Ellen DeGeneres Returning as Dory in First Acting Role in 5 Years

Ellen DeGeneres is ready to just keep swimming.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I can’t even! Ellen DeGeneres is coming back as Dory! Deadline just reported she’s doing a new Finding Nemo short, and I’m seriously losing it. I need all the details, like, yesterday, but so far that’s all they’ve said. Just…Dory is coming back! I’m already planning my re-watch of Finding Nemo and Finding Dory to prepare!

Ellen first gave life to the character Dory in the 2003 film Finding Nemo, which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. She continued to play Dory in several projects, most notably in the 2016 sequel, Finding Dory, which earned over $1 billion globally.

This 68-year-old actress is returning to acting after appearing in the 2021 mini-series Pixar Popcorn, where she also provided the voice for Dory. That same year, she made a cameo appearance as herself in Kevin Hart’s True Story.

After ending her talk show in 2022, Ellen DeGeneres has openly discussed her reasons for leaving Hollywood, particularly in light of reports about a negative work atmosphere. She addressed this further in her 2024 stand-up comedy special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval.

She started by updating the audience on her life since their last meeting. “I’ve taken up gardening and even got some chickens,” she shared, pausing to collect her thoughts and think of what else to mention.

She then pretended to check her notes before joking, “Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business.”

Ellen explained that a recent headline read, ‘The Be Kind Girl wasn’t kind.’ She pointed out the irony: as a comedian with a talk show, she famously ended each episode urging viewers to ‘Be kind to one another.’ She joked that if she’d ended the show with an offensive message, people would have been surprised to learn she actually is a kind person.

Before the show came out, Ellen—who relocated to England with her wife, Portia de Rossi, in 2024—hinted that this Netflix project might be her last time appearing on screen.

During a July 2024 performance in Santa Rosa, California, she announced to the audience that she would be retiring after releasing a comedy special on Netflix. She stated, ‘This is the last time you’re going to see me.’

Ellen isn’t the only celebrity to step away from Hollywood. Here’s a look at other stars who have chosen to leave the entertainment industry.

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.

“It completely shifted my perspective on life,” Antonio shared with The Times in March 2026. “Coming face to face with my own mortality made me realize that, at my core, I’m a theater actor.”

As someone who’s been in the performing arts for a long time, I’m thrilled to be able to give back. While I still enjoy the occasional TV or film role, I now also own a theater and love being actively involved in my local community – it’s incredibly rewarding!

He went on, saying he’d never felt happier. Being involved helped him stay connected to his background, the community where he grew up, and the people he cared about. That connection hadn’t faded with time – in fact, it had grown stronger.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen a lot of shifts in daytime TV, but the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022 was particularly notable. After 19 seasons, the show wrapped up following serious allegations about a negative and difficult work environment. There was an internal investigation, some key executives were let go, and honestly, the public was really upset about what came to light. It was a tough situation all around.

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

Oh my god, you guys, she said it! During her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour – I was there, practically front row! – she told everyone that this is it! She said after her Netflix special, she’s done with stand-up! Like, completely done! I’m honestly devastated, but I get it… she’s a legend, and she’s going out on top. I just… I’ll never forget hearing her say that. It felt so final, so… her.

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 loved the picturesque villages, towns, and architecture, noting it all suggested a more relaxed and uncomplicated lifestyle.

“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, I have chickens, and we even had sheep for a couple of weeks.”

Okay, so you guys will NOT believe why Tyra Banks moved to Australia! It’s all about her ice cream, SMiZE and Dream! I’ve been following her for years, and I knew she was a businesswoman, but this is next level. She was on Today with Jenna & Friends in April 2025, and she explained everything. Apparently, she’s been making her ice cream in a huge facility in Australia, perfecting the recipes, and she just fell in love with the country every time she went. She said Australia, New Zealand, and America are the biggest ice cream eaters in the world, so it made total sense for her business! Now she’s living there with her son, York (whose dad is Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin! She literally said Australia has been a dream come true for her and her family. Honestly, I’m so proud of her for following her passion and building her empire! I need to get some of that SMiZE and Dream ice cream ASAP!

