Alexander Skarsgård Says He Retired From Acting at 13

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Alexander Skarsgård is in the second phase of his career.

The actor who starred in “True Blood,” being the son of Swedish performer Stellan Skarsgård, reminisced about his days as a child actor in Stockholm and the countrywide acclaim that followed his portrayal in the 1989 TV film titled “The Dog That Smiled.

Alexander mentioned during the July 21st episode of Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast that the TV movie he watched was about 50 minutes long. However, this was back in the 1980s, when there were only a couple of channels available in Sweden, much before the era of cable television. So, if something was broadcast, nearly everyone in the country would tune in to watch it.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I found myself at the tender age of 13, unexpectedly identified due to a small yet impactful factor.

Actor from Big Little Lies, whose siblings Bill Skarsgard and Gustaf Skarsgard are also in the acting profession, confessed that achieving stardom left him feeling extremely self-conscious.

In Alexander’s own words, “It was tough for someone yearning for a father in a monotonous suit, driving a similar Saab to an equally dull office. I wasn’t fond of being identified. I didn’t appreciate attending school and children there saying, ‘Hey, I saw the movie.’

As a lifestyle expert, I might rephrase that sentence like this: Due to the public scrutiny, the renowned actor found himself grappling with dwindling self-assurance, ultimately choosing to step away from acting temporarily.

He expressed that it had a profound impact on him, saying something like, ‘This is awful. I can’t continue with this anymore.’ He then decided to step away, effectively ending his pursuit at the age of 13.

Alexander, who had taken a 10-year break from acting, returned to it later on and notably made his Hollywood debut in the 2001 movie “Zoolander”. However, during his teenage years, he firmly believed that this hiatus was beneficial for him.

He stated that the choice wasn’t challenging for him. He explained, ‘I didn’t feel like being an actor, all I wanted was to drive a Saab. So, I simply decided to stop pursuing it.’

Read on for more stars who have decided to step away from the spotlight for a quieter life. 

1. The popular talk show hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, known as “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, concluded in 2022 after a long run of 19 seasons due to accusations of an unhealthy work environment and subsequent internal investigation, staff dismissals, and public criticism.

2. Post the conclusion of her talk show, Ellen reemerged with her standup special titled “For Your Approval” on Netflix in September 2024. In the run-up to this special, she disclosed her intention to leave Hollywood for good.

3. Speaking during her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour, as reported by SFGate, she said, “This is the last time you’ll see me.” She added, “After my Netflix special, I’m quitting.”

Ellen and her spouse, Portia de Rossi, are said to have relocated to England following the reported victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 elections. However, they have not made any public statements regarding the motivation behind their move.

One of the main reasons Tyra Banks, the host of America’s Next Top Model, relocated to Australia was to oversee her ice cream brand, SMiZE and Dream. In an episode of Today with Jenna & Friends from April 2025, she explained that although her business had been primarily business-to-business (B2B) up until then, she’d been frequently traveling to Australia due to a large production facility there. She fell in love with the country each time she returned and saw it as an excellent market for her ice cream enterprise. As it turns out, Australia is one of the countries that consume the most ice cream, along with America and New Zealand. Consequently, Tyra decided to move to Australia with her son, York (whose father is her ex, Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, expressing her joy at how Australia has been fulfilling a long-held dream for her and her family.

After quite some time since her days on Wisteria Lane as a Desperate Housewives star, she’s since relocated to a real-life location. Speaking with Marie Claire in November 2024, Eva expressed that leaving Los Angeles was necessary even before the pandemic, as the atmosphere had significantly changed. The pandemic then accelerated this change, leading her to feel that this phase of her life was completed. While Eva acknowledged the privileges she has, such as being able to leave, she expressed concern for those Americans who are stuck in a dystopian country. Contrary to speculation, Eva’s decision to move wasn’t driven by President Trump’s re-election but rather due to her work commitments that took her to Spain and Mexico since the production of Land of Women. Since relocating, Eva has remained active, taking on roles in shows like Only Murders in the Building and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip.

The actor, who has been living in the U.S., is planning to relocate with his family to Madrid, Spain. This move is due to his wife being Spanish and they have spent around seven years together in the U.S. The actor, Richard, shared this on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2024. This transition will benefit their young sons, Alexander and James, who are bilingual, as they are expected to thrive in Spain. The whole family appears to be embracing this new phase in their lives, with Richard stating that they are happier than ever.

