Hollywood adores a breakout tale—the new face who overnight becomes a star. But that initial major role sometimes proves to be the sole role, as actors retreat from the limelight due to reasons ranging from tragedy, personal preference, or just discovering a new interest. Here’s a glimpse of ten actors who retreated from Hollywood following one big turn, and where they went from there.
10. Rochelle Davis – Haunted by The Crow
Rochelle Davis impressed in the role of Sarah in The Crow, but the on-set death of Brandon Lee shocked her. She retreated from Hollywood afterwards, eventually turning to photography, art, and voice work while raising her son. She’s been vocal about her disillusionment with the 2024 remake, but otherwise leads a more reserved life.
9. Joyce DeWitt – After Three’s Company
As Joyce DeWitt, Janet Wood gained fame across America during Three’s Company’s run. But when the sitcom ended, her “brief hiatus” from acting turned into decades. She later returned to stage work, made the occasional TV guest spot, and even appeared in a 2023 music video celebrating her West Virginia heritage—but never achieved her sitcom popularity.
8. Camren Bicondova – From Catwoman to Café Owner
Camren Bicondova added sly, young vitality to Selina Kyle on Gotham. Five seasons later, she bailed on the finale and moved away from acting entirely. She devoted her efforts to opening an açaí café in Los Angeles instead. Although she still reminisces about Gotham, she appears content establishing a life beyond the profession.
7. George Lazenby – The Bond Who Said No
George Lazenby had the unenviable task of taking Sean Connery’s place as James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. His acting was good, but he notoriously refused more 007 movies. In hindsight, Lazenby said he made a mistake, but the choice left him having trouble finding prominent roles afterwards.
6. Peter Ostrum – Charlie Bucket Turned Veterinarian
As Charlie in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Peter Ostrum was iconic. Rather than pursuing fame, however, he turned down a multi-movie contract and went on to become a veterinarian. Motivated by his family’s horse and the veterinarian who cared for it, Ostrum opted for purpose and security over Hollywood allure.
5. Taylor Dooley – Lavagirl Grew Out of the Part
Taylor Dooley soared to stardom playing Lavagirl in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl. But a growth spurt made her too mature for teen roles, and Hollywood promptly forgot. She turned her attention to psychology, family life, and ended up making a nostalgic comeback in 2020’s sequel—but hasn’t pursued acting with much vigor since.
4. Carrie Henn – Newt Chose the Classroom
Carrie Henn borrowed hearts playing Newt in James Cameron’s Aliens. Acting, though, was never her aspiration. After that movie, she figured she’d prefer to have a regular childhood. She now teaches elementary school and has no regrets abandoning Hollywood life.
3. Angus T. Jones – Sitcom Star Turned Student
As Two and a Half Men’s Jake Harper, Angus T. Jones was television’s top-paid child actor. But after a decade, he left, musing that his faith and the desire for a more uncomplicated existence were too strong to ignore. He attended college, dabbled at music, and made a few cameo acting appearances—but never went back to full-time celebrity.
2. Tommy Morrison – From Rocky V to the Ring
Tommy Morrison’s stint as Tommy Gunn in Rocky V was only part of his tale. In life, he was a heavyweight boxer who won a world championship. But his career was tainted by an HIV diagnosis, run-ins with the law, and struggles in his personal life. He died in 2013, leaving behind a mixed legacy.
1. Danny Lloyd – The Shining Kid Who Chose Science
Danny Lloyd provided an unforgettable performance as the psychic child in The Shining. But unlike most child actors, he left early. Lloyd went on to say he found acting dull when he grew up, and instead established himself as an academic. Now, he’s a biology professor and father of four, far removed from Hollywood’s spotlight.
For others, leaving the spotlight is a loss; for others, it’s freedom. They are a reminder that Hollywood is not the only road to satisfaction—and sometimes the greatest tales take place after the credits.