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. In a November 2024 interview with Marie Claire, she explained 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, but emphasized she doesn’t want to criticize California, she simply feels this chapter of her life is over.

Longoria clarified in a November 2024 appearance on The View: Behind the Table that her move wasn’t politically motivated by President Trump’s election. She explained that work commitments – filming Land of Women in Catalonia and Searching for Mexico in Mexico – led to her spending extended periods abroad, and she’s now been living there for years. She feels fortunate to be able to leave the US when many Americans can’t, and expressed anxiety and sadness for those who are stuck in what she described as a ‘dystopian country’. Despite the move, Longoria remains busy with recent projects including roles 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 thrilled 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.

Singer Christina Milian and her family have officially moved to Paris. She’s been with her French husband, Matt Pokora, for seven or eight years, and for the past three or four, they’ve split their time between the US and France. They decided on a permanent move so their children—Violet (from a previous marriage to The-Dream), and sons Isaiah and Kenna (with Matt)—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 while being able to work ahead of US hours, creating a healthy balance.

Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by ongoing speculation about her decision to leave Los Angeles and wanted to clarify the reasons behind it. Looking back on her busy career and social life in the early 2000s, she explained to Bustle in March 2024 that she felt her work was often overshadowed by the constant attention of the paparazzi. She wished this hadn’t happened and that the focus could have remained on her career. This ultimately led to her desire to step away from the spotlight. After moving to London and then Dubai, and even opening beach clubs in Greece, she sought a life where she could be recognized for her work, not just tabloid stories.

Lindsay Lohan wondered if she would ever find love, questioning if it would ever happen for her. She realized she needed to focus on herself before things could fall into place and she could say ‘yes’ to the opportunities she truly wanted.

She eventually found love with Bader Shammas, marrying him in 2022 and welcoming their son, Luai, in 2023.

Though they currently live in Dubai, Lindsay hasn’t left acting behind, recently appearing in films like Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.

As someone who’s observed a lot of shifts in how people approach life and career, I really connected with Josh’s recent decision to step away from the Hollywood scene. He realized it wasn’t just a location, but a whole mindset that can easily consume you. He shared with me that being surrounded by constant talk of ‘the business’ just wasn’t fulfilling, and he craved a life with more variety. He wanted to be around people with diverse interests, something to challenge him and help him grow beyond his work – he calls it ‘the spice of life,’ and I couldn’t agree more! So, he, his wife Tamsin, and their four children made a wonderful move to the Hampshire countryside in England. He says time flies when you’re raising a family, and while it might seem like less is happening, it’s actually the truly important things that take center stage. And it’s not like he’s stopped working entirely! He’s still taking on fantastic roles – you might have seen him in ‘Verity,’ ‘Fight or Flight,’ or ‘Trap.’ It’s a beautiful example of prioritizing what really matters.

Many fans may not realize Jesse no longer lives in Los Angeles. He revealed in a February 2025 interview with CBS News Sunday Morning that 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 surprisingly normal life with his wife, Anna Strout, and son, Banner. He avoids social media and doesn’t spend much time networking within the entertainment industry. With a teacher for a wife and a son who isn’t particularly interested in movies, Jesse feels removed from the pressures of constantly evaluating 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 told 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’d found – because she now clearly understood this was her true calling and purpose.

As someone who’s always kept an eye on global trends, I can share that I made a big move in January 2025 – I relocated to Ireland with my son, Clay. It feels wonderful to connect with my family’s roots, as my grandparents were actually from there, and I’m now working on becoming an Irish citizen. While recent events definitely played a role in my decision, I’m not saying this is goodbye forever to my home country – I’m keeping my options open!

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 on building a new life in this country, and they’ll think about returning to America when it’s a safe and equitable place for everyone.

Actress Evangeline Lilly, known for her role in Ant-Man and the Wasp, has announced 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 life’s purpose. She expressed gratitude for her blessings and explained that while it can be daunting to choose a path different from traditional success—like prioritizing fulfillment over wealth and fame—living authentically ultimately brings peace of mind.

