For most individuals who yearn for stardom, Hollywood might look like the last word dream. It's exhausting to withstand the attract of pink carpets, the industrial and significant recognition, and the inventive freedom and alternatives that encourage them to discover completely different and interesting tasks. Nevertheless, some actors, upon reaching the peak of their fame, might understand that they need one thing apart from the highlight.
Maybe, as time passes, the attraction of fame disappears, being changed by the need for a calmer life. It's no shock that the world of leisure, regardless of its appeal, can typically really feel isolating and unforgiving, making the transition to a extra balanced life interesting. Alternatively, an actor might uncover new pursuits which can be value pursuing with equal dedication. Whether or not pushed by private passions, goals, and even only a want for normalcy, a number of Hollywood actors have retired from the business to embrace totally completely different careers.
10
Mara Wilson
Author
One of the crucial beloved little one actors of the Nineties, Mara Wilson turned well-known on the age of six, when she performed considered one of Robin Williams' daughters in Mrs. Nevertheless, most audiences in all probability bear in mind her for her iconic position as a baby prodigy within the movie Matilde. Wilson appeared like a promising younger actress, able to taking part in her characters with irony and appeal.
Nevertheless, Wilson had different plans. After Matilde and some extra movies, Wilson left Hollywood and launched into a unique profession. The lady devoted herself to writing and revealed a play and two books, utilizing her expertise as a technique to share her expertise as a baby actress and the struggles that got here with fame. Wilson additionally mirrored on her life as a Matilda actress in an article on Vanity Fair.
9
Ian Somerhalder
Businessman and farm proprietor
After taking part in the younger however sad Boone within the acclaimed TV collection Misplaced, Ian Somerhalder gained the hearts of the general public when he bought the position of Damon, probably the most controversial and harmful of the Salvatore brothers in The Vampire Diaries. Somerhalder starred on the beloved present for almost a decade and gained a number of Teen Selection Awards for her work. After The Vampire Diaries, he labored on the Netflix sci-fi horror collection V Wars. Nevertheless, after 2020, his appearing profession got here to a sudden halt.
Over time, the actor has dedicated himself to environmental activism, opening the Ian Somerhalder Basis in 2010 to boost consciousness of the significance of environmental respect. In recent times, he has moved out of Los Angeles, the place he owns a farm together with his household. He's additionally now co-founder, together with his spouse, of The Ab Distribution Firm. In accordance with latest updates, Somerhalder has left Hollywood and won't be returning anytime quickly.
8
Gwyneth Paltrow
Businesswoman
Though she hasn't fully walked away from Hollywood, Gwyneth Paltrow has taken a unique path over time. The actress gained fame along with her roles in movies reminiscent of Shakespeare in Love, - for which she gained an Oscar - Sliding doorwaysand as Pepper Potts within the MCU Iron Man collection. Nevertheless, after years of acclaim, she determined to shift her focus to entrepreneurship.
Paltrow based Goop in 2008, a wellness and way of life model. The corporate began as a weekly publication and has since grown right into a multi-million greenback enterprise, that includes collaborations with style manufacturers, the launch of a print journal and even a Netflix docuseries. Along with her return as Pepper in Avengers: Endgame, and his minor roles in The politicians in 2019-2020, the star of Shakespeare in love she is now extra centered on her enterprise ventures.
7
Freddie Prinze Jr.
Cookbook creator
Freddie Prinze Jr. turned a family identify within the Nineties because of roles within the horror horror I do know what you probably did final summer season, and teenage comedy She is all that. In 2002, he secured additional fame by taking part in Fred Jones in Scooby-Doo. Extensively liked for his charming presence and romantic roles, Prinze appeared destined for long-term success in Hollywood. Nevertheless, the actor felt he had achieved what he wished in Hollywood (HQ) and had different passions that he thought of value pursuing in his skilled life.
Along with being a stay-at-home dad and beginning a podcast, Prinze has discovered a brand new calling on this planet of cooking, a love he has cultivated since childhood. He revealed a cookbook, Again to the kitchensharing household recipes and her enthusiasm for cooking. Prinze has had the chance to pursue a wide range of actions over time and now enjoys a extra peaceable life together with his spouse, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and two kids.
6
Danny Lloyd
Trainer
Danny Lloyd's efficiency in The Shining captivated audiences when the movie was launched in 1980. Alongside famend names like Stanley Kubrick and Jack Nicholson, the boy actually appeared to have a promising profession forward of him. Nevertheless, Lloyd selected a unique path. After her well-known debut, the kid star acted in a tv movie in addition to a documentary concerning the adaptation of King's guide after which left Hollywood for good.
