Hundreds of Hollywood actors have made the same courageous choice, leaving the rich and glamorous world of Hollywood behind. Now, their decisions are making waves throughout the entertainment industry. Daniel Day-Lewis, Cate Blanchett and most recently Jane Fonda have all turned up the pressure. Each one of these luminaries has gotten off the stage for good. The reasoning behind their departures is as diverse as the women, from transitions in their personal lives to looking for new intellectual challenges outside of STEM.
In 2017, Daniel Day Lewis announced his retirement from acting. It was a surprising move in a career full of them, which rightfully won him three Academy Awards. His final performance came in Paul Thomas Anderson’s highly lauded and awarded “Phantom Thread,” a film that illustrated his amazing, unmatched gift. In other news, Cate Blanchett joined the short list of stars who’ve threatened to leave Hollywood over the election in mid-April 2025. By 2024, Blanchett had moved on to behind-the-scenes action at PEOPLE. Now, she’s opening up about her evolving relationship with the cinematic landscape.
Jane Fonda forever changed the landscape of Hollywood. She withdrew from acting entirely in 1991, when she married media mogul Ted Turner. This decision came on the heels of her first break from the biz at 12 years old when she took time off to focus on education full-time. Fonda’s first film was a bit part in 1959, but her feature film debut came in 1960 with “Tall Story.” Since then, she has been an unstoppable force in film.
The Distinct Paths of Daniel Day-Lewis and Cate Blanchett
Daniel Day-Lewis is not only a renowned actor, he’s famous for his rigorous methodicalness. His choice to retire after such a memorable career, with so many epic performances, caught the attention and imagination of fans and critics all over the world.
“I make more sense in motion — it’s been a long time to remotely get comfortable with the idea of being photographed.” – Cate Blanchett
Blanchett’s feelings reflect her longing for a different, more private life removed from the never-ending glare of raw, naked Hollywood. As she makes her move to her new role, she looks back on those experiences and how she felt in terms of belonging and being accepted.
“I’ve always felt like I’m on the periphery of things, so I’m always surprised when I belong anywhere.” – Cate Blanchett
Furthermore, this sense of disconnection from the industry has led her to pursue self-actualization beyond conventional acting gigs. Blanchett’s progress is part of greater pattern among actors who want to use their names and wedges to make a difference on how film and television contribute.
Breaks and Returns: The Journey of Other Actors
Debra Winger is the other big example, who was largely absent from the screen for a sizable stretch of 1995-2001. While she did not officially retire, her break allowed her to focus on personal growth and experiences outside of Hollywood. She later returned, bringing a fresh perspective to her roles.
Brendan Fraser’s career suffered after he went public with allegations that former HFPA president Philip Berk sexually assaulted him in 2003. Since then, though, Fraser has endured Hollywood’s rise and fall cycle. Today, Fraser’s long-awaited comeback started with his work in the Mummy series, which shot him directly into the Hollywood A-list. His struggles serve to remind us of the internal and external battles so many artists are fighting every day.
Ke Huy Quan’s Hollywood comeback was largely motivated by the groundbreaking success of Crazy Rich Asians in 2018. Quan’s renaissance career started when he and his family landed in Los Angeles as refugees from Vietnam. He told Variety that he was grateful for the chance, as he had spent years feeling isolated from the business and having trouble finding work.
“I was happy working behind the camera but I had serious FOMO,” – Ke Huy Quan
His determination to return highlights the passion many actors have for their craft, even after stepping away for personal or professional reasons.
The Personal Choices Behind Leaving Hollywood
Nikki Reed and her husband opted to leave Los Angeles a few years ago to raise their children on a farm, illustrating how personal priorities can influence career choices. Reed hasn’t acted throughout this period either. He’s recently transitioned to family life and using his stars for paving new paths in endeavors beyond Hollywood.
Portia de Rossi made big waves when she made her bald declaration. She even announced that she’d give up acting altogether if a fifth season of “Arrested Development” was produced. Here, she simply expressed the need for something different, something new and immersive outside the box of conventional action acting and performance.
“If there is a season 5, I won’t be doing it because I quit acting.” – Portia de Rossi
De Rossi’s statement gives voice to a growing chorus of actors who want to use their creative impulses to explore their other interests. More stars are discovering their true love in producing, screenwriting or even philanthropy after decades before the camera.