Why O-Town’s Ashley Parker Angel Ended His Music Career

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Ashley Parker Angel has found how best he fits together. 

The former member of O-Town recently opened up about why he left the entertainment world and his music career to become a fitness trainer.

Ashley recently shared on Instagram that after two decades in the entertainment industry, she realized striving for success was actually making her feel anxious and depressed.

Even though he achieved success with his music, television appearances, and roles in Broadway hits like Hairspray and Wicked, the 44-year-old still felt unfulfilled.

Ashley explained that she began to understand how damaging it was to constantly be away from family, traveling for work, and feeling the pressure to keep achieving bigger and better things. It was seriously affecting her health and well-being.

The singer of “Liquid Dreams,” who has a 20-year-old son named Lyric with his former partner Tiffany Lynn, has witnessed others in the entertainment industry struggle with intense pressure. He himself has also battled difficult thoughts.

He revealed that in his mid-20s, he considered suicide because he feared losing his success and couldn’t handle the pressure to maintain it.

Ashley was thankful for the support system that helped him overcome depression, break free from addiction, and develop healthier ways to manage life’s challenges.

After two decades in the entertainment industry, he was thankful for the joy he brought people during his performances, even if it was just for a short time. However, he ultimately wanted to do more—to truly help people transform their lives for the better.

The singer of “All or Nothing” was motivated by a strong passion, which led them to become a coach specializing in fitness and helping people reach their full potential.

Honestly, seeing him talk about starting his own thing just gets me. He says it’s given him total FREEDOM, and it’s so obvious! He’s finally able to travel whenever he wants, truly be there for his family and friends, and even dedicate himself to coaching the people he cares about. He says it’s the best part of his life, and I totally believe him – you can just feel how happy he is!

Ashley motivated his audience to take chances on themselves and pursue new career paths, even if they were feeling hesitant or scared.

For a look at more stars who have left the entertainment industry behind, keep reading.

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 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 its release, she announced her plans to leave Hollywood completely.

During her stand-up tour, Ellen announced to her audience that she’s retiring after her upcoming Netflix special, according to SFGate. She 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 initially focused on 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, noting that it’s one of the top three countries in the world for ice cream consumption, along with America and New Zealand.

She ultimately relocated to Australia with her son, York (whose father is Erik Asla), and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, sharing 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 splits 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 that shift. 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 that her move wasn’t a reaction to the political climate, but rather a result of her work. She filmed Land of Women in Catalonia, Searching for Mexico, and has been based in Spain for years. She feels fortunate to be able to leave the US, expressing anxiety and sadness for those who can’t. Despite the move, Longoria remains busy 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 moved from Chicago to Spain with his family. He explained on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon 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 opportunity for their 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 enjoying the change. In an interview with Elle España, Gere shared that they are happier than ever and are really hitting their stride as a family.

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 half the 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 that she saw it as an incredible opportunity for her kids. The family seems to be thriving in their new life. Milian told TopMob that her children are happy and fluent in French, and she enjoys a balanced lifestyle with daytime activities and work that accommodates the time difference. She describes it as a healthy and fulfilling routine.

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 excessive media attention. In a March 2024 interview with Bustle, she expressed annoyance that paparazzi coverage detracted from her work and ultimately led to her desire for a more private life. She felt the constant scrutiny meant her professional achievements weren’t being recognized. This feeling prompted her move overseas, first to London and then Dubai, where she also started opening beach clubs in Greece, but it was also a key reason she wanted to step away from the spotlight.

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 to fall into place and she could embrace 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’s continued 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 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’d always sought to be around people with diverse interests, things that would take his mind off work and encourage personal growth – what he called “the spice of life.”

As a result, Josh, 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 it might seem like less is happening on the surface, more of what truly matters is. 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 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 even a big movie fan, Jesse feels removed from the constant pressures of assessing his status 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 in the field of mental health.

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. She felt it was important to share her personal journey and the sense of peace and purpose she’d found, believing this was truly her calling.

The actress best known for playing a character on The Flintstones shared that she moved to Ireland with her son, Clay, in January 2025. She’s now working to become an Irish citizen because her grandparents were from there. While she mentioned current political issues as a factor in her decision to move, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to her home country someday.

Oh my gosh, she just broke my heart in her latest TikTok! She said she misses her kids, her friends… everything back home! It’s so sad. She’s trying so hard to build a life in this new country, which is amazing, but she keeps saying she’ll only come back to America when everyone has equal rights. I’m just… I’m obsessed with her and her family, and I really hope they can find happiness, wherever they are. It’s just… ugh, my heart!

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 peaceful 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, living authentically brings a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction instead of fear.

