Intriguingly, it seems we have a common thread here – the pursuit of knowledge and reinvention. Each of these individuals, Portia de Rossi, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Bridgit Mendler, have taken unique paths in their lives, demonstrating an unyielding thirst for growth and change.
Back in the early 2000s, there was much debate about which of the rising stars would follow in the footsteps of Brad Pitt or Leonardo DiCaprio. It was quite a bounty, the attractive male acting talent at the dawn of the new millennium, with Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Ryan Phillippe, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Orlando Bloom among them.
Then there was Josh Hartnett, who very much wanted to be excluded from that narrative.
At the tender age of 22, he was ready to build upon his success from 1999’s “The Virgin Suicides” by taking on a role in the grandiose war film “Pearl Harbor,” which hit theaters in 2001.
This high-budget movie, boasting a star-studded cast featuring Kate Beckinsale, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Ben Affleck, was predicted to be a massive box office hit. In an extensive 5,000-word review, Vanity Fair stated that it had the potential to catapult a relatively unknown actor, Josh Hartnett, into international stardom. With his brooding good looks and penetrating, squinty eyes that convey deep soulfulness on screen, he was poised to become a household name following this film’s release.
The work was brimming with anticipations regarding how the life of the Minnesota native would transform. Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer, expressed his belief that he’d have “groups of women chasing after him for his autograph” and Ben Affleck asserted, “In essence, Josh is destined to achieve immense fame swiftly and might inadvertently become a symbol akin to the Backstreet Boys for hormone-driven teenage girls, ranging from Minnetonka to Tarzana.
Even Beckinsale gushed that her counterpart was “earth-shatteringly handsome in a slightly surprised way—he can’t quite believe when everyone is falling over him and teasing him about being so good-looking.”
And Hartnett absolutely hated it.
Hartnett, a 46-year-old father of four residing in Surrey, England, shared his thoughts with The Guardian in 2020, saying, “That article was truly disappointing.” He questioned, “Did it actually contain any of my quotes or was it merely discussions about my good looks? People developed a sense of resentment towards me following that. They genuinely felt I had been forced upon them. It was an unusual period in my life.
Feeling irritated by the high standards it generated, he remarked, “It was simply that it occurred when I wasn’t particularly well-known yet, and it seemed to be questioning whether I should be or not. I found myself thinking: ‘Oh my goodness! I haven’t even reached my full height—don’t trample me underfoot!’ I was being measured against Tom Cruise and Julia Roberts, which is utterly unrealistic. It felt like a no-win scenario.
At a crossroads, he opted for fleeing rather than seizing the chance for massive fame and all it entails. He chose to depart swiftly.
2006 saw him decline the leading role in “Superman Returns”, steering clear of any roles that would have led to more magazine covers and an unending chase by paparazzi. Instead, he opted for independent films and built a life with British actress Tamsin Egerton and their four children, living primarily in the UK.
Although the actor acknowledged that others perceived his decision to step back from the limelight as someone who had rejected the support they’d given him, he honestly didn’t aspire to transform into a household name associated with blockbuster films. Instead, Hartnett expressed his satisfaction with moving past that phase and focusing on projects that resonate more deeply with him personally. In the interview discussing his 2020 thriller “Target Number One,” he emphasized that directors are now approaching him for roles based on characters rather than replicating the heroic figure he played in a single movie before.
Not that he had any qualms about saying yes to something as big as, say, Oppenheimer. Having director Christopher Nolan choose him for the blockbuster, that earned 13 Oscar nods “was the winning goal,” Hartnett exclusively told Live From TopMob: SAG Awards host Laverne Cox before joining his cohorts to accept a trophy for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the Feb. 24 SAG Awards. “We had a fun time making the film and then for it to be so phenomenally received and to have it be nominated by our peers for acting categories, across the board, is great.”
And Hartnett certainly wasn’t the first—or the last—star to take a breather from the biz.
Ian Somerhalder, during an interview with TopMob News last November, shared that he has taken a break from acting after his role in Netflix’s “V-Wars” in 2019. Many renowned figures, including Somerhalder, have chosen to step away from the Hollywood scene, as evidenced by their names on IMDB.
Some continue to act, just from a home base outside the 90210 zip code.
Jason Priestly stated to TopMob News in May that the convenience of use was the reason, while Glen Powell told The Hollywood Reporter that after a series of successful movies such as Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, he navigated his way back home to Texas. In simpler terms, they were expressing that the ease of operation allowed him to return to his family.
Regarding Pamela Anderson, despite appearing in “The Last Showgirl” last September, she chose to return to her hometown on Vancouver Island, British Columbia some years ago. In an interview with “Better Homes & Gardens”, she explained, “I made a choice to move back home, hide away, and focus on my garden.
