Why Frankie Muniz Says Leaving Hollywood Saved His Life

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Frankie Muniz has already heard or understood your question about his Hollywood break, so there’s no need for you to ask it again.

In readiness for his return to the public spotlight following the upcoming revival of “Malcolm in the Middle,” the actor looked back at the past two decades during which he pursued NASCAR instead of acting.

Frankie expressed gratitude in an interview with US Weekly on September 3, stating that stepping back was fortunate as it enabled him to cherish life more. With his wife Paige Muniz and their 4-year-old son Mauz, he found that this pause allowed him to explore new opportunities and gain self-awareness.

To be truthful, at the age of 39, he openly acknowledged that he took roughly 60 days off from work between the ages of 8 and 21. Moving to Arizona offered him a fresh start, distancing himself from the fame of his childhood.

In his words, “I wasn’t fond of Los Angeles, but once I relocated to Arizona, I found a place I truly cherish. It’s as if Arizona breathed new life into me, helping me appreciate even the smallest pleasures of existence.

Apart from racing, Frankie also enjoyed engaging in everyday activities in Arizona such as hiking and visiting the grocery store. He expressed that he did so “simply because it was convenient.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but resonate with Frankie’s reflections. Though he seems to appreciate the benefits of living away from the limelight these days, he unwaveringly maintains that he wouldn’t alter a single aspect of his upbringing amidst the public gaze.

He confessed that he’s only familiar with his own experiences. People would often question him about missing out on prom, but he wouldn’t feel sad since he was spending time at the Playboy Mansion instead.

The actor who played Agent Cody Banks highlighted that he would never give up the opportunity to interact with Amanda Bynes, Hilary Duff, and other popular stars from the 2000s, as he also mentioned that it was a privilege to be involved in some exciting experiences.

In his eager anticipation of reprising his intelligent character, Frankie is equally excited about working alongside Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, and Justin Berfield once more.

As he put of where he stands now in his career, “I’m in the best spot possible.”

Keep reading for more stars who have opened up on leaving Hollywood… 

The popular talk show “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, concluded in 2022 following a 19-season run due to allegations of a harmful work environment. These claims led to an internal investigation, dismissals of several executives, and a wave of public criticism.

After this, in September 2024, Ellen made her return to the entertainment world with her final standup comedy special titled “For Your Approval,” streamed on Netflix. Prior to its release, she announced that she would be retiring from Hollywood altogether.

She informed her audience during her ‘Ellen’s Last Stand…Up’ tour, as reported by SFGate, that this would be her final appearance. Following her Netflix special, she plans to retire.”

The couple, Ellen and Portia de Rossi, have since moved to England following Donald Trump’s reelection, a fact confirmed by Ellen to broadcaster Richard Bacon in July 2025.

One of the factors that prompted the host of America’s Next Top Model to relocate to Australia was her desire to oversee her ice cream brand more effectively. In an episode of Today with Jenna & Friends in April 2025, Tyra explained, “I have this company, SMiZE and Dream, which has primarily been business-to-business, supplying ice cream on airplanes and cruises. However, we’ve been producing a significant amount of our ice cream in Australia at a large facility, following our recipes. I simply fell in love with it each time I returned.” She was content there because she recognized that the market was advantageous for her business. “The countries that consume the most ice cream,” she added, “are America, New Zealand, and Australia.” Consequently, Tyra moved to Australia along with her son York, who is the child of her ex Erik Asla, and her boyfriend Louis Bélanger-Martin. She expressed that Australia had been a fulfillment of her dreams for herself and her family.

After spending a considerable amount of time on Wisteria Lane as Desperate Housewives’ star, she has since moved to a new location in real life. Eva expressed her feelings about leaving Los Angeles in November 2024, saying, “I had lived here my whole adult life, but it was changing even before the pandemic. The atmosphere shifted, and then Covid happened, making it all worse. Despite not wanting to criticize California, it seems like this phase of my life has come to an end now.”

For several years, Eva, her husband José Bastón, and their son Santiago have split their time between Mexico and Spain. She acknowledged her privileged situation: “I’m fortunate enough to leave and go somewhere. Most Americans aren’t so lucky; they’ll be stuck in this troubled country, and my feelings of worry and sadness are for them.”

Eva clarified that her decision to move wasn’t driven by President Trump’s re-election but rather her work commitments: “I didn’t leave because of the political climate. Instead, I left due to my work taking me there since Land of Women-working six months in Catalonia, then four months in Mexico for Searching for Mexico, followed by returning to Spain. Now I’ve been here for years, so I don’t like that it’s politicized.”

Since her relocation, Eva has remained active, with recent roles in Only Murders in the Building and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip.

