Beyond interstellar travel, Matthew McConaughey is also used to international treks.
The Academy Award-winning actor shared that he temporarily left Hollywood and went to Peru because he needed some privacy after his 1996 film, A Time to Kill, became a hit.
Matthew explained on the May 5th episode of the No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie podcast that he needed to reconnect with himself. He quickly decided to travel to Peru, wanting to confirm what he already believed was true. He said, ‘I just had to go prove it again.’
As a celebrity, it’s hard to know what’s genuine and what’s not, with all the praise you receive,” he explained. “Once you become famous, people tend to skip the usual introductions and already know who you are and what you do.”
Matthew spent 22 days in Peru doing a personal reset, and during that time, he connected with people in the local community who didn’t recognize him as a famous actor.
The actor from Dallas Buyers Club explained that he simply wanted people to get to know him as himself, Mateo. He said that after those 22 days, the emotional goodbyes – the tears and hugs – were all based on the connection they’d made with Mateo, the person, not the famous actor, and that experience had nothing to do with his public life.
Matthew found that stepping back from Hollywood was really good for him. Eventually, he and his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, decided to move their family – Levi, 17, Vida, 15, and Livingston, 13 – from Los Angeles back to his home state of Texas.
He realized he could see himself living there long-term, thinking, ‘This could be my life.’ Once he felt comfortable enough to say, ‘I can make this work,’ the idea of going back home didn’t seem so urgent anymore.
He also explained that regaining control of his work gave him a renewed sense of self. He felt like it confirmed who he was, saying, “I realized this is truly based on my own vision.”
Matthew isn’t the only celebrity who’s traded fame for a more peaceful life. Here are some other stars who have left Hollywood behind.
Following a serious heart attack in 2019, the actor best known for The Mask of Zorro returned to his hometown of Málaga, Spain, to dedicate himself to performing on stage.
In March 2026, Antonio told The Times that the experience completely changed his perspective on life. Confronting his own mortality led him to recognize his true identity as an actor.
The Tony Award nominee, who still acts in television and movies sometimes, now owns a theater and actively participates in local events.
He went on to say he’d never felt happier. Staying connected to his community – his home, his neighbors, and the people he grew up with – was incredibly important to him. He hadn’t lost that sense of belonging, and in fact, it had grown stronger over time.
After 19 seasons, The Ellen DeGeneres Show concluded in 2022 following accusations of a negative and harmful workplace. These claims led to an internal review, the dismissal of several producers, and widespread public criticism.
Ellen made a comeback with her last stand-up comedy show, For Your Approval, which premiered on Netflix in September 2024. Before the show aired, she announced her plans to retire from Hollywood.
During her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour, Ellen DeGeneres told the audience this would be her final performance. She plans to retire after releasing a Netflix special, according to SFGate.
So, a little life update! My wife, Portia, and I actually made the move to the Cotswolds, and we’ve decided to stay put. I shared with Richard Bacon recently – we were chatting at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham back in July 2025 – that the 2024 election results definitely played a part in that decision. Seeing Donald Trump get reelected really solidified our desire to stay in the UK.
She raved about the English countryside, telling the BBC it was “absolutely beautiful” and unlike anything she was used to. She especially loved the charming villages, towns, and architecture, noting it all felt like a more relaxed and simple way of life.
“It’s just a really nice place,” Ellen explained. “Everything feels improved – the animals are well cared for, and people are friendly. I really enjoy living here. We moved in November, which wasn’t the best timing, but I finally got to see snow for the first time! We’re all settling in well. Portia brought her horses with her, I have chickens, and we even had sheep for a couple of weeks.”
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 airplanes and cruise ships, and she was frequently traveling to Australia where a large production facility was creating her recipes. She quickly fell in love with the country during her visits.
Banks 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.
She ultimately relocated 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. She explained to Marie Claire that while she spent her adult life in Los Angeles, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated her decision to leave. Factors like homelessness and taxes also contributed, though she emphasizes she doesn’t want to criticize California.
