For Emma Watson, making movies didn’t always come with perks.
The *Harry Potter* actress shared that growing up on the set of the eight *Harry Potter* films-released from 2001 to 2011-left her with expectations about work that were hard to meet in other roles later in life.
As someone who’s spent a lot of time on sets, I can tell you it’s rare to work on a film series for twelve years! It creates a really unique bond – we truly became a family. I actually carried that expectation of community with me to other jobs, and honestly, it was a tough adjustment. I quickly learned not every workplace operates that way, and it definitely took me by surprise!
At 35, the actress shared that after becoming close to her colleagues – including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Tom Felton – she naturally assumed those relationships would last a lifetime. Unfortunately, that didn’t always happen, and she often found herself disappointed when those expectations weren’t met.
Honestly, dealing with the aftermath of being known for *Harry Potter* and navigating Hollywood was incredibly difficult – truly, one of the most painful experiences of my life. It was tough because, let’s face it, most people in that world aren’t really looking to build genuine friendships; it’s a very different kind of environment.
The Oxford student became emotional while talking about her experiences, leading her to wonder if she was suited for such a fiercely competitive atmosphere.
She admitted it was incredibly painful, but added, with tears in her eyes, that she was strangely proud of feeling so much. It proved she still had the capacity to love and feel deeply, that her heart hadn’t become completely numb.
Emma called the experience a difficult lesson, but she also said it ultimately gave her a fresh outlook.
She stated that she was actually proud of her limits, explaining, ‘I’d rather hold onto my compassion and empathy than try to endure everything.’
Oh my gosh, it feels like forever since I last saw Emma on screen – it was in *Little Women* back in 2019! She’s been focusing on school, and she’s said she *really* misses acting, which breaks my heart, honestly. But get this – there’s one thing about being an actress she doesn’t seem to be rushing back to. I’m dying to know what it is! I just miss seeing her perform so much.
She explained in a recent interview with *Hollywood Authentic* that promoting and selling her work is often more challenging than creating it. She noted that this promotional aspect can easily overshadow the creative process itself.
Still, she reiterated, “I do very much miss using my skill set, and I very much miss the art.”
Keep reading to see more stars who have walked away from Hollywood…
After 19 seasons, *The Ellen DeGeneres Show* ended in 2022 following reports of a negative and harmful work environment. These reports led to an internal investigation, the firing of several producers, and widespread public criticism.
Ellen DeGeneres recently returned to performing with her Netflix stand-up special, *For Your Approval*, released in September 2024. Before the special’s release, she announced her plans to leave Hollywood completely.
During her recent stand-up tour, Ellen DeGeneres told her audience that she plans to retire after her upcoming Netflix special. According to SFGate, she stated, “This is the last time you’re going to see me.” Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have since moved to England. Ellen confirmed to Richard Bacon in July 2025 that they relocated in November 2024 following Donald Trump’s reelection.
Tyra Banks, host of *America’s Next Top Model*, decided to move to Australia partly to oversee her ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream. She explained on *Today with Jenna & Friends* that her business had been focused on supplying ice cream to places like airlines and cruise ships, and she’d been traveling to Australia frequently to manage production at a large facility there. She quickly fell in love with the country during her visits.
She 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.
Ultimately, the supermodel relocated to Australia with her son, York (whose father is her ex, Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, saying that Australia has been a wonderful experience for her and her family.
Eva Longoria, known for her role on *Desperate Housewives*, has moved from Los Angeles and now divides her time between Mexico and Spain with her husband, José Bastón, and their son, Santiago. She explained to *Marie Claire* that while she lived in Los Angeles her entire adult life, the city had changed, and the pandemic accelerated that change. Issues like homelessness and taxes contributed to her decision, though she doesn’t want to criticize California.
Longoria clarified to *The View: Behind the Table* podcast that her move wasn’t directly related to politics or President Trump’s election. It started with work opportunities – six months filming in Catalonia, followed by four months in Mexico, and then returning to Spain. She’s been living there for years now and dislikes the way her move has been framed as a political statement.
Despite the move, Longoria remains busy with her career, recently appearing in *Only Murders in the Building* and *Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip*. She also expressed gratitude for her ability to move, acknowledging that many Americans don’t have the same freedom and feels anxiety and sadness for them.
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, encouraged the move, and they plan to live in Madrid for several years.
