By Caroline Furness, published 1 January 2026
When most people think of accountants, they imagine grey suits, endless spreadsheets, and a fondness for pens that borders on obsessive. But it turns out some of the world’s most famous people have a secret: before the fame, fortune, or fan clubs, they were quietly balancing the books. Yes, the humble ledger may have been the true rock star, superstar, or mob-busting hero.
Rock ‘n’ Roll by Day, Ledger by Night
Mick Jagger once studied accounting at the London School of Economics. Imagine him in a lecture hall calculating depreciation instead of rolling around on stage. Luckily, he ditched spreadsheets for riffs. Janet Jackson also flirted with accountancy, which explains why she still keeps impeccable tour finances (and maybe secretly enjoys a good balance sheet).
Kenny G credits his accounting degree for managing his early career finances. And Simu Liu? He got the dreaded Deloitte layoff before stepping into Hollywood. Turns out the real “write-off” can sometimes lead to superhero status. Robert Plant? He lasted two weeks as a trainee chartered accountant at 16. Presumably, Led Zeppelin pay was better. Bob Newhart worked as an accountant too - proof that funny people often start with figures.
From Tax Forms to Tycoons
John Grisham started with accounting before plotting legal thrillers, so maybe all those tax codes gave him a taste for suspense. J.P. Morgan and Phil Knight also began as number crunchers, proving that if you can survive balance sheets, you can survive billion-dollar empires. And John D. Rockefeller? Began as a 16-year-old bookkeeper. Humble beginnings, massive returns.
Athletes, IRS Agents, and a Lady Who Beat the System
Sports legends have ledgers in their past too. UFC fighter Chuck Liddell and tennis champ Venus Williams both have accounting credentials. Clearly, knowing your assets is handy whether you’re dodging punches or serves.
History even had accountants as heroes. Frank J. Wilson, an IRS number-cruncher, took down Al Capone for tax evasion. And Mary Harris Smith? In 1920, she became the world’s first female Chartered Accountant, proving that spreadsheets can be revolutionary.
The Bottom Line
So, next time you picture an accountant, don’t imagine a dreary cubicle. Picture a future rock star, athlete, author, or crime-fighter. Because in the secret world of ledgers, debits, and credits, fame might just be one spreadsheet away. And if you can survive VAT returns, you can survive anything.
