Top 20 Actors Who Quit Acting During Their Peak

#20: Ariana Richards

Even before a breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s epic disaster hit, “Jurassic Park,” 12-year-old Ariana Richards was several years into her acting career. But by the end of the 90s, she had stepped back from acting. Outside of a couple of appearances in sequels to the movies she starred in, Richards stopped acting outside of a brief return in a 2013 TV movie. Speaking to Interview Magazine in 2011, she didn’t describe leaving Hollywood as a choice so much that she was more called to visual art. With brief forays into music, Richards’ creative output has been largely confined to a successful career as an artist.

#19: Leelee Sobieski

Not only did she appear in several 90s and early 2000s blockbusters, but this former child star also has the distinction of being in some truly beloved cult classics. Leelee Sobieski was a major part of movies like “Never Been Kissed,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” and “Deep Impact.” By the end of the 2000s, she was working far less. Her major acting credits end after 2012. Sobieski says she retired from acting to focus more on her family. Citing her discomfort with on-screen intimacy with co-stars, she doesn’t seem to regret the decision to leave acting behind at all.

#18: Phoebe Cates

After her appearance in the raucous teen comedy “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” she became a sex symbol for the 1980s. But Phoebe Cates’ Hollywood career was relatively short-lived. After finding her start in modeling, appearances in high-profile, youth-oriented movies where her body was on full display, she became a star. Although she was able to showcase legitimate acting chops on stage and in movies like “Gremlins,” Cates retired to raise her children with her husband, fellow actor Kevin Kline. Outside of one acting role in 2001, her last major film credit was in 1994’s “Princess Caraboo.”

#17: Bridget Fonda

A third-generation movie star, the daughter of Peter, niece of Jane, and granddaughter of Henry, Bridget Fonda’s place in Hollywood was all but guaranteed at birth. Her capable presence and California blonde beauty made her a natural on-screen. After roles in a series of incredibly popular '90s movies, Fonda left acting in 2002. Marrying Tim Burton’s favorite composer, Danny Elfman, she chose instead to focus on raising their children. Fonda’s relative scarceness in the public eye is notable. She doesn’t seem to even have the slightest interest in living a public life.

#16: Doris Day

Despite being one of the defining stars of the 1950s, the squeaky-clean musical comedienne actually continued her success into the volatile, countercultural 1960s. As the star of rom-coms like “Pillow Talk” and “That Touch of Mink,” her movie success actually translated to TV stardom during this turbulent moment. Doris Day pulled the plug on her acting career after 1973. The rat race of Hollywood couldn’t beat the peace and tranquility of a quieter life in the country. Day passed away in 2019 at the age of 97. She devoted the latter half of her life to animal rights activism.

#15: Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen

America watched the Olsen twins grow up in front of the camera. From the time they could barely crawl, they were front and center on “Full House.” Even before the show ended, they began a prolific career in movies and TV, becoming a brand unto themselves. They ended on top, as two of the wealthiest, most successful performers in the entertainment business. They made their final together, “New York Minute,” in 2004. Since then, they’ve both found even more success in the world of fashion. Their luxury brand, The Row, has been going strong since 2006.

#14: Jennette McCurdy

The multi-talented actress, singer, and writer became known for her work on Nickelodeon. Jennette McCurdy retired from her acting career in 2018, which she had only begun at the behest of her mother. She set about forging a career as a writer. The result was her 2022 blockbusting memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” In it, she detailed the complicated and traumatic experience of being a child star in an abusive home. Though she doesn’t act anymore, McCurdy hasn’t totally left the entertainment industry behind. The former star of “iCarly” and “Sam & Cat” has since adapted her life story for TV.

#13: Brendan Fraser

When he won his Oscar for “The Whale” in 2023, it was the climax of a modern-day comeback story. But Brendan Fraser’s departure from Hollywood had been pretty mysterious for many years. A major star of the 1990s and early 2000s, Fraser quietly stepped back from his acting career. Health issues, diminishing box office returns, and a reported assault by Hollywood Foreign Press Association President Philip Berk contributed to his decision to step back. The truth did not surface until a 2018 interview with GQ. Since returning to acting full-time, Fraser has enjoyed a surge of public goodwill and awards attention.

#12: Amanda Bynes

Much has been revealed about the early days of Nickelodeon and its young stars. Amanda Bynes had already stepped away from taking new roles before her personal troubles became a social media talking point. Her last film was 2010’s “Easy A” alongside a then-up-and-coming Emma Stone. She announced soon after that she was on hiatus. A long period of highly-publicized legal and mental health struggles followed. Although she expressed interest in returning to her former profession in 2018, that never came to pass. Hopefully, if and when she returns, it’s when she’s up to it.

#11: Greta Garbo

In the late 1920s, this enigmatic Swedish actress came to America and became MGM’s biggest star. Her box office power allowed her to essentially write her own contract. However, she was always hesitant to live a public life. She was still a screen legend when her 1941 comedy, “Two-Faced Woman,” flopped, but it proved to be her last completed film. A combination of stage fright, lack of desire, and the changes the film business underwent during the Second World War led Garbo to leave her stardom behind. She lived in retirement as a semi-recluse for almost fifty years before her passing in 1990.

#10: Rick Moranis

Rick Moranis starred in some of the most beloved comedies of the ‘80s, including “Ghostbusters,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” He also worked steadily in the ‘90s. However, after starring in “Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves,” Moranis took a long hiatus from live-action roles. Moranis' wife, costume designer Ann Belsky had passed away in 1991. According to Moranis, he decided to step away from acting to focus on raising his children. His career since has mostly been voiceover work. However, Moranis is set to reprise his role as Dark Helmet in “Spaceballs 2.” It’ll be good to see him again, even if he’s hidden under a helmet.