I’m really glad to hear she hasn’t ruled out returning to acting completely! She said she might come back to Hollywood eventually, but right now, she’s happy with where she is and that’s what matters most to me. It’s comforting to know it’s not a permanent goodbye.

Since finishing his role in the 2019 Netflix series V-Wars, the actor best known from The Vampire Diaries has been focusing on a personal mission: fighting climate change by working to improve 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 raising his family and developing his businesses. He was also working to release two documentaries, Kiss the Ground (released in 2020) and Common Ground, both of which highlight the importance of regenerative farming. He shared this with TopMob News in November 2023.

Looking ahead, the actor shared his plans to become a rancher and build lasting brands, including his bourbon and health/wellness company. He’s deeply committed to regenerative agriculture and healthy soil practices – values he and his family live by. He explained that this is his long-term vision, and it’s the reason he’s so passionate about these things – it’s simply who he is and who he’s striving to be.

During 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, alongside hosting the podcast.

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 often feels dissatisfied with her career and considers the parts she played to be cheesy and embarrassing. Having worked on shows from age 13 to 21, she felt embarrassed by her work as early as age 15, noting that her peers didn’t view her television work with admiration.

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 the only way she might consider it again would be if she wrote a role specifically for herself.

It seemed like a pretty easy decision. The chance to marry Prince Harry, devote ourselves to meaningful charitable work, and even wear the Queen’s tiaras would make leaving Hollywood totally worth it.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always been fascinated by women who redefine their paths, and Meghan Markle’s journey is a perfect example. Like Grace Kelly before her, she transitioned from a successful acting career – many of us first knew her from Suits – to a life of royal duty. While she and Harry stepped back from their senior royal roles and now call Montecito, California home, Meghan isn’t fully removed from the spotlight. She’s cleverly building a new brand! We’ve seen her share her story with the docuseries Harry & Meghan on Netflix, and she’s expanding into lifestyle content with her upcoming show, With Love, Meghan, launching in 2025. Plus, she’s created podcasts and launched her own brand, As Ever – it’s really exciting to see her embrace these new ventures!

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 all-consuming – you’re committed for long hours every day, for months, and it leaves no room for anything else in your life.

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 seemed like she might be open to returning to performing at least once.

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, getting down on their knees to ask her to do it. “We love her, we’ve been waiting for her to return, and this is going to be amazing,” he shared.

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 appearing in a few projects since then, the Oscar-nominated actor announced his retirement from acting again in 2022 while promoting his Peacock series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters. He explained to ET that he felt he’d given his all as an actor and now wants to focus on enjoying and watching new talent, rather than repeating familiar performances.

Even with the 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 new projects planned.

After his character, King Joffrey, died on the show in 2014, Jack Gleeson, who was 21 at the time, told EW he was finished with acting. He explained that he’d been acting since he was a child, but simply wasn’t enjoying it anymore.

Jack isn’t a child star anymore, and some of the excitement has faded. He explained that turning a hobby into a job changes things. “Before, acting was just for fun with friends or something to do during the summer,” he said. “I still like it, but making a living from it shifts your perspective. It’s not that I dislike it, it’s just not my career goal.”

After a six-year hiatus, 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 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 unique agreement. Kline explained to Playboy that they decided to alternate 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.

He added that Phoebe consistently prioritizes staying home with her children whenever she’s 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.

When he was most famous for movies like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, the actor paused his film 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 film since 1997 – he even turned down a brief 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 soon see him return 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 intimate scenes, and she wasn’t comfortable with that. While confident in her relationship, she felt any potentially challenging work needed to be truly exceptional to be worth 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 and was now focused on being a mom. She also helps her husband, Kimmel, with his work and enjoys painting as a hobby, explaining that her children are her main priority and the primary reason she stopped pursuing film roles.

She’d starred in popular shows like Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Scandal. After those roles, the Australian actress started to feel like it might be time for a change.

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 that behind and start my own business.

Her company, General Public, which created 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 be interested 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 me into five episodes anyway.

It’s understandable why, after winning three Oscars, Daniel Day-Lewis felt he’d achieved his goals. Soon after receiving his sixth Oscar nomination for his 2017 film, Phantom Thread, his representative announced his retirement from acting. He expressed immense 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.

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.

Bridgit Mendler, known for her role on Good Luck Charlie, stepped away from acting in 2018 to focus on her education. She earned both a master’s degree and a PhD from MIT, and later attended Harvard Law School.

On top of everything else, Bridgit founded Northwood Space, a company focused on building ground stations for sending and receiving data from satellites. She became the CEO of Northwood Space in February 2023.

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2025-10-25 00:19