Why Daniel Day-Lewis Returned to Acting After Years-Long Hiatus

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Daniel Day-Lewis is returning to the big screen for the sake of his son Ronan Day-Lewis. 

Over a decade since his previous acting role, the Phantom Thread star is set to return to the silver screen for Ronan’s film Anemone. Notably, he mentioned that the main reason for coming back from retirement was the opportunity to collaborate with him once more.

Daniel, who is now 68 years old, shared in an interview with Rolling Stone (published on September 10th) that he had lingering feelings of sadness due to knowing that Ronan would continue his career in filmmaking while Daniel was stepping away. He expressed a desire for them to collaborate on something, perhaps finding a way to keep it low-key without the need for a large-scale production.

Despite the apprehension that came with stepping away from both acting and the cinematic realm, Daniel – father to Rowan (27) and Cashel Day-Lewis (23), shared by wife Rebecca Miller, as well as Gabrielle Kane Day-Lewis (30) from a past relationship with Isabelle Adjani – acknowledged the uncertainty of his return.

Daniel shared, ‘I’ve struggled to accept certain parts of it since the beginning until now, and it still leaves me feeling empty after it.’ He was referring to something about the lifestyle he experienced.

In his own words, the actor from “There Will Be Blood” confessed that he has a deep-seated affection for acting, yet after the success of “Phantom Thread” in 2017, there was a lingering apprehension about Hollywood’s industry side. He admitted that unlike past roles, he no longer felt capable of easily rebounding from challenges within this specific project.

In my perspective, I started to sense a strong inkling that perhaps the regeneration might not happen again. Consequently, I felt compelled to distance myself from it, as I couldn’t find any other contributions to make.

Although he indicated a move away in 2017, Daniel made it clear that his intention wasn’t a complete retirement.

It seems there have been two instances where Daniel has been perceived as retiring, but he playfully stated that this wasn’t his intention. Instead, he chose to focus on other projects temporarily, clarifying that he never intended to abandon his work altogether.

Daniel’s enthusiasm is certainly rekindled after collaborating with his son on the movie ‘Anemone’, set to be released in theaters October 3. As he expressed, “Working together from start to finish was nothing short of a continuous source of joy for me.

As Daniel makes his comeback on the big screen, stay tuned as we delve into other celebrities who bid farewell to Hollywood and never looked back.

After a run of 19 seasons from 2003 to 2022, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” hosted by Ellen DeGeneres came to an end due to allegations of a toxic work environment. This led to internal investigations, dismissals of executives, and widespread public criticism.

In September 2024, Ellen made her comeback with her standup special “For Your Approval” on Netflix. Prior to its release, she announced that she was stepping away from Hollywood altogether.

During her Ellen’s Final Stand…Up tour, she informed a crowd that this would be the last time they see her. After her Netflix special, she plans to retire. Ellen and her wife Portia de Rossi have moved to England since Donald Trump’s reelection in 2024, as confirmed by Ellen to broadcaster Richard Bacon in July 2025.

One of the main factors that prompted the host of America’s Next Top Model to relocate to Australia was her desire to oversee her ice cream brand more effectively. On an episode of Today with Jenna & Friends in April 2025, Tyra Banks explained, “I run this ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream. We’ve been focused on the B2B market, like serving it on airplanes and cruises. However, I’ve been visiting Australia quite frequently because we were manufacturing a significant amount of our ice cream there in a large facility. Every time I returned, I fell more in love with the place.”

Not only did she enjoy living there, but she also recognized that it was a promising market for her business. “The countries that consume the most ice cream?” she added. “America, New Zealand, and Australia.” So, the supermodel decided to move to Australia with her son York (fathered by her ex Erik Asla) and boyfriend Louis Bélanger-Martin, expressing, “Australia has been a dream come true for me and my family.