At some stage, many celebrities have taken a break from their careers, including stars like Cameron Diaz and Meghan Markle who later returned for special appearances or took on higher-profile roles. However, each of them has at one time declared they were leaving the spotlight altogether.
Here’s what inspired them to explore new roles.
Previously starring in “The Vampire Diaries,” this actor hasn’t taken on a new character since the 2019 Netflix series “V-Wars.” Instead of biting into a new role, he has chosen to focus his energy on a personal endeavor: fighting climate change by enhancing soil health. He is a father of two, married to Nikki Reed.
I took a break from acting around four years ago to focus on raising my children, developing my businesses, and bringing these films to light,” Somerhalder shared with TopMob News in November 2023, discussing the release of the 2020 documentary Kiss the Ground and its sequel Common Ground, both highlighting the importance of regenerative farming.
Speaking about the future, he stated, “I envision myself as a rancher and establishing enduring brand names, be it my bourbon or my health and wellness business. I am deeply committed to regenerative agriculture and sustainable soil management practices, ones that our family and I practice. This is where my life is heading. Therefore, when someone asks ‘Why do you feel so passionately?’ That’s why I feel this way. Because this is who I am, and this is the path I am choosing.
Actress who plays a role in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” has decided to take an open-ended break from her acting career, following two decades in the entertainment business.
On Instagram, June 3rd, Evangeline expressed, “I am overflowing with happiness and satisfaction today, realizing my dream. I’m incredibly thankful for all my blessings. Sometimes, it can be daunting to stray from what appears to be the obvious path (wealth and fame), but embracing your life’s purpose replaces fear with contentment.
However, she doesn’t definitively close the door on a possible return to Hollywood. Instead, she expresses, “I may find myself back in Hollywood someday, yet, at present, this is where I feel most at home.
In a 2021 episode of her “Empty Inside” podcast, the former iCarly star revealed to her guest Anna Faris that she stepped away from acting several years ago and now dedicates her time to ventures in writing, directing, as well as hosting the podcast.
Jennette shared her feelings about acting, saying “I’m deeply regretful of the roles I took on earlier in my career.” She elaborated on her thoughts in her 2022 memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died. “My career leaves me with a lot of resentment. I feel underwhelmed by the characters I portrayed and found them to be incredibly cheesy and cringe-worthy,” she continued. “From the age of 13 to 21, I starred in shows that I now find embarrassing. By the time I was 15, I already felt embarrassed.” She added that her peers at 15 were not impressed by her Nickelodeon show, instead finding it a source of embarrassment for her.
Although she hasn’t completely ruled out a return to acting, her recent experiences while writing a book have made her believe there might be an opportunity to revisit acting in a way that doesn’t burden her with the past baggage. She expressed this during an interview with TopMob News in October 2022, suggesting that if she writes something specifically for herself, it could potentially pave the way for her to consider acting again.
This seemed like a straightforward choice. If we had the opportunity to wed Prince Harry, devote our life to philanthropic causes that are personally significant and acquire access to the Queen’s stunning array of tiaras, saying goodbye to Hollywood might not be so hard.
After treading the same path as Grace Kelly, who transitioned from Hollywood to the Palace of Monaco, Markle relinquished her life in Toronto—and her notable role on Suits—for a life within The Firm. However, with Harry and herself stepping down from their senior positions, she’s gradually returning to business, notably through strategic ventures such as their multi-year production deal with Netflix.
Since her first role in “The Mask” in 1994, the actress had been involved in over 40 films. After finishing filming “Annie” in 2014, she felt it was high time for a break. Speaking to friend Gwyneth Paltrow, she shared her reasoning: “I simply felt I wanted different experiences in my life.” She had given so much energy and time to work, making films, that it became a grueling routine. When filming a movie, the production essentially has control over you – you’re required for 12 hours a day, often for months, leaving little room for anything else.
She had a lot more areas she wanted to delve into, such as writing (having published her 2013 New York Times bestseller “The Body Book” followed by “The Longevity Book” in 2016). Additionally, she started a family with husband Benji Madden. However, although she admitted to InStyle in 2019 that she doesn’t miss performing and is currently focusing on wellness, it seems there might be an exception for one possible return to the stage.
In a conversation with TopMob News, I humbly implored and expressed my admiration by kneeling down, saying something like, “Could you please give us one more round?” about getting Diaz to join the upcoming Netflix film, “Back in Action”. I adore her, have been eagerly awaiting her return, and I firmly believe that this collaboration will be nothing short of extraordinary.
The actor firmly declared that he wouldn’t perform an encore following his five-year stint on Empire, as reported by Extra when they asked about his plans for the future during the musical drama series’ final season in 2019. When posed this question, the Oscar nominee stated emphatically, “I’ve had enough with acting. I’m finished with the charade.