The actor, Richard, shared on a November 2024 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that he and his wife, Alejandra Silva who is from Galicia, Spain, have been in the U.S. for about seven years. However, they are planning to move to Madrid, Spain, as a family, which includes their sons Alexander and James, as well as Richard’s adult son Homer from his previous relationship with Carey Lowell. Richard mentioned that the move will benefit their bilingual children and that the whole family is looking forward to flourishing in Spain, as they are currently happier than ever.

Christina, who is married to French singer Matt Pokora, shared on The Jennifer Hudson Show in November 2024 that they had been commuting between the US and France every six months for several years. However, they made the decision to permanently relocate to Paris so their children – Violet from her former marriage with The-Dream, and sons Isaiah and Kenna from her union with Matt – could attend school in France. Now, life seems wonderful for the family, as Christina shared that her kids are happy in Paris, are learning French, and she enjoys an active daytime lifestyle while also having time to work due to the time difference.

After growing tired of speculation surrounding her departure from Los Angeles, Lindsay clarified her reasons. Reflecting on her busy career and the social scene of the 2000s, she expressed feelings of frustration over how her work was often overshadowed by media attention. In an interview with Bustle in March 2024, she stated, ‘I felt my work got overshadowed by paparazzi and such when I was younger, and that’s quite annoying.’ The Parent Trap alum further added, ‘I wish that part didn’t happen. It seemed to take on a life of its own. So, I decided to step back from the limelight. I thought, ‘Unless there’s no story here, they won’t focus solely on my work.'” Lindsay subsequently relocated, first to London and then Dubai, and also opened beach clubs in Greece. Yet, there was another reason she sought solace away from the public eye.

Initially, she pondered, “Might I never experience love? Could this dream remain unfulfilled?” The actress continued. However, it was simply spending time on self-discovery that eventually led to opportunities arising and affirmative responses – the instances she longed to respond positively to.

Notably, Lindsay later found love with Bader Shammas, tying the knot in 2022 and becoming parents to son Luai the subsequent year.

They currently reside in Dubai, but the star of Freaky Friday hasn’t entirely abandoned her Hollywood journey. She has continued acting, appearing in movies like Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and even a revival titled Freakier Friday.

For Josh, his decision to depart from Hollywood came following a period of introspection. He expressed that Hollywood represents more than just a location; it’s a certain mindset where conversations about the film industry dominate, leading to a life with limited diversity. In contrast, he yearned for engagement with individuals pursuing a variety of interests, as he believed this would broaden his perspectives and enrich his life.

Consequently, Josh, along with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children, relocated to the Hampshire countryside in England. He explained that time seems to fly by with four children to care for, but the significant moments become more pronounced. Despite this move, Josh has managed to stay active in his career, securing roles in projects like “Verity,” “Fight or Flight,” and “Trap.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as:

“If you haven’t been following along, here’s an update on the life of Jesse – the star of ‘A Real Pain’. In a recent interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, he shared that he’s spent the last decade spending time in Indiana rather than LA. He admits that it’s where he feels most at ease, finding the entertainment industry to be somewhat unstable for his preferences.

Contrary to his Oscar-nominated status, Jesse leads a simple life with his wife Anna Strout and their son Banner. Unlike many in the limelight, Jesse has chosen to stay away from social media and constant communication with industry peers. As a result, he maintains a personal life that feels distinctly separate from Hollywood’s relentless focus on status and popularity.

Following stints in popular productions like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Bring It On” from the year 2000, Eliza announced in September 2024 that she had gained certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy and was continuing her education in the field of mental health care.

She shared with Boston Magazine that she discovered a path in life where she could concentrate on healing herself to better aid others. It’s important for her to express now the change, the tranquility, and the fervor she feels about this journey. This is undeniably her true vocation, her true destiny.

In January 2025, the actress known for her role in The Flintstones announced that she and her youngest son, Clay, had relocated to Ireland. She’s currently working towards obtaining Irish citizenship as her ancestors are from this European nation. Although Rosie mentioned recent political changes as the reason behind their move, she didn’t completely dismiss the possibility of going back home someday.

In a TikTok video, she expressed her longing for her children, friends, and the comforts of home life, stating that she’s currently trying to establish a new home here in this lovely country. She added that once all citizens in America enjoy equal rights, they might think about returning.

Actress who stars in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” has decided to temporarily step away from her acting career following two decades in the film industry.

In a post shared on Instagram in June 2024, Evangeline expressed her overwhelming sense of joy and contentment. She feels incredibly thankful for the blessings she’s received. Although choosing a path other than wealth and fame can be intimidating at times, embracing one’s life purpose or dharma swaps fear with a deep sense of satisfaction.

Instead, she’s not definitively closing the door on a possible return to Hollywood. Yet, she emphasized, “While I may eventually return to Hollywood, for now, I feel at home here.

