Hollywood is glamorous, draining, and sometimes flat-out overwhelming. For some actors, the red carpet wears off, and the siren call of family, a sense of purpose, or a fresh new challenge is greater than fame itself. Some of our most beloved faces have stepped out of the spotlight—not because they failed, but because they wanted something more. Let’s take a look at 13 stories of stars who quit Hollywood and discovered happiness on their own terms.
13. Mara Wilson
The star child of Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire was not in the spotlight for long. Mara Wilson realized that acting did not come from her heart and chose to write. She has published books like Where Am I Now? and Good Girls Don’t, and is also a mental health activist as well as an advocate of living one’s truth. Wilson’s accomplishment was not in blockbusters, but in being closer to herself through writing.
12. Jennifer Stone
Disney Channel fans may remember her as Harper from Wizards of Waverly Place, but Jennifer Stone dramatically changed career paths—from Scripts for Scrubs. She is now a registered nurse and even worked on the frontlines of the pandemic. Stone explained she simply wanted to be the hero she had seen in the medical field, and her journey from sitcom sidekick to healthcare hero is inspiring.
11. Ian Somerhalder
Having played fan favorite Damon Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries for years, Ian Somerhalder was done with Hollywood. Today, he lives on a farm with his family and works on businesses and documentaries related to regenerative farming and climate. In his own words, he doesn’t miss acting—there’s purpose elsewhere.
10. Karyn Parsons
Hilary Banks of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is never to be forgotten, but Karyn Parsons asserts that the character wasn’t the destination. She left Hollywood, moved to New York, raised a family, and founded Sweet Blackberry, a non-profit that teaches kids about Black history. She has suggested that she regrets nothing—her life is full and well-lived beyond the lens.
9. Frankie Muniz
In the early 2000s, Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle) seemed to be everywhere. But when the show finished up, he changed course—racing cars, playing in a band, and getting into business. He even ran an olive oil business for a while. Muniz has been all about reinvention, and even though he’s reportedly reprising his role for a Malcolm reboot, he’s already shown that life after Hollywood can be pretty fabulous.
8. Rick Moranis
Comedy icon Rick Moranis (Ghostbusters, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids) opted out of acting after his wife passed away, instead prioritizing raising his kids. He has done some on-the-sides voice work, but family has always come first. Hollywood could wait for Moranis—fatherhood couldn’t.
7. Bridgit Mendler
Having grown up as a Disney television star on Good Luck Charlie, Bridgit Mendler turned to academics and beyond. She studied anthropology and law at MIT and Harvard and went on to co-found space-tech startup Northwood Space to build satellite ground stations. She’s also a mom, calling it her greatest blessing. Mendler’s experience is proof that you can trade television stardom for a space CEO and thrive in both worlds.
6. Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz ruled the Hollywood rom-coms for years, but once she married Benji Madden and became a mother, she hung up her hat. Today, she is focused on wellness, business ventures, and family. Diaz has said she looked at her life and chose peace over pressure—a type of happily ever after that is enviable.
5. Phoebe Cates
Legendary for Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins, Phoebe Cates stepped away from acting mid-90s to start a family with husband Kevin Kline. Today, she runs Blue Tree, a New York City boutique. For her, walking away wasn’t about walking away—it was about choosing a quieter, intimate kind of success.
4. Michael Schoeffling
All ’80s teens can remember Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles. But after 31, Michael Schoeffling left acting to support his family. He began a carpentry business on the East Coast and traded scripts for sawdust and never glanced back.
3. Kal Penn
From White Castle to the White House—Kal Penn made one of the largest career leaps. He swapped acting for politics, serving in the Obama administration as Associate Director of Public Engagement. Though he’s returned to acting since, his passion for public service continues to motivate him.
2. Mira Sorvino
An Oscar-winning actress for Mighty Aphrodite, Mira Sorvino has chosen to direct much of her energy toward activism. She’s an outspoken anti-human trafficking activist and social justice crusader. Her work off-screen is as compelling as her performances on-screen.
1. Antony Starr (Note: If you meant Antony Starr of The Boys)
Unlike most of those here, Antony Starr has not entirely departed, but his story highlights the balancing act of fame. He is a privacy supporter and tries to keep his private life grounded in spite of the profession’s demands. This is an insistence that being genuine counts as much as seeking roles.
It is not failure to step away from fame—it’s freedom. These celebrities remind us that life does not need to play out on-screen to be meaningful. Often, the most powerful stories happen behind the scenes.