#9: Frankie Muniz

It’s not every actor who could star in a TV show before they’re able to drive, but Frankie Muniz pulled it off. As the lead character on “Malcolm in the Middle,” Muniz demonstrated his acting skills and grew up before millions of viewers. During his run on the show, he also starred in successful comedies like “Big Fat Liar” and “Agent Cody Banks.” But when “Malcolm” ended, it seems Muniz’s interest in acting did as well. While he's had a few roles in films and TV, Muniz has focused his attention largely on car racing as well as various business ventures like purchasing a store in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife. Despite taking fewer acting jobs, Muniz signed on to revisit Malcolm in a miniseries.

#8: Shirley Temple

It’s rare you hear of actors retiring at age 22. But not many child stars have careers as eventful as Shirley Temple. For a period in the 30s, Temple was arguably the biggest star in Hollywood, child or otherwise. During the Great Depression, audiences flocked to see heartwarming films starring Temple, such as “Baby Take a Bow” and “Curly Top.” But as Temple grew up, her popularity declined. Unable to shake off her child star associations, Temple left acting in 1950. She didn't leave the public eye, however. Temple turned her attention to politics, running for Congress and serving as a United States Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. Just think, we could’ve had “President Shirley Temple.”

#7: Kal Penn

Kal Penn is another actor who entered the world of politics, but that’s pretty much where the similarities between him and Shirley Temple end. Some of Penn’s most notable roles include raunchy comedies like the “Harold & Kumar” films and “Van Wilder” and medical drama “House.” In 2009, Penn became Principal Associate Editor for the Office of Public Engagement for President Barack Obama's White House. He was also a key part of Obama's bid for re-election. Penn has since returned to acting, but he's still passionate about politics. Maybe "Harold & Kumar Go to Congress" could be next?

#6: Mara Wilson

In the 90s, it seemed like Mara Wilson was everywhere. While she only made a few movies, the ones she was in left a big impression, especially on younger viewers. Wilson shone in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and in the titular role in “Matilda,” showing wisdom beyond her age. After the 90s, Wilson stepped away from film work and focused on theatrical productions. She also graduated from New York University and became a writer. Wilson has since appeared onscreen as an adult, appearing on shows like "Broad City'' and "Bojack Horseman," as well as various web series. But her days of acting in movies seem to be over for good.

#5: Debra Winger

Debra Winger lit up the screen in the ‘80s, receiving back-to-back Best Actress nominations for “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “Terms of Endearment.” But in 1995, Winger opted to step away from acting in films for a while. She went six years without making a movie, returning in 2001 for a film directed by her husband, Arliss Howard. Since then, Winger has starred on series like "The Ranch" and "Patriot" and appeared in movies like "Rachel Getting Married." Explaining her break from acting in a 2002 interview, Winger said she “wanted out for years.” We’re glad she put herself first, and that she returned to both the big and small screen.

#4: Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman’s acting career had spanned decades and earned him two Oscars when he decided to retire, but he still had plenty of onscreen power. The actor made five movies in 2001 alone, including an acclaimed role as a patriarch in “The Royal Tenenbaums.” But his last on-screen role was in the critically panned comedy "Welcome to Mooseport." In 2008, Hackman said he was done with acting for good. Since then, Hackman narrated a couple of documentaries and published multiple novels before passing away in 2025.

#3: Cameron Diaz

Wanna talk about lucky breaks? Cameron Diaz’s very first film role was in the comedy smash “The Mask,” and many more hits followed. Diaz’s girl-next-door charisma and willingness to embarrass herself help boost comedies like “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” “There’s Something About Mary,” and “Charlie’s Angels.” She’s also made successful ventures into dramatic films, such as “Being John Malkovich,” “Gangs of New York,” and “Vanilla Sky.” After playing Miss Hannigan in the 2014 version of "Annie," Diaz went on an acting hiatus. Diaz stayed busy, publishing multiple books on health and starting an organic wine brand. As of 2025, she’s back in action on the film front.

#2: Daniel Day-Lewis

For a while, whenever Daniel Day-Lewis released a movie, it was like an event. The three-time Best Actor winning is famous for his unwavering commitment to his roles, which includes staying in character throughout shooting. In films like "My Left Foot," "There Will Be Blood," and "Lincoln," he makes you forget there's anyone but his character on the screen. He's also notoriously selective, going years without releasing any films. After finishing filming fashion drama “Phantom Thread” in 2017, Day-Lewis announced he was done with acting for good. Of course, he had previously retired in the 90s before returning. He came out of retirement again in 2025 to star in “Anemone,” which his son Ronan directed.

#1: Grace Kelly

Meghan Markle wasn’t the first actress to leave the entertainment industry for the royal life. Grace Kelly had a short but fruitful acting career in the ‘50s. Among her achievements were starring in three Alfred Hitchcock thrillers and winning the Academy Award for Best Actress. Upon marrying Rainier III, Prince of Monaco in 1956, Kelly stopped acting and became Princess of Monaco at age 26. As Princess, she supported and initiated many noble causes, including ones aimed at helping children around the world. She didn't stray completely from her entertainment roots, as she served on the board at 20th Century Fox. Kelly sadly died in a driving accident when she was 52, but she'll forever be remembered as an icon of poise, beauty, and grace.

Which of these do you want to see stage a major comeback the most? Let us know in the comments below!