Hollywood has always been full of compelling stories, not just on-screen but in the lives of the actors we admire. Some blockbuster stars dominate the spotlight for decades, but others step away, leaving us wondering, “Where are they now?” Their reasons vary. Some are prioritizing family, pursuing other passions, or simply yearning for a quieter life. It might even be that they faced enough failure that they wanted to quit. Whatever the case, these actors left an impression that has fans still talking. If you're curious to know what they've been up to, here’s a look at some major stars who disappeared from fame and what they’re doing now.

Rick Moranis

If you’ve watched Honey, I Shrunk the Kids or Ghostbusters, then Rick Moranis likely holds a special spot in your heart. His comedic timing and everyman charm made him an icon of ‘80s and early ‘90s family-friendly films. But by the mid-90s, Moranis stepped away from Hollywood at the height of his success.

The reason? His wife passed away in 1991, and Moranis decided to focus on raising their two children, Mitchell and Rachel, as a single parent. Taking what he thought would be a short break, the actor ultimately chose to stay away from Hollywood for more than two decades. Fans were thrilled when he briefly re-emerged for a Mint Mobile commercial with Ryan Reynolds in 2020. Even more exciting, Moranis is set to reprise his role as Wayne Szalinski in Disney’s upcoming Honey, I Shrunk the Kids reboot titled Shrunk. It’s a slow return from a well-loved star who’s shown us that family always comes first.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz dominated Hollywood in the late 1990s and 2000s with mega-hits like There’s Something About Mary, Charlie's Angels, and Shrek. By 2014, after her role in Annie, she stepped away from acting and later officially confirmed her retirement in 2018. Diaz has since described those years away as “the best 10 years of her life,” spent focusing on herself and her family.

During her time away, Diaz married Good Charlotte musician Benji Madden and became a mother, welcoming her daughter, Raddix, in 2019. While she also turned her creativity toward projects like a wellness book and starting her clean wine business, fans recently rejoiced when news broke of her return to the big screen. Her Netflix film Back in Action, co-starring Jamie Foxx, premiered in 2025, marking a highly anticipated comeback. Whether she sticks with acting long-term or not, her latest project has proven she’s still got the star power that made her a Hollywood favorite.

Jack Gleeson

You probably remember Jack Gleeson as Joffrey Baratheon from Game of Thrones, the boy-king everyone loved to hate. His portrayal was so convincing that it’s hard to believe Gleeson has mostly left acting since his character exited the series in 2014. Many speculated about the reasons, but Gleeson himself has said acting was never a long-term career plan.

Returning to Ireland, he opted for a quieter, more academic life, pursuing his studies and staying out of the media frenzy. Gleeson has occasionally dabbled in small theater productions in Dublin, but for the most part, he seems completely at peace with stepping back from the spotlight. He’s proof that sometimes, one defining role is more than enough.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Freddie Prinze Jr. owned the heartthrob scene in the late ‘90s and early 2000s with films like She’s All That and Scooby-Doo. At one point, it seemed like he’d be in rom-coms forever. But around 2005, Prinze started easing out of the acting world. He never explicitly “quit,” but his focus shifted to other ventures.

These days, Prinze is a man of many passions. He’s a devoted husband to fellow actor Sarah Michelle Gellar, with whom he shares two children. He even published a cookbook showcasing his love for cooking and has done a bit of voice work in animation, including Star Wars Rebels. Prinze seems to have found joy in a quieter, family-oriented life despite still occasionally dipping his toes back into Hollywood.

Bridget Fonda

When Bridget Fonda starred in movies like Jackie Brown and Singles, her acting chops and Hollywood pedigree made her an undeniable star. But in 2002, she left the industry after marrying composer Danny Elfman and surviving a serious car accident. Her final acting credit was that year’s Snow Queen, and she hasn’t returned since.

Fonda lives a largely private life in Los Angeles, focused on family and far away from the glare of cameras. Her decision to step back was sudden, but her absence has only made fans more nostalgic for her work. While we don’t hear from her often, it’s clear she’s chosen happiness on her own terms.

Macaulay Culkin

One of the most famous child stars of all time, Macaulay Culkin became a household name in the early ‘90s thanks to hits like Home Alone. But fame came fast and heavy for the young actor, and by the mid-90s, he took a long break from acting to focus on a more normal life.

Culkin eventually made a quirky return to the public eye, dabbling in indie films and starting a comedy band called Pizza Underground. These days, he’s stepped into a more stable chapter, balancing occasional acting gigs with his personal life. He’s engaged to actress Brenda Song, and together, they’re parents to a son named Dakota. Though Culkin no longer chases leading roles, he’s happy living life his way, far removed from his child-star image.

It’s easy to assume fame is the ultimate goal, but these actors remind us that life is about so much more. Their chapters outside fame are just as inspiring as their roles, offering a refreshing take on what it means to succeed. Maybe we don’t need the constant glow of the red carpet to define a legacy. Sometimes, walking away is the most extraordinary performance of all.