Acting is easily one of the most popular professions in the world. It gives instant fame, success, and money which is hard to get in most fields of work. Despite its bright side, there have been many Hollywood celebrities over the years who have quit acting altogether.
The reason behind their decision might vary from person to person, like lack of opportunities, bad on-set experience, or severe pay disparity. But it cements the fact that not everyone is chasing money or popularity in this industry. So let’s take a look at 10 such celebrities.
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Actors Who Left The Business Forever
1) Eva Mendes
Eva Mendes is known for her glamorous roles in several films including ‘Training Day.’ But she decided to leave acting after the 2014 fantasy thriller ‘Lost River. Mendes, who is in a relationship with Ryan Gosling, said she wants to focus on her family.
2) Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz was one of the biggest stars of the 1990s and early 2000s. However, she left the movie business after doing several projects in 2014. She has said that she wanted to spend more time with her family. Diaz made a return with Jamie Foxx’s ‘Back in Action’ but has stated that it will be her last role.
3) Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis was one of the biggest action stars of the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s. However, his career came to an abrupt halt in 2022 after he was diagnosed with aphasia. In 2023, it was revealed that his condition has transformed into dementia.
4) Gene Hackman
Hackman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in ‘The French Connection.’ But in 2004, he retired from acting and has since turned into a full-time author. He has also narrated two documentary films.
5) Sean Connery
Sean Connery portrayed the iconic 007 agent in various James Bond films in the 1960s. In 2006, the Scottish actor said that he will be retiring from acting because “idiots (are) now making films in Hollywood”. He stuck to his word and never acted again.
6) Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple became everyone’s favorite during Hollywood’s Golden Age when she was very young. However, things were not smooth for her in the coming years and she announced her retirement in 1950 at the age of 22.
7) Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly rocked Hollywood with her acting during the early and mid-1950s Hollywood. But she then did something that shocked the entire industry. Kelly retired at the age of 26, at her peak, to marry Prince Rainier III and become Princess of Monaco.
8) Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes is a name synonymous with the 90s Nickelodeon because of her shows like ‘All That’ and ‘The Amanda Show.’ She is also credited for giving a break to Channing Tatum. But her struggle with substance abuse and mental health forced her to retire from acting in 2010.
9) Mara Wilson
Wilson won everyone’s heart with her performance as the psychokinetic girl in ‘Matilda.’ She also appeared with Robin Williams in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire.’ Since the 2000s, Wilson has become less active in the industry as she mostly does voice-over work.
10) Daniel-Day Lewis
Known for his extreme method acting and immense talent, Day-Lewis was already very selective with his film roles. After working for around four decades, he retired from acting after appearing in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Phantom Thread.’
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