Unlike Kevin McCallister, Daniel Stern is happy to stay home alone.
I was a little sad to hear that Daniel Stern, who played Marv in Home Alone, won’t be joining in on the 35th anniversary celebrations. Apparently, at 68, he’s just a homebody at heart – and who can blame him? It’s nice to know he’s enjoying relaxing at home after all these years, even if it means missing out on the fun with Joe Pesci and everyone else!
Daniel explained to People magazine that he rarely leaves his farm. He clarified this wasn’t a criticism of the film, but that he prefers to participate remotely – through calls or video conferences – whenever possible.
After becoming famous for his roles in classic films alongside Macaulay Culkin, Daniel chose to leave Hollywood and now lives a peaceful life on a citrus farm in Ventura County with his wife, Laure Mattos. They have three children: Henry, 43, Sophie, 39, and Ella Stern, 36. While Daniel enjoys his life away from the spotlight, he recognizes the lasting popularity of his 1990s movie – though he still finds it surprising when fans approach him.
It’s great to hear so many people enjoy it, but sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming when people tell me directly how much they love it, he said.
The film has truly become a big success. Daniel didn’t foresee how popular it would be, but he always believed it was a fantastic movie.
He fondly remembered reading a script by John Hughes, calling it the funniest he’d ever encountered. He said he was laughing hysterically while reading it. Beyond the humor, he noted it was a surprisingly touching story, particularly the scenes where the boy was rescued by a neighbor and reunited with his mother – moments he described as deeply emotional.
Although Daniel generally keeps to himself, he occasionally shares glimpses of his life on TikTok, showcasing his talent for sculpting and offering a realistic look at his work harvesting citrus fruits. Even with his online followers, he understands that the holiday season—which he playfully calls “Home Alone time”—is when he’s busiest.
In a December 2024 interview with the New York Times, my son playfully told me, ‘You’re a seasonal superstar – you reappear every year!’
However, even the online attention can be a little much for the Bushwhacked star.
He explained that receiving so much affection could be overwhelming. He reflected on how strange it was to be even a small part of so many people’s lives.
Keep reading to see other stars who left the movie capital for a quieter life…
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 producers, and significant public criticism.
Ellen DeGeneres recently returned to performing with her Netflix stand-up special, For Your Approval, released in September 2024. Before the special’s release, she announced her plans to leave Hollywood completely.
During her recent stand-up tour, Ellen DeGeneres announced to her audience that she plans to retire after releasing a Netflix special. According to SFGate, she stated, ‘This is the last time you’re going to see me.’ She and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have since moved to England. Ellen confirmed to Richard Bacon in July 2025 that they relocated in November 2024 following Donald Trump’s reelection.
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 basically said her ice cream started out being served on airplanes and cruises, but she was going to Australia constantly because they were making it there! She said she just completely fell in love with the country every single time. And get this – she realized Australia is a HUGE ice cream market! Apparently, the top three countries that eat the most ice cream are America, New Zealand, and Australia! So, naturally, she packed up and moved there with her son, York (whose dad is Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin. She said Australia is a ‘dream come true’ for her and her family, and honestly, I’m so happy for her! It makes so much sense now!
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 her entire adult life, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated that shift. She cited issues like homelessness and taxes as contributing factors to her decision, but emphasized she wasn’t criticizing California, she simply felt it was time for a new chapter.
Longoria clarified in a November 2024 appearance on The View: Behind the Table that her move wasn’t politically motivated, despite speculation following the presidential election. She explained that work, including filming Land of Women in Spain and Searching for Mexico, led to an extended stay, and she now prefers living there. She acknowledged her privilege in being able to move, expressing concern for Americans who aren’t as fortunate. Despite the move, Longoria remains busy with recent acting projects like Only Murders in the Building and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip.
Actor Richard Gere has relocated from Chicago to Spain with his family. He shared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2024 that his wife, Alejandra Silva, who is from Galicia, encouraged the move, and they plan to live in Madrid for several years. Gere is enthusiastic about how this change will benefit their young sons, Alexander and James, who are already bilingual and will thrive in the new environment. He also has an adult son, Homer, with ex-wife Carey Lowell. In an interview with Elle España in January 2025, Gere stated that the whole family is happier than ever and currently experiencing a positive momentum 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, she and her family previously spent half the year commuting between the U.S. and France. They decided to settle permanently in France so their children – Violet (from a previous marriage), and sons Isaiah and Kenna – could attend school there. Milian shared that she saw it as a fantastic opportunity for her kids. The family seems to be thriving in Paris. Milian told TopMob that her children are happy and fluent in French, and she enjoys an active lifestyle during the day, working ahead of schedule at night to maintain a healthy balance.
Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by the ongoing speculation surrounding her departure from Los Angeles. Looking back on her busy career and social life in the early 2000s, she recently explained her decision to step away from the public eye. In an interview with Bustle in March 2024, Lohan expressed annoyance that her work was often overshadowed by the constant attention of the paparazzi. She wished the focus had remained on her career, and felt the relentless media coverage took on a life of its own, prompting her desire to disappear. She moved to London, then Dubai, and even started opening beach clubs in Greece, but seeking a life outside the spotlight was also a major factor in her decision to move abroad.
Lindsay Lohan once worried she might never find love, questioning if it would ever happen for her. She realized that taking time to focus on herself was key to opening up possibilities and receiving 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.
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 longed for a more diverse environment, telling the magazine he always wanted to be around people with varied interests that would challenge him and broaden his horizons – what he called “the spice of 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 while life with four kids is busy, it feels simpler and allows him to focus 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 A Real Pain star revealed he’s lived in Indiana for the past ten years, finding it a more comfortable and stable environment. Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse leads a relatively normal life with his wife, Anna Strout, and son, Banner. He avoids social media and doesn’t spend much time networking within the industry. With a teacher for a wife and a son who isn’t much of a moviegoer, Jesse feels removed from the constant pressures of assessing his status in Hollywood.
Eliza Dushku, known for her 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 focus on her own well-being, which then allowed her to help others. She felt it was important to share the positive changes she’d experienced – the peace and passion she’d found – because she now clearly understood her true calling and purpose.
The actress best known for playing a character in The Flintstones shared that she relocated to Ireland with her son, Clay, in January 2025. She’s currently working on becoming an Irish citizen because of her family’s heritage. While she mentioned recent political events as a factor in her decision to move, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to her home country in the future.
As someone who’s navigated big life changes, I completely understand that feeling of missing home. I was sharing recently how much I miss my kids, my friends, and just the everyday rhythms of life back where I used to live. It’s a process, building a new life in a beautiful place like this, and finding that sense of ‘home’ again. We’re really hoping to return to the States when the time is right – when things are safer and everyone there has the equal rights they deserve. Until then, we’re focusing on creating a good life here, but America will always hold a special place in our hearts.
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 life’s purpose. She expressed gratitude for her blessings and explained that while choosing a path less traveled – one that doesn’t necessarily lead to wealth or fame – can be frightening, aligning with your true calling ultimately brings a deep sense of fulfillment.
I’ve been following her career for years, and while she’s stepped away from Hollywood for now, she hasn’t ruled out going back completely. She’s said herself that she’s happy where she is right now, but she hasn’t closed the door on returning someday. It’s comforting to know she might be back, but she’s prioritizing her current life, and I fully support that.
Since finishing his role on the Netflix series V-Wars in 2019, the actor best known from The Vampire Diaries hasn’t taken on a new acting job. He’s 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 its sequel, Common Ground. Both films highlight the importance of regenerative farming, and he spoke about this with TopMob News in November 2023.
Looking ahead, the actor shared his plans to become a rancher and focus on building lasting brands – including his bourbon and wellness company. He’s deeply committed to regenerative agriculture and healthy soil practices, which are central to his and his family’s lifestyle. He explained that this is his true path and the reason behind his passion for these things. He said, ‘This is who I am, and this is what I’m working towards.’
During 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, 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 admitted to feeling resentful towards her career and unfulfilled by the parts she played, describing them as cheesy and embarrassing. Having worked on shows from ages 13 to 21, she was already self-conscious about her work by age 15, feeling it wasn’t something her peers admired.
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 consider a role if she wrote a project specifically for herself, as that could be the only way she’d feel comfortable exploring acting again.
Honestly, it seemed like a total dream come true. The chance to marry Prince Harry, truly commit to the charities I care about, and get to wear those incredible tiaras from the Queen? Leaving Hollywood behind wouldn’t have been a hard decision at all. It felt like the obvious thing to do!
Like Grace Kelly before her, Meghan Markle transitioned from a successful acting career – best known for her role in the TV show Suits – to a life as a member of the British Royal Family. After stepping back from their official duties and moving to Montecito, California, Meghan is now returning to professional life. She and Prince Harry have a production deal with Netflix, and she’s launched several projects through it, including the docuseries Harry & Meghan and the upcoming lifestyle show With Love, Meghan. She’s also ventured into podcasting and created her own brand, As Ever.
After starring in over 40 films since she began her career with 1994’s The Mask, the actress really needed a rest when she finished filming Annie in 2014.
