Rachael Ray is not mincing her words.
After rumors spread that the celebrity chef was taking a break from work following the conclusion of her talk show, Rachael Ray, in 2023, she publicly responded to the speculation.
Rachael recently told US Weekly that she’s confused by the rumors. She emphasized that she’s a very hard worker and has consistently remained dedicated to her work.
Although she’s no longer on daytime TV, the 57-year-old, who has been married to John Cusimano since 2005, says she’s still very busy working on other projects.
She explained that she began writing immediately after leaving her daytime television job. She’s been writing and collaborating with friends on show production ever since, working constantly on both.
For Rachael, the narrative that she “disappeared” is confusing.
“I don’t know why people thought I left,” she posited. “I guess we did a crap job of promoting it.”
While continuing to work on shows like Rachael Ray in Tuscany and Rachael Ray’s Meals in Minutes, the celebrity chef stated she won’t let anyone’s expectations limit her progress.
She expressed how wonderful it is to still be valued in her 50s, but what really excites her is having partners like A+E Networks who are dedicated to helping her create the projects she’s passionate about and support the people she cares about. She feels incredibly grateful for where she is in life right now, believing she’s truly earned this level of fulfillment – both professionally and personally.
For decades, people have asked her if being a woman in her field made her feel inferior. She always responded that she never once felt that way.
Despite facing significant challenges, such as losing her home in a fire in 2020, Rachael remains determined to achieve her goals. In a 2023 interview with TopMob News, she shared, “I’ve been working in television for 30 years, and I’m continuing to move forward.”
Rachael is well-established in her career, but many other celebrities have chosen to leave Hollywood. Here’s a list of those who’ve done so…
After 19 seasons, The Ellen DeGeneres Show ended in 2022 following reports of a negative and harmful work environment. These reports led to an internal investigation, the firing of several producers, and significant public criticism.
Ellen DeGeneres recently returned to performing with her Netflix stand-up special, For Your Approval, released in September 2024. Before the special’s release, she announced her plans to leave Hollywood completely.
I was really surprised to hear Ellen say during her recent tour, ‘This is the last time you’re going to see me.’ Apparently, she plans to retire after her Netflix special. It makes a lot of sense now, knowing she and Portia actually moved to England back in November 2024. She confirmed this in an interview with Richard Bacon last July, and it seems like Donald Trump’s reelection was a big factor in their decision to relocate.
Tyra Banks, the host of America’s Next Top Model, decided to move to Australia partly to focus on her ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream. She explained on Today with Jenna & Friends that her business had been primarily supplying ice cream to places like airplanes and cruise ships, and she’d been traveling to Australia frequently to oversee production at a large facility there. She grew to love the country during her visits.
Banks also realized Australia was a promising market for her product, noting that the top three countries for ice cream consumption are the United States, New Zealand, and Australia.
Ultimately, she relocated to Australia with her son, York (whose father is her ex, Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, stating that Australia has been a wonderful experience for her and her family.
Eva Longoria, best known for her role on Desperate Housewives, has moved from Los Angeles and now splits her time between Mexico and Spain with her husband, José Bastón, and their son, Santiago. She explained to Marie Claire that while she spent her adult life in Los Angeles, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated that change. Issues like homelessness and high taxes contributed to her decision, though she doesn’t want to criticize California.
Longoria clarified in an interview on The View: Behind the Table that her move wasn’t politically motivated by President Trump’s election. It began with work opportunities – filming Land of Women in Catalonia, Searching for Mexico, and then returning to Spain – and evolved into a longer-term relocation. She feels fortunate to be able to leave the US, expressing anxiety and sadness for those who aren’t as lucky.
Despite the move, Longoria remains busy with her career, recently appearing in Only Murders in the Building and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip.
Actor Richard Gere has relocated from Chicago to Spain with his family. He explained on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that his wife, Alejandra Silva, who is from Galicia, encouraged the move, and they plan to live in Madrid for several years. Gere is excited about the opportunity for their young sons, Alexander and James, to thrive in a bilingual environment. He also has an adult son, Homer, with his ex-wife, Carey Lowell. The family seems to be enjoying the change. In an interview with Elle España, Gere shared that they are happier than ever and are really embracing this new chapter in their lives.
