To most people who long for stardom, Hollywood may seem like the ultimate dream. The allure of red carpets, commercial and critical recognition, and the creative freedom and opportunities that encourage them to explore different and fascinating projects are hard to resist. However, some actors, once they reach the pinnacle of fame, might realize they crave something different from the limelight.
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Perhaps, as time goes by, the appeal of fame vanishes, replaced by a desire for a more tranquil life. It is no surprise that the entertainment world, despite its charm, can often feel isolating and relentless, making the transition to a more balanced life attractive. Alternatively, an actor might discover new interests worth pursuing with equal commitment. Whether led by personal passions, dreams, or even just a yearning for normalcy, several Hollywood actors have retired from the industry to embrace entirely different careers.
You are watching: 10 Famous Actors Who Quit Hollywood For Totally Different Careers
10
Mara Wilson
Writer
One of the most beloved child actors of the 1990s, Mara Wilson made herself a name at the tender age of six, when she played one of Robin Williams’s daughters in Mrs. Doubtfire. However, most of the public likely remember her for the iconic role of a child prodigy in the movie Matilda. Wilson seemed like a promising young actress, capable of interpreting her characters with irony and charm.
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However, Wilson had other plans. After Matilda and a few more films, Wilson quit Hollywood and launched herself into a different career. The woman dedicated herself to writing and has published one play and two books, using her talent as a way to share her experience as a child actor and the struggles that came with fame. Wilson also reflected on her life as Matilda’s actress in an article in Vanity Fair.
9
Ian Somerhalder
Businessman & Farm Owner
After playing the young yet unfortunate Boone in the acclaimed TV series Lost, Ian Somerhalder conquered the heart of the public when he obtained the part of Damon, the more controversial and dangerous of Salvatore’s brothers in The Vampire Diaries. Somerhalder starred in the beloved show for almost a decade and earned several Teen Choice Awards for his work. After The Vampire Diaries, he worked on the sci-fi horror Netflix series V Wars. However, after 2020, his acting career came to a sudden stop.
Over the years, the actor committed himself to environmental activism, opening in 2010 the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, to raise awareness around the importance of environmental respect. In the last few years, he moved outside L.A., where he owns a farm with his family. He is also now the co-founder, with his wife, of The Absorption Company. According to recent updates, Somerhalder has quit Hollywood and is not coming back soon.
8
Gwyneth Paltrow
Businesswoman
Although she has not completely stepped away from Hollywood, Gwyneth Paltrow has taken a different route over the years. The actress rose to fame with her roles in films such as Shakespeare in Love, — for which she won an Academy Award— Sliding Doors, and as Pepper Potts in the MCU’s Iron Man series. However, after years of acclaim, she decided to shift her focus to entrepreneurship.
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Paltrow founded Goop in 2008, a wellness and lifestyle brand. The company started as a weekly newsletter and has since grown into a multi-million-dollar business, counting collaborations with fashion brands, the launch of a print magazine, and even a Netflix docuseries. Aside from her comeback as Pepper in Avengers: Endgame, and her minor roles in The Politicians in 2019-2020, the star of Shakespeare in Love is now more focused on her business endeavors.
7
Freddie Prinze Jr.
Cookbook Author
Freddie Prinze Jr. became a household name in the 1990s thanks to roles in the slasher horror I Know What You Did Last Summer, and the teen comedy She’s All That. In 2002, he secured more fame playing Fred Jones in Scooby-Doo. Widely loved for his charming presence and romantic lead roles, Prinze appeared to be destined for long-term Hollywood success. However, the actor felt like he had accomplished what he wanted to achieve in Hollywood (GQ) and had other passions that he deemed worth pursuing in his professional life.
Aside from being a stay-at-home dad and starting a podcast, Prinze found a new calling in the culinary world, a love he had cultivated since childhood. He published a cookbook, Back to the Kitchen, sharing family recipes and his enthusiasm for cooking. Prinze had the opportunity to dedicate himself to different activities over the years and now enjoys a quieter life with his wife, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and two children.
