18 Stars Who Walked Away from Hollywood at Their Peak

Sometimes, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood aren’t enough to keep stars in the spotlight. Whether for personal reasons, a desire for privacy, or to pursue a different passion, some celebrities have chosen to step away from the limelight while at the top of their game. Here are 18 stars who made the bold decision to leave Hollywood behind when their careers were soaring.

1. Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz was one of the most bankable stars of the 2000s, known for hits like Charlie’s Angels and The Holiday. In 2014, after finishing Annie, she stepped away from acting to focus on her personal life. She’s since embraced a quieter lifestyle, becoming a mother and launching a successful wine brand. Diaz has said that leaving Hollywood brought her peace and freedom she didn’t realize she was missing.

2. Rick Moranis

Rick Moranis was a beloved comedic actor in the 1980s and early 1990s, starring in classics like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. However, after the tragic loss of his wife, he left Hollywood in 1997 to focus on raising his children. Although he’s mostly stayed out of the spotlight, fans were thrilled to see him briefly return for a commercial in 2020.

3. Meg Ryan

Meg Ryan was the queen of romantic comedies in the 1990s, starring in hits like When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail. But by the early 2000s, she stepped away from acting to spend more time with her family. Ryan has since taken on occasional roles and even ventured into directing, but she’s largely stayed out of the public eye.

4. Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, with three Academy Awards for Best Actor. Despite his unparalleled success, he announced his retirement from acting in 2017 after his role in Phantom Thread. Known for his intense method acting, Day-Lewis said he felt ready to leave Hollywood to focus on other interests.

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5. Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple was a household name as a child star in the 1930s, charming audiences with her singing, dancing, and iconic curls. By the time she was a teenager, however, she had retired from acting to live a more normal life. Temple later went on to have a successful career in politics and diplomacy, proving she was much more than just a Hollywood starlet.

6. Freddie Prinze Jr.

Freddie Prinze Jr. was a heartthrob in the late 1990s and early 2000s, starring in teen favorites like She’s All That and I Know What You Did Last Summer. However, he decided to step away from acting to focus on his family and his passion for cooking. He’s since written a cookbook and occasionally does voice acting but remains mostly out of the Hollywood scene.

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7. Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo was one of the most famous actresses of the 1930s, known for her enigmatic beauty and dramatic roles. In 1941, at the height of her fame, she retired from acting at just 36 years old. Garbo famously valued her privacy, and her decision to step away only added to her mystique.

8. Jack Gleeson

Jack Gleeson became a household name thanks to his chilling portrayal of King Joffrey on Game of Thrones. However, after his character’s storyline ended, he decided to retire from acting. Gleeson later revealed that the fame and pressure of Hollywood didn’t appeal to him, and he chose to focus on his studies and theater work.

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9. Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman was a Hollywood legend, with a career spanning decades and two Academy Awards under his belt. In 2004, he retired from acting after his final film, Welcome to Mooseport. Hackman has since embraced a quieter life, spending his time writing novels and enjoying his retirement.

10. Phoebe Cates

Phoebe Cates became a 1980s icon with her roles in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins. However, she stepped away from acting in the mid-1990s to focus on her family and support her husband, actor Kevin Kline. While she occasionally returns for small roles, Cates has largely stayed out of the spotlight, choosing a more private life.

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11. Cary Grant

Cary Grant was one of the most beloved leading men of Hollywood’s Golden Age. In 1966, at the height of his career, he retired from acting to focus on raising his daughter. Grant felt he had accomplished all he wanted in film and was content to enjoy a quieter life away from the cameras.

12. Bridget Fonda

Bridget Fonda, known for films like Single White Female and Jackie Brown, was a rising star in the 1990s. However, she stepped away from acting in the early 2000s to focus on her family. Fonda has since remained out of the public eye, living a low-key life that’s worlds away from Hollywood.

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13. Sean Connery

Sean Connery, the original James Bond, had a legendary career that spanned decades. In 2003, after The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Connery decided to retire from acting. He spent his later years enjoying life with his family, far from the Hollywood hustle.

14. Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes was a comedic powerhouse in the early 2000s, starring in The Amanda Show and films like She’s the Man. However, she stepped away from acting in 2010 to focus on her mental health and personal growth. Bynes has since pursued a career in fashion and maintains a low-profile lifestyle.

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15. Paul Walker

Paul Walker was at the peak of his career with the Fast & Furious franchise when his life was tragically cut short in 2013. Before his passing, he had expressed interest in stepping back from Hollywood to spend more time with his daughter. His legacy lives on through his films and his charity work.

16. Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet became a star in the 1980s with The Cosby Show and A Different World. However, she stepped back from acting in the 1990s to focus on her family and personal passions. While she occasionally takes on small roles, Bonet has largely chosen a life outside of the spotlight.

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17. Mara Wilson

Mara Wilson charmed audiences as a child star in films like Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire. By the early 2000s, she had stepped away from acting to focus on her education and writing. Wilson has since become an accomplished author, sharing her unique perspective on growing up in Hollywood.

18. Terrence Malick

Terrence Malick is a legendary director who took a surprising hiatus from Hollywood after the success of his early films, like Badlands and Days of Heaven. He disappeared for 20 years, focusing on personal projects and living a private life. Malick eventually returned to filmmaking, but his retreat from Hollywood is still one of the industry’s most fascinating stories.

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