MomSkoop
Hollywood has always celebrated actresses for their on-screen talent, but many have quietly built empires behind the camera. These women aren’t just acting—they’re producing films and TV shows that tell powerful stories and create opportunities for others.
From launching production companies to championing diverse voices, these actresses prove that real influence happens both in front of and behind the lens.
1. Reese Witherspoon — Hello Sunshine
When Reese Witherspoon couldn’t find great roles for women, she decided to create them herself. She founded Hello Sunshine, a production company focused on telling female-driven stories across books, TV, and film. The company has produced hit shows like Big Little Lies and The Morning Show, which feature complex female characters.
Her business strategy is brilliant: she finds bestselling books written by women and turns them into must-watch entertainment. Hello Sunshine isn’t just about making content—it’s about changing who gets to tell stories in Hollywood. Witherspoon sold the company for nearly $900 million, proving that investing in women’s stories is smart business.
2. Margot Robbie — LuckyChap Entertainment
Margot Robbie co-founded LuckyChap Entertainment with a clear mission: put women in the director’s chair and center stage. Her company has backed projects like Promising Young Woman and the blockbuster Barbie movie, which she also starred in. LuckyChap specifically seeks out female filmmakers and tells stories from fresh perspectives.
What makes Robbie’s approach special is her willingness to take creative risks. She doesn’t just pick safe projects—she champions bold, sometimes controversial stories that challenge audiences. At just over 30 years old, she’s already reshaped how Hollywood thinks about commercial films with substance and style combined beautifully.
3. Eva Longoria — UnbeliEVAble Entertainment
Eva Longoria turned her Desperate Housewives fame into a production powerhouse called UnbeliEVAble Entertainment. Her company focuses on amplifying Latino voices and stories that reflect her heritage and community. She’s produced documentaries, TV series, and films that showcase diverse perspectives often missing from mainstream media.
Longoria doesn’t just produce entertainment—she produces change. Her work includes directing episodes of hit shows and creating content that educates while entertaining. She’s passionate about opening doors for other Latino creators and proving that diversity isn’t just the right thing to do—it makes great television and film that audiences genuinely want to watch.
4. Natalie Portman — HandsomeCharlie Films
Did you know Natalie Portman named her production company after her dog? HandsomeCharlie Films reflects her thoughtful approach to filmmaking—personal, meaningful, and a bit unexpected. She’s produced critically acclaimed projects like A Tale of Love and Darkness, which she also directed and starred in, showing her range as a creator.
Portman gravitates toward intelligent, character-driven stories that explore complex themes. Her Harvard education and multilingual background influence her choices—she seeks projects with depth and cultural significance. Through HandsomeCharlie, she’s carved out a space for artistic films that might not fit Hollywood’s typical commercial mold but resonate deeply with thoughtful audiences worldwide.
5. Salma Hayek — Ventanarosa Productions
Salma Hayek founded Ventanarosa Productions over two decades ago, making her a pioneer among actress-producers. Her passion project, Frida, showcased her determination—she spent years getting the film made and earned an Oscar nomination for her performance. The company has produced numerous films and TV shows celebrating Latin American culture and stories.
Hayek’s production work extends beyond entertainment into social impact. She uses her platform to highlight issues affecting women and Latino communities globally. Ventanarosa means “pink window” in Spanish, symbolizing her unique view of the world. Her longevity in producing proves that staying true to your vision pays off, even when Hollywood doubts you.
6. Charlize Theron — Denver & Delilah Productions
Charlize Theron named her production company after her two beloved dogs, Denver and Delilah, showing her personal touch in business. Denver & Delilah Productions has backed powerful projects like Monster, which won Theron an Oscar, and Atomic Blonde, where she redefined action heroines. She’s known for choosing gritty, challenging roles and stories.
Theron’s producing style matches her acting—fearless and uncompromising. She doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects or physically demanding projects. Her company focuses on strong female leads who are flawed, complex, and real. Through producing, she’s gained control over how women are portrayed on screen, ensuring they’re not just pretty faces but fully realized human beings.
7. Laura Dern — Actress-Producer Extraordinaire
Laura Dern has quietly built an impressive producing resume alongside her celebrated acting career. She’s served as executive producer on projects that matter to her personally, often tackling social issues and women’s experiences. Her work behind the camera complements her powerful on-screen performances in shows like Big Little Lies and films like Marriage Story.
What sets Dern apart is her collaborative spirit—she’s known for supporting fellow actors and directors as a producer. Coming from a Hollywood family, she understands the industry deeply and uses that knowledge to shepherd meaningful projects to completion. She believes producing allows her to extend stories beyond her own character, creating richer narratives for everyone involved.
8. Cate Blanchett — Dual-Credit Powerhouse
Cate Blanchett frequently appears in credits as both actor and producer, demonstrating her commitment to storytelling from every angle. She’s produced innovative projects like the TV series Stateless, which addresses refugee issues with nuance and compassion. Her theater background informs her producing—she values ensemble casts and director vision over star power alone.
Blanchett’s approach is artistic rather than commercial. She’s drawn to challenging material that pushes boundaries and sparks important conversations. As co-artistic director of the Sydney Theatre Company for years, she honed leadership skills that translate perfectly to film and TV production. Her dual role ensures she’s invested in projects from conception through final cut, maintaining artistic integrity throughout.
9. Priyanka Chopra — Purple Pebble Pictures
Priyanka Chopra founded Purple Pebble Pictures to champion regional Indian cinema and new talent. Her company produces films in multiple Indian languages, giving opportunities to fresh voices who might otherwise go unheard. This global superstar uses her influence to bridge Bollywood and Hollywood while supporting grassroots storytelling in her home country.
Chopra’s production philosophy centers on discovering unknown actors and directors, much like someone once gave her a chance. Purple Pebble has produced award-winning regional films that celebrate India’s diverse cultures and languages. She’s proving you can be an international star while staying connected to your roots and lifting others as you climb the ladder of success.
10. Michelle Pfeiffer — Via Rosa Productions
Michelle Pfeiffer started Via Rosa Productions decades ago, becoming one of the early actress-producers in Hollywood. Her company has produced films she’s starred in, giving her creative control over her career and the stories she tells. Via Rosa, named after a street in her life, represents her journey from actress to businesswoman.
Pfeiffer’s producing career shows her business savvy—she understood early that actors need ownership of their work to have real power. While not as publicly active in production as some newer companies, Via Rosa established a model other actresses followed. Her longevity in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera, proves that smart career planning pays off over time.
11. Viola Davis — JuVee Productions
Viola Davis founded JuVee Productions with her husband to give voice to marginalized communities and untold stories. The company’s name combines their first names, symbolizing their partnership in both life and business. JuVee has produced powerful documentaries and series that spotlight Black experiences and social justice issues with unflinching honesty.
Davis isn’t interested in producing fluff—she wants content that challenges, educates, and inspires change. Her company produced the documentary Giving Voice about August Wilson’s monologue competition, connecting to her theater roots. As the first Black actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, she’s using her platform to ensure the next generation has more opportunities than she did growing up.