6
Danny Lloyd
Teacher
Danny Lloyd’s performance in The Shining captivated the audience when the movie came out in 1980. Side-by-side with renowned names like Stanley Kubrick and Jack Nicholson, the boy certainly seemed to have a promising career ahead. However, Lloyd opted for a different trajectory. After his famous debut, the child star acted in a television film as well as a documentary on the making of King’s book adaptation and then quit Hollywood for good.
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After completing his studies, Lloyd adopted a quieter, more grounded life and became a biology teacher at a community college in Kentucky and was later hired as a science teacher in Missouri. Although he is grateful for his experience, he said he does not envy the child actors of today (via The Guardian). Despite his different lifestyle, Lloyd still accepted a small cameo in the Shining’s sequel, Doctor Sleep.
5
Jeff Cohen
Entertainment Lawyer
One of the many child actors who quit Hollywood early, Jeff Cohen conquered the hearts of the public with the brilliant adventure comedy The Goonies, a cult classic of the vibrant 1980s. His role was as Chunk, the clumsy group member who befriends Lotney “Sloth” Fratelli. His sweet and gawky demeanor only made him an endearing addition to the movie. However, after a few more films, his career in Hollywood seemed to have come to a stop at the young age of 16.
Rather than pursuing further roles, Cohen turned to academics, eventually earning a law degree from UCLA. He co-founded the entertainment law firm Cohen Gardner LLP, specializing in representing clients in the film and television industry. Cohen’s insider perspective as a former actor gives him a unique edge in his field. Even if he left acting behind, Jeff Cohen is still connected to the entertainment world.
4
Peter Ostrum
Veterinarian
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Peter Ostrum became famous at the age of 12 for his role as Charlie Bucket in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Despite his heartwarming performance in a film cherished by generations, Ostrum committed to a different career path. Although he was offered a three-film contract, Ostrum quit Hollywood after his debut, preferring to have more freedom over his future projects.
Although he considered returning to Hollywood, Ostrum followed his passion for animals, especially horses. He earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1984 and became a veterinarian in Lowville, New York, where he worked until 2023, when he retired. Ostrum occasionally reflected on his brief brush with fame and spoke fondly of his late co-star Gene Wilder (Variety).
3
Cameron Diaz
Author & Entrepreneur
Cameron Diaz was one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, known for her works in hits like The Mask, There’s Something About Mary, and The Holiday. Her acting career spanned two decades, earning her critical acclaim and widespread success among the public. However, in 2014, after starring in Annie, Diaz quietly quit Hollywood due to the tiring filming schedules and constant travel requirements.
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Diaz shifted her focus to new interests and ventures. She became an author and published The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time. Additionally, she has invested in health and biotech startups as well as co-founding Avaline in 2020, a brand of organic, clean wines. However, in 2025, the actress made a comeback in the movie Back in Action.
2
Eliza Dushku
Therapist-In-Training & Activist
Eliza Dushku gained fame in the 1990s and 2000s for her role of Faith in the TV cult shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, as well as her lead performances in Tru Calling and Dollhouse. Known for her edgy, confident characters, Dushku became a fan favorite in the industry. However, despite her success, the former actress stepped away from the limelight in 2017.
Dushku has since become a prominent advocate for survivors of war through her role as one of the board directors of the THRIVE-Gulu organization. However, she has also dedicated herself to psychedelic-assisted therapy. According to the Boston Magazine, she and her husband are conducting clinical trials to explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, and she is studying to earn a master’s degree in counseling and clinical mental health. Dushku’s work reflects a newly found purpose in life: helping others.
1
Frankie Muniz
Race Car Driver
Frankie Muniz rose to international fame in the early 2000s as the main character in the renowned sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, where he acted side-by-side with Bryan Cranston. His comedic timing, brilliance, and relatable allure earned him widespread acclaim, along with an Emmy Award nomination and two Golden Globes. However, he eventually chose to leave Hollywood to delve into other passions.
Muniz transitioned to professional stock car racing driving, competing in series such as the Formula BMW USA Championship and the ARCA Menards Series. He is also a real estate investor. While Muniz occasionally revisits acting, his primary focus remains his racing career as well as business ventures. However, recently, to the joy of the fans, Muniz, along with Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, announced a revival of Malcolm in the Middle (and his career).
Source: Vanity Fair, GQ, The Guardian, Variety, Boston Magazine
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Category: Entertainment