Famous Talent Who Left Hollywood Hotspot at Their Peak
The Graceful Exit of Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly radiated Hollywood glam in every respect. She lit up the silver screen in 10 hits, including Hitchcock’s 1955 classic ‘To Catch a Thief’. But at 26, this Philadelphia-native chose to swap her script for a tiara by marrying Prince Rainier III and becoming the Princess of Monaco. Although she dipped her toes occasionally in the film industry, she mainly devoted her time to charitable deeds. Kelly sadly passed away in 1982.
Leelee Sobieski: From Acting to Artistry
The 1990s witnessed the rise of an idyllic teen star, Leelee Sobieski. She had a remarkable run, from Deep Impact to Never Been Kissed, and even worked with the legendary Stanley Kubrick on Eyes Wide Shut. However, before she hit 30, she made a choice to step back from acting to concentrate on her family and her passion for painting and sculpting.
Angus Jones: From TV Star to Spiritual Seeker
Remember the ‘half-man’ from the hit TV show Two and a Half Men? That was Angus Jones, who became TV’s best-paid child star. But fame didn’t sit well with Jones, sparking him to leave this highly-rated sitcom. He stated that the show was ‘filth’ and that the impact of TV on our brains is more severe than one might think.
The Retirement of Portia de Rossi
Portia De Rossi is a familiar face with roles in smash hits from Ally McBeal to Scandal to Arrested Development. However, she chose a new adventure before she hit 45, deciding to quit acting and start her own business. She did come back for a round with Arrested Development’s fifth season but has since then kept her focus elsewhere.
The Immortal Legend: Jack Nicholson
Appearing in films even in his 80s? Not for Jack Nicholson! The three-time Oscar winner and nine times nominee chose to retire in 2010. He left Hollywood to enjoy life just as it is, with no more roles to prove himself.
The Enchanting Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz, with her debut in 1994’s The Mask, has been a major box-office attraction in the Charlie’s Angels, Shrek franchises, and many other movies. She left acting in 2014 but hinted last year that she might return for the Netflix film, Back in Action.
Jim Carrey: Master of Comedy’s Farewell?
Jim Carrey, another Mask star, has given us memorable roles in movies like Dumb and Dumber, The Truman Show, and the Ace Ventura series. He hinted at a retirement recently but didn’t completely close the door for future roles.
Gene Hackman: Writer’s Retirement
Two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman decided to step away from acting in 2004 and now enjoys his retirement, all while penning books.
Bridget Fonda: Chose to Live the Civilian Life
Descending from a legendary acting family, Bridget Fonda made her name in the 90s in movies like The Godfather Part III and Jackie Brown. However, she decided to quit acting in the early 2000s.
Phoebe Cates: From Screens to Stores
Phoebe Cates, known most for her role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, quit acting for the most part in 1994 to focus on raising her two children and opened a boutique in Manhattan.
Meghan Markle: From Suits to Royalty
Similar to Grace Kelly, Meghan Markle transformed from a Suits star to Duchess of Sussex, after marrying Prince Harry in 2018.
These are some of the famous actors who chose to step away from the limelight while they were at their zenith. Some turned their focus to family, others to new careers. Their decisions prove that success comes in more forms than awards and box-office hits.
