The Real World’s Puck Rainey Unrecognizable 30 Years After MTV Show

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David “Puck” Rainey has a new look: true story.

More than three decades after first appearing on MTV’s The Real World: San Francisco, Puck gained attention again through TikTok, where he started PuckCooks.

Besides his popular cooking videos, Wolfgang Puck, 57, shared details about what he’s been up to since the show and revealed the story behind why he lost a few teeth. He’s sporting some gray streaks in his long blonde hair these days, too.

Puck addressed rumors about drug use, explaining his missing teeth. He shared that he was staying at a homeless shelter in Flagstaff, Arizona, when someone hit him in the mouth with a metal bar, causing him to lose his front teeth. He said the incident happened while he was trying to learn from the experience of being in that environment.

Puck, who’d had trouble with the law since appearing on The Real World, explained, “I thanked him because it made me seem tough.”

Although, he has plans on upgrading his look.

Chris,” he said, gesturing to his brother who was filming. “My mom and everyone else are upset that I don’t wear dentures, so I’m planning to get my teeth fixed once this video does well.”

Puck, known for being kicked off The Real World in 1994 and appearing in several related shows afterward, is now sharing his passion for cooking online. He creates videos for TikTok and YouTube, showcasing his skills with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients – what he calls “farm-to-table” cooking.

I mostly cook with chicken, pork, or vegetables,” he told his audience. “I like to keep things interesting – sometimes I’ll make a vegetable dish without any meat. But honestly, I think pork tastes the best.

Puck addressed the famous peanut butter incident from his time in San Francisco, reassuring fans he still enjoys eating peanut butter straight from the jar with his fingers.

Puck confessed his love for the classic peanut butter and banana combination, happily dipping a bite of banana into the peanut butter and then using his finger to enjoy it. ‘There’s nothing better than getting your finger right in there,’ he declared. ‘It’s pure perfection!’

Puck, who is married to Betty Garcia, has spoken about his time on TV and being known as the villain. He’s perfectly fine with how he was portrayed.

In a 2019 appearance on the Good Company with Bowling podcast, Puck stated bluntly, “I’m not here to be friends.” He explained his goal on the show was to provoke strong reactions, even saying he wanted to upset people deeply – going so far as to say he’d want to make them feel as bad as having their dog harmed.

For more stars who moved off the grid and out of Hollywood, keep reading…

After 19 seasons, The Ellen DeGeneres Show concluded in 2022 following accusations of a negative and harmful workplace. These claims led to an internal investigation, the dismissal 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’s release, she announced her plans to retire from Hollywood.

During her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour, Ellen DeGeneres told the audience this would be her final tour. She announced she’s retiring from stand-up comedy after releasing a Netflix special, according to SFGate.

Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have settled in the Cotswolds. Ellen shared with Richard Bacon in July 2025, during a conversation at the Everyman theater in Cheltenham, that they decided to remain there after Donald Trump was reelected in November 2024.

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 architecture, noting it offered a more relaxed and simple way of life.

“It’s just a 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, and I have chickens. We even had sheep for a couple of weeks.”

Tyra Banks, known for hosting 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 initially focused on supplying ice cream to places like airlines and cruise ships, and a large production facility for her recipes was located in Australia. She enjoyed her trips there and realized it was a promising market. According to Tyra, the countries that consume the most ice cream are the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. She ultimately moved to Australia with her son, York (whose father is Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, stating that Australia has been a wonderful experience for her and her family.

Eva Longoria, 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 lived in Los Angeles her entire adult life, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated that shift. She cited issues like homelessness and taxes as contributing factors, but emphasized she doesn’t want to criticize California, she simply feels this chapter of her life is over.

Longoria clarified in an interview on The View: Behind the Table that her move wasn’t politically motivated by the election of President Trump. She explained that work commitments, including filming Land of Women in Catalonia and Searching for Mexico, led to extended stays in those locations, and she’s been living there for years. She feels fortunate to be able to leave the US when many Americans aren’t so lucky, expressing anxiety and sadness for those who are stuck in what she describes as a ‘dystopian country.’

Despite the move, Longoria remains busy with acting 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 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 in January 2025, Gere stated they are happier than ever and are really hitting their stride as a family.