Despite spending several years on Wisteria Lane as a Desperate Housewives star, Eva has since resided elsewhere in real life. In an interview with Marie Claire in November 2024, she shared her reasons for leaving Los Angeles, stating that the city had been transforming even before the pandemic, and the vibe was noticeably different. The arrival of Covid-19 ultimately solidified her decision to move on. Although she acknowledged California’s challenges like homelessness and high taxes, she didn’t want to disparage the state.

Eva, along with her husband José Bastón and their son Santiago, have been dividing their time between Mexico and Spain for a few years now. She emphasized her gratitude for having the means to relocate, recognizing that many Americans are stuck in what she calls a dystopian country. However, Eva clarified that her move wasn’t motivated by President Trump’s re-election.

On The View: Behind the Table podcast in November 2024, Eva explained that her work assignments took her to Spain and Mexico after the filming of Land of Women, for six months in Catalonia and four months in Mexico for Searching for Mexico. She has since spent several years in Spain and doesn’t mind that her move has been politicized.

Since relocating, Eva has remained active professionally, with roles in shows like Only Murders in the Building and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip.

The actor recently announced his family’s move from Chicago to Madrid, Spain. His Spanish wife, Alejandra Silva, has been living there for several years, and they plan to spend some time in Madrid as a family. This move is particularly exciting for their young sons, Alexander and James, who are bilingual and are expected to thrive in this new environment. The actor also mentioned that he and his family are happier than ever in their current phase of life.

Christina, who is married to French singer Matt Pokora, revealed on The Jennifer Hudson Show in November 2024, that they have been living between the U.S and Paris for several years, but have now decided to permanently move to Paris due to their children’s education. Their children, Violet from her former marriage, Isaiah and Kenna with Matt, are all currently attending school in Paris. She expressed her delight at this opportunity, stating that it was too good to pass up. Life for the family seems wonderful in Paris as their children are happy there, learning French, and they lead a healthy balance of daily activities and work for Christina.

After years of being dogged by speculation regarding her departure from Los Angeles, Lindsay decided to clear up the matter. Reflecting on her busy career and high-profile social life during the 2000s, she expressed frustration about how her work was often overshadowed by paparazzi intrusion in her youth. In an interview with Bustle in March 2024, Lindsay stated, ‘It’s irritating that some of my work got lost amid the flashes from the cameras when I was younger.’ She wished this aspect hadn’t happened and felt it spiraled out of control. Consequently, she decided to step away from the limelight. ‘Unless there’s no story here, they won’t focus on just my work,’ she explained. ‘So that’s why I wanted to disappear.'”

“Lindsay then relocated overseas, first to London and later to Dubai, where she also opened beach clubs in Greece. However, there was another factor driving her desire for a life away from the public eye.

As I pondered, “What if love never finds me? What if these moments remain unlived?” the radiant Lindsay Lohan mused. And it was simply a matter of prioritizing self-care that unlocked those opportunities and affirmative responses – the experiences I longed to embrace with enthusiasm.

Indeed, Lindsay did encounter love with Bader Shammas, tying the knot in 2022 and ushering in their son Luai the following year. As of now, they reside in Dubai, yet Lindsay’s commitment to her craft hasn’t wavered. She continues to grace the silver screen, featuring in films such as Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.

As an ardent admirer, I’d rephrase it like this:

After a deep dive into self-contemplation, the captivating actor from “Black Mirror” expressed his feelings to People magazine in July 2024, saying, “Hollywood isn’t just a location; it’s an ever-present mindset that can consume your entire existence if you let it. And I’ve always craved something more.”

He further elaborated, “I’ve always yearned to be surrounded by people engaged in diverse activities beyond the film industry – experiences that would help me broaden my horizons and evolve in uncharted directions. To me, that’s the essence of life’s flavor.”

So, the talented star, along with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children, decided to relocate to the picturesque Hampshire countryside in England. In an interview with The Guardian, he shared, “Life moves swiftly, especially with four kids keeping us on our toes. It may seem like less is happening, but the important moments are what truly matter.”

