Why Sarah Michelle Gellar Really Took a Break From Acting

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Sarah Michelle Gellar remembers the exact moment she needed to make a change.

Sarah Michelle Gellar was profoundly affected by the 2014 death of her former co-star, Robin Williams, whom she worked with on the show The Crazy Ones (2013-2014). His passing led her to reassess her priorities and decide to focus on her family – husband Freddie Prinze Jr. and their children, Charlotte, 16, and Rocky, 13 – leading her to take a step back from acting.

Sarah Michelle Gellar shared on the Shut Up Evan podcast on January 7th that she had children very close together. She began working on the show Crazy Ones just three months after her son was born, and she continued to breastfeed throughout filming. Following the death of Robin Williams, everything became overwhelming. She realized she was experiencing postpartum effects, compounded by a significant loss, and felt lost for the first time in her life.

When I heard about Robin passing away at just 63, it really hit me hard. It made me think, wow, life is so fragile. It’s like a wake-up call, you know? I started wondering if I’m really appreciating things enough, truly living in the moment, because everything can just… vanish so fast. It’s scary, but it makes you want to grab onto every single experience.

“I realized I needed to step away for a while,” she explained. “And looking back, I’m really happy I did, for many reasons.”

Choosing to take a step back from her work allowed the Scooby-Doo actress to be consistently present for her children, and she deeply appreciates that opportunity.

Honestly, I lived for every single thing she did! I was at every show, every performance, even the little things like when she lost a tooth – I wouldn’t have missed it for the world! It was amazing being able to be there for all of it. She’s an actor, though, and I know how crazy that life is. Long days, constant travel… it’s not easy, but I still managed to be there, and that meant everything to me.

She also rediscovered her love for acting, realizing how much she had missed it and now seeing it with fresh appreciation.

I approach choosing projects much differently now. Before, I always felt I needed to know what my next job would be, and I used work to define who I was. Now, work is simply a part of who I am. So, I choose projects based on who I’d enjoy working with or if the project seems genuinely fun. I’ve lost that need to constantly prove myself that I used to feel.

Sarah Michelle Gellar feels grateful to be back working after taking time off, because she realized there’s no guarantee of a career waiting for you when you step away from acting.

She continued, saying that it’s normal for audiences to change their preferences over time, and that’s perfectly fine. She expressed her gratitude that she still connects with her audience and continues to be appreciated.

Sarah Michelle Gellar isn’t alone in deciding to live a more private life. Here are other celebrities who have also left Hollywood.

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 executives, and widespread public criticism.

Ellen made a comeback with her last stand-up comedy show, For Your Approval, which premiered on Netflix in September 2024. Before the show aired, she announced her plans to retire from Hollywood.

During her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour, Ellen DeGeneres told the audience, according to SFGate, that she plans to retire after her upcoming Netflix special. She stated, “This is the last time you’re going to see me.”

Ellen and Portia de Rossi have settled in the Cotswolds, and Ellen recently shared with Richard Bacon that they plan to stay there indefinitely. She explained that the decision solidified in November 2024 following Donald Trump’s reelection. This conversation took place in July 2025 at the Everyman theater in Cheltenham.

She raved about the English countryside, telling the BBC it was ‘absolutely beautiful’ and unlike anything she was used to. She especially loved the charming villages, towns, and buildings, noting it offered a more relaxed and simple way of life.

“It’s just a much nicer place,” Ellen explained. “The animals are well cared for, and everyone is so friendly. We really love living here. We moved in November, which wasn’t the best timing, but I finally got to see snow! Portia brought her horses with her, I have chickens, and we even had sheep for a couple of weeks.”

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’ve been following Tyra Banks’ move to Australia, and it’s fascinating to hear the real reason behind it! It turns out it’s all about her ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream. She shared on Today with Jenna & Friends that while they initially focused on selling to businesses like airlines and cruise lines, she found herself traveling to Australia frequently because that’s where a lot of the ice cream was being made. She absolutely fell in love with the country during those trips!

