Goodbye Hollywood, Hello Freedom
Hollywood status comes with a price. And while most celebrities can handle the stress that the entertainment industry may bring, others take the opportunity to back out when they can—retiring earlier than we’d expect.
Some of these celebs stuck it out for decades, while others bowed out gracefully only a few films in.
Either for personal reasons or health reasons, all of these stars are now officially retired from Hollywood. Let’s find out who—and why.
Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis is often described as one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema.
He received numerous accolades throughout his four-decade long career, including three Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.
So, why did he quit?
Siebbi, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Daniel Day-Lewis: Retirement
Day-Lewis had announced his retirement a few times during his career, but was often allured back by a big role. In 2017 he unexpectedly announced his retirement—for good.
He later told W Magazine, “I don’t know why it was different this time, but the impulse to quit took root in me, and that became a compulsion. It was something I had to do.”
Siebbi, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz—who was once a staple on the silver screen—originally announced her retirement from acting in 2018.
But in 2023, she came back for one movie, the Netflix action comedy Back in Action. However, an incident on set changed her mind.
Algimantas Barzdzius, Shutterstock
Cameron Diaz: Retirement
Diaz originally left Hollywood in exchange for a simpler life with her family. She wanted to focus on being a mother.
She was lured into coming back, but apparently instantly regretted her decision after witnessing a co-stars meltdown on set.
Whether or not that was the entire reason, Diaz has left once again, and says her life out of the spotlight is “the most fulfilling thing” that she’s ever done.
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox began his career as a child in the 1970s and went on to win five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award.
In 2020, he retired for good after watching a scene in the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood where Leonardo DiCaprio’s character struggles to remember his lines.
Michael J. Fox: Retirement
Fox faced a similar issue while taping The Good Fight and decided it was time to quit.
Back in 1991, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and his health had been steadily declining in recent years.
Karyn Parsons
Karyn Parsons, best known for her role as Hilary Banks in the NBC show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, retired from acting in the early 2000s.
Parsons also landed roles in films such as, 13 Moons, The Ladies Man and Major Payne.
So why didn’t she stick around?
Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Karyn Parsons: Retirement
Karyn left Hollywood to pursue something more meaningful. She founded a nonprofit organization called Sweet Blackberry that documents the stories of African Americans.
She has also published a number of books, including her most recent, Clouds over California.
Sean Connery
The late Sean Connery, best known as secret agent James Bond, received numerous accolades including a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award, the first Scottish actor to win the lattermost achievement.
He served the industry for over 50 years before officially retiring in 2007. So, what influenced his decision?
Sean Connery: Retirement
Aside from having surgery for a kidney tumor, there is apparently another factor in Connery’s decision to retire.
It is believed that his involvement in a 2003 comic book movie where filming was struck by tragedy and his relationship with the director was tested.
Basically, it was all too much for him and that’s when he started to think seriously about his future.
Shelley Duvall
Shelly Duvall is known for her iconic roles in films like The Shining, and the 1980s Popeye. While both of those films were incredibly popular, Duvall ended up tapping out of the Hollywood lifestyle in 2002.
Her decision was sparked by several factors.
Shelley Duvall: Retirement
Duvall’s decision to leave Hollywood included both a diminishing selection of movie offers, as well as her brother’s spinal cancer diagnosis.
She chose to move to her home state of Texas and live a normal life, reconnecting with her family. She briefly popped back up in 2023 for The Forest Hills, but has since returned home and plans to stay there.
Joe Pesci
Cinema legend Joe Pesci, known for his roles in Goodfellas, My Cousin Vinny, Casino, and Home Alone, retired from acting in 1999.
Though when his plan B failed, he came back—over a decade later.
Joe Pesci: Retirement
Pesci originally left acting to focus on his music career instead, which stemmed as far back as the 1960s.
But Hollywood lured him back in 2010, for the film Love Ranch. It is believed the script resonated with him.
Mara Wilson
Mara Wilson is best known for her roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, and Matilda.
Although her career was rather successful, she suddenly decided to take a 12-year hiatus to focus on something else. But her reason why is sad.
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0 , Wikimedia Commons
Mara Wilson: Retirement
Wilson left Hollywood to focus on something she loved more than acting—writing. But that wasn’t the only reason.
In 1996, her mother passed away after a year long battle with breast cancer. Wilson later recalled that this affected her passion for acting.
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Meghan Markle
By now, we all know Meghan Markle didn’t start off royal. Before she wore a crown, Markle was a successful actress, known for her role on Suits.
We all know why she left. But does she miss acting?
Meghan Markle: Retirement
Markle has said that acting was a chapter in her life. She doesn’t see it as “giving up,” instead she sees it as a change.
When asked if she will ever go back to acting, she reportedly said: “"No, I'm done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not."
Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow was at the height of her career, with an Oscar on her mantle and million-dollar paychecks coming in, when she decided to give it all up for something else—something she says has been much more fulfilling.
Red Carpet Report on Mingle Media TV, Flickr
Gwyneth Paltrow: Retirement
Paltrow retired in 2019 and went on to pursue a career in the wellness industry. Her company, Goop, has evolved into a $250 million brand.
While she very much enjoys her new life out of the spotlight, she says there is still one person who could likely always get her back—Robert Downey Jr.
Andrea Raffin, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bridget Fonda
Bridget Fonda—Jane Fonda’s niece—made a name for herself in Hollywood at the young age of four. And with several successful films under her belt, like Jackie Brown and Single White Female, Fonda suddenly decided to give it all up in 2003.
Bridget Fonda: Retirement
Fonda left Hollywood and got married and had a family. She decided to stay home and focus on raising her sun.
