10 Celebrities Who Quit Acting

There are many great celebrities who quit acting, some of which you may recognize. Acting is a career path that has attracted numerous talented individuals over the years. While many have achieved success and fame in this industry, some have chosen to step away from the limelight and pursue other ventures. Most recently, Emily Ratajowski shared that she, too, decided to step away from the spotlight. She was a child actress and held several roles as she got older. However, Ratajowski says that acting made her feel like "a piece of meat," so she wasn't interested in moving forward. However, she's continued her success in entertainment—and she certainly isn't the only thespian to retreat from Hollywood.

Moranis is a Canadian actor and comedian best known for his roles in popular '80s films like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. His comedic timing was iconic and led to a lucrative and outstanding career. However, in 1997, he announced his retirement from acting to focus on his family after the death of his wife. While he has made a few brief appearances in films and TV shows over the years, Moranis has largely stayed out of the public eye and has focused on other ventures, such as writing and recording music.

Starting off first as a former model, Cameron Diaz had an impactful career despite not initially beginning in acting. Diaz was one of the most sought-after actresses of the '90s and early 2000s, starring in hit films like There's Something About Mary, Charlie's Angels, and The Holiday. However, in 2014, Diaz announced her retirement from acting to focus on other passions, such as writing and wellness. She has since published two books, The Body Book and The Longevity Book, and has become an advocate for health and wellness.

Connery was a Scottish actor who achieved international fame for his role as James Bond in the 1960s. Iconic spy roles were his forte, and he continued to work with them throughout that decade. However, in 2006, he announced his retirement from acting, citing his desire to spend more time with his family. Connery passed away in 2020 at 90, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most iconic actors of all time.

Phoebe Cates is an actress and model. She was popular in the 80s, starring in films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins. Many iconic scenes from each movie helped promote her as an actress, leading her to more roles. However, in 1994, she retired from acting to focus on her family and personal life. She has since opened a boutique in New York City and has largely stayed out of the public eye.

Gene Hackman has starred in numerous iconic films, including The French Connection, Superman, and Unforgiven. He was also featured in many TV shows during his career. However, in 2004, he announced his retirement from acting to focus on his writing. Hackman has since published several novels, including Escape from Andersonville and Pursuit.

Many celebrities who quit acting often do so because of circumstances beyond their control. Bridget Fonda was a popular actress in the '90s, starring in films like Singles, Point of No Return, and Jackie Brown. Her performances as a strong female lead caused her career in film to become guaranteed. However, in 2003, she announced her retirement from acting after sustaining a severe back injury. Fonda has since largely stayed out of the public eye and has focused on her personal life and family.

Meg Ryan was one of the most beloved actresses of the '90s, starring in hit films like When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You've Got Mail. Her humor, natural charm, and relatable qualities made her a highly valued performer. However, in the 2000s, Ryan began to take a step back from acting and has since largely retired from the industry. She has focused on other ventures, such as producing and directing.

Amanda Bynes is a celebrity who quit acting and rose to fame in the '90s and early 2000s, starring in hit TV shows like The Amanda Show and films like What a Girl Wants and Hairspray. During her performance with Hairspray and What a Girl Wants, her zany and relatable characterization was the star of her performance. However, in 2010, Bynes announced her retirement from acting, citing her desire to focus on her personal life and mental health. Bynes has since made occasional headlines for her struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues.

Jack Gleeson is an Irish actor best known for his role as Joffrey Baratheon in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. However, after the show's conclusion in 2014, Gleeson announced his retirement from acting to pursue a career in academia. He has since completed his studies at Trinity College in Dublin and has largely stayed out of the public eye. As opposed to the other celebrities who quit acting in this list, Jack was one of the few who indirectly used his career beyond his roles. His role in Game of Thrones mostly solidified his career, so it even stands out after his time away.

Greta Garbo was a Swedish actress who achieved international fame in the 1920s and 30s for her roles in films like Anna Karenina and Grand Hotel. However, in 1941, Garbo retired from acting at 36, citing her desire to live a more private life. Her films are still celebrated things despite her absence from her career. She became something of a recluse and has largely avoided the public eye.

These are just a few examples of celebrities who have chosen to leave the acting industry behind and pursue other paths. While it can be disappointing for fans to see their favorite actors retire, it's important to remember that everyone has the right to decide about their careers and lives. In many cases, these individuals have gone on to achieve success and fulfillment in other areas, and their legacies in the entertainment industry continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.