It wasn’t just a personal connection, though. Tyra realized Australia – along with America and New Zealand – is a huge ice cream-loving market, making it the perfect place to expand her business. So, she made the leap, moving there with her son York and boyfriend Louis. She’s said Australia has truly been a dream come true for her and her family, and honestly, who wouldn’t love a life filled with sunshine and ice cream?

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 entire adult life in Los Angeles, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated that change. Issues like homelessness and taxes contributed to her decision, though she doesn’t want to criticize California.

Longoria clarified to The View: Behind the Table that her move wasn’t due to politics, despite speculation following the presidential election. She explained that work commitments, including filming Land of Women in Spain and Searching for Mexico, led to an extended stay, and she simply preferred not to have the decision politicized. She feels fortunate to be able to leave the US when many Americans can’t, expressing anxiety and sadness for those who are stuck. Despite the move, Longoria continues to work on various projects, including recent appearances 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 shared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2024 that his wife, Alejandra Silva, who is from Galicia, encouraged the move, and they plan to live in Madrid for several years.

Gere is enthusiastic about what this change will mean for their young sons, Alexander and James, noting that they are already bilingual and will thrive in the new environment. He also has an adult son, Homer, with his former partner, Carey Lowell.

The family seems to be enjoying the transition. In an interview with Elle España in January 2025, Gere stated, “We are happier than ever,” and described the move as a positive step for everyone involved.

Oh my gosh, I’m absolutely obsessed with Christina Milian! She’s living my dream life in Paris! I heard her on The Jennifer Hudson Show and she said she and her husband, Matt Pokora, have been together for like, seven or eight years, but they were basically flying back and forth between the US and France for years! But now? They’ve officially moved! Can you believe it?! She said it’s all for the kids – Violet, Isaiah, and Kenna – so they can go to school in Paris. She was like, ‘What an amazing opportunity!’ And honestly, it sounds amazing. She told TopMob that the kids are thriving, they all speak French, and she’s living such a healthy, balanced life. She’s super active during the day and then works ahead of schedule at night. It just sounds… magnifique! I’m so happy for her and the whole family!

Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by ongoing speculation about why she left Los Angeles and decided to clarify the situation, reflecting on her busy career and social life in the 2000s. In a March 2024 interview with Bustle, she explained that excessive paparazzi attention often overshadowed her work, which she found irritating. She wished the focus had remained on her career and felt the constant media scrutiny drove her decision to step away. Lohan initially moved to London and then Dubai, also starting beach clubs in Greece, but a desire for a life outside the public eye was a key motivator.

Lindsay Lohan once worried she might never find love, wondering if that part of her life would ever happen. She realized she needed to focus on herself before things could change, and that’s when opportunities started appearing – opportunities she truly wanted to embrace.

She did eventually find 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 continues to star 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 way of life. Being constantly surrounded by talk of the film industry, he felt, would limit his perspective. He wanted a life with more variety.

“I’ve always wanted to be around people doing lots of different things, things that would take my mind off work and help me grow,” Josh said. “That’s what makes life interesting.”

So, Josh, along with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children, moved to the countryside in Hampshire, England. He told The Guardian in July 2024 that time flies when you have a family. While life might seem simpler, he feels he’s focusing on what truly matters. Despite the move, Josh has continued to act, 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 A Real Pain star revealed he’s lived in Indiana for the past ten years, finding it a more comfortable environment. He explained he prefers to avoid the instability he feels is common in the entertainment industry.

Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse lives a fairly ordinary life with his wife, Anna Strout, and their son, Banner. He avoids social media and doesn’t spend much time networking with people in the industry. He shared that his wife is a teacher and his son isn’t even a big movie fan, which helps keep him grounded and prevents him from constantly worrying about his place in Hollywood.

Eliza Dushku, known for roles in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the movie Bring It On, announced in September 2024 that she’s now a certified psychedelic-assisted therapist and is continuing her education in the field of mental health.

She explained to Boston Magazine that she was able to change her life’s path to prioritize her own well-being, with the goal of then helping others. She felt it was important to share her personal growth and the newfound peace and enthusiasm she’d discovered, believing this was truly her life’s work.