Despite his move, Josh has remained remarkably active and secured roles in Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap.

If you haven’t been keeping up with social media, you might have missed that Jesse, who recently starred in “A Real Pain”, has been living in Indiana for the past decade. He prefers this location and finds it comfortable compared to the unstable film industry. Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse leads a relatively ordinary life with his wife Anna Strout and son Banner. Jesse is not active on social media and doesn’t frequently communicate with industry contacts. This separation allows him to maintain a lifestyle that feels detached from the constant evaluation of his status in the film industry. His wife is a teacher, and his son doesn’t watch many movies, further isolating them from Hollywood.

Following stints on shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the year 2000’s “Bring It On”, Eliza announced in September 2024 that she had earned certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy and was continuing her education to become a mental health specialist.

She shared with Boston Magazine that she discovered a new path in life centered on personal healing to better assist others in theirs. It’s important for her now to reveal the transformation, tranquility, and enthusiasm she’s experienced. This seems undeniably her true vocation, her genuine purpose.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’m excited to share a personal update: In early 2025, following the path of my Irish ancestors, I packed our bags alongside my youngest, dear Clay, and embarked on a new journey in the Emerald Isle. Though I’ve taken up residence here, I’ve not closed the door on returning to my beloved homeland someday.

While Ireland has been my chosen home for now, recent political shifts back home have played a part in our decision to relocate. Yet, I remain hopeful and optimistic about the future, keeping an open heart towards any potential return.

In a TikTok video, she expressed her longing, saying, “I yearn for my other children, my friends. There are so many things I miss about home life, and I’m striving to find a place I can call home here in this lovely country. Once all citizens in America have equal rights guaranteed for everyone, that’s when we might think about returning.

Actress who plays a key role in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” has decided to temporarily step away from acting, marking a pause in her career that spans over two decades within the industry.

In a post shared on Instagram in June 2024, Evangeline expressed her overwhelming happiness and contentment. She is deeply appreciative of her blessings and feels grateful for being able to live according to her vision. Although leaving behind wealth and fame can sometimes be daunting, she finds fulfillment in following her life’s purpose instead.

However, she doesn’t definitively close the door on a possible return to Hollywood. She added, “Perhaps I will revisit Hollywood someday, but for now, this is where I find myself at home.

Since the conclusion of his role in Netflix’s 2019 series “V-Wars”, the former star of “The Vampire Diaries” has chosen not to delve into another acting role. Instead, he has devoted himself wholeheartedly to a personal endeavor – fighting climate change by enhancing global soil health.

About four years ago, I decided to take a break from acting to focus on my family duties – we have two kids with my wife Nikki Reed – as well as establishing businesses and releasing these films, which include ‘Kiss the Ground’ from 2020 and its sequel ‘Common Ground.’ These documentaries emphasize the importance of regenerative farming.

In the future, as he gazes ahead, the actor explained, “I will transform into a rancher and create enduring brand names, be it my bourbon or my health and wellness firm. My dedication to regenerative agriculture and preserving healthy soil management will also continue, something our family and I practice deeply. This was the path my life was headed towards. Therefore, when others ask ‘Why are you invested?’ That’s why I am invested. Because that’s who I am, that’s where my journey leads.

In the captivating episode of her podcast, “Empty Inside,” dated February 2021, the radiant star from iCarly revealed to my beloved Anna Faris that she made a life-altering decision a few years prior – stepping away from acting. Instead, she’s immersed herself in the realms of writing, directing, and hosting this intriguing podcast, all while keeping me utterly enthralled as her devoted fan.

Jennette shared candidly about her acting journey, expressing regret for some of the roles she took on earlier in her career. In her recently published memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” she confessed feelings of resentment and a sense of unfulfillment due to the roles she played, which she described as cheesy and embarrassing. From the age of 13 to 21, she was involved in various shows, but even by the time she was 15, she felt embarrassed about it. Her peers at that age didn’t view her work on Nickelodeon as cool, instead finding it embarrassing.

