When it comes to celebrities who left Hollywood, some stars decide that the spotlight just isn’t worth the cost. Whether it’s for family, health, or the pursuit of something more grounded, these actors and entertainers traded fame and fortune for normalcy. From blockbuster icons to sitcom stars, their choices remind us that real life can be more rewarding than any role. Here are 10 celebrities who left Hollywood and embraced life outside the limelight.
10. Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman was a two-time Oscar winner with iconic performances in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven. Yet in 2004, he quietly retired from acting and began a new chapter as a novelist. Therefore, Hackman became one of the most notable celebrities who left Hollywood on their own terms.
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9. Taylor Momsen
Taylor Momsen was known for playing Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl and as Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. But after leaving acting behind, she focused fully on music and became the lead singer of rock band The Pretty Reckless. Though she’s still in entertainment, Momsen completely detached from Hollywood and carved her own path.
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8. Jonathan Taylor Thomas
As one of the most recognizable teen idols of the ’90s, Jonathan Taylor Thomas starred in Home Improvement and voiced young Simba in The Lion King. But at the height of his fame, he stepped away to attend college and live a quieter life. Though he’s made rare appearances since, he remains largely out of the spotlight, proving to be an example of a young star choosing longevity over fame.
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7. Jeff Cohen
You might not recognize him now, but Jeff Cohen famously played Chunk in The Goonies. After his childhood acting days, Cohen decided to pursue law instead of entertainment. Today, he’s a successful entertainment attorney, proving that you can still stay close to the industry without being on-screen. His pivot is one of the more unconventional exits from Hollywood.
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6. Dylan Sprouse
One-half of the Disney Channel duo from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Dylan Sprouse took a break from acting to attend NYU and explore other passions. While his brother Cole continued acting, Dylan pursued brewing and co-founded All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn. His shift away from mainstream Hollywood roles makes him one of the younger celebrities who left Hollywood.
5. Mara Wilson
Best known as the precocious star of Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, Mara Wilson decided to step away from acting after childhood stardom. As an adult, she’s carved out a new identity as a writer and mental health advocate. Wilson has been vocal about the pressures of fame and the value of finding one’s voice outside of the industry.
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4. Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates starred in iconic ’80s films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins, but eventually chose to step away from acting in favor of a quieter life. She married actor Kevin Kline and focused on raising their children. Cates now runs a boutique in New York City, living far from the red carpets. She’s a classic example of celebrities who left Hollywood and never looked back.
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3. Freddie Prinze Jr.
In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Freddie Prinze Jr. was a teen heartthrob thanks to roles in She’s All That and I Know What You Did Last Summer. But eventually, he stepped away from the screen to focus on writing, his family life with wife Sarah Michelle Gellar, and even working behind the scenes at WWE. His decision to live outside of the spotlight showcases a desire for normalcy.
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2. Rick Moranis
Beloved for his roles in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Ghostbusters, Rick Moranis became one of the most recognizable faces of ’80s comedy. However, after his wife passed away in 1991, Moranis made the choice to leave Hollywood and focus on raising his children. Although he’s done occasional voice work, he’s mostly kept a private life ever since, earning him admiration as one of the celebrities who left Hollywood for the right reasons.
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1. Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz was once one of the most bankable actresses in Hollywood, starring in films like The Mask, There’s Something About Mary, and Charlie’s Angels. But in 2014, she quietly stepped away from acting to focus on wellness, family, and entrepreneurship. Today, Diaz is a successful author and co-founder of an organic wine.
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