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 six months of each 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. The family seems to be thriving in their new life. Milian shared with TopMob that her kids are happy and fluent in French, and she enjoys an active lifestyle with a healthy work-life balance, working ahead of schedule to accommodate the time difference.

Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by the ongoing speculation surrounding her decision to leave Los Angeles. Looking back at her busy career and social life in the early 2000s, she recently explained her reasons for stepping away from the spotlight. In an interview with Bustle in March 2024, Lohan expressed annoyance that her work was often overshadowed by the constant attention of the paparazzi. She wished the focus had remained on her career, and felt the relentless media coverage spiraled out of control, prompting her desire to disappear. This led her to move overseas, first to London and then to Dubai, where she also started opening beach clubs in Greece, but the desire for a life away from constant scrutiny was a major factor in her decision.

Lindsay Lohan wondered if she would ever find love, admitting she worried it might never happen. She realized that taking time to focus on herself was key to opening up possibilities and allowing the things she truly wanted to say yes to actually come her way.

She did eventually find love with Bader Shammas, marrying him in 2022 and welcoming their son, Luai, in 2023. While they currently live in Dubai, Lindsay hasn’t left acting behind, and has recently appeared in films like Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.

As someone who’s observed a lot of career shifts, I completely understand Josh’s decision to step away from Hollywood. He realized it wasn’t just a location, but a whole mindset – and he wanted a life with more balance. He told me he needed to be around people with diverse interests, folks who would challenge him and broaden his perspective – that’s what really makes life fulfilling, isn’t it? So, he, his wife Tamsin, and their four children made a big move to the beautiful Hampshire countryside in England. He’s found that slowing down a bit, focusing on family, actually means more of what matters is happening. And despite the change of pace, he’s still working on some exciting projects like Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap. It’s a lovely reminder that you can redefine success and create a life that truly feels right for you.

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 and stable environment. Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse leads a relatively normal life with his wife, Anna Strout, and son, Banner. He avoids social media and doesn’t spend much time networking within the industry. With a teacher for a wife and a son who isn’t particularly interested in movies, Jesse feels removed from the constant pressures of assessing his status in Hollywood.

I’ve been a fan of Eliza Dushku ever since she was on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and in the movie Bring It On. I was so impressed to learn back in September 2024 that she’s become a certified psychedelic-assisted therapist and is continuing her education to work as a mental health professional. It’s amazing to see her pursuing this path!

She told Boston Magazine that she was able to change her life’s path to focus on her own well-being, with the goal of then helping others. She felt it was important to share the positive changes she’d experienced, the peace she’d found, and her renewed passion, explaining that this work truly felt like her calling and purpose.

The actress best known for playing a character on The Flintstones shared that she moved to Ireland in January 2025 with her son, Clay. She’s currently working on becoming an Irish citizen because her grandparents were from Ireland. 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, her friends, and many aspects of her life back home. She’s currently working to build a new life in this country, and she and her family will think about returning to America when it’s safe and everyone there has equal rights.

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. This comes after two decades working in the film industry.

Oh my gosh, you guys, Evangeline gets it! She posted on Instagram in June 2024 and it was everything. She was just glowing, saying she’s finally living her dream and feels so unbelievably grateful. She talked about how scary it was to walk away from, like, the easy path – all the money and fame – but that finding what you’re meant to do just fills you with so much joy instead! It’s so inspiring, honestly. I’m obsessed with everything she says!

However, 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.”

Since appearing in the 2019 Netflix series V-Wars, actor Paul Wesley hasn’t taken on another acting role. Instead, he’s been focusing on a personal mission: fighting climate change by working to improve soil health around the world.

Ian Somerhalder took a break from acting more than four years ago to focus on his family, develop his businesses, and get his documentaries released. He told TopMob News in November 2023 that these films – Kiss the Ground (released in 2020) and its sequel, Common Ground – highlight the importance of regenerative farming. He shares two children with his wife, Nikki Reed.

Looking ahead, the actor said he envisions himself as a rancher, focused on building lasting brands – whether it’s his bourbon, his health and wellness company, or sustainable farming methods that he and his family prioritize. He explained that this is his long-term goal and the reason behind his passions. He’s committed to this future, and that’s simply who he is and who he’s becoming.