She told Gwyneth Paltrow that she realized she wanted a different lifestyle. After years of intense work and filmmaking, she felt burnt out. She explained that making a movie is all-consuming – you work long hours for months and have no personal time.
Cameron Diaz had many interests she wanted to pursue, including writing—she followed up her popular 2013 book, The Body Book, with The Longevity Book in 2016—and starting a family with her husband, Benji Madden. Though she told InStyle in 2019 that she didn’t miss acting and was focused on wellness, it seems she might be open to returning to performing at least one more time.
Jamie Foxx explained that convincing Cameron Diaz to star in the 2025 Netflix movie Back in Action involved a lot of pleading. “We were practically begging her to do it again,” he told TopMob News, adding, “We all love her and have been eagerly waiting for her return – it’s going to be amazing!”
The actor stated he wouldn’t return to the role after completing his five years on Empire. When asked by Extra about his plans before the sixth and final season of the show aired in 2019, Terrence Howard said he was finished with acting and no longer wanted to play characters.
Despite appearing in a few projects since then, 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 ET that he felt he had given his all as an actor and now wanted to focus on watching and supporting new talent, rather than simply repeating performances he’d already mastered.
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 other projects planned for the future.
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 acting into a job is different than doing it as a hobby with friends. He used to really enjoy it, but making a living from something changes how you feel about it. It’s not that he dislikes acting, he just doesn’t want it to be his career.
After taking six years off, Jack returned to acting in 2020 with a role in the BBC series Out of Her Mind. Since then, he’s also been in films such as Rebecca’s Boyfriend and In the Land of Saints and Sinners, and TV shows including Safe Harbor and The Famous Five.
When Jennifer Aniston, known for her role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, married actor Kevin Kline in 1989, they made a plan to balance their careers and family life. As Kline explained to Playboy, they decided to alternate work schedules so they would always be available to care for their children, Owen and Greta, who is now a singer known as Frankie Cosmos.
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 mainly focuses on running her New York City store, Blue Tree.
During the peak of his popularity 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.
I’ve been a huge Rick Moranis fan for years! It’s been way too long since he’s been on screen – almost 30 years, since 1997! I was so upset when I heard about the incident in New York City in 2020, it really showed how much people still care about him. Even though he turned down a quick appearance in the new Ghostbusters movie, it’s amazing to hear he’s coming back! I’m so excited for Shrunk and to see him act alongside Josh Gad – it’s going to be a fantastic comeback!
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 solid, she needed a truly exceptional role to justify taking on potentially difficult material – something worthwhile on the other side of that 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 to the movie world and was now focused on being a mom. She also mentioned she helps her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting as a hobby, explaining, “I think that’s mainly why I stopped [acting].”
Oh my god, she killed it in Ally McBeal, and then totally transformed herself for Nip/Tuck! I was obsessed! Then she showed up in Arrested Development and I thought, ‘Wow, she can do anything!’ But it was Scandal… that’s when I realized she was finally ready to really take control and do what she wanted. It was amazing to watch her evolve!
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.”
As a lifestyle curator, I’m always excited to see creative businesses come to life. With my company, General Public, we were almost there – just one final piece stood between us and launching something truly special. It felt amazing to be so close to sharing our vision with the world!
I spoke with Mitch Hurwitz, the creator of Arrested Development, and told him I wouldn’t participate in a fifth season because I had decided to stop acting. He was very understanding and supportive, and we had a good talk. Surprisingly, he ended up writing me into five episodes anyway.
It’s understandable why, after winning three Oscars, 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. He expressed deep gratitude to those he’d worked with and his audiences over the years, and requested privacy, stating that no further comments would 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.
I’ve always believed in the power of continuous learning, and that’s exactly what led me back to school a few years ago. After stepping away from acting in 2018, I decided to pursue a master’s degree at MIT, which eventually led to a PhD there. But I didn’t stop there – I also went on to study law at Harvard! It’s been an incredible journey of personal and intellectual growth.
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.
Read More
- Hazbin Hotel season 3 release date speculation and latest news
- Red Dead Redemption Remaster Error Prevents Xbox Players from Free Upgrade
- Where Winds Meet: Best Weapon Combinations
- Where Winds Meet: How To Defeat Shadow Puppeteer (Boss Guide)
- Zootopia 2 Reactions Raise Eyebrows as Early Viewers Note “Timely Social Commentary”
- Victoria Beckham Addresses David Beckham Affair Speculation
- 10 Best Demon Slayer Quotes of All Time, Ranked
- Is There a Smiling Friends Season 3 Episode 9 Release Date or Part 2?
- The Death of Bunny Munro soundtrack: Every song in Nick Cave drama
- Strictly Come Dancing professional in tears after judges comments
2025-12-03 19:52