving suit that could be removed under water.
Francis Ford Coppola
This beloved director created more than just movies. He also made a back scratching shirt. Weird.
Richard Dreyfuss
His CV is long and acclaimed, but his invention of reading music in a new way is largely forgotten. Visual learners can use it to better understand the craft.
Steve McQueen
The King of Cool’s invention was in itself, pretty cool. He created his own bucket seat meant for race cars after racing in The Great Escape.
Gary Burghoff
M*A*S*H star Gary Burghoff is not above public restrooms, but he doesn’t like them. He created a toilet handle that allows users to lift the toilet seat without dirtying their hands.
Penn Jillette
This funnyman made a “hydro-therapeutic simulator”. Basically, it’s a hot tub with jets located specifically for female users. You do the math.
Lawrence Welk
This famous 50s instrumentalist invented a new type of ashtray that was shaped like an accordion. Why not?
Zeppo Marx
This Animal Crackers actor holds a patent for a cardiac pulse rate monitor. Users are notified if their pulse shifts into a dangerous level.
Albert Einstein
Before you click away thinking “Yeah, obviously!” think again. Though he holds over 50 patents, one of these is surprisingly for an ornamental blouse. That’s smart casual!
Kurt Vonnegut Sr.
This iconic writer had his share of vices, among them being smoking. He created an easy-clean tobacco pipe.
Charles Fleischer
The star from Who Framed Roger Rabbit invented a toy egg for kids. It could be pulled, winded, stretched, bounced, and more!
Jamie Hyneman
MythBusters makes wild inventions every episode, but one of them is really outlandish. The remote control device with gyroscopic stabilization and directional control was patented in 2000.
Paul Winchell
The vaudeville star died in 2005, but his legend lives on in a very important way. The celebrity invented the artificial heart in 1963.
Harry Connick Jr.
Actor, musician, and television personality HCJr. made a system for coordinating music display among players in an orchestra. This made it way easier for band leaders and conductors editing their music.
Walt Disney
The iconic children’s animator and animation empire currently holds the patent for the art of animation.
Enver Gjokaj
Known for his role in Dollhouse and Agent Carter, the actor also received a patent for a focusing system on motion picture cameras.
Jack Johnson
In the ring, he was a fighter. Outside the boxing though, he was an inventor. He created an adjustable wrench that could be taken apart for cleaning.
Danny Kaye
Okay, Kaye. He did it all: acting, singing, dancing, comedy, music, philanthropy, and inventing. He co-created a blowout toy that spiraled into the air.
Howard Hughes
Weirdly enough, the famous businessman was also a fashion designer. He created the first push up bra for Jane Russell in The Outlaw. Consider this a fail though, she wore her own bra during filming because Hughes’ was too painful.
Uri Geller
The magician is famous for his tricks, not his inventions, but maybe that should change. He created the telephone radiation shield.
Baby Stroller Scooter
Sometimes it can be hard to balance parenting with every day life. Cut down on time by scootering around town!
Flask Tie
Friday never took so long. Get a head start on your party weekend by hiding a flask in your tie!
Hairy Leg Stockings
Ever wish people would stop staring at your legs? Well, if so, maybe these hairy leg stockings are the wrong choice.
Ping Pong Door
Small apartment? No problem. Just unbolt your door and start the game!
Spy Umbrella
Rain can get in the way of your sneaking around. Keep an eye out with this umbrella!
Baby Mop
Ever heard of a baby wipe?
Hug Me Pillow
Who needs a relationship when you have this sweet pillow to hold?
Ab-Hancer
Does it work? Try it out and let us know!
Anti-Theft Lunch Bags
The office fridge can get greedy. Protect your sandwich with a bag that says it’s not safe to eat. Only you know the truth!
Weight Watcher Belt
It can be hard to keep your weight in check, but luckily this belt will do it for you. See how many inches you’ve gained or lost!
Cutting Board Feeder
Birds are simple creatures. With this cutting board, they will happily eat your forgotten crumbs!
Soccer Chair
This one is perfect for active kids. Play one on one and see who can get the winning goal!
Arm and Leg Sleeping Bag
Whats more annoying than slipping out of your sleeping bag? Nothing! Stay cozy all night with this sleeping bag that hugs your arms and legs.
Duck Bill Muzzle
Is this a dog or a duck? We can’t tell!
Dogbrella
Nobody wants their precious pooch to have to get wet in a downpour. Protect your furry friend with this doggie-certified umbrella!
Ostrich Pillow
You don’t want to see or hear anyone, and that’s okay. Just stick your head in this pillow like an ostrich in the sand, problem solved!
Foot Bike
We’re not really sure how this one works, but it’s probably fun?
Pizza Scissors
For a perfect slice every time.
Dine-Ink Utensils
You always have on you, but rarely can you whip out a fork at a moments notice. Not anymore, with dine-ink! Attach the utensil head to any pen and dig in!
Corner Frames
Is there anything more annoying than a corner you can’t quite decorate? Well, look no further. Challenge dimensions with this corner photo frame!