Longoria clarified to The View: Behind the Table that her move wasn’t politically motivated, despite happening after the presidential election. She explained that work commitments – filming Land of Women in Spain, Searching for Mexico, and returning to Spain – led to her extended stay abroad. She feels fortunate to be able to leave the US, expressing anxiety and sadness for those who can’t. 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.
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 opportunities this move will provide for 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 his ex-wife, Carey Lowell.
In a January 2025 interview with Elle España, Gere confirmed the family is happier than ever and experiencing a positive 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, the couple 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 shared with The Jennifer Hudson Show that she saw it as an incredible opportunity. Life in Paris seems to be suiting the family well. In a recent interview with TopMob, Milian said her kids are thriving, are fluent in French, and she’s enjoying a healthy work-life balance, taking advantage of the daytime for an active lifestyle and working ahead of schedule at night.
Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by the ongoing speculation surrounding her departure from Los Angeles. She recently explained that her busy career and social life in the early 2000s were often overshadowed by constant paparazzi attention, which she found irritating. In a March 2024 interview with Bustle, she said she wished the focus had remained on her work and that the relentless media coverage led her to seek a more private life. This desire for privacy, along with a move to London and then Dubai (where she also opened beach clubs in Greece), motivated her decision to step away from the spotlight.
Lindsay Lohan wondered if she would ever 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.
Eventually, she did find love with Bader Shammas, marrying 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 such as 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 film 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 help him grow. He described this as what makes life interesting.
So, Josh, 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 may seem simpler, it allows more focus on 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 normal 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 entertainment industry, which helps him maintain a sense of separation from its pressures. His wife is a teacher, and his son isn’t even a big movie fan, further distancing him from the typical Hollywood lifestyle and the need to constantly evaluate his career status.
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 explained to 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 now felt—because she realized this was truly her calling and life’s purpose.
The actress best known for playing in The Flintstones shared that she moved to Ireland in January 2025 with her son, Clay, and is working to become an Irish citizen because of her family’s roots there. While she mentioned current political events as a factor in her decision to move, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to her home country someday.
In a TikTok video, she shared that she misses her children, friends, and many aspects of her life back home. She’s currently working to build a new life in this country, and they’ll think about returning to America when it’s safe and everyone there has equal rights.
Actress Evangeline Lilly, known for her role in Ant-Man and the Wasp, has said she’s stepping away from acting for an indefinite 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 dreams. She expressed gratitude for her good fortune, explaining that while choosing a path different from traditional success – like wealth and fame – can be daunting, embracing one’s true calling brings a sense of purpose and joy instead of fear.
She’s not ruling out a return to Hollywood, saying, “I could see myself going 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 a new acting job. Instead, 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 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 said he plans to become a rancher and focus on building lasting brands – like his bourbon and health company – all while prioritizing sustainable farming and healthy soil. He explained that this is his long-term vision and the reason he’s so passionate about these issues. It’s simply a reflection of who he is and who he aspires to be.
I was really surprised to learn from Miranda Cosgrove on her podcast, Empty Inside, that she stepped away from acting a few years ago. She shared with Anna Faris that she’s now pouring her energy into writing and directing, which is so exciting, alongside continuing to host the podcast. It’s great to see her exploring new creative paths!
Jennette shared that she deeply 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 explained that 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 ages 13 to 21, she was already self-conscious about her work by age 15, feeling it wasn’t something her peers 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 the only way she might consider it again would be if she created a role specifically for herself.
It seemed like a pretty easy decision. The chance to marry Prince Harry, focus on the charities we care about, and wear the Queen’s tiaras would make leaving Hollywood completely worthwhile.
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 within the British Royal Family. After stepping back from their senior royal duties and moving to Montecito, California, Meghan is now returning to professional life, notably through a production deal with Netflix. She has already released the docuseries Harry & Meghan on the streaming service, and a lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, is planned for 2025. She’s also ventured into podcasting and launched 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.
