Lupita Nyong’o Reveals Why She Turned Down Roles After Her Oscar Win

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Lupita Nyong’o stood her ground.

As someone who’s followed Lupita Nyong’o’s career closely, I was really fascinated by what she recently shared. It’s been over ten years since she won that incredible Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her very first film, 12 Years a Slave, and she’s been talking about how she chooses projects now. She opened up about turning down roles after that breakthrough, and it really speaks to her intentionality as an artist – she’s clearly very thoughtful about the stories she wants to tell and the impact she wants to make.

I won an Academy Award very early in my career, with my first film ever,” she shared with Angélique Kidjo in a CNN interview on November 22nd. “It truly shaped everything I’ve done since then.

It’s funny, because after winning the Oscar, I expected to be offered leading roles. Instead, people suggested I play another enslaved character, this time on a ship.

After winning an Oscar for her performance as Patsey in Steve McQueen’s film, the Kenyan-Mexican actress was surprised by how many new opportunities opened up for her.

Looking back, it was a really vulnerable period,” the Us star shared. “There was a lot of pressure on me and my career. People were writing articles questioning whether I was just starting to succeed or if my career was already over, simply because I was a Black woman.”

I had to tune out all the people offering opinions, because ultimately, I’m not an idea – I’m a real person. I want to be someone who enthusiastically challenges and changes what it means to be African.

Lupita prioritized staying true to her beliefs and wouldn’t work on projects she didn’t support.

She explained that she’s willing to work fewer jobs if it means she won’t reinforce harmful expectations placed on people from her continent.

Her choice paid off quickly. Over the next two years, she appeared in several popular films, including Non-Stop with Liam Neeson, the Star Wars sequels, a remake of The Jungle Book, and Queen of Katwe.

She is perhaps best known for her role alongside the late Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther, where she played Nakia, a warrior and T’Challa’s love interest.

In a 2022 interview with Mama Knows It All, she explained that when portraying African characters, she and her costar, Danai Gurira, feel a strong commitment to showing African women on screen who are authentic and relatable – women they genuinely recognize.

As a huge fan, what really struck me about these characters is how real they feel. The creators clearly wanted to portray women they actually know – women with layers, depth, and lives that aren’t defined solely by their relationships with men. It was so refreshing to see women depicted as strong, independent people who have their own goals and drive the story forward. That focus on female agency was incredibly important and makes these characters so compelling.

And that also meant dissecting what those attributions meant for their characters.

She continued, “Strength isn’t about hiding your weaknesses. It’s about having the inner resources to cope with challenges and knowing when to ask for support. Strength is actually a complicated concept. We really wanted the women in this project to feel fully realized, and that happens naturally when you focus on portraying their humanity.”

For more celebs who changed their Hollywood plans, keep reading.

I was a longtime fan of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so it was really sad to see it end in 2022 after 19 seasons. The reports about a difficult workplace and the investigation that followed were heartbreaking, and it definitely cast a shadow over everything. Then, after a bit of time away, Ellen came back with a new Netflix stand-up special called For Your Approval in September 2024, and during the promotion for it, she shared that she’s actually planning to leave Hollywood completely. It’s a big change, and I wish her all the best in whatever comes next.

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.” Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have since moved to England. She confirmed to Richard Bacon that they relocated in November 2024 following Donald Trump’s reelection.

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 airlines and cruise ships, and she was frequently traveling to Australia to oversee production at a large facility there. She quickly fell in love with the country during her visits.

She also realized Australia was a promising market for her product, noting that Australia, America, and New Zealand consume the most ice cream.

Ultimately, Tyra moved to Australia with her son, York (whose father is her ex, Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, saying 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 divides her time between Mexico and Spain with her husband, José Bastón, and their son, Santiago. In a November 2024 interview with Marie Claire, Longoria explained that while she spent her entire adult life in Los Angeles, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated that shift. She cited issues like homelessness and taxes as contributing factors, but emphasized she wasn’t speaking negatively about California, simply that this chapter of her life felt complete.

Longoria clarified in a November 2024 appearance on The View: Behind the Table that her move wasn’t politically motivated, despite some assumptions. She explained that work opportunities, including filming Land of Women in Catalonia and Searching for Mexico, led to extended stays abroad, and she’s now been living between Mexico and Spain for years. She feels fortunate to be able to leave the U.S. when many Americans aren’t so lucky, expressing anxiety and sadness for those who are stuck in what she describes as a difficult situation. Despite the move, Longoria remains active in her career, 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 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 excited about the move, believing it will benefit their sons, Alexander and James, who are already bilingual. He also has an adult son, Homer, from a previous relationship with Carey Lowell. According to an interview with Elle España, the whole family is thriving and happier than ever with 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, she and her husband previously spent half the year commuting between the U.S. and France. They decided to move permanently so their children – Violet (from a previous marriage), and sons Isaiah and Kenna – 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 with a healthy work-life balance, working ahead of schedule to accommodate the time difference.

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 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 the media would have focused solely on her career and admitted that the relentless scrutiny was a major reason she chose to step away from the spotlight. After leaving Los Angeles, Lindsay lived in London and Dubai, and even opened beach clubs in Greece, seeking a more private life.