When asked if she’d ever return to acting, she said, “No, it’s too nice being a civilian.”
Jennifer Stone
Jennifer Stone first became famous when she starred as Harper Finkle opposite Selena Gomez in the Wizards of Waverly Place.
When she was only 20 years old, she was given a diagnosis that completely changed her direction in life.
Jennifer Stone
Stone was diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes also known as type 1.5 diabetes. In order to better understand her disease, she went back to school to study nursing.
Upon graduating she became an ER nurse at a California hospital, and has since decided that this life is much more meaningful than one in Hollywood.
Robert Redford
Robert Redford has earned countless accolades during his 60 years in the entertainment industry. His final film was The Old Man & the Gun. In 2018 he officially hung up his boots.
Robert Redford: Retirement
Redford was 81 years old when he made the decision to retire. He had been full-time in the industry since the young age of 21, and reportedly said, “Well, that’s enough.”
When asked if he was for sure done, he responded: "Never say never, but I pretty well concluded that this would be it for me in terms of acting.”
Portia de Rossi
Portia de Rossi became one of Australia's hottest acting exports when she landed a role on the hit TV series Arrested Development.
But in 2018, she decided she was done with acting completely.
Pulicciano, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Portia de Rossi: Retirement
When asked why she left Hollywood so suddenly she said, “I was approaching 45 and I was just wondering was there something that I could tackle now that I've never done before that would be very challenging and different.”
She now owns and operates General Public, an art and publishing company.
Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman is one of Hollywood’s most decorated actors—with numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards.
After decades in the industry, he decided to step away from it all.
Gene Hackman: Retirement
Hackman had been quiet about his retirement as he was advised not to mention it in case a role came up that he would want.
But in an interview with Reuters, he admitted, “I really don’t want to do it any longer.”
Hackman now lives a lowkey life in New Mexico—away from the spotlight.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Amber Heard
Before Amber Heard’s personal life was put on blast during her high-profile defamation cases with ex-hubby Johnny Depp, she was a rather successful Hollywood actress.
After an incredibly difficult few years, Heard has decided to take some time away from Hollywood.
Amber Heard: Retirement
While she hasn’t specifically announced her retirement, it is said that she has moved to Madrid with her young daughter, and is currently living a lowkey lifestyle away, taking all of her focus off of Hollywood.
Sources say she “wants a fresh start” in life, and likely won’t be seen on the big screen again anytime soon.
Meg Ryan
Meg Ryan is best known for being an 80s and 80s rom-com queen starring in popular movies like When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, and Sleepless in Seattle.
In 2019, she announced that she was “taking a break.”
Meg Ryan: Retirement
Ryan apparently told The New York Times that she was taking a break from acting because “it made her feel burned out.”
She even went as far to say, “I felt in a crazy way that, as an actor, I was burning through life experiences. I didn't feel like I knew enough anymore about myself or the world to reflect it as an actor. I felt isolated.”
Amanda Bynes
Popular child star, Amanda Bynes started off with her own show on Nickelodeon, and then went on to take leading roles in various teen comedies, like She’s the Man, What a Girl Wants and Easy A.
But not long after Easy A, Bynes took to Twitter to announce her retirement in 2010.
Amanda Bynes: Retirement
While Bynes went on record to say that she basically just doesn’t love acting anymore, there are speculations that her conservatorship had a lot to do with it.
Bynes is currently focusing on her health and freedom, with no plans of a Hollywood comeback anytime soon.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Eva Mendes
Eva Mendes is still quite famous, but she hasn’t actually acted since Lost River in 2014. And while she was once a bankable star in Hollywood, she has since changed her focus.
In 2020, a fan asked her why she hasn’t been active in the industry, and, to our surprise, she actually replied.
lucacavallari, Shutterstock
Eva Mendes: Retirement
Since her quiet departure in 2014, Mendes welcomes two daughters with partner Ryan Gosling. In her response to the fan asking where she’s been, she said, “As a mother now, there are many roles I won't do. There are many subject matters that I don't want to be involved with, so it limits my choices and I'm fine with that.”
Her preferences greatly limit her options. But she went on to reassure her fans, “No worries, I’ve got some side hustles going on.”
nicolas genin, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
David Caruso
David Caruso spent 10 years playing Horatio Caine on CSI: Miami before ultimately deciding to step back from Hollywood.
Though he never made a formal announcement, the 2012 cancellation of the procedural seemed to be it.
David Caruso: Retirement
Instead of finding another Hollywood gig, Caruso changed careers entirely and opened an art gallery in California.
Sources say he is enjoying the slower-paced lifestyle and has no plans of looking for work on the big screen anymore.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Terrence Howard
Terrence Howard rocked a long career in the industry, dating back to All My Children in 1992. He followed with the big hit Hustle & Flow, and later the music industry drama Empire.
But shortly after that show ended, he announced his retirement—despite his success.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Terrence Howard: Retirement
Howard told Extra in 2019, “Oh, I'm done with acting. I'm done pretending. I'm just focusing on bringing truth to the world.”
It’s unclear what he has been up to now, but some sources say we might just see a comeback in the coming years—if we’re lucky.
udo salters photography, Shutterstock
Selma Blair
Selma Blair has appeared in a ton of popular films, including Cruel Intentions, Hellboy, and Legally Blonde. And while she absolutely loved her job, and her success, the actress was forced to hang up her hat after her health took a turn.
Selma Blair
Blair has been open about her experience living with multiple sclerosis, and in a new documentary about it, Introducing Selma Blair, she says that she's done acting.
Apparently, if the right role pops up, she may consider it. But she is not actively pursing anything in Hollywood anymore.
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