5 celebs you didn’t know were accountants

When you look at their photos or see them on stage, you never think of them as number crunchers. In fact, they are a far cry from what we imagine accountants to be. The point being, your first instinct isn’t to think of these celebrities as accountants.

If you take the time to read this, you will be surprised. There are quite a few celebrities who once wanted to be accountants just like us in the real world.

Here are a few interesting examples:

Eddie Izzard  – British comedian 

Acclaimed jester who had a grand reputation for telling jokes, once had the opportunity to follow in his father footsteps and become an accountant.

He initially attempted to study accounting at Sheffield University, but fortunately for the world of comedy, ‘they threw him out’!

In 2006 ‘Dr Izzard’ returned to the University to receive an honorary degree. Though Eddie claimed he’d have never make a good accountant, one look at his net worth of $18 million proves that he would have done just as well!

Mick Jagger – the hip shaking frontman of the Rolling Stones

Mick Jagger is probably one of the most widely known accountants – and justifiably one of the most admired too. Apparently, Mick studied accounting and finance on a scholarship at the London School of Economics. Unable to tempt fellow guitarist Keith Richards into the world of accountancy, Mick quit without graduating.

He’s done well – with a net worth of $360 million, he is definitely good at making money.

John Grisham – Best-selling American writer

John Grisham, author of The Firm and The Client, is a one of the big names in the legal writing industry.  He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1977, receiving an undergraduate degree in accounting. He later enrolled in the University Of Mississippi School Of Law to become a tax lawyer.  Reportedly, put off by “the complexity and lunacy” of becoming a legal eagle, he pursed writing.

Tapping into his tax and law knowledge is clearly something that played a huge role in amassing a fortune of $200 million, and why should it? Having some tax background certainly helps!

Kenny G – The King of Sax 

Accountants don’t usually get to play saxophones on the job, but that’s a perk with being Kenny G. With global sales totalling 75 million records, Kenny G is the biggest-selling instrumental musician of the modern era.

But did you know that before becoming one of the best-selling artists of all time, Kenny toiled for an accounting degree at the University of Washington?

Reportedly worth $50 million, Kenny today credits his accounting degree with helping him manage his finances early on in his career.

Frank J Wilson – ‘the Untouchable’ Accountant

Not exactly a celebrity as per Hollywood standards, but former number cruncher Frank Wilson earns a spot on merit.

Leading the IRS’s investigation into Al ‘Scarface’ Capone’s prosaic crime of tax evasion, Wilson was pivotal in getting Capone sentenced for 11 years in prison, during which the mobster died.

The big screen movie ‘The Untouchables’ captures an exciting and dangerous period when Frank Wilson tried to bring Capone down through his accounting skills. A hero accountant living the life of valour, action and excitement.

Did we miss anyone? Let us know on Twitter

VISHAL KURANI

Bringing forth rich marketing experience in the accounting industry, Vishal blends his wealth of knowledge and creativity to educate accountants about the pressing industry issues. He is passionate about marketing and helps accountants scale their practice through his detailed write-ups.

Originally published Dec 15, 2016 12:12:36, updated Sep 15 2021

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