Singer Christina Milian and her family have officially made Paris their home. Married to French singer Matt Pokora for over seven years, the couple previously spent half the year commuting between the U.S. and France. They decided to fully relocate so their children – Violet (from a previous marriage), and sons Isaiah and Kenna – could attend school in France. Milian feels it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to learn the language and experience a new culture. The family seems to be thriving in Paris, with Milian noting her children are happy and she’s enjoying a healthy work-life balance, taking advantage of the daytime for an active lifestyle and working ahead of schedule at night. She shared this update in interviews with The Jennifer Hudson Show and TopMob in late 2024.
Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by the ongoing speculation surrounding her decision to leave Los Angeles. Looking back on her busy career and social life in the 2000s, she recently explained her reasons for stepping away from the spotlight. In a March 2024 interview with Bustle, she said she felt her work was often overshadowed by the constant attention of the paparazzi, which was frustrating. She wished the focus had remained on her career and felt the media frenzy took on a life of its own, ultimately driving her desire to disappear and live a more private life. While she moved to London and then Dubai, and even opened beach clubs in Greece, a desire for a life away from the constant media scrutiny was a major factor in her decision.
Lindsay Lohan once worried she might never find love, questioning if it would ever happen for her. She realized that taking time to focus on herself was key to opening up new possibilities and receiving opportunities she truly wanted.
She eventually found love with Bader Shammas, marrying him in 2022 and welcoming their son, Luai, in 2023.
Though they currently live in Dubai, Lindsay hasn’t left acting behind. She’s continued to appear in films like Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.
Josh decided to leave Hollywood after some careful thought. He explained to People magazine in July 2024 that Hollywood isn’t just a location, but a whole way of life. He wanted to avoid being surrounded by people constantly focused on the movie industry, fearing it would limit his perspective. He longed for a more diverse environment where he could grow in different ways, calling that ‘the spice of life.’
So, Josh, along with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children, moved to the countryside of Hampshire, England. He told The Guardian in July 2024 that time flies by with a large family, and while life might seem simpler, it allows more room for what truly matters. Despite the move, Josh has remained active in his career, appearing in films like Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap.
If you don’t follow Jesse on social media, you might be surprised to learn he no longer lives in Los Angeles. In a February 2025 interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, the star of A Real Pain revealed he’s lived in Indiana for the past ten years, finding it a more comfortable and stable environment. Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse lives a relatively normal life with his wife, Anna Strout, and their son, Banner. He explained that he avoids social media and doesn’t spend much time networking within the industry, which helps him maintain a sense of separation from it. His wife is a teacher, and his son isn’t even much of a movie watcher, further distancing him from the pressures of Hollywood and the need to constantly evaluate his standing within the industry.
Eliza, known for her roles in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the movie Bring It On (released in 2000), announced in September 2024 that she’s now a certified psychedelic-assisted therapist and is continuing her education to become a mental health professional.
Honestly, hearing her talk about finally finding her path just gets me. She realized she could actually focus on getting better herself, so she could then help other people heal, and it’s just… everything. She said she had to share how much she’s changed, how peaceful and passionate she feels, because it’s so obvious – this isn’t just a job, it’s truly what she’s meant to do. It’s her calling, her purpose, and I feel it in my soul!
The actress best known for playing in The Flintstones shared that she relocated to Ireland in January 2025 with her son, Clay, and is working to become an Irish citizen because of her family’s heritage. While she mentioned recent political events as a factor in her decision to move, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to her home country in the future.
In a TikTok video, she shared that she misses her children, her friends, and many aspects of her life back home. She’s now focusing on building a new life in her current country, and the family will think about returning to America once it’s safe and everyone has equal rights.
Oh my gosh, I’m absolutely devastated! Evangeline Lily, my queen, has announced she’s stepping away from acting… indefinitely! After twenty years of giving us incredible performances, she’s taking a break. I’m so sad to see her go, even if it’s just for a while, but I totally respect her needing to do what’s right for her. It’s just…no more Hope van Dyne for now? My heart!
In a June 2024 Instagram post, Evangeline shared how happy and at peace she feels while pursuing her dreams. She expressed gratitude for her life and explained that while choosing a path less focused on money and recognition can be daunting, living in alignment with her true purpose brings a deep sense of satisfaction instead of fear.
She’s not ruling out a return to Hollywood completely, saying, “I could see myself going back someday, but right now, I’m happy where I am.”