The actress best known for playing a character on The Flintstones shared that she moved to Ireland with her son, Clay, in January 2025. She’s currently working on becoming an Irish citizen because of her family’s roots there. 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 someday.

In a TikTok video, she shared that she misses her children, friends, and the life she had back home. She’s working on building a new life in her current country and said her family will think about returning to America when it’s safe and everyone there has equal rights.

Actress Evangeline Lilly, known for her role in Ant-Man and the Wasp, has said she’s stepping away from acting for an unspecified amount of time after two decades in the business.

In a June 2024 Instagram post, Evangeline shared how happy and at peace she feels while pursuing her dreams. She expressed gratitude for her good fortune, explaining that while choosing a path different from traditional success – like wealth and fame – can be daunting, embracing 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 ages since I’ve seen Paul Wesley as a character on screen – the last thing was that V-Wars show on Netflix way back in 2019! But honestly? I’m not even mad. He’s been pouring all his energy into something amazing. Forget acting, he’s totally dedicated to saving the planet! He’s really focused on fixing our soil, which sounds…intense, but also incredibly cool. I’m way more excited about this passion project of his than any new TV show, honestly. It’s just…so him.

It’s been a little over four years since I stepped back from acting. I really wanted to focus on my kids and build my businesses, and also get these important films out into the world. I’m so proud of Kiss the Ground, which came out in 2020, and its sequel, Common Ground. Both films are all about the vital need for regenerative farming, and sharing that message has been a huge passion project for me and my wife, Nikki Reed.

Looking ahead, the actor said he envisions himself as a rancher, focused on building lasting brands – like his bourbon and health company. He’s deeply committed to sustainable farming and healthy soil, principles he and his family follow. He explained that this future is central to his identity, and it’s the reason he’s so passionate about these things. He sees this as his life’s path and what he’s 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 shared that she feels deeply embarrassed by 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 admitted to feeling resentful towards her career and unfulfilled by the parts she played, describing them as cheesy and embarrassing. Having worked on those shows from ages 13 to 21, she was already self-conscious by age 15, feeling her peers didn’t view her TV work as something to be proud of.

Okay, so she hasn’t completely said no to acting, which is HUGE! She told TopMob News last October that writing her book actually helped her see things differently. For years, she carried so much baggage from past experiences, but now she thinks… maybe, just maybe… if she wrote something specifically for herself, she could revisit acting. It’s like, she’d have to be in total control of the project, and that’s the only way she’d even consider it. I’m seriously holding out hope! It’s amazing to think she might come back, but on her own terms.

It seemed like a clear choice. The opportunity to marry Prince Harry, focus on the charities we care about, and even wear the Queen’s tiaras would make leaving Hollywood feel like a small price to pay.

Similar to Grace Kelly’s transition from Hollywood to Monaco, Meghan Markle left her life and acting career in Toronto—including her role in the show Suits—to join the British Royal Family. Now that she and Prince Harry have stepped down as senior royals and live in California, Meghan is returning to professional life. This includes a deal with Netflix, where she released the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan and will launch a lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, in 2025. She has also started a podcast and launched her brand, As Ever.

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 burnt out. She explained that making a movie is incredibly demanding – it requires long hours, often 12 a day for months, and leaves you with no personal time.

Cameron Diaz had many interests she wanted to pursue, including writing—she followed up her 2013 bestseller, The Body Book, with The Longevity Book in 2016—and starting a family with her husband, Benji Madden. Though she told InStyle in 2019 that she didn’t miss acting and was focused on wellness, it seemed she might be open to returning to performing at least one more time.

Jamie Foxx explained to TopMob News how they convinced Cameron Diaz to star in the 2025 Netflix movie Back in Action. He said they practically pleaded with her, saying, ‘Please, just do one more!’ He added that everyone loves her and has been eagerly awaiting her return, and the film is going to be amazing.

The actor stated firmly that he wouldn’t return to acting after completing his five years on Empire. When Extra asked Terrence Howard about his plans before the sixth and final season of the show aired in 2019, he said, “I’m finished with acting. I’m done with pretending.”

Despite appearing in a few projects since then, the Oscar-nominated actor announced his retirement 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 enjoying and watching new talent, rather than repeating familiar performances.