Despite not completely ruling out a return to acting, she expressed during an interview with TopMob News in October 2022 that writing a book has led her to consider a potential avenue for returning to acting without the heavy burden she’s carried for a long time. She suggested that perhaps if she writes a role specifically for herself, it might be one of the few options for her to tentatively explore acting once more.

This seemed almost inevitable: If we had the chance to wed Prince Harry, commit ourselves to charitable work that aligns with our passions, and even acquire access to the Queen’s magnificent collection of tiaras, saying goodbye to Hollywood might not be such a hard decision after all.

After following in the footsteps of Grace Kelly, who transitioned from Hollywood to Monaco’s Palace, Meghan gave up her home in Toronto and her popular role on Suits for a life with The Firm. However, after Harry and she stepped down from their senior roles and moved to Montecito, Calif., Meghan is gradually re-entering the business through ventures such as their multi-year production deal with Netflix.

The Duchess of Sussex has since debuted her 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan, along with her 2025 lifestyle show With Love, Meghan on Netflix. She’s also launched podcasts and her brand As Ever.

Since she first appeared in “The Mask” in 1994, the actress had starred in more than 40 movies. After completing the shooting of “Annie” in 2014, it was high time for her to take a well-deserved break from filming.

She shared with her friend Gwyneth Paltrow that she had recently made a change in what she wanted from life, stating: “I was pushing myself so much for such a long time, working and making movies, it’s really exhausting. When you’re involved in a movie production, it can feel like they have control over every part of your life. You’re committed to being there for 12 hours a day for months on end, leaving no room for anything else.

Besides delving further into various aspects, particularly writing – having published “The Body Book” in 2013 and following it up with “The Longevity Book” in 2016 – and embarking on family life with her husband Benji Madden, Camerone had expressed in an interview with InStyle magazine in 2019 that she no longer misses performing. However, there might be circumstances where she could be tempted to return for a one-time comeback performance, indicating a possible change in her plans.

As a devoted admirer, I humbly implored Cameron on bended knee before TopMob News, saying something like, “Could you grace us with your presence one more time?” Jamie Foxx shared about the 2025 Netflix film “Back in Action”. My heart yearns for her, and we’ve been eagerly awaiting her. This collaboration is sure to be extraordinary.

Terrence, during an interview before the sixth and final season of Empire in 2019, made it clear that he had no plans to continue acting, stating, “I’ve had enough. I’ve reached my limit with acting and pretending.

As a devoted admirer recounting the tale, let me share that despite his brief reappearance on the screen for a few projects, the esteemed Oscar nominee declared his intention to retire from acting while publicizing his Peacock series titled The Best Man: The Final Chapters in 2022. In an interview with ET, he expressed, “I’ve reached a stage where I feel I’ve given my absolute best as an actor. Now, I find pleasure in observing the fresh talent emerging, and I don’t wish to imitate myself anymore.”

In spite of the earlier remarks, however, Howard has made additional appearances in several television shows and films. For instance, he featured in the TV series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” and the Netflix movie “Shirley.” Moreover, there are numerous projects awaiting him in the future.

After King Joffrey’s unexpected and grotesque demise in the year 2014, at the age of 21, he shared with Entertainment Weekly that he was stepping away from acting. He reflected on his career, stating, “I’ve been acting since I was 8 years old. Lately, I haven’t been enjoying it as much as I once did.

Previously known as a child prodigy, the initial enchantment had faded. As I now face the possibility of turning this into a career, it was previously something I did for fun with my peers or during the summer for amusement, Jack explained further. I found pleasure in it. However, when something becomes your profession, it alters its significance. It’s not that I dislike it; instead, it’s no longer what I desire to pursue.

