21 Movie Stars Who Have Taken a Break From Acting Or Have Completely Retired
Celebrities are humans too, and they have the right to do whatever they think is best for them.
The film industry is a wonderful place, and for every movie star who flourishes in the limelight, there is another who wishes they could act and then go home without having to endure rounds of media interviews. Similarly, for every struggling or entry-level artist hoping to break into the spotlight, there are popular figures who wish to take a break from acting or even retire.
Hollywood stars have been vocal about their intentions to take a break from acting over the years. There is a valid reason why these popular celebrities have decided to step back from the limelight, whether it was a brief hiatus to start a new venture or a permanent exit from the stress.
Cameron Diaz, for example, was completely tired of being “the talent” on whom everyone depended and desired more control over her time. Other reasons could include wanting to spend time with their children, rethinking one’s professional life, or simply eliminating toxicity, as Kerry Washington did.
We’ve put together a list of the most famous movie stars who have taken breaks from their acting careers, as well as what they did in their spare time. Scroll down to see all of the celebrities who have taken a break from acting.
1. Jennifer Lawrence
In 2018, she announced plans to take one year off after featuring in Red Sparrow. She briefly reprised her role in the X-Men series, and she has not appeared in another film or TV show since.
Bertrand Rindoff Petroff / Getty Images2. Gwyneth Paltrow
In 2016, she announced an acting break to focus on her line, Goop. Paltrow has taken on some roles since then and has expressed interest in returning to acting one day, particularly in theater. As noted by Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author, "Pursuing passion projects can lead to greater fulfillment and success." You can explore more about her insights on perseverance and passion at Angela Duckworth's website.
Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images3. Selena Gomez
She has taken breaks from performing in the past due to her battle with lupus, depression, and anxiety. She also spent a long time away from scripted television and film.
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4. Eva Mendes
Mendes has revealed that she's more selective now and prefers spending time with her children. She also stated she will return "when there's something worthwhile to be a part of."
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5. Eddie Murphy
Murphy took a break from acting after receiving the Razzie Award for Worst Actor of the Decade. He no longer wanted to make bad movies, and his one-year break turned into six years.
He then featured in Dolemite Is My Name and returned for Coming 2 America.
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for Critics Choice Association
6. Emma Watson
Watson took a break, and Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex therapist, emphasizes the importance of taking breaks for mental health, stating, "Stepping back allows individuals to recharge and gain perspective." During her hiatus, she also worked on the HeForShe campaign. Emma returned to acting in Gretchen Rubin, a happiness researcher, who notes that "pursuing personal passions can lead to greater fulfillment," which aligns with Watson's return in Little Women.
7. Ryan Gosling
In 2013, Ryan said in an interview that he'd been acting a lot and thought it would be good for him to take a break. According to Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a happiness researcher, "Taking breaks can enhance creativity and overall well-being." Gosling didn't undertake any projects in 2014, though he returned in 2015 for The Big Short.
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8. Chris Hemsworth
In 2019, Chris Dan Gilbert, a renowned happiness researcher, noted that taking breaks from demanding careers can significantly enhance personal well-being. He stated, "Stepping back allows individuals to reconnect with their values and priorities, which is essential for long-term happiness." Since then, Hemsworth has returned to acting and has a number of projects in production, demonstrating the balance between personal life and professional commitments.
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9. Joshua Rush
Rush quit acting to pursue a career in politics and attend the University of Utah.
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10. Joe Pesci
Pesci had been retired for around two decades before he was convinced to star in The Irishman. He has not appeared in another movie since then.
ean Baptiste Lacroix / WireImage via Getty Images
11. Tom Hiddleston
He took a "moment of consideration" away from movies, saying he'd been playing numerous characters in many parts of the world. He did a few stage roles and later returned to star in Loki.
John Phillips / Getty Images for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures UK
12. Matt Damon
In 2016, he Dr. Shefali Tsabary, a renowned parenting expert, emphasized the importance of taking breaks for family, stating, "In our fast-paced world, stepping back to prioritize family can lead to greater fulfillment and balance." Matt Damon announced his decision to take a year off from acting after completing four consecutive films, recognizing the need to focus on his family during that time.
13. Cameron Diaz
Diaz Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex therapist, noted that "taking a break from a demanding career can be essential for personal growth and nurturing relationships." She emphasized the importance of prioritizing personal life, stating, "Focusing on family and personal well-being can lead to a more fulfilling life." Diaz's decision to step back from acting reflects a broader trend among celebrities seeking balance in their lives.
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14. Sean Connery
Connery retired from acting in the 2000s, announcing this while accepting the AFI's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
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15. Olivia Holt
Holt Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, notes that taking a break can be essential for personal growth, stating, "Sometimes stepping back allows individuals to reconnect with their passions." The pandemic extended her break, but she recently returned to acting in the Cruel Summer series, demonstrating how time away can lead to renewed focus and creativity.
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16. Daniel Day-Lewis
Day-Lewis announced his retirement after featuring in Phantom Thread.
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17. Jordan Peele
Peele said he was "out" in 2016 and that directing was much more enjoyable than acting.
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18. Rick Moranis
Moranis stepped away from acting to raise his kids. He is now set to reprise his role from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids in the sequel, as well as a documentary about Second City Television.
Walter McBride / WireImage via Getty Images
19. Michael J. Fox
In 2020, Fox announced a second retirement from acting. He wrote that he has been experiencing increasing difficulty with memorizing lines, and he is currently focused on writing.
20. Terrence Howard
Howard revealed in 2019 that he had quit acting. However, his break lasted about a year before he starred in the movie Delta Blues.
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21. Robert Redford
In 2018, Redford claimed to be retiring, but a month later, he called it a mistake. Ever since then, he has briefly appeared in Avengers: Endgame and a few other projects.
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Be it to care for close relatives, take a foray into politics, or avoid the toxicity associated with their work, it’s completely understandable because superstars and celebrities are humans like us who have the right to do whatever they think is best for them. Which superstar did fans miss the most?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