Okay, so it’s been way too long since I’ve seen Paul Wesley as a character I can obsess over – seriously, it was that Netflix show, V-Wars, back in 2019! But honestly? I’m kind of obsessed with what he’s been up to instead of acting. He’s totally dedicated himself to this amazing mission to fight climate change, and it’s all about… soil! He’s really digging in (pun intended!) to find ways to improve the world’s soil, and I just think it’s incredible. It’s like, yes, I miss seeing him be a character, but I’m even more impressed by the real-life hero he’s become!
Ian, who has two children with his wife Nikki Reed, took a break from acting over four years ago to focus on raising his family and developing his businesses. He was also working to release two documentaries – Kiss the Ground (2020) and its sequel, Common Ground – both of which highlight the importance of regenerative farming. He shared this with TopMob News in November 2023.
Looking ahead, the actor said he plans to become a rancher and focus on building lasting brands, including his bourbon and wellness company. He’s deeply committed to sustainable farming and healthy soil practices, which are central to his and his family’s lifestyle. He explained that this is his long-term vision and the reason behind his passions, stating, ‘That’s who I am, and that’s what I’m working towards.’
In a February 2021 episode of her podcast, Empty Inside, former iCarly star Jennette McCurdy shared with guest Anna Faris that she had stopped acting a few years prior. She’s now pursuing writing and directing, alongside hosting the podcast.
Jennette recently shared that she regrets many of the acting roles she took earlier in her career, detailing these feelings in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. She explained that she often feels dissatisfied with her work, describing the parts as cheesy and embarrassing. Having started on shows around age 13 and continuing until 21, she was already self-conscious about her career by age 15, feeling it wasn’t something her friends were impressed by.
She hasn’t ruled out returning to acting completely. In an interview with TopMob News in October 2022, she explained that writing her book helped her consider acting in a new light, potentially without the negative experiences from her past. She thinks she might be open to it again if she were to write a role specifically for herself.
It seemed like a pretty easy decision. The chance to marry Prince Harry, devote ourselves to causes we care about, and wear the Queen’s tiaras would make leaving Hollywood completely worthwhile.
As a long-time admirer, I’ve always been fascinated by the parallels between Meghan and Grace Kelly – both traded Hollywood for royal life! Meghan left her home in Toronto and her successful role on Suits to join the Royal Family, but now that she and Harry are independent and living in California, she’s starting to build a new career. I’ve been so excited to see her work! She’s already released the docuseries Harry & Meghan on Netflix, and there’s a lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, coming out in 2025. Plus, she’s launched a podcast and her own brand, As Ever – it’s wonderful to see her pursuing her passions again.
After starring in over 40 films since she began her career with 1994’s The Mask, the actress really needed a rest when she finished filming Annie in 2014.
She told Gwyneth Paltrow that she realized she wanted a different lifestyle. After years of intense work and filmmaking, she felt burned out. She explained that making a movie is incredibly demanding—it requires long hours, often 12 a day for months, leaving no room for anything else in her life.
Cameron Diaz had many interests she wanted to pursue, including writing—she followed up her popular 2013 book, The Body Book, with The Longevity Book in 2016—and starting a family with her husband, Benji Madden. Although she told InStyle in 2019 that she didn’t miss acting and was focused on wellness, it seemed she might be open to returning for at least one more project.
Jamie Foxx explained that convincing Cameron Diaz to star in the 2025 Netflix movie Back in Action involved a lot of pleading. “We were practically begging her to do it,” he told TopMob News, adding, “We all love her and have been waiting for her to return – it’s going to be amazing.”
The actor stated firmly that he wouldn’t return to the show after completing his five years on Empire. When Extra asked Terrence Howard about his plans before the sixth and final season aired in 2019, he said, “I’m finished with acting. I’m done with pretending.”
Despite appearing in a few projects since then, the Academy Award nominee announced his intention to retire from acting again in 2022 while promoting his Peacock series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters. He explained to ET that he felt he’d given his all as an actor and now wants to focus on watching and supporting new talent, rather than repeating past performances.
Even with the previous concerns, Howard has continued to act, appearing in shows like Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and the Netflix movie Shirley. He also has several new projects planned.