Gere is enthusiastic about the opportunities this move will provide for their young sons, Alexander and James, noting that the boys are already bilingual and will thrive in the Spanish-speaking environment. He also has an adult son, Homer, from a previous relationship with Carey Lowell.
The family seems to be enjoying their new life. In a January 2025 interview with *Elle España*, Gere shared that they are “happier than ever” and are really hitting their stride.
Okay, so I’ve been following Christina Milian for *years*, and I’m obsessed with her life right now! She’s completely living in Paris with her family! She and Matt Pokora have been together for like, seven or eight years, and they used to basically live two lives, flying back and forth between the US and France every six months. But now? They’ve made Paris their home! It’s all for the kids – Violet, Isaiah, and Kenna – she wants them to go to school and *learn* French! Can you imagine? She says it’s the best opportunity ever, and honestly, I totally agree! She’s told everyone how happy they all are there. She’s loving the lifestyle – park days, the kids are fluent in French, and she gets her work done when everyone else is asleep because of the time difference. It just sounds…perfect. Seriously, they’re living *la dolce vita* over there, and I’m living for it!
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 early 2000s, she recently explained her decision to step away from the public eye. In a March 2024 interview with Bustle, the *Parent Trap* star said she felt her work was often overshadowed by the constant attention of the paparazzi, which was frustrating. She wished the focus had remained on her career and felt the relentless media coverage took on a life of its own, prompting her desire to disappear. Lindsay moved to London and then Dubai, and also opened beach clubs in Greece, but a key reason for seeking a life outside the spotlight was to ensure her work, rather than sensational stories, received the attention it deserved.
Lindsay Lohan admitted she worried she might never find love, wondering if it would ever happen for her. She realized she needed to focus on herself before things started falling into place and she could embrace the opportunities 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 continues to appear in films like *Our Little Secret*, *Irish Wish*, and *Freakier Friday*.
Josh decided to leave Hollywood after some careful thought. He explained to *People* magazine in July 2024 that Hollywood isn’t just a location, but a way of life. Being constantly surrounded by people focused solely on the film industry, he felt, would limit his perspective. He wanted a more diverse life.
“I’ve always wanted to be around people doing lots of different things, things that would take my mind off work and help me grow,” Josh said. “That’s what makes life interesting.”
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 slower, it’s filled with what truly matters. Despite the move, Josh has remained active in his career, appearing in films like *Verity*, *Fight or Flight*, and *Trap*.
Many social media followers may not realize Jesse 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 environment. He explained he prefers to avoid the instability of the entertainment industry.
Despite being an Oscar nominee, Jesse lives a surprisingly ordinary life with his wife, Anna Strout, and their son, Banner. He avoids social media and doesn’t spend much time networking with people in the industry. His wife is a teacher, and his son isn’t particularly interested in movies, which helps keep him grounded and removed from constantly evaluating his place in Hollywood.
Eliza, known for her roles in shows like *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and the movie *Bring It On* (from 2000), 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 her personal journey and the sense of peace and purpose she’d found, as it had become clear this was her true calling.
The actress best known for playing in *The Flintstones* shared that she relocated to Ireland in January 2025 with her son, Clay, and is working to become an Irish citizen because of her family’s heritage. While she mentioned current political events as a factor in her decision to move, she hasn’t closed the door on possibly returning to her home country in the future.
In a TikTok video, she shared that she misses her children, friends, and the life she had back home. She’s working on building a new life in her current country, and she said her family will think about returning to America once it’s a safe and equal place for everyone.
Actress Evangeline Lilly, known for her role in *Ant-Man and the Wasp*, has said she’s stepping away from acting for an unspecified amount of time after two decades in the business.
In a June 2024 Instagram post, Evangeline shared how happy and fulfilled she feels while pursuing her life’s purpose. She expressed gratitude for her blessings and explained that although it can be daunting to choose a path different from traditional success-like wealth and fame-embracing your true calling brings a deeper sense of satisfaction.
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 starring in the 2019 Netflix series *V-Wars*, actor Paul Wesley hasn’t taken on another acting role. Instead, he’s been focusing on a personal project: working to fight climate change by improving soil health around the world.
Ian, who has two children with his wife Nikki Reed, took a break from acting over four years ago to focus on his family, develop his businesses, and get his documentaries released. He was discussing the 2020 film *Kiss the Ground* and its sequel, *Common Ground*, both of which highlight the importance of regenerative farming. He shared this with TopMob News in November 2023.
