Fame can be a wild ride, one day you’re headlining movies or topping the charts, and the next you’re answering “whatever happened to you? ” at family dinners. There’s something endlessly intriguing about actors and musicians who seem to vanish after one career-defining moment. Did they walk away on their own terms, or did Hollywood simply move on without them? Here is a glimpse of 10 actors who walked away from the spotlight after that one big hit—and what happened to them since.
10. Rochelle Davis (The Crow)
Rochelle Davis made a lasting impression playing Sarah in The Crow, though tragedy loomed over the movie. Following the death of Brandon Lee, Davis walked away from Hollywood, eventually resurfacing as a voice actress, photographer, and artist. Nowadays, she’s raising her son, working on creative ventures, and making appearances at conventions every now and then. She was all over the news again in 2024 with her unflinching opinion of the remake, showing she isn’t afraid to put herself out there.
9. Joyce DeWitt (Three’s Company)
As Joyce DeWitt, Janet Wood was a member of television’s most iconic sitcom trio. But when Three’s Company went off the air in 1984, she faded out of Hollywood. DeWitt discovered her niche on stage instead, experimenting with the occasional bit of theater and some TV guest appearances along the way. She’s not regained sitcom superstardom, but in 2023, she gave fans a shock by appearing in a Davisson Brothers Band music video, reminding all that the spotlight never totally fades.
8. Camren Bicondova (Gotham)
Being juvenile Selina Kyle created fan favorite Camren Bicondova, but once Gotham finished, she didn’t pursue further mainstream gigs. Rather, she appeared in a 2024 Tubi zombie movie and then did something completely out of the blue: opened her own Los Angeles-based açaí shop. For Bicondova, success isn’t in perpetual stardom, but balance—and she’s fine with serving smoothie bowls with a side of Catwoman memories.
7. Peter Ostrum (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory)
Peter Ostrum had every child’s dream come true playing Charlie Bucket in the 1971 classic. But even though he was presented with more opportunities, Ostrum swapped acting for a career in veterinary medicine. Years later, Ostrum still has his hands dirty with animals and has no regrets. Working with Gene Wilder was memorable, but for Ostrum, stability and purpose were more important than red carpets.
6. Carrie Henn (Aliens)
Carrie Henn, alias Newt, plundered hearts in Aliens. Hollywood, though, proved to be a detour she turned to teaching instead. Henn has frequently claimed that acting was never on her agenda, and teaching was her real vocation. She attends the fan events now and then but has never been so tempted to get back to acting as a full-time profession.
5. Danny Lloyd (The Shining)
As little Danny Torrance, Danny Lloyd frightened viewers in The Shining. Ironically, he didn’t even know he was starring in a horror film until many years afterward. Kubrick protected him from the plot. Having done just one more film, Lloyd retired from acting to teach biology in Kentucky. He’s also a father of four and reflects warmly on his short stint in the movies, not unhappily.
4. Tommy Morrison (Rocky V)
Tommy Morrison’s appearance as Tommy Gunn in Rocky V appeared to mark the beginning of a dual career, but boxing would never be far behind. After becoming a heavyweight champion, his life was shortened by health issues, a diagnosis of HIV, and court troubles. He attempted a comeback but died in 2013 at only 44. It’s a tale of talent, glory, and tragedy.
3. Angus T. Jones (Two and a Half Men)
Angus T. Jones came up through the ranks in front of millions playing Jake Harper, but after ten years, he left. Motivated by religion and a need for privacy, Jones went to college, started a live events company, and experimented with music. He’s played some acting roles here and there since, but it appears the days of sitcom fame are well in the past.
2. Taylor Dooley (Sharkboy and Lavagirl)
As Lavagirl, Taylor Dooley was every millennial kid’s superhero. But when she grew out of child roles, she pivoted to studying psychology, starting a family, and living a quieter life. In 2020, she returned for We Can Be Heroes, but she’s stayed largely outside Hollywood since. Her career may not have exploded, but she’s carved her own path.
1. George Lazenby (James Bond)
George Lazenby will always be remembered as the “one-film Bond” from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Rather than surfing the wave, he opted out of a contract for additional films, a decision he would later describe as a regret. Lazenby was never able to shake the shadow of Bond, but eventually he came to terms with his notoriety, even making light of it. I It’sa a cautionary tale of quitting too early.
Life After Fame: Not all falls from fame are falls from grace. For some, such as Carrie Henn and Peter Ostrum, it’s pursuing a new dream altogether. For others, such as Rochelle Davis or Angus T. Jones, withdrawal was survival or sanity. Fame may wilt, but the tales of where these celebrities ended up are as captivating as the performances that brought them to fame. Because sometimes, the most fascinating chapters never occur in the limelight; they occur after the lights are turned off.