Top 10 Classic Hollywood Stars Who Fell Off The Map

When Peter Lawford married Patricia Kennedy, his life as a promising actor became infinitely more interesting. His connections in the political and entertainment world got him an invitation into the Rat Pack. With Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, Lawford is most remembered as being one of members of the iconic show biz group. After Sinatra broke ties with the actor, the latter effectively left the team and his film roles started to dwindle. Despite some contributions in big titles, his work was never quite the same after the 1960s, with divorces and substance use disorder adding to his professional problems.

Starring alongside the likes of co-stars such as Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane had a moment in the spotlight as a promising leading lady. Her ability to juggle comedy and drama made her a unique presence in Hollywood. Classics like “Arsenic and Old Lace” represented just one facet of her versatile work, while she also collaborated with the likes of Alfred Hitchcock. Following her marriage in 1942, Lane only made a few more films before turning her attention to family. Her retirement included moving to the East Coast, a focus on her kids, and living a rather quiet, devout life. She never returned to motion pictures and sadly passed away in 1995 after many decades out of the spotlight.

Next to Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd was another important silent comedian. His work includes classics such as “The Freshman” and the iconic “Safety Last!” The latter film features the famous sequence of Lloyd dangling from a clock. Like many cinematic talents that established themselves before the sound era, he had a hard time fully adjusting to the new landscape of the industry. His efforts continued sporadically through the next few decades until around the ‘40s. Although he never returned to his former glory, the comedian would receive further recognition in his later years as audiences rediscovered his catalog.

With a film career that began in 1919, Norma Shearer saw many changes in Hollywood during her life. She transitioned into sound films as an acclaimed starlet at MGM studios. Her performances spanned from an award-winning turn in “The Divorcée” to her part in the iconic ensemble of George Cukor’s “The Women.” Inspiringly independent and liberated, Shearer’s roles were among a wave of groundbreaking projects for women. She stopped taking on projects in 1942 and her popularity wavered in the following years. As the actress separated herself from the business, she chose to maintain a private life until her death in 1983.

From modeling to starring in Alfred Hitchcock’s widely acclaimed movie “The Birds”, Tippi Hedren’s life changed rapidly in the early 1960s. This one role opened many doors for her in the industry but, at the same time, Hedren has been outspoken about Hitchcock being responsible for the subsequent tapering of her professional opportunities. A restrictive contract and Hitchcock allegedly trying to blacklist the actress made it so that she was not very popular after their two projects together: “The Birds” and “Marnie”. We’ve certainly seen her return to the screen in the years since but no work ever garnered her quite the same recognition.

Even though he wasn’t known as a typical leading man, George Raft still left his mark on American cinema. He frequented roles in gangster stories and film noir alongside greats such as Paul Muni, Humphrey Bogart, and James Cagney. His roles as villains and anti-heroes also provided a template for his character in the classic comedy “Some Like It Hot.” Unfortunately, Raft saw fewer opportunities in the entertainment business after the 1950s. He made appearances in films after 1960, but his more successful working days were behind him as he was asked to play himself in multiple projects. His work typified the crime genre of early Hollywood and while newer audiences might not know his name, cinephiles will forever remember his career.

Providing a bridge between formal and natural acting, John Garfield was arguably ahead of his time. He joined the ranks of Hollywood stars in the 1930s and ‘40s with a number of memorable performances, including his turn in “The Postman Always Rings Twice” which is among his most revered. After refusing to name anyone at the House Un-American Activities Committee, Garfield was blacklisted from the movie industry. In the early 1950s, the actor tragically died from a heart attack at just 39 years old. He was unable to return to mainstream studio films and many argue that his death was due in part to his career downturn.

As one of the first child stars in Hollywood, Shirley Temple became a household name at a young age. Her films such as “Heidi” were a success in the 1930s. Talented beyond her years, Temple was especially prolific before she was even a teenager. She phased out of film acting in the 1940s during her teen years and largely retired from cinema by her 20s. After some TV work, the actress turned to business ventures and even diplomatic positions. Her prestigious jobs included being the US ambassador to countries such as Czechoslovakia. While she didn’t finish her career on screen, she definitely made a lasting impression in many other arenas.

Before her journey to America, Hedy Lamarr starred in the controversial film “Ecstasy.” She would go on to appear in movies like “Algiers” after transitioning to Hollywood. During the 1930s and early 1940s, she became a known actress opposite the greatest stars of the day. This didn’t stop her from partaking in several hobbies outside the industry including scientific invention. Her contributions to engineering included a breakthrough in radio technology for military use in WWII. And, by the end of the 1950s, the performer stepped away from acting altogether. Lamarr might not always get the proper recognition for her cinematic work, but she does have a spot in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Randolph Scott
This Western Icon Worked Until the Early 1960s Before Retiring From the Entertainment Business

Clara Bow
Known as an “It Girl,” the Actress Was a Massive Star in the 1920s Before Her Retirement

Mickey Rooney
With Roots as a Child Star, This Box-Office Draw Aged Out of His Most Successful Roles

Jane Russell
After Starring in Classics Like “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” Russell Explored Music & TV

Mae West
This Provocative Star Moved Away From Films to Pursue a Nightclub Act & Writing

In a career spanning from the silent era to sound films, Greta Garbo was a major draw in the 1920s and 1930s. Her expressive face earned her starring roles at MGM. Famous for dramas, Garbo later spread her wings as a comedic presence in the acclaimed comedy “Ninotchka.” By the ‘40s, however, she was no longer receiving the same amount of attention for her projects. She retired in her mid-30s and never returned to the screen. The actress has since been considered among the best performers of her generation. Ranking high on AFI’s list of the greatest female stars, she also received an honorary Oscar for her amazing work in film.