In a February 2021 episode of her podcast, Empty Inside, former iCarly star Jennette McCurdy revealed to guest Anna Faris that she had stopped acting a few years prior. She’s now pursuing writing and directing opportunities, alongside hosting the podcast.

Jennette recently shared that she regrets many of the acting roles she took in the past, detailing these feelings in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. She explained she often feels resentful towards her career, finding the roles unfulfilling and even cheesy and embarrassing. Having worked on those shows from ages 13 to 21, she was already self-conscious about her work by age 15, feeling it wasn’t something her peers admired.

Despite past difficulties, she hasn’t ruled out returning to acting. She explained to TopMob News in October 2022 that writing her book helped her consider acting in a new light, free from previous negative experiences. She believes she might be open to it again if she were to write a role specifically for herself – that feels like the only way she could realistically consider it.

Let’s be real, if I had the chance to marry Prince Harry, truly dedicate myself to causes I care about, and get to wear those incredible royal tiaras? Trading in my Hollywood life would be an easy decision. It just makes sense! It’s a dream scenario where personal fulfillment and making a difference go hand-in-hand with a little bit of sparkle, naturally.

Like Grace Kelly before her, Meghan Markle transitioned from a successful acting career – most notably her role in the TV show Suits – to a life within the British Royal Family. Now that she and Prince Harry have stepped down as senior royals and moved to Montecito, California, Meghan is returning to professional life. This includes a production deal with Netflix, where she’s released the docuseries Harry & Meghan and will launch a lifestyle show called With Love, Meghan in 2025. She’s also ventured into podcasting and launched her own 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 all-consuming – you work long hours for months and have no personal time.

Cameron Diaz had many interests she wanted to pursue, including writing – she followed up her successful book, The Body Book, with The Longevity Book – 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, she seemed open to the possibility of returning to performing at least one more time.

Jamie Foxx explained to TopMob News that convincing Cameron Diaz to star in the 2025 Netflix movie Back in Action involved a lot of pleading. “We basically begged her,” he said, “asking for just one more film.” He added that they’ve been eager to work with her again and are confident the movie will be great.

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 he was finished with acting and no longer wanted to play roles.

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 wanted to focus on watching and supporting new talent, rather than repeating past performances.

Even with those past issues, 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, 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.

You know, growing up in the spotlight is a unique experience. For a while, things felt magical, but that naturally fades as you get older. I’ve realized that turning a hobby into a career really shifts things. I used to act just for fun, with friends, during the summer – it was pure enjoyment. Now, the idea of having to do it for work… it’s not that I dislike acting, it’s just not the path I want to pursue professionally. It changes the whole dynamic when your passion becomes your job, and I’m figuring out what I truly want that to be.

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 made a plan to balance their careers and family life. Kline explained to Playboy that they decided to alternate work schedules so they could always be available for their children, Owen and Greta, who is now a singer known as Frankie Cosmos.

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

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 dedicate his time to raising his children, Rachel and Mitchell.

Despite not appearing in a live-action film since 1997 – he even turned down a brief appearance 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 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, and she wasn’t comfortable with that. 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. She felt that if you’re going to take risks, the reward needs to be significant.

After her son, Martin, joined his sister, Louisanna, in 2014, she firmly decided to step away from acting. She told Us Weekly in 2016 that she felt like an outsider to the movie world and was now focused on being a mom. She explained she supports her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting, but her children are her main priority, which is why she stopped pursuing acting roles.

She’d starred in popular shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. After those roles, 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 her wife Ellen DeGeneres’ talk 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 only had one final piece to finish.

I spoke with Mitch Hurwitz, the creator of Arrested Development, and told him I wouldn’t participate in a fifth season 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.

It’s understandable why, after winning three Oscars, Daniel Day-Lewis felt he’d achieved his goals. Soon after receiving his sixth Oscar nomination for his 2017 film, Phantom Thread, his representative announced his retirement from acting. He expressed immense gratitude to everyone he’d worked with and to his audiences over the years, and stated that this was a personal decision, with no further comments to be made.

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.

After finding fame on Good Luck Charlie, she decided to focus on her education in 2018. She went on to earn both a master’s degree and a PhD from MIT, and also studied law at Harvard.

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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2026-01-26 19:23