Emma Watson Details the “Soul-Destroying” Aspect of Acting

Emma Watson felt it was best to take her broomstick far from Hollywood.

Emma Watson, known for her role in Harry Potter, has spoken about why she decided to stop acting and go back to school for her doctorate. While she appreciates her work, she explained that certain parts of being an actress actually diminished her enjoyment of the job.

Emma recently told *Hollywood Authentic* that she feels incredibly lucky to be an actor, calling it like winning the lottery. She explained that while the acting itself is important, a lot of the focus ends up on promoting and marketing the work, and that balance can easily become skewed.

She admitted she didn’t enjoy selling, finding it really draining. However, she truly missed the creative side of her work and using her skills – she just didn’t get to do enough of what she loved.

For the 35-year-old actress, who started her career at age 11 in the first *Harry Potter* movie in 1999, being on camera felt incredibly liberating.

Once filming starts, there isn’t much time to practice. But having the chance to discuss a scene beforehand, or to really think about how to approach it, and then letting go of everything else the moment the camera starts rolling-that’s incredibly immersive. It’s almost like a deep form of meditation because your entire focus is on that single moment; you can’t be thinking about anything else.

With Emma’s last project being Little Women in 2019, she admitted, “I miss that profoundly.”

However, she emphasized, “I don’t miss the pressure. I forgot it was a lot of pressure.”

I helped out with a small play, just with some friends,” she said. “It was surprisingly stressful! And that was just a rehearsal, not even a performance in front of an audience. I definitely don’t miss feeling that pressure.

Emma might be interested in working behind the scenes in the future, but right now, she’s prioritizing the people she cares about most. As a student at the University of Oxford, she’s currently focusing on her family and friends.

According to the actor, who starred in *The Perks of Being a Wallflower*, what matters most in life is your home and the people you love. He shared that he focused on work for so long that he eventually reached a breaking point, and his personal life suffered as a result.

I had to do some building work,” she said. “Basically, I needed to create a solid base for future growth.”

Emma’s not alone in stepping away from acting. Here are other celebrities who have also chosen to leave Hollywood.

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 DeGeneres recently returned to performing with her Netflix stand-up special, *For Your Approval*, released in September 2024. Before the special aired, she announced her plans to leave Hollywood completely.

During her recent stand-up tour, Ellen DeGeneres told her audience that she plans to retire after her upcoming Netflix special. She stated, “This is the last time you’re going to see me.” According to SFGate, this signals her full retirement from performing. Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have since moved to England. She confirmed to Richard Bacon in July 2025 that they relocated there in November 2024 following Donald Trump’s reelection.

Tyra Banks, the 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 airlines and cruise ships, and she’d been traveling to Australia frequently because that’s where a large production facility was located. She quickly fell in love with the country during her visits.

She also realized Australia was a promising market for her product, noting that the top three ice cream-consuming countries are the United States, New Zealand, and Australia.

Banks ultimately relocated 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 change. Issues like homelessness and taxes contributed to her decision, though she doesn’t want to criticize California.

Longoria clarified to *The View: Behind the Table* that her move wasn’t due to politics, despite speculation. She explained that work opportunities, starting with the show *Land of Women* filmed in Catalonia, then *Searching for Mexico*, and continuing with other projects, kept her abroad for extended periods. She simply prefers to keep her decision separate from political discussions.

Despite the move, Longoria remains active in her career, recently appearing in *Only Murders in the Building* and *Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip*. She also expressed gratitude for her ability to move, acknowledging that many Americans don’t have the same privilege.

Actor Richard Gere has relocated from Chicago to Spain with his family. He explained on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon* that his wife, Alejandra Silva, is from Galicia and they plan to live in Madrid for several years. Gere is thrilled about the move, believing it will be especially beneficial for their young sons, Alexander and James, who are already bilingual. He also has an adult son, Homer, with his ex-wife, Carey Lowell. The family seems to be thriving in their new environment, as Gere told *Elle España* that they are happier than ever and currently experiencing a wonderful phase in their lives.

Okay, so I’ve been following Christina Milian for ages, and I’m SO thrilled she’s finally living her best life in Paris! She’s been with Matt Pokora for like, seven or eight years now – they’re seriously adorable. For years, they were basically doing long distance, flying back and forth between the US and France every six months! But now? They’ve officially moved! She said they wanted her kids – Violet, Isaiah, and Kenna – to go to school in France, and honestly, what a brilliant idea! She says it’s ‘magnifique’ and I totally get why! She told TopMob that her kids are thriving, they all speak French, and she’s loving the active lifestyle. She works ahead of schedule so she can balance everything, which is amazing. It just sounds like a perfect, healthy life for them all, and I’m living for it!

Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by the ongoing speculation surrounding her departure from Los Angeles. She recently explained that a busy work life and constant partying in the early 2000s were often overshadowed by intense media attention. In a March 2024 interview with Bustle, she expressed annoyance that paparazzi coverage seemed to take on a life of its own, ultimately leading her to seek a more private life. Lohan moved to London and then Dubai, even opening beach clubs in Greece, but her desire for a life outside the spotlight was a major factor in her decision. She felt that the constant focus on her personal life was distracting from her work, and she wanted to escape that cycle.

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 started to fall into place and she could embrace opportunities she truly wanted.

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

Although they currently live in Dubai, Lindsay hasn’t left acting behind, and has appeared in films like *Our Little Secret*, *Irish Wish*, and *Freakier Friday*.

Josh decided to leave Hollywood after some careful thought. He explained to *People* magazine in July 2024 that Hollywood isn’t just a location, but a way of life. Being surrounded by people constantly focused on the film industry, he felt, would limit his perspective. He wanted a life with more variety.

“I’ve always wanted to be around people doing different things, things that would take my mind off work and help me grow,” Josh said. He considers that variety to be essential for a fulfilling life.

So, Josh, his wife Tamsin Egerton, and their four children moved to the countryside in Hampshire, England. He told *The Guardian* in July 2024 that time flies with a large family, and while life may seem simpler, it’s filled with what truly matters. Despite the move, Josh has remained active in his career, appearing in films like *Verity*, *Fight or Flight*, and *Trap*.

If you don’t follow Jesse on social media, you might be surprised to learn he no longer lives in Los Angeles. In a February 2025 interview with *CBS News Sunday Morning*, the *A Real Pain* star revealed he’s lived in Indiana for the past ten years, finding it a more comfortable and stable environment. Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse lives a fairly ordinary life with his wife, Anna Strout, and 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 a big movie fan, Jesse feels removed from the constant pressures of assessing his status 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.

Honestly, hearing her talk about finally finding her path just *gets* me. She said she realized she could change things, really focus on getting *herself* better so she could then help everyone else. And she feels like she *has* to share what that journey has been like – the peace, the passion, everything! It’s just so clear to her, and to me, that this is what she was *meant* to do, her true purpose. It’s amazing to witness!

The actress best known for playing Wilma Flintstone shared that she relocated to Ireland in January 2025 with her son, Clay, and is applying for Irish citizenship because of her family’s heritage. While she mentioned current 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.

Okay, so she posted this video and it just *killed* me. She said she misses her kids, like, really misses them, and her friends too. It’s just heartbreaking because she’s trying so hard to build a life here, in this new country, but she’s clearly longing for home. She keeps saying she’ll come back, but only when things are truly equal and safe for *everyone* back in America. Honestly, I’m just waiting for that day with her, it’s all I can think about!

I was really surprised and saddened to hear that Evangeline Lily, who I’ve always loved in everything from *Lost* to *Ant-Man and the Wasp*, is stepping away from acting for a while. After two decades in the business, she’s decided to take an indefinite break, and while I’m going to miss seeing her on screen, I completely respect her need to prioritize what’s important to her right now.

In a June 2024 Instagram post, Evangeline shared how happy and at peace she feels while pursuing her goals. She expressed gratitude for her life and explained that choosing a path based on purpose, rather than just money or fame, can be daunting, but ultimately leads to a much more satisfying life.

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 on the Netflix series *V-Wars* in 2019, the actor best known for *The Vampire Diaries* hasn’t taken on another acting job. 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 over 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 explained he envisions himself as a rancher, focused on building lasting brands – including his bourbon and health company. He’s deeply committed to sustainable farming and healthy soil practices, values he and his family prioritize. He said this is his future, and it’s the reason behind his passions and dedication. He emphasized, ‘This is who I am, and this is what I’m working towards.’

In a February 2021 episode of her podcast, *Empty Inside*, former *iCarly* star Jennette McCurdy told Anna Faris that she quit acting several years ago. She’s now pursuing writing and directing, alongside hosting the podcast.