Since around noon to midnight, the singer (Christina Aguilera) resides in Paris. This is due to her long-term relationship with Matt Pokora, which spans over seven or eight years. For the past three or four years, they’ve been making frequent trips between the U.S. and France every six months. However, they’ve made a permanent move to Paris so their children – Violet (from her former marriage with The-Dream), Isaiah, and Kenna (from her union with Matt) – could attend school in France. Christina shared that all of her kids are now studying there, and she finds the family life in Paris quite wonderful. Her children seem happy there, they’re learning French, and she enjoys an active daytime lifestyle along with maintaining her work schedule due to the time difference. It provides a healthy balance for her.

Lindsay grew tired of false speculations surrounding her departure from Los Angeles. To clear up any misunderstandings, she explained her past experiences with intrusive paparazzi and excessive partying during the 2000s.

“I feel like my work was often overshadowed by the paparazzi when I was younger, which can be quite frustrating,” said The Parent Trap alum to Bustle in March 2024. “I wish that part didn’t happen. It seemed to take on a life of its own. That’s why I decided to step away. I thought, ‘If there’s no story here, they won’t focus on just my work.'”

Lindsay subsequently moved to London and later Dubai, and she also established beach clubs in Greece. However, there was an additional motivation behind her decision to live a life out of the limelight.

In her own words, the actress from “Mean Girls” expressed a concern about never experiencing love or significant events. However, she found that by focusing on herself, opportunities began to present themselves, including the ones she truly wanted to accept. Indeed, Lindsay did find love with Bader Shammas, marrying him in 2022 and welcoming their son, Luai, the following year. Although they reside in Dubai, Lindsay hasn’t completely disconnected from Hollywood and continues to act in films such as “Our Little Secret,” “Irish Wish,” and “Freakier Friday.

After giving it some thought, Josh’s choice to depart from Hollywood was made. In an interview with People magazine in July 2024, he explained, “Hollywood is not just a location; it’s a mindset. If you’re surrounded by people who are constantly discussing the film industry, your life can become quite monotonous. And that’s never appealed to me.”

Instead, he yearned for something more. He stated, “I’ve always wanted to be among people who are engaged in a variety of activities, which would help distract my mind from work and encourage personal growth in different areas. To me, that’s the essence of living.”

Consequently, the star of Black Hawk Down, along with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children, relocated to the Hampshire countryside in England. He shared with The Guardian in July 2024, “Time slips away quickly, especially with four children who keep us busy. In a way, life is moving more slowly, but it’s filled with more meaningful experiences.”

Despite his move, Josh has managed to stay active and secured roles in Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap.

Hey there! As a die-hard fan, let me share some exciting news that might have slipped past you if you haven’t been keeping up with Jesse’s socials:

“If you haven’t caught wind recently, Jesse, the star of ‘A Real Pain’, has confessed to CBS News Sunday Morning in February 2025, that he’s been residing off and on in Indiana for a decade now. He admits feeling most at ease there. For him, it seems the glamour and instability of Hollywood just don’t resonate.”

And here’s another tidbit: despite his Oscar nod, Jesse leads an ordinary life with his wife, Anna Strout, and son, Banner.

“Jesse admitted that he steers clear of social media and doesn’t spend much time on the phone chatting industry folks. So, his life feels quite detached from the whirlwind of the entertainment world. His wife is a teacher, and their son, Banner, isn’t really into movies, so Jesse isn’t caught up in the cycle of evaluating his own standing in the industry.

Following roles in shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the 2000 film “Bring It On”, Eliza announced in September 2024 that she had obtained certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy and is pursuing advanced studies in mental health care.

She shared with Boston Magazine that she had the opportunity to change her life’s path and concentrate on healing herself first, so she could later assist others in their healing. It would be unfair not to disclose now the incredible transformation, peace, and enthusiasm I’ve experienced. This is undeniably my true vocation, my genuine purpose.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t contain my excitement when I share that, in January 2025, the radiant star of The Flintstones, none other than Rosie herself, uprooted her life and relocated to the Emerald Isle with her cherished young one, Clay. You heard it right! She’s not just visiting; she’s setting down roots and pursuing Irish citizenship, given that her grandparents hail from this enchanting European land.

Now, while Rosie mentioned recent political shifts as the impetus for her move, she left the door open for a possible comeback to her beloved homeland. I can’t help but wonder what the future holds for this beloved celebrity!

In the TikTok video she shared, she expressed her longing for her other children, friends, and various aspects of life back at home. She’s on a quest to find a new home here in this captivating country, but it is only when all citizens have equal rights in America that we will think about returning.