Lindsay Lohan admitted she worried she might never find love, wondering if that part of her life would ever happen. She realized that taking time to focus on herself was key to opening up possibilities and allowing good things to come her way – things she truly wanted.

Eventually, she did find 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. She’s continued to star in films like Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.

Okay, so Josh leaving Hollywood? It totally makes sense to me, and I’ve been following him for ages! He said it himself – Hollywood isn’t just a location, it’s a whole way of life. He told People that if everyone around you only talks about movies, your life gets…flat. And he never wanted that. He craved something more. He always wanted to be around people with different passions, things that would challenge him and help him grow outside of acting – he called it the ‘spice of life’ and honestly, YES! So, he, Tamsin, and their four kids just left and moved to the countryside in Hampshire, England! He told The Guardian that time flies with four kids, and even though it might seem like less is happening, actually more of what really matters is. It’s just…beautiful. And even though he’s living a quieter life, he’s still working! He’s been in Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap – he’s still amazing, and I’m so happy he’s found a life that makes him happy.

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 relatively 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, which helps him maintain a sense of separation from the pressures of Hollywood. His wife is a teacher, and his son isn’t even much of a movie fan, further grounding him in a life outside of the entertainment world.

Eliza, 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 to become a mental health professional.

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 heal. She felt it was important to share the positive changes she’d experienced – the peace and passion she now felt – because she realized this was truly her 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 roots, as my grandparents were actually from there, and I’m currently working on becoming an Irish citizen. While recent events definitely played a part in my decision, I’m not saying this is goodbye forever to the States – I definitely see the possibility of returning home eventually.

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 her current country, and her family will think about returning to America when it’s safe and all citizens have equal rights.

I’m absolutely devastated! Evangeline Lily, my queen, has announced she’s stepping away from acting… for now, at least. After two decades of gracing the screen, she’s taking an indefinite break. It’s heartbreaking, but I respect her need to do what’s best for her. I’ll be counting down the days until she returns, but honestly, I’m just so sad right now!

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 choosing a path less focused on money and fame can be daunting, aligning with one’s true purpose brings a deep sense of satisfaction instead of fear.

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.”

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 over four years ago to focus on raising his two children with his wife, Nikki Reed, and to develop his businesses. He was also working to release two documentaries, Kiss the Ground (released in 2020) and its sequel, Common Ground, both of which highlight the importance of regenerative farming. He shared this with TopMob News in November 2023.

Okay, seriously, he gets me. He says he’s not just acting, this is him. He’s always dreamed of being a rancher, building something real that lasts – like his bourbon and this health company he’s working on. But it’s more than that, it’s about how he lives – regenerative agriculture, taking care of the land, that’s just him and his family. When people ask why he’s so passionate, it’s because this isn’t a phase, it’s his future! It’s who he is, and who he’s going to be, period. I just get it, you know?

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, alongside hosting the podcast.

Jennette recently shared that she regrets many of the acting roles she took earlier in her career, detailing these feelings in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. She explained that she feels dissatisfied with her past work, describing the roles as cheesy and embarrassing. 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 friends 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 believes 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 the charities we care about, and even wear the Queen’s tiaras would make leaving Hollywood totally worth it.

Like Grace Kelly before her, Meghan Markle transitioned from a successful acting career – most notably her role in the TV show Suits – to a life within the British Royal Family. After stepping down from their senior royal duties and moving to Montecito, California, Meghan is now returning to professional life, starting with a production deal with Netflix.

She has already released the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan and is preparing a lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, for release in 2025. In addition, she’s launched a podcast and 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 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 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 to performing at least one more time.

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 projects 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 everything he had to offer as an actor and now wanted to focus on watching and supporting new talent, rather than simply repeating his own established style.

Even with those past issues, 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, 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 something fun to do with friends, or a summer pastime,” 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.”

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.

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 is now a singer known as Frankie Cosmos.

He added that Phoebe has consistently prioritized staying home with her children whenever she was 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.

Oh my gosh, you won’t believe this! At the peak of his career, when he was HUGE in Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, he just… stopped making movies! Can you imagine?! It was right after his wife, the amazing woman she was, lost her battle with breast cancer in ’91. He just needed to be there for his kids, Rachel and Mitchell, and honestly, I totally get it. Family first, always. It was heartbreaking, but so admirable.

Despite not appearing in a live-action movie since 1997 – he even turned down a brief appearance 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 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 taking on such roles felt risky, and unless a project was truly exceptional, the potential cost to her relationship wasn’t worth it.

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 helps her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting as a hobby, explaining, “I think that’s mainly why I stopped [acting].”

I’ve been a fan since her early days – Ally McBeal was fantastic, and I loved her in Nip/Tuck. Then she nailed the quirky comedy of Arrested Development, and really showed her range with Scandal. It felt like after all that, she finally decided it was time to try something new, and honestly, I was so excited to see what she’d do next!

Turning 45, I started thinking about taking on a new, really challenging project I hadn’t tried before,” 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 decade or two, so I decided to leave acting and start my own business instead.”

Her company, General Public, which created 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 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 their career complete. 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, 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 stepped away from acting in 2018 to focus on her education. 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 startup focused on building ground stations for sending and receiving data from satellites. She became the company’s CEO in February 2023.

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2025-11-25 17:22