Despite coming back for a few productions, he once more declared his intention to retire from acting during the promotion of his Peacock series, 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 all as an actor. Now, I find pleasure in observing fresh acting talent emerging, and I don’t wish to mimic myself anymore.
After King Joffrey’s unexpected and purple-tinted demise in the year 2014, the 21-year-old at the time expressed his exit from acting to Entertainment Weekly. He clarified that he had been involved in acting since the age of eight. “I simply wasn’t finding enjoyment in it as much as I once did,” he added, referring to his role on Game of Thrones.
Originally performing out of enjoyment and camaraderie, he is now facing the possibility of making acting his career, which shifts the experience significantly. As he explained, “It was something I did for fun with my friends or during summers, but now it’s a potential profession. I still appreciate it, yet when you turn a hobby into a job, the dynamic alters. It’s not that I dislike it; rather, it’s no longer my desired path.
Following a hiatus of six years, he was prepared to pick up where he left off and once again take center stage, becoming part of the cast for BBC’s show titled “Out of Her Mind” in the year 2020.
In September 2020, during Jennifer Aniston’s involvement in a virtual table read for “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”, she married actor Kevin Kline in 1989. They decided to take turns working so they wouldn’t be simultaneously employed, as they wanted to balance their careers while caring for their children, Owen and Greta. Now, Greta is known by the stage name Frankie Cosmos in her singing career.
Regarding Phoebe, whenever it’s been her turn to work, she has opted to stay with the kids instead. Despite making a brief appearance in Jennifer Jason Leigh’s 2001 indie film “The Anniversary Party,” Cates primarily focuses on running her New York City boutique Blue Tree.
In the limelight of my success with “Ghostbusters” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” the ’80s icon took a break from filmmaking shortly after the loss of my wife to breast cancer in 1991, choosing instead to devote myself wholeheartedly to nurturing our children Rachel and Mitchell.
Despite not appearing in a live-action role since 1997 and turning down a cameo in Paul Feig’s 2016 Ghostbusters remake, he continues to be a cherished cultural figure, demonstrated by the uproar over news of an alleged assault on him while walking in New York City on October 1.
It’s great news for fans, as it’s been announced that he will be back, joining Josh Gad, in the upcoming Disney remake of “Shrunk”.
After marrying fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010, the star of “Never Been Kissed” suggested that she might have largely moved away from acting. In an interview with Vogue, she explained her reasoning: “A large portion of acting roles require a lot of sexual content with other people, and I’m not interested in doing that. It’s a peculiar flame to play with, and while our relationship is robust enough to cope, if you’re going to walk through fire, there had better be something extraordinary on the other side.
Her resolve became firm when her son Martin followed in older sister Louisanna’s footsteps in 2014. In a 2016 interview with Us Weekly at an event, she expressed, “I’m no longer involved in movie-making. I am entirely an outsider! I am simply a mother and an outsider.” She added that she assists Kimmel with his business ventures and paints as a hobby on the side. “My primary focus is my children,” she noted, “and that’s primarily why I stopped working in films.
She had watched shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. At some point, she came to the realization that perhaps it was time for her to move on.
In her interview on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2018, she shared that at around age 45, she began pondering if there was something unique and challenging that she could embark on for the first time. Given that she had a clear idea of what acting might entail for the next decade or two, she decided to step away from it all and start her own business instead.
She still had one item left to complete for her consumer-focused art company, General Public, which was currently a work in development.
I reached out to Mitch Hurwitz, the mastermind behind “Arrested Development”, and shared with him that if there’s a fifth season, I won’t participate due to my decision to quit acting. He appeared very empathetic and completely grasped the situation. We had an enjoyable chat, and afterward, he wrote me into five episodes of the potential new season.
After winning three Academy Awards, one might wonder what more there is left to achieve. Following his sixth Oscar nomination for his final movie, “Phantom Thread” in 2017, the actor made an announcement through his representative that he would be retiring from acting. He is deeply appreciative of all the people he worked with and the audiences who supported him throughout his career. This decision is personal and neither he nor his representatives will provide further comments on this matter.
However, when he believed he had left, his son managed to draw him back, as Focus Features revealed in October 2024 that the Academy Award winner would take on a role in “Anemone“, a movie he co-wrote with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who will also direct this project.
In 2018, the former star of “Good Luck Charlie” decided to step away from the limelight and instead focused on her education. She completed a master’s degree at MIT, followed by a PhD from the same university. Currently, she is also working towards a law degree from Harvard Law School.
Not only did Bridgit accomplish something remarkable, but she further established herself as a trailblazer by founding Northwood Space in February 2023. This innovative startup is dedicated to constructing ground satellite stations for transmitting and receiving space data. As CEO of the company, Bridgit continues to lead the way in this exciting field.
(This story was originally published on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 at 12 a.m. PT.)
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