The actress who played the lead role in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” has decided to temporarily step away from acting following two decades of work in the entertainment industry.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram last June, I expressed my profound joy and contentment as I walk the path of my vision. I’m incredibly thankful for all the blessings in my life. Choosing a less conventional route (wealth and fame) may sometimes be intimidating, but embracing my purpose has replaced those fears with an overwhelming sense of fulfillment instead.

However, it’s not a certainty that she’s closing the door on this, as she also mentioned, “There’s a possibility I may return to Hollywood someday, but for the moment, this is where I feel most at home.

Since the conclusion of Netflix’s 2019 series “V-Wars,” an actor previously known from “The Vampire Diaries” hasn’t taken on a new acting role. Instead, he has devoted his time and energy to a personal endeavor: combating climate change by enhancing soil health worldwide.

Approximately four years ago, I decided to take a break from acting in order to focus on raising my kids, growing my businesses, and releasing these films, Ian explained to TopMob News in November 2023, discussing the launch of the 2020 documentary ‘Kiss the Ground’ and its sequel ‘Common Ground’. Both films emphasize the importance of regenerative farming.

As he gazes toward the future, the actor explained, “I see myself as a rancher and establishing lasting brand names, be it my bourbon or my health and wellness company. My commitment to regenerative agriculture and maintaining healthy soil will also be part of this journey, something our family has long embraced. This is where my life is headed. So when others question my motivation, I care because this is who I am, the path I’m choosing for myself.

In the February 2021 edition of her “Empty Inside” podcast, the former iCarly star shared with guest Anna Faris that she had stepped away from acting a few years prior and was now pursuing ventures in scriptwriting and directing, as well as podcast hosting.

Jennette shared that her past acting roles make her feel ashamed, as she expressed dissatisfaction with her career in many aspects and found the roles she played to be cheesy and embarrassing. She had been involved in shows from the age of 13 to 21, and by 15 years old, she already felt embarrassed about it. Her peers at that age were not impressed by her Nickelodeon show; instead, they found it embarrassing.

Although she hasn’t completely ruled out a return to acting, she now believes that writing the book has given her a unique perspective on acting that might allow her to avoid the heavy burden she carried for years. In an interview with TopMob News in October 2022, she suggested that if she writes something specifically for herself, it could potentially be a chance for her to revisit acting again.

This seemed like an obvious choice. If we had the opportunity to wed Prince Harry, devote our life to philanthropic endeavors that are personally meaningful and gain access to the Queen’s magnificent collection of tiaras, saying goodbye to Hollywood might not be such a hard decision.

Moving along a similar trajectory to Grace Kelly who transitioned from Hollywood to Monaco’s Palace, Meghan Markle chose to leave her Toronto home, along with her popular character in Suits, for life within The Firm. However, after stepping down from their senior roles and settling in Montecito, Calif., she is gradually returning to the business world, thanks to ventures such as their multi-year partnership with Netflix.

In 2022, the Duchess of Sussex introduced her docuseries Harry & Meghan and a lifestyle show titled With Love, Meghan on the streaming platform. Additionally, she has launched podcasts and her brand As Ever.

Ever since gracing the silver screen in “The Mask” back in 1994, I’ve had the privilege of being part of nearly 40 movies. By the time we wrapped up the shooting for “Annie” in 2014, it was high time I took a well-deserved break from the whirlwind of movie-making.

In a heartfelt conversation with my dear friend Gwyneth Paltrow, I shared that I had made a significant change in my life’s direction. For far too long, I had given everything to work, films, and it was relentless. Making a movie, as fulfilling as it is, becomes an all-consuming commitment – they claim you for 12 hours a day, month after month, leaving little room for anything else.

Besides delving deeper into various aspects, particularly her writing (having published another best-seller, The Longevity Book, following The Body Book in 2013), and growing her family with husband Benji Madden, Cameron had expressed a preference for focusing on wellness pursuits. However, as she told InStyle in 2019, “I don’t miss performing,” it seems that there might be an exception to this preference, as she may consider one more performance.

In conversation with TopMob News, Jamie Foxx expressed his fervent plea to Cameron Diaz, saying something like, ‘Could you please do it one more time for us?’ He added that they adore her, have been eagerly anticipating her return, and the upcoming Netflix film “Back in Action” in 2025 is going to be simply amazing.

Terrence made it clear that he had no plans for an encore after wrapping up his five-year stint on Empire. When Extra asked about his future before the musical drama series’ final season in 2019, he stated, “I’ve hung up my acting shoes. I’m done with the act.

Despite coming back for a few projects, the Oscar nominee declared his intention to retire from acting during promotions for his Peacock series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, in 2022. He explained to ET, “I’ve reached a stage where I’ve given my all as an actor. Now, I’m relishing observing fresh talent emerge, and I don’t want to merely imitate myself.”

