15 Celebrities Who Got Out of the Rat Race On Their Own Terms
Cameron Diaz spent years away from movie sets before deciding to act again. Frankie Muniz traded television scripts for race cars, and the kid who played Charlie in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory grew up to become a veterinarian. Not everybody who finds success in entertainment wants to spend the rest of their life chasing another role, album, or big paycheck. Some famous people discover that they would rather raise their children, open a business, or pursue a completely different career. Others simply enjoy having their privacy back. These 15 celebrities decided that being famous didn’t have to be a full-time job forever.
Cameron Diaz Chose a Decade Away From Hollywood
After Annie in 2014, Cameron Diaz stepped away from acting to focus on her personal life and family. She eventually returned with Back in Action in 2025.
Rick Moranis Put Fatherhood First
Following his wife’s death, Rick Moranis gradually left live-action films to raise their two children, choosing family life over the demanding Hollywood schedule that had made him famous.
Phoebe Cates Opened a Store Instead
After starring in Gremlins and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Phoebe Cates stepped away from regular acting work and opened Blue Tree, a boutique in Manhattan.
Jennette McCurdy Found Her Voice in Writing
The former iCarly star left acting behind and turned to writing, later publishing the bestselling memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died about her experiences growing up in entertainment.
Mara Wilson Traded Movie Sets for Books
After becoming a familiar face in Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, Mara Wilson moved away from mainstream film acting and established herself as a writer and occasional performer.
Frankie Muniz Took His Career to the Racetrack
Rather than spending his entire adult life acting, the former Malcolm in the Middle star pursued professional auto racing, eventually competing in NASCAR events.
Peter Ostrum Preferred Animals to Movie Stars
Peter Ostrum played Charlie in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, declined further film opportunities, and eventually became a veterinarian, spending decades caring for animals.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Built a Fashion Empire
The twins left acting behind after growing up on television and in movies, eventually concentrating on fashion and building the luxury label The Row.
Bridget Fonda Decided She Preferred Private Life
After a successful film career in the 1990s, Bridget Fonda stopped acting. Asked about a possible comeback in 2023, she made clear that she enjoyed being a civilian.
Jeff Cohen Became a Hollywood Lawyer
Jeff Cohen played Chunk in The Goonies, but never pursued an adult acting career. He studied law and became an entertainment attorney, working behind the scenes instead.
Leelee Sobieski Turned Her Attention to Art
Known for Deep Impact and Eyes Wide Shut, Leelee Sobieski stepped away from acting to raise her children and pursue a career as a visual artist.
Michael Schoeffling Started Making Furniture
After playing Jake Ryan in Sixteen Candles, Michael Schoeffling left Hollywood in the early 1990s and established a furniture-making business in Pennsylvania.
Shirley Temple Chose Public Service
One of Hollywood’s biggest child stars retired from acting as a young adult and later pursued diplomacy, serving as the United States ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.
John Deacon Left Queen Behind
Queen’s bassist largely withdrew from the music industry after Freddie Mercury’s death, stepping away from performing and choosing an exceptionally private life away from public attention.
Carrie Henn Became a Schoolteacher
Carrie Henn made her film debut as Newt in Aliens and never pursued another major screen role, eventually becoming a teacher instead of continuing in Hollywood.