After a hiatus of six years, Jack was eager to return to his acting career and joined the cast of BBC’s series “Out of Her Mind” in 2020. Since then, he has also been featured in films such as “Rebecca’s Boyfriend,” “In the Land of Saints and Sinners,” television shows like “Safe Harbor,” and “The Famous Five.

In September 2020, during a virtual table read for the movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” Jennifer Aniston played the dream girl role. When she married fellow actor Kevin Kline in 1989, they decided to take turns working so that they would never be employed simultaneously, as a way to balance caring for their son Owen and daughter Greta (who now performs under the stage name Frankie Cosmos). They shared this plan in an interview with Playboy.

During her work schedule, Phoebe usually opts to spend time with the children rather than working. Although she made a brief appearance in Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 independent film “The Anniversary Party,” Phoebe primarily focuses on managing her New York City boutique named Blue Tree.

At the peak of his popularity with movies like “Ghostbusters” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” the ’80s actor chose to leave filmmaking shortly after his wife’s death from breast cancer in 1991 to dedicate his time to nurturing his children Rachel and Mitchell.

Despite not taking on a live-action film role since 1997, even turning down a cameo in Paul Feig’s 2016 Ghostbusters remake, Rick continues to be an adored cultural symbol. This was demonstrated by the public reaction to rumors about him being assaulted in New York City in 2020.

Luckily, there’s exciting news for fans: He will reappear on screen alongside Josh Gad in the upcoming Disney film Shrunk.

After marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010, the star of “Never Been Kissed” seemed to indicate a potential departure from acting. As she expressed to Vogue, “Ninety percent of acting roles require a significant amount of sexual content with others, and I’m not interested in that.” She further added, “It’s a peculiar flame to handle, and our relationship is robust enough to withstand it. However, if one is to walk through fire, there should be something extraordinary awaiting on the other side.

Her resolve became firm when her son Martin joined her older daughter Louisanna in 2014. In 2016, she stated to Us Weekly at an event that she has distanced herself from the movie industry and now primarily identifies as a mother and an outsider. She assists Kimmel with his business and enjoys painting as a hobby. Her main focus is on her children, which is likely the reason for her decision to step away from her career.

She had watched Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal in sequence. And at that moment, the Australian came to the conclusion that perhaps it was time for her to move forward.

In her interview on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show in 2018, she shared that she was around 45 and started contemplating something new and exciting, something she hadn’t attempted before, that would be both challenging and unique. She had a sense of what her acting career might look like for the next decade or two, so she decided to take a leap and start her own business instead.

Her consumer-focused business, General Public, was almost complete, with only one final item left to be made.

I reached out to Mitch Hurwitz, the mastermind behind ‘Arrested Development.’ I informed him that if there is a fifth season, I wouldn’t be participating as an actor because I have decided to stop acting. He seemed very understanding and fully grasped the situation. We had an enjoyable conversation, and later on, he included me in five episodes.

After securing three Academy Awards, one might wonder what more there is to achieve in acting. Following his sixth Oscar nomination for his last movie, “Phantom Thread” in 2017, the actor announced that he would be retiring from acting. His representatives released a statement expressing gratitude towards all his collaborators and fans over the years. This decision is personal, and neither the actor nor his representatives plan to comment further on this matter.

However, when Daniel believed he was no longer needed, his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, drew him back into the fold. In October 2024, Focus Features revealed that the Oscar winner would star in the film Anemone, a project penned by both Daniel and his son, with Ronan Day-Lewis set to direct as well.

Back in 2018, I, a die-hard fan, stepped aside from the limelight to focus on my academic journey. I dived deep into the world of MIT, where I eventually earned a master’s degree. The adventure didn’t end there; I pushed myself further and bagged a PhD from this esteemed institution. To top it off, I’ve also immersed myself in the challenging environment of Harvard Law School.

In addition, Bridgit also founded Northwood Space, a startup focused on constructing ground-based satellite stations for data transmission from space. She assumed the role of CEO of this venture in February 2023.

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2025-09-11 16:18