When you think of a celebrity DJ, the first name that often pops up is Paris Hilton. But she’s far from the only star who has taken over the turntables. It’s no longer a surprise to see a famous actor or public figure step behind the decks. For some, it’s a lifelong passion that started before their acting careers, while for others, it’s a new venture. Here is a list of 11 celebrities who have successfully carved out a space for themselves in the world of DJing.
1. Idris Elba
Idris Elba started his DJ career in 1986. He began by helping his uncle with a wedding DJ business before starting his own company. Performing as DJ Big Driis or Idris, he plays a mix of house and techno and has performed at major festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury. He was also chosen to DJ the wedding reception for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
2. Kristian Nairn
Many know him as Hodor from Game of Thrones, but Kristian Nairn has been a professional DJ for over two decades. He held an eleven-year residency at Kremlin, a popular nightclub in Belfast, and specializes in progressive house music. After his acting fame, he launched the “Rave of Thrones” tour, which combined themes from the show with his DJ sets. He has also performed at major festivals like Tomorrowland.
3. Shaquille O’Neal
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal performs as DJ Diesel, focusing on heavy bass music and dubstep. While he had a platinum-selling rap album in the the 90s, his interest in electronic dance music was sparked after attending the TomorrowWorld festival in 2014. Since then, he has become a fixture at major EDM festivals like EDC Las Vegas, Lost Lands, and Lollapalooza, and even hosts his own festival, “Shaq’s Fun House”.
4. Elijah Wood
Elijah Wood, famous for his role as Frodo Baggins, is one half of the DJ duo Wooden Wisdom, alongside his friend Zach Cowie. They are known for playing all-vinyl sets with an eclectic, danceable sound that draws from psychedelic disco and international music. The duo has toured internationally and played at events like Firefly Fest. Wood also runs his own record label, Simian Records.
5. Ruby Rose
Ruby Rose, known from Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, was already a model and MTV VJ in Australia before acting fame. She began her DJ career around 2009, performing electronic dance music (fusing techno, house, and electro) at festivals with artists like Skrillex and Calvin Harris. She’s toured internationally and released music, including the 2012 single “Guilty Pleasure.” While her rapid DJ rise after acting drew some criticism (e.g., claims of pre-recorded sets), she defended her work in the industry.
6. Sasha Grey
After leaving the adult film industry in 2009, Sasha Grey pursued a career in music and began DJing internationally in 2010. She has established credibility by collaborating with respected experimental artists like Infected Mushroom, Death in Vegas, and Throbbing Gristle. She also co-founded the industrial music band aTelecine, further cementing her identity as a multi-faceted artist.
7. Taryn Manning
Orange Is the New Black actress Taryn Manning has maintained a parallel career in music for years. She was the vocalist for the electronic duo Boomkat with her brother, and their song “The Wreckoning” hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in 2003. As a solo artist and DJ, she has released other chart-topping dance singles and has performed at high-profile parties for Rolling Stone and at events like the Sundance Film Festival.
8. Ansel Elgort
Ansel Elgort, known for his roles in The Fault in Our Stars and Baby Driver, produces and performs electronic dance music under the name Ansølo.1 He has signed with major dance music labels like SIZE Records and has released a number of original tracks and remixes.2 As a performer, he has played on the main stages of Ultra Music Festival and Electric Zoo.
9. Solange Knowles
For Grammy-winning artist Solange Knowles, DJing is an extension of her work as a cultural curator. Rather than playing large festivals, she performs at exclusive, high-culture events like the Academy Awards’ Governors Ball. Her entry into the craft was supported by her family, who reportedly bought her first turntables and enlisted DJ Clue as a tutor. Her work as a DJ has earned her a nomination for a Golden Spin Award.
10. Michelle Rodriguez
Fast & Furious star Michelle Rodriguez is known to DJ, though it appears to be more of a hobby than a formal career. She has been photographed DJing at various high-profile events, including film premiere after-parties and the Cannes Film Festival. Unlike others on this list, she does not have a known DJ moniker or official music releases, positioning her as more of a celebrity guest DJ who adds star power to events.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do celebrity DJs get paid?
The earnings for celebrity DJs vary widely but can be substantial, depending on their level of fame and the type of event. For a single performance, a celebrity can earn anywhere from tens of thousands to over a million dollars. Paris Hilton, for example, has confirmed earning up to $1 million for a 90-minute set. Shaquille O’Neal (DJ Diesel) has a booking fee that can range from $60,000 to over $200,000 per event. Annual earnings for the highest-paid DJs can reach tens of millions, with top acts like Calvin Harris and The Chainsmokers earning over $40-$50 million in a year.
2. What’s the difference between a DJ and a producer?
While the terms are often used together, a DJ and a music producer have different roles. A DJ, or disc jockey, is primarily a performer who selects and plays pre-recorded music for an audience. Their skill is in curating a set, mixing tracks, and controlling the energy of a crowd. In contrast, a music producer is involved in the creation of music, including composing, arranging, and recording original tracks. Many celebrities on this list, like Ansel Elgort (Ansølo) and Taryn Manning, are both DJs and producers who release their own music. Others focus mainly on the art of DJing and selecting music created by others.
3. How do celebrities get started with DJing?
Celebrities get into DJing through various paths. Some, like Idris Elba and Kristian Nairn, had DJ careers long before they became famous actors. Elba started his own DJ company as a teenager, while Nairn was a resident DJ in clubs for years. Others are inspired after achieving fame; Shaquille O’Neal’s interest in EDM was ignited after attending the TomorrowWorld festival in 2014. Some learn from friends or mentors, like Elijah Wood, who was taught to mix vinyl by his DJ partner Zach Cowie. In other cases, it’s a supported hobby; Solange Knowles reportedly had superstar DJ Clue as a tutor after her family bought her turntables.
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