Even with those 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 other projects planned for the future.

After his character, King Joffrey, died on the show in 2014, the 21-year-old actor told EW he was leaving acting. He explained that he’d been acting since he was a child, but simply wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore.

Jack wasn’t a child star anymore, and some of the excitement had faded. He explained that turning his hobby into a job was a big shift. “Before, it was just something fun to do with friends, or a summer pastime,” he said. “I used to love it, but when you rely on something for income, it changes how you feel about it. It’s not that I dislike it, I just don’t want it to be my career.”

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 such as Rebecca’s Boyfriend and In the Land of Saints and Sinners, and TV shows like Safe Harbor and The Famous Five.

After landing the role in the September 2020 virtual table read of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Jennifer Aniston married actor Kevin Kline in 1989. They decided to stagger their work schedules so they could both be available to care for their children, Owen and Greta (who now performs as the singer Frankie Cosmos). Kline shared this arrangement in an interview with Playboy.

He added that Phoebe has consistently prioritized staying home with her children when it was her turn to work. While she briefly appeared in her friend Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 film, The Anniversary Party, Cates primarily focuses on running her New York City store, Blue Tree.

Oh my gosh, it broke my heart when Rick Moranis basically disappeared! He was HUGE, you know, after Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids – a total comedy icon! Then, tragically, his wife passed away from breast cancer in ’91, and he just… stepped away. I totally understood, of course. He needed to be there for his kids, Rachel and Mitchell, and honestly, family is everything. It was so sad to see him go, but I always admired him for putting his kids first, even though it meant leaving Hollywood behind.

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 demonstrated 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 alongside 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, which she wasn’t comfortable with. She explained that she needed a truly exceptional role to justify taking on such potentially difficult material, especially given the importance of her relationship.

Honestly, becoming a mom really shifted my priorities. After having my son, Martin, joining his big sister, Louisanna, in 2014, I knew my days of being in front of the camera were pretty much over. I told Us Weekly a while back that I felt like an outsider to that world now, and truthfully, I’m much happier focusing on my kids and supporting my husband, Jimmy, with his work. I still paint when I can, but being a mom is my main focus, and that’s really why I stepped away from everything.

She’d built a successful career with roles in popular shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. After all that, the Australian actress began to feel like it was time for a change.

Turning 45, I started thinking about trying something completely new and challenging,” she shared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2018. “I had a good idea of what my acting career would look like for the next decade or two, so I decided to leave acting and start my own business instead.

Her company, General Public, which creates art for everyone, was almost complete—she just needed to finish one last piece.

I’m a huge Arrested Development fan, so I was really surprised when I had to call Mitch Hurwitz – the show’s creator – and tell him I was stepping away from acting. I basically said that if they did a season 5, I wouldn’t be part of it. He was incredibly cool about it, though, and totally understood where I was coming from. We had a fantastic chat, and honestly, I was shocked and thrilled when he ended up writing me into five episodes!

You know, as someone who observes career trajectories, it’s easy to understand why some people step away at the peak of their game. After Daniel Day-Lewis won his third Academy Award, and with a sixth Oscar nomination for his last film, Phantom Thread in 2017, he simply decided he’d done what he set out to do. His team released a statement letting fans know he was retiring from acting, expressing his gratitude for all the collaborations and audiences over the years. He’s a very private person, so he and his team have chosen not to discuss it further, which I completely respect.

I seriously thought Daniel Day-Lewis had retired for good! I was heartbroken, honestly. But then, just when I’d started to accept it… BAM! News dropped in October 2024 that he’s starring in a new movie called Anemone! And get this – he wrote it with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who’s also directing! It’s like a dream come true. I can’t even handle the excitement!

Bridgit Mendler, known for her role on Good Luck Charlie, left acting in 2018 to focus on her education. She earned both a master’s degree and a PhD from MIT, and later went on to study law at Harvard Law School.

On top of everything else, Bridgit founded Northwood Space, a startup focused on building ground stations for sending and receiving data from satellites. She became the company’s CEO in February 2023.

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2026-01-10 00:50