Idris Elba Shares Why He Wants to “Eventually” Quit Acting

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Idris Elba is ready to yell “Action!” on the next scene of his life.

The actor, best known for his work on The Wire, has announced he’s planning to transition from acting in front of the camera to a full-time role working behind the scenes.

Idris Elba revealed at the Red Sea International Film Festival that while he enjoys acting and doesn’t want to disappoint his fans, he ultimately wants to transition into directing full-time. He’s been acting for many years and feels directing will allow him to explore different creative avenues and experience filmmaking from a new perspective, as reported by The Daily Mail.

Idris Elba, age 53, started directing films in 2018 with Yardie, followed by the short film Dust to Dreams in 2025. He’s not content with simply making his mark in Hollywood and has even thought about going back to school to earn a degree.

He was considering focusing his studies on understanding people, rather than politics. He believes that human behavior is driven by interactions between individuals, whether it’s in politics, sports, or any other area – it all comes down to understanding people.

He explained he wants to learn more about the issues he’s involved with through his charitable and activist work, so he can be more impactful. As an actor, he often finds himself in unique situations – like speaking on stage or meeting world leaders – but feels he relies on gut feeling rather than informed understanding.

Idris Elba, who has a 22-year-old daughter, Isan, with his former wife, Hanne Nørgaard, and a 10-year-old son, Winston, with Naiyana Garth, doesn’t plan to run for office. However, he believes strongly in the importance of education and understanding.

I’m not interested in becoming a politician, but I do think it’s valuable to learn more about how to create change, and perhaps participate more effectively in the future. Honestly, I often feel out of my depth when I’m around political leaders and government officials, discussing issues I don’t feel qualified to address.

Instead of just talking about the physical systems, I’ve been focusing on the rules and guidelines that make them work.

For more celebs who’ve shared insight into life away from Hollywood, keep reading.

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 significant public criticism.

Ellen DeGeneres returned to performing with her Netflix stand-up special, For Your Approval, which was 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 told her audience that she plans to retire after her upcoming Netflix special. According to SFGate, she said, ‘This is the last time you’re going to see me.’ Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have since moved to England. Ellen confirmed to Richard Bacon in July 2025 that they relocated there in November 2024 following Donald Trump’s reelection.

Tyra Banks, known for hosting 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 was frequently traveling to Australia where a large production facility was making her recipes. She grew to love the country with each visit.

Banks also recognized Australia as a promising market for her product, noting that it’s among the top three countries in the world for ice cream consumption, along with America and New Zealand.

She ultimately moved there with her son, York (whose father is Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, saying 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 to The View: Behind the Table podcast that her move wasn’t politically motivated, despite happening after the presidential election. She explained that work commitments, including filming Land of Women in Spain and Searching for Mexico, led to her extended stay abroad. She simply prefers to keep her decision separate from politics.

Despite the move, Longoria remains active in her career, with recent roles in Only Murders in the Building and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip. She also expressed empathy for those who aren’t able to leave the United States, acknowledging her privilege to be able to move freely.

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, who is from Galicia, 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, from a previous relationship with Carey Lowell. The family seems to be enjoying their new life, with Gere telling Elle España that they are happier than ever and ‘seeing us in our momentum.’

Singer Christina Milian and her family have officially made Paris their home. Married to French singer Matt Pokora for over seven years, they 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), and sons Isaiah and Kenna – could attend school in France. Milian feels it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to learn the language and experience a different culture. 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 with a healthy work-life balance, working ahead of schedule to accommodate her career.

Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by the ongoing speculation surrounding her departure from Los Angeles. She recently explained that a relentless focus on her personal life and the paparazzi overshadowed her work during her busy years in the early 2000s, which she found irritating. In a March 2024 interview with Bustle, she expressed a desire for the media to concentrate on her career instead of sensationalizing her life. This frustration was a major reason she chose to move away, first to London and then to Dubai, and even start beach clubs in Greece, hoping to escape the constant attention and let her work speak for itself.

Lindsay Lohan admitted she worried she might never find love, wondering if that part of her life would ever happen. She realized she needed to focus on herself before things could fall into place and she could embrace opportunities she truly wanted.

Eventually, she did find love with Bader Shammas, and they married in 2022, welcoming their son, Luai, in 2023.

Although 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 way of life. Being constantly surrounded by people focused solely on the film industry, he felt, would limit his perspective. He wanted a more varied life.

He shared that he’d always sought to be around people with diverse interests, something that would challenge him to grow beyond his work – “that’s the spice of life,” he said.

So, Josh, along with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children, moved to the countryside of Hampshire, England. He told The Guardian in July 2024 that time flies with a large family, and while life might 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.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always fascinated by how people navigate fame, and Jesse’s approach is really refreshing. You might be surprised to learn he actually lives in Indiana, not Los Angeles! He shared with CBS News that he’s been living there on and off for the past decade, and it just feels like home. He prefers a sense of stability, which is something I really connect with.

Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse lives a remarkably normal life with his wife, Anna Strout, and their son, Banner. He’s intentionally stepped away from the constant buzz of Hollywood. He’s not active on social media and doesn’t spend his days networking with industry folks. In fact, his son doesn’t even really watch movies! It’s wonderful to hear how he’s prioritized a grounded, family-focused life, separate from the pressures of constantly evaluating his place in the industry. It’s a powerful reminder that you can achieve success and still live authentically.

Okay, so you know I’ve been following Eliza Dushku forever – Buffy, Bring It On, she’s amazing! Well, I just found out in September 2024 that she’s become a certified psychedelic-assisted therapist! Can you believe it?! She’s actually going back to school to become a full-on mental health professional. I’m so incredibly proud and impressed – she’s seriously inspiring!

She told Boston Magazine that she was able to change her life’s path to focus on her own well-being, with the goal of then helping others. She felt it was important to share her personal growth and the sense of peace and purpose she’d found, explaining that she’d finally discovered her true calling.

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 currently working on becoming an Irish citizen. While current events definitely played a part in my decision, I’m not saying this is goodbye forever to the States – I could absolutely see myself returning home at some point.

She shared on TikTok that she misses her children and friends, and many aspects of her life back home. She’s working on building a new life in her current country, and says her family will 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 indefinite period after two decades in the film industry.

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 prioritize money or fame—can be frightening, aligning with your true calling brings a deep sense of fulfillment instead.

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 from The Vampire Diaries has 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 more than four years ago to focus on his family, grow his businesses, and get his documentaries released. He told TopMob News in November 2023 that he was working on Kiss the Ground (released in 2020) and its sequel, Common Ground, both of which highlight the importance of regenerative farming. He shares two children with his wife, Nikki Reed.

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 prioritize. He explained that this is his long-term goal, and the reason he’s so passionate about these things – it’s simply a core part of 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 stopped 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 her feelings in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. She explained she feels frustrated with 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 self-conscious about her work by age 15, feeling it wasn’t something her friends admired.

Despite past experiences, she hasn’t ruled out returning to acting. She explained to TopMob News in October 2022 that writing her book helped her consider acting in a new light, free from the pressures she felt before. She believes she might be open to it again 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 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 popular 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 multi-year deal with Netflix, where she released the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan and will launch a lifestyle show called With Love, Meghan in 2025. She’s also ventured into podcasts 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 found it exhausting. She explained that making a movie takes over your life – you’re committed for long hours every day for months and don’t have time 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. 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 for at least one more project.

Jamie Foxx explained to TopMob News that they had to really ask and convince Cameron Diaz to star in the 2025 Netflix movie Back in Action. “We were practically begging her,” he said, adding, “We adore her and have been waiting for her to return – this is going to be amazing!”

Okay, so Terrence Howard said after five amazing years as Lucious Lyon on Empire, that was it – no more! I was absolutely devastated, honestly. I remember seeing the Extra interview before the final season aired in 2019, and he straight-up told them, ‘Oh, I’m done with acting. I’m done pretending.’ Like, DONE! It broke my heart, but you gotta respect a man who knows what he wants, right? Still, I’m holding out hope for a reunion someday… a fan can dream!

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 wanted to focus on watching and supporting new talent, rather than repeating past performances.

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, Jack Gleeson, who was 21 at the time, decided to stop acting. He told EW that he’d been acting since he was a child, but simply wasn’t enjoying it 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, especially 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, it’s just not my career goal.”

I was so thrilled when Jack returned to acting after a six-year hiatus! He jumped right back in with the BBC series Out of Her Mind in 2020, and I’ve been following his work ever since. It’s been amazing to see him in films like Rebecca’s Boyfriend and In the Land of Saints and Sinners, plus TV shows like Safe Harbor and The Famous Five. He really is a versatile actor!

After landing the role in a virtual reading of Fast Times at Ridgemont High in September 2020, 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 is now a singer known as Frankie Cosmos. Kline shared this arrangement with Playboy magazine.

He added that Phoebe has consistently prioritized staying home with her children when it was her turn to work. While she made a brief appearance in Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 independent film, The Anniversary Party, 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 – 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 be happy to hear he’s returning to the screen with 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 roles require intimate scenes, and she wasn’t interested in pursuing those. She explained that she needed a truly exceptional opportunity to justify taking on challenging or potentially compromising work, especially given the strength of her relationship.

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 and was now fully focused on being a mom. She explained that she primarily helps her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting as a hobby, but her children are her main priority, and that’s why she stopped pursuing film roles.

She’d starred in popular shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. After those roles, the Australian actress began to feel like it might be time for a change.

Turning 45, she felt like she wanted to try 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 instead.

Her company, General Public, which creates art for everyone, was almost complete—she only had one final piece to finish.

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.

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 gratitude to colleagues and fans over the years, and clarified that this was a personal decision and no further details would be shared.

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, decided to focus on her education in 2018. She first earned a master’s degree and then a PhD from MIT, and later went on to study at Harvard Law School.

I’ve been following Bridgit’s career for a while now, and I was absolutely thrilled to see her launch Northwood Space! It’s a startup focused on building ground stations for satellite data – basically, helping us communicate with spacecraft. She even became CEO in February 2023, which is just incredible. It’s amazing to see her turn her passion into a company!

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2025-12-11 17:21