Jennette 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 expressed feeling unfulfilled and embarrassed by her work, calling it cheesy and awkward. Having been on shows from ages 13 to 21, she was already self-conscious about her career by age 15, feeling it wasn’t something her peers admired.

Despite stepping away from acting, she hasn’t ruled it out completely. She explained to TopMob News in October 2022 that writing her book helped her consider acting in a new light, free from past pressures. She thinks she might be open to it again, but only if she were to write a role specifically for herself.

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

Oh my gosh, it’s like history repeating itself! I mean, just like Grace Kelly went from being a movie star to a princess, Meghan did the same thing, leaving her life in Toronto and that amazing role on *Suits* to become part of the Royal Family! But now, it’s even *more* exciting because she and Harry are doing their own thing in Montecito, and she’s slowly getting back to work! I was SO thrilled when they announced that deal with Netflix! And then *Harry & Meghan* – I watched it like, five times! I’m already counting down the days until *With Love, Meghan* comes out in 2025! Seriously, everything she does is amazing, and I love her podcast and the As Ever brand too. She’s just… incredible!

After starring in over 40 films since she began her career with 1994’s *The Mask*, the actress really needed a rest when she finished filming *Annie* in 2014.

She told Gwyneth Paltrow that she realized she wanted a different lifestyle. After years of intense work and filmmaking, she felt burnt out. She explained that making a movie is incredibly demanding – it requires long hours, often 12 a day for months, and leaves you with no personal time.

Cameron Diaz had many interests she wanted to pursue, including writing-she followed up her popular 2013 book, *The Body Book*, with *The Longevity Book* in 2016-and starting a family with her husband, Benji Madden. Although she told *InStyle* magazine 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, saying, ‘Please do one more!’ He added that everyone loves her and has been eagerly waiting for her return, and the film is going to be amazing.

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 appearing in a few projects since then, the Academy Award nominee announced his retirement 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 wanted to make way for new talent, rather than simply repeating performances he’d done before.

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.

I’ve been following Jack’s career for a while now, and it’s interesting to hear him talk about growing up. He used to be *that* child star, but he’s said the joy felt different lately. He explained it perfectly – when it was just a hobby, something he did with friends for fun, it was amazing. Now that people are suggesting he turn it into a full-time job, it feels…different. He doesn’t dislike it at all, but he’s realized he doesn’t want to make a career out of something that used to be pure enjoyment. It’s a really honest perspective, and I respect him for recognizing that.

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 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 decided to stagger their work schedules. This arrangement ensured one parent was always available to care for their children, Owen and Greta, who is now a singer known as Frankie Cosmos. Kline shared this plan with *Playboy* magazine.

He added 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 mainly focuses on running her boutique, Blue Tree, in New York City.

During the peak of his success with movies like *Ghostbusters* and *Honey, I Shrunk the Kids*, the actor paused his film 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 – 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, which she wasn’t interested in pursuing. While she felt her relationship was strong, she believed any potentially challenging work needed to be truly exceptional to be worth it.

After her son, Martin, joined his older 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 industry and was now focused on being a mom. She also mentioned she helps her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting, explaining, “I think that’s mainly why I stopped.”

I’ve seen so many actresses try to define themselves through roles, and this one was no different. She really put in the work with shows like *Ally McBeal*, *Nip/Tuck*, *Arrested Development*, and even *Scandal*. But after all that, she started to feel like it was time for a change, a shift in direction. It was like she was finally ready to explore something new.

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

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

I spoke with Mitch Hurwitz, the creator of *Arrested Development*, and let him know that if they made a fifth season, I wouldn’t be participating because I had decided to stop acting. He was very understanding and supportive, and we had a good talk. Surprisingly, he ended up writing my character 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 those he’d worked with and his audiences over the years, and clarified 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.

Bridgit Mendler, known for her role on *Good Luck Charlie*, stepped away from acting in 2018 to focus on her education. She earned both a master’s degree and a PhD from MIT, and also attended Harvard Law School.

Honestly, Bridgit’s ambition is incredible! On top of everything else, she actually *started* her own company, Northwood Space. They’re building ground stations – think of them as crucial hubs for sending and receiving data from satellites – and I’m so excited to share that she stepped into the role of CEO in February 2023. It’s a really innovative space, and I’m thrilled for her!

2025-09-22 19:52

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