Stars who chose a quiet and meaningful life over the spotlight

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz quit acting after “Annie” in 2014 because industry pressure totally exhausted her and she needed to focus on herself. She now enjoys a peaceful life with her husband, musician Benji Madden, and their kids.

Diaz hasn’t completely abandoned her ambitions, just shifted them toward entrepreneurship with her new company Avaline. Though she briefly returned for “Back in Action” in 2024, she remains committed to prioritizing family and business over Hollywood’s non-stop craziness.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman stepped away from Hollywood in 2004, with Welcome to Mooseport as his last film. He officially confirmed his retirement in 2008 and passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2025.

In a 2011 interview, he simply said he hoped to be remembered as “a decent actor.” After six decades on screen, his legacy speaks for itself.

Ellen DeGeneres

After over 40 years in the spotlight, Ellen DeGeneres wrapped her comedy career with a 2024 Netflix special. Her farewell tour marked her final public appearances, where she candidly addressed her exit and past controversy.

She’s since relocated to England, reportedly in response to Donald Trump’s 2024 win, choosing a quieter life away from Hollywood.

Robert Redford

After six decades in film, Robert Redford retired from acting after 2018’s The Old Man & the Gun. He told Entertainment Weekly he felt it was time, saying, “I’ve been doing it since I was 21.”

Redford wanted to bow out with something “upbeat and positive,” choosing to end his on-screen legacy with heart and grace.

Shelley Duvall

Shelley Duvall stepped away from Hollywood in 2002 after starring in classics like The Shining and Annie Hall. She said her break was to reconnect with family, especially when her brother faced a serious illness.

In 2023, she made a heartwarming return in The Forest Hills. Sadly, she passed away in 2024 at age 75.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg’s rise from troubled teen to movie star is well-known, but lately, he’s grown tired of Hollywood’s fast-paced world. As his kids got older, he and wife Rhea wanted a quieter life away from LA.

They relocated to Las Vegas, chasing a more grounded lifestyle. Wahlberg now focuses less on fame and more on building a dream life for his family.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner balances Hollywood life with time at her family’s Oklahoma farm, which holds deep meaning—her mom grew up there. The peaceful spot east of Tulsa helps keep her grounded and connected to her roots.

The farm also supports her baby food brand, Once Upon a Farm, using organic ingredients. Her products are WIC-approved in several states, showing her care for healthy nutrition.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts eased back from the nonstop film hustle to focus on a more balanced life, choosing quality over quantity. She didn’t fully quit acting but started picking projects more selectively to prioritize her family.

Now living in a quieter, more private place, she’s raising her kids away from LA’s chaos. She still returns for roles that truly inspire her, on her own terms.

Tobey Maguire

After his Spider-Man fame, Tobey Maguire slowly stepped away from the Hollywood chaos, choosing a quieter life and being super selective with roles. The intense spotlight from playing a major superhero pushed him to prioritize peace over constant fame.

He didn’t fully disappear, he moved into producing and took on smaller, passion-driven projects. His epic return in No Way Home was a treat, not a comeback.

The Olsen Twins

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen traded the spotlight for the runway, stepping away from acting to dive into fashion. They launched The Row and Elizabeth and James, carving out real success as designers and leaving Hollywood behind.

This move helped them escape constant media pressure and focus on creativity. Their story shows how child stars can thrive outside the fame game on their own terms.

Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly, known for her Marvel role as Hope Van Dyne, surprised fans in 2024 by stepping away from Hollywood. In a heartfelt post, she shared that leaving behind fame felt scary, but living her truth brought more joy and peace.

Though she hinted at a possible return one day, Lilly made it clear she’s choosing purpose over pressure. Her focus now is on living a more authentic, grounded life.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn, the star of timeless classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, eventually left the spotlight to focus on something deeper. In the late ’60s, she pivoted from acting to humanitarian work, dedicating her life to helping children through UNICEF.

Though she appeared in a few more films, her heart was in giving back. Hepburn’s graceful shift showed how fame can fuel a life of purpose.

Jennette McCurdy

Jennette McCurdy, who played Sam on iCarly and Sam & Cat, stepped away from acting to focus on writing and directing. Her tough experiences as a child star were later shared in her bold memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died.

Leaving Hollywood gave her space to heal and find her voice. Jennette’s choice inspired others to choose authenticity over fame.

Bridget Fonda

Bridget Fonda walked away from Hollywood in the early 2000s after starring in hits like Jackie Brown and Single White Female. She chose family life with composer Danny Elfman over the spotlight, despite her famous last name.

Fonda’s rare public appearances in recent years surprised fans. Her quiet exit showed that even Hollywood royalty can crave a simple, private life.

Phoebe Cates

Phoebe Cates, known for her iconic role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, stepped away from acting in the ’90s to raise a family with husband Kevin Kline. She turned down roles to focus on creating a grounded, private life for their kids.

Later, she opened a boutique in NYC called Blue Tree, channeling her creativity into business. Cates traded red carpets for real-life joy.

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Jack Gleeson

Jack Gleeson, who nailed the role of King Joffrey in Game of Thrones, left fans stunned when he quit acting right after his character’s dramatic death. Despite global fame, he chose to step away from Hollywood and focus on his academic life instead.

His decision to ditch the spotlight showed rare self-awareness for a rising star. Gleeson proved that personal happiness can matter more than fame or fortune.

Did you know, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” was delayed, Westeros fans must wait until early 2026 for the next GoT-era adventure

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.