12 Hollywood Celebrities Who Quit Being Famous
Becoming a world famous celebrity is often seen as the ultimate goal for many aspiring actors, musicians, and performers. However, fame can also come with a price; only some are cut out for the constant scrutiny and pressure of being in the public eye.
In this article, we’ll look at the top celebrities who almost quit being famous. While some of them chose to focus on their personal lives, others faced health issues, and some simply decided to pursue other interests.
Famous Actors that Almost Quit Acting in Hollywood
Regardless of the reasons, their absence from Hollywood has left fans wondering if they will ever return to the big screen. Here are some of the most notables names to come and go.
Cameron Diaz
One of the most notable celebrities who took a break from Hollywood is Cameron Diaz. Diaz was a popular actress in the 1990s and 2000s, starring in hit movies such as “There’s Something About Mary,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “The Holiday.”
However, in 2014, Diaz announced that she was retiring from acting. She explained that she wanted to focus on her personal life and her marriage to Benji Madden. Diaz has since remained out of the public eye and has not returned to acting.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is one of the biggest names in music, but he has also been open about his struggles with fame. In 2017, he canceled the remaining dates of his “Purpose” tour, citing the need for rest and self-care.
Follow Justin Bieber on Instagram @justinbieber.
Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes was a rising star in Hollywood but struggled with mental health issues and substance abuse. She announced her retirement from acting in 2010 but has since returned to the spotlight.
Follow Amanda Bynes on Instagram @rlamandabynes.
Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf rose to fame as a child actor but has also struggled with personal demons. He announced his retirement from public life in 2014 but has since returned to acting.
Follow Shia LaBeouf on Instagram @shialabeouf.
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy is another celebrity who took a break from Hollywood. In 2010, Murphy announced that he was taking a break from acting after winning the Razzie for worst actor of the decade.
Murphy had starred in a string of movies that were critical and commercial failures, including “Norbit” and “Meet Dave.” Murphy has since returned to acting, starring in the hit movie “Dolemite Is My Name” in 2019.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is one of the biggest names in music, but she has also faced her fair share of criticism and controversy. In 2016, she announced she was taking a break from the spotlight but returned with a new album.
Follow Taylor Swift on Instagram @taylorswift.
Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. Still, he has also been known to take extended breaks from acting. In 2017, he announced his retirement from acting, citing the need for privacy and time with his family.
Greta Garbo
Greta Garbo was one of the most iconic actresses of the silent film era, but she retired from acting at the height of her fame. She lived a reclusive life until she died in 1990.
Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle was one of the most successful comedians of his time, but he walked away from his hit TV show in 2005. He took a break from comedy and returned to the stage in 2013.
Follow Dave Chappelle on Instagram @chappellercmh.
Rick Moranis
Rick Moranis was a beloved actor in the 80s and 90s, but he retired in 1997 to focus on raising his children after his wife passed away. He has since returned to acting, with a cameo in the 2020 Disney+ film “Noelle.”
Meg Ryan
Meg Ryan was one of the biggest names in Hollywood in the 90s, but she has since stepped away from the spotlight. In a 2019 interview, she revealed that she had lost interest in acting and was focusing on other projects.
Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix is one of the most respected actors of his generation, but he has also struggled with personal demons. In 2008, he announced retiring from acting to focus on his music career. He returned to acting in 2012 and has since won an Academy Award for his role in “Joker.”
Follow Joaquin Phoenix on Instagram @joaquinlphoenix.
Tobey Maguire
Finally, Tobey Maguire is another celebrity who took a break from Hollywood. Maguire was a popular actor in the 2000s, starring in the hit movie series “Spider-Man”.
However, after the release of “Spider-Man 3” in 2007, Maguire took a break from acting. He explained that he wanted to take some time off to focus on his personal life and to pursue other interests. Maguire has since returned to acting, starring in the TV series “The Spoils of Babylon” in 2014 and the movie “The Great Gatsby” in 2013.
Even Celebrities Need a Mental Break Sometimes
These celebrities prove that fame isn’t always easy and that sometimes taking a break from the spotlight is necessary. Whether it’s to focus on mental health or personal issues, family, or other pursuits, stepping away from the public eye can be a healthy choice.