Previously from “The Vampire Diaries,” the actor hasn’t taken on a new character since the 2019 Netflix series V-Wars. Instead, he has focused more intensely on a personal endeavor, namely his crusade to combat climate change by enhancing global soil health.

Approximately four years ago, I took a break from acting to focus on my family and business endeavors, as well as bringing those films to light, Ian mentioned during an interview with TopMob News in November 2023. He is a father of two with Nikki Reed, and he was referring to launching the 2020 documentary “Kiss the Ground” and its sequel “Common Ground.” These documentaries highlight the importance of regenerative farming.

Speaking about the future, the actor expressed, “In the years ahead, I envision myself as a rancher and creating enduring brands, be it my bourbon or health and wellness business. Sustainable farming practices like regenerative agriculture and soil management will be integral to this lifestyle, one that our family already follows. That’s the direction my life is headed in. This is why I take an interest, because this is who I am and what I aspire to be.

In a February 2021 episode of her podcast “Empty Inside”, the former iCarly star revealed to guest Anna Faris that she ceased acting several years ago and now devotes her time to ventures in writing, directing, as well as hosting the podcast.

In my personal journey with acting, I’ve found myself regretting the roles I took up earlier in my career. As I pour out my thoughts in my 2022 memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” I express a deep resentment towards my career path. The roles I played felt incredibly unsatisfying to me, and I often cringe at their cheesy, embarrassing nature. From the age of 13 to 21, I was part of various shows, and by 15, I was already feeling a sense of embarrassment about them. My peers at 15 didn’t react with admiration, saying ‘Oh, cool, you’re on this Nickelodeon show.’ Instead, it felt more like an awkward moment for me.

Although she hasn’t completely ruled out a return to acting, her recent statements suggest that writing a book might have opened up a possibility for her to reconsider acting without carrying the heavy burden from her past. In an interview with TopMob News in October 2022, she mentioned that writing something specifically for herself could potentially be the key for her to attempt acting again.

This seemed almost inevitably appealing. If we had the chance to unite with Prince Harry, devote our life to charitable endeavors that resonate deeply with us, and acquire access to the Queen’s magnificent collection of tiaras, saying goodbye to Hollywood might not be such a hard decision.

By following a similar journey to that of Grace Kelly, who transitioned from Hollywood to the Principality of Monaco, Meghan Markle left behind her residence in Toronto, along with her prominent role on Suits, for a new life within The Firm. However, after relinquishing their senior positions and settling in Montecito, California, she has been gradually re-entering the entertainment industry through ventures like their multi-year production deal with Netflix.

The Duchess of Sussex has since introduced her 2022 documentary series Harry & Meghan, along with her 2025 lifestyle program With Love, Meghan, on the streaming platform. She has also ventured into podcasts and established her brand As Ever.

Since her first appearance in “The Mask” back in 1994, she has starred in more than 40 films. After completing the shooting of “Annie” in 2014, it was well past time for her to take a much-needed break from acting.

She told her friend Gwyneth Paltrow that she had recently chosen to pursue different aspirations in life. She had been pushing herself extremely hard for a long time, working and making films, which felt exhausting. While filming a movie, it’s as if the production company has control over you, requiring 12 hours of your day for months on end, leaving no time for personal matters.

Apart from delving deeper into writing – having published “The Body Book” in 2013 and following it with “The Longevity Book” in 2016 – Cameron also embarked on family life with her husband, Benji Madden. However, as she shared with InStyle in 2019, she currently has no longing for performing. Yet, there might be a possibility that she could reconsider and make a comeback at least once.

Jamie Foxx pleaded earnestly with TopMob News about persuading Cameron Diaz to star in the 2025 Netflix film ‘Back in Action’. He expressed his admiration for her, stating that they have long waited for her return, and he believes this project will be extraordinary.

In simpler terms, after spending five years on Empire, the actor made it clear that there would be no additional performances or extensions beyond his current run. When asked about his future plans during an interview before the sixth and final season of Empire in 2019, he stated emphatically that he was retiring from acting and was done with pretending roles.

Despite rejoining film projects on a few occasions, the Oscar nominee expressed his intentions to retire from acting once more during the promotion of his Peacock series, “The Best Man: The Final Chapters,” in 2022. He shared with ET that he has reached a stage where he believes he has given his best as an actor. Now, he is enjoying witnessing fresh talent emerge and doesn’t wish to mimic himself.

Regardless of the previous comments, however, Howard has made further appearances in several television shows and films. Notably, he was part of the TV series titled “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” and the Netflix film “Shirley”. Furthermore, there are numerous projects awaiting him in the future.

After King Joffrey’s unexpected, purple-hued demise in 2014, the then 21-year-old actor confided in EW that he was quitting acting. “I’ve been acting since I was eight years old,” Jack Gleeson, the star of Game of Thrones, clarified, stating that he no longer found joy in it as he once did.

