Hollywood is full of actors chasing fame, but some reach stardom and then vanish, leaving fans wondering why they never returned. Whether due to personal choices, disillusionment with the industry or simply a desire for a different life, these actors stepped away after a major breakthrough. Here are 14 actors who quietly retired after one huge success.
Rick Moranis – Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, 1989
Rick Moranis was a comedy legend in the ’80s and ’90s, starring in hits like Ghostbusters and Spaceballs. However, after Honey, I Shrunk the Kids became a massive success, he gradually stepped away from acting to focus on raising his children following his wife’s passing. While he occasionally lends his voice to projects, he has largely remained retired from Hollywood.
Greta Garbo – Ninotchka, 1939
One of Hollywood’s most mysterious stars, Greta Garbo dominated the silver screen in the early 20th century. After the success of Ninotchka, she made one final film, Two Faced Woman before retiring from acting completely at the age of 35. She spent the rest of her life in near total seclusion, refusing interviews and avoiding public appearances.
Peter Ostrum – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 1971
Peter Ostrum became a household name as Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, but he never pursued an acting career afterward. Instead, he chose a completely different path, becoming a veterinarian. To this day, he remains one of Hollywood’s most famous one hit wonders.
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Mara Wilson – Matilda, 1996
As a child star, Mara Wilson captured hearts in Matilda, Mrs. Doubtfire and Miracle on 34th Street. However, after her breakout success, she decided Hollywood was not for her and retired from acting in her teens. She has since become a writer and occasional voice actress, preferring life behind the scenes.
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Angus T. Jones – Two and a Half Men, 2003–2015
Angus T. Jones was once the highest-paid child actor on TV, playing Jake Harper on Two and a Half Men. However, as he grew older, he distanced himself from the show, calling it morally corrupt. After leaving the series, he stepped away from acting entirely and now leads a quiet life outside the spotlight.
Carrie Henn – Aliens, 1986
Carrie Henn was only 10 years old when she played Newt in Aliens, stealing scenes alongside Sigourney Weaver. Despite the film’s massive success, she never acted again. Instead, she pursued a career as a teacher, leaving behind Hollywood for a normal life.
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Gene Hackman – Welcome to Mooseport, 2004
Gene Hackman had an incredible career, winning multiple Oscars and starring in classics like The French Connection and Unforgiven. However, after Welcome to Mooseport, he quietly retired from acting, choosing instead to focus on writing historical fiction. He has since remained largely out of the public eye.
Cameron Diaz – Annie, 2014
After a wildly successful career spanning The Mask, There’s Something About Mary, and Charlie’s Angels, Cameron Diaz decided to step away after starring in Annie. She later revealed that she wanted to focus on her personal life and wellness. While she recently announced a small return to acting, she remains mostly retired.
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Jack Gleeson – Game of Thrones, 2011–2014
Jack Gleeson gave a legendary performance as the hated King Joffrey in Game of Thrones, but after his character’s death, he walked away from acting. He stated that he never intended to have a lifelong acting career and preferred a quieter life. Since then, he has only taken on minor theater roles, avoiding mainstream Hollywood.
Phoebe Cates – Gremlins, 1984
Phoebe Cates became an ’80s icon with Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins, but after reaching stardom, she largely disappeared from acting. She chose to step away to focus on her family and has only made rare appearances in small projects. Today, she runs a boutique in New York City.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas – The Lion King, 1994 & Home Improvement, 1991–1998
Jonathan Taylor Thomas was a ’90s heartthrob, voicing young Simba in The Lion King and starring in Home Improvement. However, at the height of his fame, he stepped away to focus on his education. Since then, he has largely avoided Hollywood, making only a few brief guest appearances.
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Sean Connery – The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, 2003
Sean Connery, the original James Bond, had a legendary career but retired after starring in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Frustrated with Hollywood, he announced he was done with acting and spent the rest of his life enjoying retirement. Unlike many actors who return, Connery stuck to his decision until his passing in 2020.
Taylor Lautner – Twilight Saga, 2008–2012
After skyrocketing to fame as Jacob in Twilight, Taylor Lautner seemed poised for a massive Hollywood career. However, after a few box office flops, he gradually stepped away from major acting roles. While he occasionally takes on small projects, he largely enjoys life out of the spotlight.
Bridget Fonda – Jackie Brown, 1997
Bridget Fonda, known for her roles in Jackie Brown and Single White Female, was one of Hollywood’s rising stars in the ’90s. However, after her last film Snow Queen in 2002, she stepped away from acting completely. She chose to focus on family life and has remained out of the public eye ever since.
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These actors prove that fame is not for everyone. Whether they retired for personal reasons or simply lost interest in Hollywood, their decision to step away only adds to their mystique.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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