After his character, King Joffrey, died on the show in 2014, Jack Gleeson, who was 21 at the time, decided to stop acting. He told EW that he’d been acting since he was eight years old and simply wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore.
It’s just…seeing Jack grow up is bittersweet, you know? He used to be so effortlessly charming, and I guess some of that innocent magic faded a little. He explained it perfectly, though. He used to do it just for fun, hanging out with his friends, a summer hobby. He loved it then! But now that people are talking about him making a career out of it, he’s realizing it’s different. He doesn’t dislike acting, not at all! It’s just…it’s not what he wants to dedicate his life to, and honestly, I get it. He deserves to be happy, even if it means stepping away from what made him famous. It’s just…hard to watch, you know?
After taking six years off, Jack returned to acting in 2020 with a role in the BBC series Out of Her Mind. Since then, he’s also been in films like Rebecca’s Boyfriend and In the Land of Saints and Sinners, and TV shows including Safe Harbor and The Famous Five.
When Jennifer Aniston, known for her role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, married actor Kevin Kline in 1989, they decided to share childcare duties for their children, Owen and Greta, by alternating work schedules. This ensured one parent was always available to care for their kids. Greta is now a singer known as Frankie Cosmos.
He also pointed out that Phoebe consistently prioritizes staying home with her children whenever she’s scheduled to work. While she briefly appeared in her friend Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 independent film, The Anniversary Party, Cates mainly focuses on running her boutique, Blue Tree, in New York City.
When he was most famous for movies like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, the actor took a break from filmmaking after his wife sadly passed away from breast cancer in 1991. He wanted to focus on raising his children, Rachel and Mitchell.
Despite not appearing in a live-action movie since 1997 – he even turned down a small role in the 2016 Ghostbusters remake – Rick remains a beloved figure, as shown by the strong reaction to news of an assault he experienced while walking in New York City in 2020. Fortunately, fans will be happy to hear he’s returning to the screen with Josh Gad in the upcoming Disney reboot, Shrunk.
After marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010, actress Drew Barrymore suggested she was considering stepping back from acting. She told Vogue that most acting roles require a lot of intimate scenes, and that wasn’t something she wanted to pursue. She explained that while she and her husband had a strong relationship, she needed a truly exceptional role to justify taking on potentially difficult material – something worthwhile on the other side of that challenge.
After her son, Martin, joined his older sister, Louisanna, in 2014, she firmly decided to step away from acting. She told Us Weekly in 2016 that she felt like an outsider in the movie industry and was now focused on being a mom. She also mentioned she helps her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting as a hobby, but her children are her main priority, which is why she stopped acting.
She’d built a successful career with shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. After all that, the Australian actress started to think she might be ready for a change.
As I was nearing 45, I started thinking about what big, new challenge I could take on. I’d been acting for a while and had a pretty good idea of what the next decade or two would look like professionally, so I made the bold decision to step away from acting and dive into the world of business. It felt like the right time for a completely different path!
Her company, General Public, which created art for everyone, was almost complete – she just needed to finish one last piece.
I spoke with Mitch Hurwitz, the creator of Arrested Development, and let him know that if the show got a fifth season, I wouldn’t be participating because I had decided to stop acting. He was very understanding and supportive, and we had a good talk. Surprisingly, he ended up writing me into five episodes anyway.
You know, as someone who follows creative careers closely, I always wonder what drives people once they’ve truly made it. In the case of Daniel Day-Lewis, after an incredible career and six Oscar nominations – including one for his final film, Phantom Thread in 2017 – he simply decided to step away from acting. His team released a statement saying he was deeply thankful for everyone he’d worked with and for his audiences over the years, but that this was a personal choice, and he wouldn’t be commenting on it further. It really speaks to a level of artistic fulfillment where continuing to work just wasn’t necessary for him.
Just as Daniel Day-Lewis had announced his retirement from acting, a new project drew him back in. In October 2024, Focus Features revealed he would star in Anemone, a film he co-wrote with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who will also be directing.
Bridgit Mendler, known for her role in Good Luck Charlie, stepped away from acting in 2018 to focus on her education. She earned both a master’s degree and a PhD from MIT, and later attended Harvard Law School.
On top of everything else, Bridgit started her own company, Northwood Space, in February 2023. The company is building ground stations to facilitate communication with satellites, and Bridgit is serving as its CEO.
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2025-10-21 16:23