Jack explained, “Once a child actor, now the novelty has faded slightly. Before, it was simply a pastime shared with friends or a summertime diversion. But now there’s the possibility of making a career out of it. While I still appreciate it, when you turn something into your livelihood, it shifts your connection to it. It’s not that I dislike it; it’s just not my desired path.

Following a hiatus of six years, he was eager to resume his acting career and reclaim his throne. In 2020, he joined the cast of BBC’s series “Out of Her Mind.” Since then, Jack has been seen in movies such as “Rebecca’s Boyfriend” and “In the Land of Saints and Sinners,” as well as TV shows like “Safe Harbor” and “The Famous Five.

In September 2020, during a virtual table read for the movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” Jennifer Aniston, who played the dream girl in the original film, got married to actor Kevin Kline. They tied the knot in 1989 and decided that they would take turns working so as not to be occupied simultaneously, thus ensuring proper care for their children, son Owen and daughter Greta (now known by her stage name Frankie Cosmos).

In contrast, when it’s Phoebe’s scheduled work time, she often decides to stay with the children instead. Despite making an appearance in Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 independent film “The Anniversary Party,” Cates primarily dedicates her time to managing her New York City store, Blue Tree.

During the peak of his popularity with movies like “Ghostbusters” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” the actor from the ’80s took a break from filmmaking not too long after his wife lost her life to breast cancer in 1991. He shifted his focus toward raising his children Rachel and Mitchell instead.

Despite not taking on a live-action movie role since 1997, even turning down an appearance in Paul Feig’s 2016 Ghostbusters remake, Rick has continued to be cherished as a cultural legend. This is demonstrated by the public outcry over reports of his assault while walking in New York City in 2020. Fortunately, there’s exciting news for fans: He’ll be back on screen alongside Josh Gad in the upcoming Disney remake, Shrunk.

After marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010, the prominent actress from “Never Been Kissed” seemed to suggest a potential retreat from acting. In an interview with Vogue, she expressed her reservations about many acting roles requiring intimate scenes with others, stating, “I don’t wish to engage in such intense sexual content.” She further elaborated that acting is like playing with a strange and powerful fire, and while her relationship could endure it, there should be something extraordinary awaiting on the other side before walking through such flames.

Her resolve became firm when her son Martin followed his older sister Louisanna in 2014. In a 2016 event, she told Us Weekly, “I no longer engage with movie matters. I’m entirely out of that scene now! I am simply a mother and an observer.” She added that she assists Kimmel with his business and paints in her spare time. “I am solely focused on my children,” she explained, “and that’s the primary reason why I ceased to be involved.

She had watched Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and ultimately Scandal. At this point, the Australian decided it might be time for her to make a change.

As I found myself at the brink of my mid-forties, a sense of curiosity stirred within me – was there an uncharted territory I could conquer that would offer a thrilling departure from the familiar? Pondering this question on Ellen DeGeneres’ renowned talk show in 2018, I realized that the next decade or two of acting scenarios had begun to feel somewhat predictable. So, I made the bold decision to hang up my acting hat and venture into entrepreneurship instead.

Her consumer-oriented business, named General Public, was still a work in progress, with only one item left to complete.

I reached out to Mitch Hurwitz, the mastermind behind “Arrested Development,” and shared my decision not to act in a potential season 5 due to my retirement from acting. He showed empathy and fully comprehended my situation. We had an enjoyable chat, and afterward, he found a way to include me in five episodes.

As a devoted admirer, I find myself reflecting upon the remarkable achievements of this esteemed actor who, after winning three Academy Awards, has now been nominated for his sixth Oscar for his last film, “Phantom Thread” in 2017. Recently, his representatives announced that he has decided to retire from acting. Despite my own surprise, I appreciate his gratitude towards his collaborators and audience over the years. This decision is a personal one and both he and his team have chosen to remain silent on the matter moving forward.

As a dedicated follower, I found myself thrust back into the spotlight when, after believing I had moved on, my son, Ronan Day-Lewis, invited me to collaborate on his latest project, “Anemone”. In October 2024, this exciting news was announced by Focus Features, confirming that I would not only star in but also co-write and direct alongside my talented son.

In 2018, the actress best known for her role on “Good Luck Charlie” decided to step away from the limelight and instead focused on furthering her education. She completed a master’s degree at MIT and went on to earn a PhD from the same institution. Additionally, she enrolled in Harvard Law School.

Furthermore, not only did Bridgit establish her company, Northwood Space, last year, but it’s focused on creating ground-based satellite stations for transmitting and receiving data from space. She was appointed as its CEO in February 2023.

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2025-09-03 17:18