Neal McDonough Says Luke Perry Took Him in After Being Blacklisted

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Neal McDonough found a friend in Luke Perry during the darkest of times.

The former Desperate Housewives actor revealed that the late Beverly Hills, 90210 star supported him during a difficult time when he struggled with alcohol. McDonough explained this problem began after he was ostracized by Hollywood and labeled as eccentric for refusing to perform a kiss with a fellow actor due to his religious beliefs.

Luke noticed I was really struggling one night at a movie premiere and asked what was wrong, saying he’d heard things weren’t going well for me, according to an interview with Fox News published on May 26th.

When McDonough shared his feelings with Perry, the Riverdale actor—who passed away in 2019 at age 52—offered him a place to stay. He reportedly said, “Why don’t you stay at my house? I’m not living there anymore. It’s close to yours in Hancock Park—stay as long as you need.”

In fact, the 60-year-old said Perry handed the keys to him right then and there.

“I was like, ‘You mean it?’ McDonough recounted. “And he was like, ‘Yeah, here’s the keys.'”

McDonough was really touched by the kind act, especially because he was struggling with joblessness and dealing with it by drinking a lot. He admitted that at the time, his main concern was usually, “When does the bar open?”

McDonough, who has five children with his wife Ruvé Robertson, explained that he felt worthless because he believed he had let his family down. He added that this feeling caused him a lot of personal suffering, as he had focused on his own disappointment instead of the team’s needs. He kept asking himself how he could have failed them.

McDonough was really touched by the kind act. He was going through a tough time, struggling with job rejections and coping by drinking too much. He later explained that his main concern at the time was simply, “When does the bar open?”

McDonough, who has five children with his wife Ruvé Robertson, explained he still felt worthless because he believed he had let his family down. He said this caused him significant emotional pain, as he had focused too much on his own feelings and worried about failing the team.

With support from his family and friends, McDonough successfully stopped drinking and went on to appear in several popular TV shows, including Justified, Suits, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, and Tulsa King.

You know, as I’ve navigated my own life and career, one thing has become incredibly clear: cherishing the people you love is paramount. I really admire actor Justin McDonough for openly expressing that. He’s shared that his love for his wife is so profound, he’s made a conscious decision to not kiss another woman in any of his roles – and honestly, that’s beautifully romantic. It’s a wonderful reminder to prioritize those meaningful connections in your own life.

He stated plainly that he believes God brought a wonderful woman into his life, unlike anyone he’s ever known. He feels she’s brought him good fortune and helped him overcome difficult times.

For more stars who took time away from Hollywood, read on.

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.

Honestly, hearing Antonio speak to The Times back in March 2026 really struck me. He said facing his own mortality brought everything into focus, and he suddenly realized his core identity wasn’t just ‘a person,’ but a theater actor. It was a profoundly moving thing to hear him say, like it completely shifted his perspective on everything.

The Tony Award nominee, who still acts in TV 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 background, community, and the people he grew up with meant everything to him. He hadn’t lost that bond over time—in fact, it had only grown stronger.

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 made a comeback with her last stand-up comedy special, For Your Approval, which premiered on Netflix in September 2024. Before the special aired, she announced her plans to retire from Hollywood.

During her Ellen’s Last Stand…Up tour, the comedian told the audience, “This is the last time you’re going to see me.” She plans to retire after releasing a Netflix special, according to SFGate.

Ellen and Portia de Rossi have settled in the Cotswolds, and Ellen recently shared with Richard Bacon that they plan to stay there at least through November 2024. She explained this during a conversation at the Everyman theater in Cheltenham in July 2025, citing Donald Trump’s reelection as a factor in their decision.

She raved about the English countryside, telling the BBC it was “absolutely beautiful” and unlike anything she was used to. She particularly loved the charming villages, towns, and architecture, noting it represented 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 love 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, and I have chickens. 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 supplying ice cream to places like airplanes 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 the top three countries for ice cream consumption are the United States, New Zealand, and Australia.

She ultimately moved to Australia with her son, York (whose father is Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, expressing that Australia has been a wonderful experience for her and her family.