After finishing your research, Lloyd adopted a quieter, extra grounded life and have become a biology trainer at a group school in Kentucky and was later employed as a science trainer in Missouri. Whereas he's grateful for his expertise, he stated he doesn't envy at the moment's little one actors (by way of The Guardian). Regardless of his completely different way of life, Lloyd nonetheless accepted a small cameo within the sequel to The Shining, Physician Sleep.
5
Jeff Cohen
leisure lawyer
One of many many little one actors who left Hollywood early Jeff Cohen gained the hearts of audiences with the sensible journey comedy The Goonies, a cult basic from the colourful Nineteen Eighties. His position was as Chunk, the clumsy member of the group who befriends Lotney "Sloth" Fratelli. His candy, clumsy demeanor simply made him an endearing addition to the movie. Nevertheless, after just a few extra movies, his Hollywood profession appeared to have stalled at age 16.
As a substitute of pursuing different roles, Cohen turned to academia, finally incomes a legislation diploma from UCLA. He co-founded the leisure legislation agency Cohen Gardner LLP, which focuses on representing purchasers within the movie and tv business. Cohen's insider perspective as a former actor provides him a singular benefit in his area. Regardless that he has retired from appearing, Jeff Cohen remains to be related to the world of leisure.
4
Pedro Ostrum
Veterinarian
Peter Ostrum turned well-known at age 12 for his position as Charlie Bucket within the 1971 basic. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility. Regardless of her transferring efficiency in a movie liked by generations, Ostrum dedicated herself to a unique profession path. Though he was provided a three-picture contract Ostrum left Hollywood after its debut, preferring to have extra freedom over their future tasks.
Though he thought of returning to Hollywood, Ostrum adopted his ardour for animals, notably horses. He earned his doctorate in veterinary drugs in 1984 and have become a veterinarian in Lowville, New York, the place he labored till 2023, when he retired. Ostrum often mirrored on his transient brush with fame and spoke fondly of his late co-star Gene Wilder (Variety).
3
Cameron Diaz
Creator and Entrepreneur
Cameron Diaz was considered one of Hollywood's most beloved stars, Identified for her work on hits reminiscent of The masks, There's one thing about Maryand The vacation. Her appearing profession spanned twenty years, incomes essential reward and widespread success among the many public. Nevertheless, in 2014, after starring AnnieDiaz quietly left Hollywood on account of grueling filming schedules and fixed journey wants.
Diaz shifted his focus to new pursuits and ventures. She turned an creator and revealed The Guide of Longevity: The Science of Getting old, the Biology of Power, and the Privilege of Time. Moreover, she has invested in healthcare and biotechnology startups, in addition to co-founding Avaline in 2020, an natural and clear wine model. Nevertheless, in 2025, the actress returned to the cinema Again to the motion.
2
Eliza Dushku
Therapist in coaching and activist
Eliza Dushku rose to fame within the Nineties and 2000s for her position as Religion in cult TV exhibits Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angelin addition to his major performances in True name and Dollhouse. Identified for her daring and assured characters, Dushku has turn out to be a fan favourite within the business. Nevertheless, regardless of her success, the previous actress left the highlight in 2017.
Since then, Dushku has turn out to be a distinguished advocate for struggle survivors by way of her position as one of many board administrators of the THRIVE-Gulu group. Nevertheless, she additionally devoted herself to psychedelic-assisted remedy. In accordance with the Boston MagazineShe and her husband are conducting medical trials to discover the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, and he or she is learning for a grasp's diploma in counseling and medical psychological well being. Dushku's work displays a newfound function in life: serving to others.
1
Frankie Muniz
race automobile driver
Frankie Muniz achieved worldwide fame within the early 2000s as the principle character of the famend sitcom Malcolm within the center, the place he carried out aspect by aspect with Bryan Cranston. His comedic timing, brilliance, and relatable attract have earned him widespread reward, together with an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globes. Nevertheless, he in the end selected to depart Hollywood to delve into different passions.
Muniz transitioned into skilled inventory automobile driving, competing in collection such because the System BMW USA Championship and the ARCA Menards Collection. He's additionally an actual property investor. Though Muniz often revisits appearing, his major focus stays his racing profession in addition to enterprise ventures. Nevertheless, not too long ago, to the delight of followers, Muniz, together with Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, introduced a revival of Malcolm within the center (and your profession).
Supply: Vanity Fair, HQ, The Guardian, Variety, Boston Magazine