Honestly, she finally realized what truly mattered! She told Gwyneth, and I was practically hanging on her every word, that she just needed a different life. She’d been working non-stop, churning out films, and it’s exhausting. She said making a movie is the perfect excuse for people to just… take over your life! Like, twelve-hour days, months on end, and you completely lose yourself. It’s like she woke up and realized she deserved more, and I’m SO here for it!
Cameron Diaz had many interests she wanted to pursue, including writing – she’d already had success with her books, The Body Book (2013) and The Longevity Book (2016) – and starting a family with her husband, Benji Madden. Although 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, saying, ‘Just do one more!’ He added that everyone loves her and has been eagerly awaiting her return, and the film is going to be amazing.
As a lifestyle expert, I remember when Terrence Howard made it very clear he wasn’t planning on continuing his acting career after wrapping up his five years on Empire. Back in 2019, when Extra asked him about what was next, he told us straight up, ‘I’m done with acting. I’m done pretending.’ He really seemed ready to move on to a new chapter!
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 wants to make way for new talent, rather than simply repeating performances he’s 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 anymore.
Jack wasn’t a child star anymore, and some of the excitement had faded. He explained that turning acting into a career felt different. “Before, it was just a fun hobby I did with friends or during the summer,” he said. “I used to love it, but when you rely on something for income, it changes how you feel about it. It’s not that I dislike it, it’s just not my passion anymore.”
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 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 made a plan to balance their careers and raise their children, Owen and Greta. Kline explained to Playboy that they decided to alternate work schedules so they would never be working at the same time. Greta is now a singer who performs as Frankie Cosmos.
He also noted that Phoebe consistently prioritizes staying home with her children when it’s her turn to work. While she made a brief appearance 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 popularity with 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 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 seen 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 she wasn’t interested in that. She explained that taking on such roles felt risky, and while her marriage was solid, she needed a truly exceptional opportunity to justify 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 and supporting her husband, Kimmel, with his work. She also enjoys painting as a hobby, and explained that raising her children was the main reason she stopped pursuing acting roles.
I’ve been a huge fan of her work for years! I loved her in Ally McBeal, and she was fantastic in Nip/Tuck. Then, she absolutely killed it on Arrested Development, and I was completely hooked on Scandal. It felt like after those roles, she finally decided it was time to try something new, and honestly, I’m so excited to see what she does next!
Turning 45, I started thinking about trying something completely new and challenging,” 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 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 told him I was done with acting, so I wouldn’t be in a potential season five. 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 what he wanted in acting. Soon after receiving his sixth Academy Award nomination for his 2017 film, Phantom Thread, his publicist announced his retirement. 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.
I thought Daniel Day-Lewis had really retired this time! I was heartbroken, honestly. But then, October 2024 hit, and Focus Features dropped the bomb – he’s back! And not just acting, he wrote this new film, Anemone, with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who’s directing! It’s like a dream come true, seeing them collaborate. I can’t even begin to imagine how amazing this movie will be!
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 she also attended Harvard Law School.
On top of everything else, Bridgit started her own company, Northwood Space, in February 2023. The company is building ground stations to facilitate communication with satellites, and Bridgit is serving as its CEO.
Read More
- FRONT MISSION 3: Remake coming to PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and PC on January 30, 2026
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Mark Zuckerberg & Wife Priscilla Chan Make Surprise Debut at Met Gala
- Meet the cast of Good Omens season 3: All the actors and characters
- ‘The Boys’: 6 Characters Most Likely To Die in Season 5
- Wistoria: Wand and Sword Season 2 release schedule: When are new episodes out?
- JUP PREDICTION. JUP cryptocurrency
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Starfield for PS5 May Be Happening Soon
- Netflix Confirms One Surprising Anime Beat Pokemon & Tied With One Piece for Viewership
2026-05-16 00:50