Celebrity culture can feel so familiar that we think we know everything about our favorite stars.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of writing about psychology and trends, it’s that fame doesn’t necessarily mean predictability.
In fact, some of the biggest names in Hollywood (and beyond) spend their free time exploring pastimes you’d never imagine.
Here at DM News, we love digging up these lesser-known tidbits, because it’s a reminder that even household names have hidden quirks that make them human.
Today, I’m sharing eight celebrities who have surprisingly offbeat hobbies. Maybe you’ll feel inspired to try something new yourself.
Let’s dive in.
1. Angelina Jolie
If there’s one thing I can say about Angelina Jolie, it’s that she definitely never ceases to surprise us.
And her interest in collecting daggers is just one example of those surprises.
She’s maintained this pastime for decades, starting when her mom bought her a knife at a renaissance fair.
She’s reportedly into the art and craftsmanship of each piece—she doesn’t just look for random blades. She researches different styles, historical contexts, and designs.
She has reportedly said in an interview, “It reminds you of history, and there’s just something beautiful about them and traditional. Each country has different knives and weapons, and that’s why I started collecting them.”
2. Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson’s heavyweight boxing career made him a legend. But did you know he also loves pigeons?
It’s a hobby that traces back to his childhood in Brooklyn, long before he became a professional fighter.
Apparently, caring for these birds gave him a sense of peace and companionship. He even had a reality show, “Taking on Tyson,” that showcased his passion for pigeon racing.
Some people might find it odd—why pigeons?
But it’s a classic case of a hobby that’s soothing precisely because it contrasts with a high-intensity day job.
Racing and breeding pigeons require patience, attention to detail, and a bit of nature therapy.
You’d never guess that one of the most feared men in the ring unwinds by tending to flocks of birds, but it’s a clear example of how our interests can surprise us.
3. Claudia Schiffer
When I think of supermodels, I tend to imagine glamorous photo shoots, fashion runways, and maybe big social events.
But Claudia Schiffer has a hobby that flies in the face of stereotypical model behavior: she collects insects, especially spiders.
Yes, she’s into the world of crawly, multi-legged creatures.
Claudia apparently loves studying them and learning about their habitats.
This hobby might be unusual, but it offers an insightful lesson—sometimes, finding delight in the smaller (and spookier) aspects of nature can keep us grounded, no matter how glamorous our day job is.
4. Johnny Depp
I myself am a huge fan of collecting quirky items—old postcards, vintage vinyl, you name it.
So when I discovered that Johnny Depp collects limited-edition Barbie dolls, I felt a strange kinship with him.
It’s so unexpected, especially given his edgy and eccentric film roles.
He doesn’t just toss them on a shelf either; apparently, he’s quite meticulous about keeping the collection pristine.
He’s known to have various themed sets, and he’s even played with them to act out scenarios with his kids.
On top of that, he also has a collection of celebrity dolls such as Donny and Marie Osmond, Elvis Presley, New Kids on the Block, and the entire cast of High School Musical.
In a world where some might judge a grown man playing with dolls, Depp embraces it wholeheartedly, reflecting the idea that our hobbies are personal and shouldn’t be confined by arbitrary norms.
Honestly, it’s refreshing to see a celebrity who’s comfortable enough to own a pastime that’s both nostalgic and a bit unconventional.
5. Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie rose to fame with roles like Harley Quinn in “Suicide Squad,” but off-screen she has a hobby that many find surprising: she’s into tattooing.
Specifically, she does small, stick-and-poke tattoos for her friends.
She’s tatted cast members on the set of her movies, including “Suicide Squad” and “Birds of Prey.”
It’s not exactly the kind of skill you expect an A-list actress to pick up.
Yet she’s mentioned in interviews that she enjoys the chance to create a permanent piece of art, even if it’s a tiny symbol or word.
Of course, she’s not a professionally licensed tattoo artist, so there’s a certain risk, but the act itself offers a blend of creativity and spontaneity.
It’s a hobby that requires precision, confidence, and a steady hand—qualities Margot clearly has in abundance.
6. Leslie Mann
Leslie Mann is known for her comedic roles in films like “Knocked Up” and “This Is 40.”
Her on-screen personality is energetic and fun, which is why her real-life hobby of riding a unicycle somehow feels like a perfect fit.
I first caught wind of it through a talk show segment where she demonstrated her skills, and I immediately thought, “That’s no easy feat.”
For Leslie Mann, though, unicycling is a hidden talent she’s polished over the years.
She’s shared that it’s a good workout and a fun conversation starter.
Plus, it proves that comedic actors aren’t just comedic in front of the camera—some of them keep that sense of whimsy going in everyday life.
7. Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton has long been a staple in pop culture, known for her glamorous lifestyle, reality TV stints, and business ventures.
But there’s something less widely recognized about her: she enjoys going frog hunting.
While it’s a stark contrast from the red carpet events and high-end fashion she’s known for, she’s shown on past reality shows that she doesn’t shy away from catching frogs.
On the surface, it might seem like just another bit of reality-TV drama, but according to interviews and footage, it’s something she genuinely finds exciting.
Strange? Sure. Unexpected? Absolutely.
Still, it aligns with the notion that celebrities often embrace hobbies that help them connect with a simpler, more grounded part of life.
When you’re juggling brand deals and media appearances, maybe hunting frogs is a welcome break from the daily grind.
8. Tom Daley
Last but not least, Tom Daley—the British Olympic diver whose athletic prowess is undeniable—has a hobby that’s become widely celebrated in recent years: knitting.
He first caught public attention when cameras spotted him knitting poolside at the Tokyo Olympics.
Daley has always embraced the hobby openly, sharing his creations on social media.
He’s made everything from sweaters to stuffed animals, proving that no matter how intense your day job is, a soothing craft can be the perfect way to unwind.
There’s even a bit of psychological insight behind this.
Knitting can serve as a meditative, stress-relieving activity, similar to journaling or coloring books for adults.
Given the mental pressure of international competitions, it’s not hard to see why knitting helps Daley stay focused and relaxed.
And, if an Olympian can find time to pick up a set of knitting needles, maybe we can squeeze in a few minutes for a new hobby of our own, too.
Putting it all together
Understanding these lesser-known sides of famous folks can shift how we perceive them—suddenly, they’re not distant icons but individuals with genuine passions.
And maybe that’s a key takeaway: we’re all free to explore unusual hobbies and set aside any fear of judgment.
After all, life’s more fun when we embrace the unexpected.
So the next time you’re feeling curious, why not dabble in something that sparks your interest, even if it seems unconventional?
You never know: it could become your new favorite pastime—and you’d be in great company.
