Antonio Banderas is grateful for a scary wake-up call.
As someone who’s really focused on well-being, I often talk about how life’s challenges can actually be gifts in disguise. I can say from personal experience – back in January 2017, I had a really serious heart attack. It’s been almost ten years now, and honestly, going through that completely changed how I look at things. It really put life into perspective, and for that, I’m grateful.
In an interview with The Times published on March 25th, Antonio described a warning he received as profoundly impactful, saying it completely altered his perspective on life.
The 65-year-old, who was nominated for a Tony Award in 2003 for his performance in the musical Nine, shared that confronting his own mortality helped him recognize his true identity as a stage actor.
After his heart attack, Antonio made some big life changes. He gave up smoking, sold his private jet, and returned to his hometown of Málaga, Spain, with his girlfriend, Nicole Kimpel.
Antonio Banderas, known for roles like Puss in Boots, still acts in films and TV shows, but he also dedicates time to other passions. He owns and operates Teatro del Soho, a non-profit theater, and actively participates in events within his community. He and his ex-wife, Melanie Griffith, have a 29-year-old daughter named Stella.
He went on, saying he’d never felt happier. Staying connected to his community—his home, his friends, and his background—was incredibly important to him. He hadn’t lost that sense of belonging over time; in fact, it had only grown stronger.
You know, I’ve always been fascinated by how people reframe challenging experiences. I recently heard Antonio talk about his heart attack at 59, and he actually said it was one of the best things that ever happened to him. It really got me thinking about how a health scare can be a powerful catalyst for positive change and a more mindful life.
He told Page Six in 2022 that he used to worry about things that ultimately didn’t matter. ‘I’d think, why stress over this if I’m going to die anyway?’ he said. He always knew death was coming, but now he feels he truly understands it, having faced it directly.
You know, looking back on my marriage to Melanie, which lasted from ’96 to 2015, really shifted my perspective. I’ve come to deeply appreciate my whole family – including my stepdaughter, Dakota Johnson, who I’m so proud of – and I’ve rediscovered my passion for acting. It’s amazing how you can let go of things you thought mattered and realize what truly does. It’s been a really positive change.
For more stars who have detailed why they left Hollywood behind, keep reading…
Following a serious heart attack in 2019, the actor known for The Mask of Zorro returned to his hometown of Málaga, Spain, to dedicate himself to performing on stage.
In March 2026, Antonio told The Times that the experience completely changed his perspective on life. Confronting his own mortality led him to recognize his core identity as an actor.
The Tony Award nominee, who still acts in television and movies sometimes, now owns a theater and actively participates in local events.
He went on to say he’d never felt happier. Staying connected to his community – his home, his friends, and his background – meant everything to him. He hadn’t lost that sense of belonging over time; in fact, it had grown stronger.
After 19 seasons, The Ellen DeGeneres Show ended in 2022 following accusations of a negative and harmful workplace. These claims 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’s release, she announced her plans to retire from Hollywood.
During her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour, she announced to the audience that she’s retiring after her upcoming 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 Theatre in Cheltenham, that they decided to remain there after Donald Trump was reelected in November 2024.
She enthusiastically described the English countryside as “absolutely beautiful,” telling the BBC that its charm was unlike anything she’d seen before. She particularly appreciated the picturesque villages, towns, and architecture, noting it offered a more relaxed and simple way of life.
“It’s just a nicer place overall,” 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 experience snow! Portia brought her horses with her, I have chickens, and we even had sheep for a couple of weeks.”
Tyra Banks, 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 because that’s where it was being produced. She quickly fell in love with the country during her visits.
Banks also recognized Australia as a strong market for her product, noting that the top three countries for ice cream consumption are America, New Zealand, and Australia.
Ultimately, the supermodel relocated to Australia with her son, York (whose father is her ex, Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, sharing 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 for most of her adult life, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated her decision to leave. She cited issues like homelessness and taxes as contributing factors, though she doesn’t want to criticize California.
Longoria clarified in an interview on The View: Behind the Table podcast that her move wasn’t related 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 a longer stay, and she dislikes the idea of her decision being politicized. She feels fortunate to be able to move freely, expressing concern for those who aren’t as lucky. Despite the move, Longoria continues to work on various projects, including 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, Spain, 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 whole family appears to be enjoying the change. In an interview with Elle España in January 2025, Gere stated they are “happier than ever” and are really enjoying 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 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 to The-Dream), and sons Isaiah and Kenna (with Pokora) – could attend school in France. Milian feels it’s a wonderful opportunity for her kids, who are now happily settled and learning French. She enjoys an active lifestyle with them during the day and works ahead of schedule at night, finding a healthy balance. She told TopMob in December 2024 that her kids are thriving and she’s enjoying life in Paris.
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 early 2000s, she recently explained her reasons for stepping away from the public eye.
In an interview with Bustle in March 2024, the Parent Trap star 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, but the tabloid stories took on a life of their own. This drove her desire to disappear and create a space where she could be recognized for her work, not just the drama surrounding her personal life.
Lindsay moved to London, then Dubai, and even opened beach clubs in Greece, but seeking a quieter life was also a major motivation for leaving the spotlight.
Lindsay Lohan wondered if she’d ever find love, questioning if it would ever happen for her. She realized she needed to focus on herself before she could open herself up to new possibilities and the things she truly wanted.
Eventually, she did find love with Bader Shammas, marrying in 2022 and welcoming their son, Luai, in 2023.