While it’s been a minute since the Desperate Housewives star lived on Wisteria Lane, she’s since found a new address IRL.

“I had my whole adult life here,” Eva told Marie Claire in November 2024 about leaving Los Angeles. “But even before [the pandemic], it was changing. The vibe was different. And then Covid happened, and it pushed it over the edge. Whether it’s the homelessness or the taxes, not that I want to s–t on California—it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now.”

So for the past few years, the actress, her husband José Bastón and their son Santiago have split their time between Mexico and Spain.

“I’m privileged,” she continued. “I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren’t so lucky. They’re going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them.”

However, Eva noted her move wasn’t because of President Trump’s re-election.

“I didn’t leave because of the political environment,” the Flamin’ Hot director said on The View: Behind the Table podcast in November 2024. “I left because my work took me there since Land of Women—shooting six months in Catalonia, then four months in Mexico for Searching for Mexico, then back to Spain. Now I’ve been there for years. So I just don’t like that it’s politicized.”

Since moving, Eva has continued to stay busy, with recent projects including her 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 in November 2024 that his wife, Alejandra Silva, who is from Galicia, Spain, encouraged the move, and they plan to live in Madrid for several years. Gere is enthusiastic about the opportunity for their young sons, Alexander and James, to thrive in a bilingual environment. He also has an adult son, Homer, with his ex-wife, Carey Lowell. The whole family seems to be adjusting well. In a January 2025 interview with Elle España, Gere shared that they are happier than ever and are really enjoying 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, 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 feels it’s a wonderful 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 a balanced lifestyle, staying active during the day and working ahead of schedule at night. She describes it as a healthy and fulfilling arrangement.

Lindsay Lohan is frustrated by ongoing speculation about why she left Los Angeles and decided to clarify the situation, reflecting on her busy career and social life in the early 2000s. In an interview with Bustle in March 2024, the Parent Trap star explained that she felt her work was often overshadowed by the constant attention of the paparazzi, which she found frustrating. She wished the focus had remained on her career and felt the relentless media coverage took on a life of its own, ultimately driving her desire for a quieter life. This led her to move overseas, first to London and then to Dubai, where she also started opening beach clubs in Greece, but the need to escape the spotlight was a major factor in her decision.

I used to worry so much about whether I’d ever find love, if that part of my life would ever fall into place. It wasn’t until I really prioritized taking time for myself that things started to shift. Suddenly, I was getting the opportunities I genuinely wanted – the projects and relationships that felt right. And yes, I did eventually find that love with my husband, Bader Shammas! We got married in 2022 and welcomed our son, Luai, the following year. We’re currently living in Dubai, but I’m still very much involved in movies, with recent projects like Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and even a sequel, 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 mindset. Being surrounded by people constantly focused on the film industry, he felt, would limit his life. He wanted something more varied.

He shared that he always hoped to be around people with diverse interests, something that would challenge him and broaden his horizons – what he called ‘the spice of life.’

So, Josh, along with 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 might seem simpler, it’s filled with what truly matters.

Despite the move, Josh remains active in his career, having recently appeared in 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 relatively 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 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.

She explained to 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 journey and the peace and enthusiasm she’d found, believing this was truly her life’s work 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’s roots, as my grandparents were actually from there, and I’m currently working on becoming an Irish citizen. While recent events definitely played a role in my decision, I’m not saying this is a permanent goodbye to the States – I definitely see the possibility of returning home someday.

In a TikTok video, she shared that she misses her children, her friends, and her life back home. She’s working on building a new life in her current country and says she and her family will 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 film industry.

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 it can be daunting to choose a path different from traditional success – like prioritizing purpose over wealth and fame – embracing her true calling has brought her a deep sense of fulfillment instead of fear.

Look, I’m really happy with my life right now, and I feel like I’ve found where I’m meant to be. That said, I’m not completely ruling out a return to Hollywood someday. Right now, though, this is home, and I’m perfectly content with that.

Since finishing the Netflix series V-Wars in 2019, the actor best known for The Vampire Diaries hasn’t taken on a new acting role. He’s been focusing on a personal project: working to fight climate change by improving soil health around the world.