Looking ahead, the actor said he envisions himself as a rancher, focused on building lasting brands – like his bourbon and health company – and promoting sustainable farming practices that prioritize healthy soil. He explained this is his long-term goal and the reason behind his passions, stating, ‘This is who I am and what I’m working towards.’
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 shared that she 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 she often feels dissatisfied with her career and found the parts she played to be cheesy and embarrassing. Having worked on those shows from age 13 to 21, she was already feeling self-conscious about her work by age 15, as her peers didn’t view her television work as something to be proud of.
Despite past difficulties, 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 previous negative experiences. She believes she might be open to it again if she were to write a role specifically for herself – that could be the only way she’d consider it.
It seemed like a pretty easy decision. The chance to marry Prince Harry, commit to meaningful charitable work, and wear the Queen’s tiaras would make leaving Hollywood completely worthwhile.
Similar to Grace Kelly’s transition from Hollywood to Monaco, Meghan Markle left her life and acting career in Toronto, including her 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 production 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 burnt out. She explained that making a movie is incredibly demanding-it takes over your life, requiring long hours and leaving no time for personal pursuits.
Cameron Diaz had many interests she wanted to pursue, including writing – she’d already had success with best-selling books like *The Body Book* and *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 seemed 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, ‘Please do one more!’ He added that everyone loves her and has been eagerly awaiting her return, and the film is going to be amazing.
The actor stated firmly that he wouldn’t return to his role after five seasons on *Empire*. When asked by *Extra* about his plans before the show’s sixth and final season in 2019, Terrence Howard said, “I’ve decided to stop acting. I’m finished with pretending.”
Despite appearing in a few projects since then, the Academy Award nominee announced his intention to retire from acting again in 2022 while promoting his Peacock series, *The Best Man: The Final Chapters*. He explained to Entertainment Tonight that he felt he’d given his all as an actor and now wanted to focus on watching and supporting new talent, rather than simply repeating past performances.
Even with those previous concerns, Howard has continued to act, appearing in shows like *Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist* and the Netflix movie *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 working since he was 8 years old and simply wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore.
Jack isn’t a child star anymore, and some of the excitement has faded. He explained that now that he’s considering acting as a career, it feels different. Before, it was just a fun hobby he shared with friends during the summer. He still likes 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 path.
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 like *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 decided to stagger their work schedules. As Kline explained to *Playboy*, this arrangement allowed them to both be available to care for their children, Owen and Greta (who now performs as the singer 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 film, *The Anniversary Party*, Cates mainly focuses on running her New York City store, Blue Tree.
During the peak of his success with films like *Ghostbusters* and *Honey, I Shrunk the Kids*, the actor paused his career after his wife sadly passed away from breast cancer in 1991. He chose to prioritize raising his children, Rachel and Mitchell.
Despite not appearing in a live-action film since 1997 – he even turned down a small role in the 2016 *Ghostbusters* remake – Rick remains a beloved figure, as shown by the strong reaction to news of an assault he experienced while walking in New York City in 2020. Fortunately, fans will be happy to hear he’s returning to the screen 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 comfortable with that. She explained that while her relationship was solid, she’d only be willing to take on challenging roles that were truly worth the discomfort.
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 completely focused on being a mom. She also mentioned she helps her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting, explaining, “I think that’s mainly why I stopped [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 she was ready for a change of pace.
Turning 45, I started thinking about trying something completely new and challenging,” 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 it behind and start my own business.
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 let him know that if they made a fifth season, I wouldn’t be participating because I had decided to stop acting. He was very understanding and supportive, and we had a good talk. Surprisingly, he ended up writing me into five episodes.
It’s understandable why, after winning three Oscars, an actor might consider 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.
I was so thrilled to hear that Daniel Day-Lewis is coming out of retirement! I honestly thought he was done with acting, but then Focus Features announced he’ll be starring in a new film called *Anemone*. What’s even more amazing is that he wrote the script with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who’s also directing! It’s wonderful to see them collaborating on such a creative project.
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 later attended Harvard Law School.
Let me tell you, Bridgit isn’t slowing down! On top of everything else, she founded Northwood Space, a company focused on building ground stations for satellite data transmission. I’m so impressed – she stepped into the role of CEO in February 2023, and it’s been amazing to watch her build this venture from the ground up.
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2025-09-25 01:49