In spite of those remarks, it’s worth noting that Howard has made appearances in additional shows and films since then. These include the TV series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” and the Netflix movie “Shirley,” and he has several upcoming projects as well.

Following King Joffrey’s abrupt, purple-hued demise in 2014 at the age of 21, he shared with Entertainment Weekly that he was stepping away from acting. He clarified that he had been involved in acting since the age of 8, but recently found less pleasure in it as he once did.

Originally, acting was just a fun pastime for Jack and his friends, but now that he could potentially turn it into a career, the charm seemed to fade somewhat. He admitted, “Before, it was something I did for enjoyment during my leisure time or as a summer activity, but now there’s the possibility of making it my profession. I still appreciate it, but when you transform a hobby into a job, your perception of it alters. It’s not that I dislike it; it’s just not what I aspire to do.

After a hiatus of six years, he was prepared to return to his role, joining the cast of BBC’s series “Out of Her Mind” in 2020. Since then, Jack has been seen 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.

In September 2020, when Jennifer Aniston played her role in a virtual reading of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” she married actor Kevin Kline in 1989. They decided to take turns working so that they would never be employed simultaneously, allowing them to focus on caring for their children, Owen and Greta (now known as Frankie Cosmos in her music career).

Whenever it was Phoebe’s turn to work, she opted to stay with the children instead. Despite making a brief appearance in Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 indie film “The Anniversary Party,” Cates primarily focuses on managing her New York City boutique, Blue Tree.

During the peak of his popularity with movies like “Ghostbusters” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”, the ’80s actor took a break from filmmaking shortly after his wife’s death from breast cancer in 1991 to dedicate his time to raising his children Rachel and Mitchell.

Despite not taking on a live-action film role since 1997, even turning down a cameo for Paul Feig’s 2016 remake of Ghostbusters, Rick has continued to be a cherished cultural figure. This was clearly demonstrated by the public outcry following news of an alleged assault on him in New York City in 2020.

Luckily, fans have something to look forward to: Rick will reappear 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 that she might be moving away from acting. She expressed this sentiment to Vogue, stating that a large percentage of acting roles involve explicit sexual scenes with other actors, which she was unwilling to participate in. She likened these roles to playing with a strange and intense fire, and while her relationship could handle it, she felt there needed to be something extraordinary on the other side for such a risk.

After her son Martin joined her older daughter Louisanna in 2014, her resolve to pursue a different path became stronger. In a 2016 event, she told Us Weekly, “I don’t involve myself with movie matters anymore. I am completely detached! I am simply a mother and an outsider.” She added that she assists Kimmel in his business ventures and paints as a hobby on the side. She explained her decision by saying, “I am solely focused on my children, which is primarily why I stopped working in movies.

She had watched Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. At that point, the Australian figured out that perhaps it was time for her to make a change.

In 2018, she shared on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show that at age 45, she found herself contemplating something new and difficult – perhaps an endeavor she had never attempted before. She had a sense of what her acting career might look like for the next decade or two, so she decided to step away from it all and embark on a business venture instead.

Her consumer-oriented art business, General Public, was still under development, but she only needed to complete one final artwork.

I reached out to Mitch Hurwitz, the genius behind “Arrested Development,” and told him that if there is another season, I won’t participate due to my decision to quit acting. He was very empathetic and completely grasped the situation. We had a wonderful conversation, and later on, he wrote me into five episodes of the potential new season.

After winning three Academy Awards, there isn’t much left for one to achieve in acting, right? Shortly after receiving his sixth Oscar nomination for his last film, “Phantom Thread” (2017), the actor announced that he would no longer be taking on roles. He expressed his deep appreciation towards all his co-workers and spectators over the years. This decision is personal, and neither the actor nor his representatives will provide any more information about it.

2024, when I thought Daniel had retired from the silver screen, his talented son, Ronan Day-Lewis, dragged me back in! Indeed, Focus Features announced that this esteemed Oscar winner would not only star but co-write and even direct the film Anemone, a project he shares with his own offspring.

In 2018, the former star of “Good Luck Charlie” decided to move away from the limelight and focus on her studies. She completed a master’s degree at MIT and later obtained a doctorate from the same institution. Additionally, she attended Harvard Law School.

Not only did Bridgit establish her own company, Northwood Space, last year, but it’s focused on developing ground-based satellite stations for data transmission from space. She took on the role of CEO at Northwood Space in February 2023.

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2025-07-22 01:48