As a mom and entrepreneur, I made the decision to shift my focus about four years ago. I stepped back from acting to really dedicate myself to raising my kids, growing my businesses, and getting some passion projects off the ground. Specifically, I’m so proud of the documentaries Kiss the Ground – which came out in 2020 – and its sequel, Common Ground. Both films are really about highlighting the importance of regenerative farming and creating a more sustainable future, and it’s been incredible to bring those messages to a wider audience. My husband, Ian, and I are raising our two children, and finding that balance with work is something I’m always striving for.

Looking ahead, the actor explained he plans to become a rancher and focus on building lasting brands – including his bourbon and health company. He’s deeply committed to sustainable farming and healthy soil practices, which are central to his and his family’s lifestyle. He said this is his future, and it’s the reason he’s so passionate about these things – it’s simply 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 opportunities, alongside hosting the podcast.

Jennette recently shared that she deeply 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 expressed feeling unfulfilled and embarrassed by the ‘cheesy’ parts she played, especially considering she was on those shows from ages 13 to 21. She noted that even by age 15, she found her work on Nickelodeon embarrassing, as her friends weren’t impressed by it.

I’ve been following her career for years, and it’s amazing to hear her talk about potentially acting again! She recently shared that writing her book has actually helped her rethink things. For a long time, she carried a lot of negative feelings about acting, but she now feels like maybe, just maybe, she could explore it again – but only if she wrote something specifically for herself. It’s so encouraging to see her open to the possibility, and I’m really hoping we get to see her on screen again someday!

It seemed like a pretty easy decision. The chance to marry Prince Harry, focus on the charities we care about, and even wear the Queen’s tiaras would definitely make leaving Hollywood 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, With Love, Meghan, in 2025. She has also started a podcast 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 felt burned out. Making movies, she explained, is incredibly demanding – it requires long hours and total commitment, 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. 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 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 basically begged her to do it,” he told TopMob News, adding, “We adore her, and everyone has been eagerly awaiting her return – it’s 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 he was finished with acting and no longer wanted to play roles.

Despite taking on a few roles here and there, 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 focus on watching and supporting new talent, rather than simply repeating performances he’s already mastered.

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 eight years old and simply wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore.

Jack isn’t a child star anymore, and some of the initial excitement has faded. He explained that turning acting into a career feels different than doing it as a hobby with friends. He enjoyed acting, but making a living from it changes things. It’s not that he dislikes it, he just doesn’t see it as his long-term 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 like Rebecca’s Boyfriend and In the Land of Saints and Sinners, and TV shows including Safe Harbor and The Famous Five.

After becoming famous for her role in 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. Kline shared this arrangement in an interview with Playboy.

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 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 movie 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 quick 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 in the upcoming Disney reboot, Shrunk, alongside Josh Gad.

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 a lot of intimate scenes, and she wasn’t interested in that. She explained that taking on such roles felt risky, and while she and her husband had a solid relationship, she needed a truly exceptional project to justify 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 to the movie world and was now focused on being a mom. She also helps her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting. Ultimately, she explained, her children were her main priority, and that’s why she stopped pursuing acting.

She’d built a successful career with roles in popular shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. After those experiences, the Australian actress felt ready to try something new.

Turning 45, I started thinking about taking on a completely new and challenging project,” 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 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 final 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 my character into five episodes.

It’s understandable why, after winning three Oscars, an actor might decide to retire. Following his sixth Academy Award nomination for the 2017 film Phantom Thread, the actor announced through his representative that he was retiring from acting. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone he’d worked with and to his audiences over the years, and stated 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 decided to focus on her education in 2018. She went on to earn both a master’s degree and a PhD from MIT, and also attended Harvard Law School.

Okay, seriously, it doesn’t stop there! Bridgit started her own company – Northwood Space! It’s all about building ground stations for satellites, helping them send and receive data from, like, space! And get this – she became CEO in February 2023. I mean, is there anything this woman can’t do?!

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2026-05-26 23:50