Though they currently live in Dubai, Lindsay hasn’t left acting behind, and has recently starred 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 craved a life filled with diverse experiences and personal growth, calling that ‘the spice of life.’
So, Josh, his wife Tamsin Egerton, and their four children moved to the countryside of Hampshire, England. He told The Guardian in July 2024 that while life with four kids is busy, it feels more meaningful. He feels like 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 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 fairly 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. With a teacher for a wife and a son who isn’t even a big movie fan, Jesse feels removed from the constant pressure of maintaining a public profile and assessing his standing 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 heal. She felt it was important to share the positive changes she’d experienced – the peace and renewed passion she felt – because she now clearly understood this was her true calling and purpose.
The actress best known for playing in The Flintstones shared that she moved to Ireland with her son, Clay, in January 2025 and is working to become an Irish citizen because of her family’s roots there. While she mentioned current 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, friends, and the life she had back home. She’s now focused on building a new life in her current country, and she and 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 period 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 life and explained that while it can be daunting to choose a path different from traditional success – like prioritizing purpose over money and fame – aligning with one’s true calling ultimately brings a deeper sense of satisfaction.
She’s not ruling out a return to Hollywood, saying, “I might go back someday, but right now, I’m happy where I am.”
Since finishing his role in the 2019 Netflix series V-Wars, the actor best known for The Vampire Diaries has been focusing on a personal mission: fighting climate change by working to improve soil health around the world.
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 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 envisions himself as a rancher, focused on building lasting brands – including his bourbon and wellness company. He’s deeply committed to regenerative agriculture and healthy soil practices, values he and his family embrace. He explained that this is his long-term goal and the reason behind his passions. ‘It’s simply who I am and what I’m working towards,’ he stated.
During 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, alongside hosting the podcast.
Jennette shared that she deeply regrets many of the acting roles she took on in the past, detailing these feelings in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. She expressed resentment towards her career, saying she found the roles unfulfilling, cheesy, and embarrassing. Having worked on those shows from age 13 to 21, she was already feeling ashamed by age 15, as her peers didn’t view her television work with the same excitement.
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, free from past pressures. She suggested she might explore it again if she were to write a role specifically for herself, as that could be the only way she’d consider it.
It seemed like a pretty easy decision. The chance to marry Prince Harry, devote ourselves to meaningful charitable work, and even wear the Queen’s tiaras would make leaving Hollywood completely worthwhile.
Similar to Grace Kelly’s transition from Hollywood to Monaco, Meghan Markle left her life and acting career in Toronto—including her role on 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 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 personal life.
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. Although she told InStyle in 2019 that she didn’t miss acting and was focused on wellness, it seems she might be open to returning for at least one more project.
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, getting down on their knees to ask her to do it. “We love her and have been waiting for her to return, and this is going to be amazing,” he added.
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 taking on a few roles here and there, 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 Entertainment Tonight 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 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 film 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 eight years old and simply wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore.
Jack isn’t a child star anymore, and some of the excitement has faded. He explained that turning a hobby into a job changes things. “Before, it was just something fun to do with friends or during the summer,” he said. “I still like it, but making a living from it alters how you feel about it. It’s not that I dislike it, I just don’t want it to be my career.”
After a six-year hiatus, 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 including Safe Harbor and The Famous Five.
After becoming famous for her role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Jennifer Aniston married actor Kevin Kline in 1989. They decided to stagger their work schedules so one of them could always be home with their children, Owen and Greta. Greta is now a singer known as Frankie Cosmos.
He added that Phoebe consistently prioritizes staying home with her children when it’s her turn to work. While she briefly appeared in a 2001 independent film, The Anniversary Party, starring her friend Jennifer Jason Leigh, Cates primarily focuses on running her New York City store, Blue Tree.
During the peak of his success with films like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, the actor paused his career 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 movie since 1997 – even turning 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 soon see him return 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 that wasn’t something she wanted to pursue. She explained that while her relationship was strong, she needed a truly compelling reason to take on potentially difficult roles – something extraordinary had to be worth the challenge.
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 and was now focused on being a mom. She also mentioned helping her husband, Kimmel, with his work and pursuing painting as a hobby, explaining, “I think that’s mainly why I stopped [acting].”
She’d built a strong career with roles in popular shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. After those experiences, the Australian actress felt she was finally ready to try something new.
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 couple of decades, 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 final piece.
As a huge fan, I reached out to Mitch Hurwitz, the brilliant mind behind Arrested Development, to let him know that if they ever made a fifth season, I wouldn’t be able to participate – I’d decided to step away from acting. I was so relieved that he was incredibly understanding and supportive. We had a really good talk, and to my surprise and joy, he actually wrote me into five episodes!
It’s understandable why, after winning three Oscars, an actor might consider what else there is to achieve. Following his sixth Academy Award nomination for his 2017 film, Phantom Thread, the actor announced through his representative that he was retiring from acting. The statement expressed his deep gratitude to everyone he’d worked with and to his audiences over the years, and clarified that this was a personal decision and no further details would be shared.
I seriously thought Daniel Day-Lewis was done with acting! I was heartbroken, honestly. But then, October 2024 hit, and Focus Features dropped the bomb: he’s coming back! And get this – he wrote the movie, called Anemone, with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who’s also directing! It’s a father-son project! I’m losing it – I can’t even breathe! He just keeps pulling me back in, and I’m SO glad he is!
Bridgit Mendler, known for her role in 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 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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2026-03-27 00:20