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.”

I’ve been a huge fan of Paul Wesley for years, ever since The Vampire Diaries. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him in a new acting role – the last one was V-Wars on Netflix back in 2019. But honestly, I’m even more impressed with what he’s been doing with his time since then. He’s really dedicated himself to fighting climate change, and he’s doing it by working to improve the health of our planet’s soil. It’s a fantastic passion project, and I’m so glad he’s using his platform for something so important.

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 shared that he plans to become a rancher and focus on building lasting brands – including his bourbon and health company. He’s deeply committed to regenerative agriculture and healthy soil practices, values he and his family prioritize. He explained that this is his long-term vision, and it’s the reason he’s so passionate about these things – it’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 shared with guest Anna Faris that she had quit acting a few years prior. She’s now pursuing writing and directing opportunities, alongside hosting the podcast.

Jennette shared in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, that she deeply regrets many of her past acting roles. 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 age 13 to 21, she was already feeling ashamed by age 15, realizing 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 feels the only way she might consider it again would be if she wrote a role specifically for herself.

It seemed like a pretty easy decision. The chance to marry Prince Harry, devote ourselves to the charities we care about, and wear the Queen’s beautiful tiaras would make leaving Hollywood completely worthwhile.

Like Grace Kelly before her, Meghan Markle transitioned from a successful acting career – 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 live in California, Meghan is returning to professional life. This includes a production 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—you’re committed for long hours every day for months, leaving no room for anything else.

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. While 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 shared.

The actor stated he wouldn’t return to his role after five seasons on Empire. When asked by Extra about his plans before the show’s sixth and final season in 2019, Terrence Howard 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 enjoying the work of up-and-coming talent, rather than simply repeating performances he’s done before.

Even with the 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 other projects planned for the future.

After his character, King Joffrey, died on the show in 2014, Jack Gleeson, who was 21 at the time, told Entertainment Weekly that 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, no longer a young star, felt some of the joy had faded. He explained that turning a hobby into a job changes things. “Before, it was just for fun with friends, something to do in the summer,” he said. “I still like it, but making a living from it feels different – it’s not that I dislike it, just that it’s not what I want to do as a career.”

After taking a six-year break, 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.

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 with Playboy magazine.

He added that Phoebe consistently prioritizes staying home with her children whenever she’s scheduled to work. While she briefly appeared in her friend Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 independent film, The Anniversary Party, Cates 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 focus on raising his children, Rachel and Mitchell.

Despite not appearing in a live-action movie since 1997 – he even turned down a small role in the 2016 Ghostbusters remake – Rick remains a beloved figure, as shown by the strong reaction to news of an assault he experienced while walking in New York City in 2020. Fortunately, fans will soon see him back on 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 interested in that. She explained that while she and her husband had a strong relationship, she needed a truly exceptional role to justify taking on potentially challenging material. She felt that if you’re going to take risks, the reward has to be worthwhile.

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 in the movie world and was now completely focused on being a mom. She also explained that she helps her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting, but her children are her main priority, which is why she stopped pursuing acting.

She’d built a strong resume with popular shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. After those experiences, the Australian actress began to think she was ready for a change in direction.

Turning 45, she started thinking about trying something completely new and challenging. As she explained on her wife Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show in 2018, she had a good idea of what her acting career would look like for the next decade or two, so she decided to leave acting and start her own business.

As a lifestyle curator, I’m always excited to see creativity meet accessibility. With my company, General Public, nearly complete, I just had one final piece to finalize before we could officially launch. It felt amazing to be so close to sharing it with everyone!

I spoke with Mitch Hurwitz, the creator of Arrested Development, and told him I was done with acting, so I wouldn’t participate in a fifth season if one happened. 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 enough in his acting career. Following his sixth Oscar nomination for his 2017 film, Phantom Thread, his publicist announced his retirement from acting. He expressed deep gratitude to those he’d worked with and 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 attended Harvard Law School.

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

2026-04-25 03:20

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