Fame and fortune is the dream of many, and some would sacrifice everything just for a taste of it. Behind the scenes, however, being in the spotlight 24/7 is a really intense way to live and it causes a lot of stress for the famous few. For these former Hollywood celebrities, the price of having it all was just too much for them. These former actors, singers, and stars were on their way to becoming A-List celebrities before they decided to step out of the limelight and pursue a more “average” way of life.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
You probably remember this blonde beauty as none other than Buffy The Vampire Slayer. During the ’90s and early 2000s, Sarah Michelle Gellar was a huge star and a household Hollywood name by the time she was only 15. Even though she was super successful and headed for a fruitful acting career, she and her husband, Freddie Prince Jr. both decided to step back from Hollywood so they could spend more time with their kids and each other.
Frankie Muniz
Child star Frankie Muniz became an overnight sensation by the time he was 15, starring in so many Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and other children’s shows, as well as the hit TV series Malcolm in the Middle. But despite all of his success, Frankie decided to take a step back from acting when he discovered that his true passion was actually race car driving. To this day he is a professional racecar driver and loves every second of it.
Nikki Blonsky
Before her big break in the movie adaptation of the musical Hairspray, Nikki Blonsky was an unheard-of actress. After absolutely smashing the role of Tracy Turnblad, Nikki was hopeful to continue her acting career and rise through the ranks of Hollywood. After landing a few small roles, she realized that no director wanted to cast her because she had been typecast as a certain, specific role only. Unfortunately, Nikki had to give up her dream and now works in a hair salon.
Jack Gleeson
For Game of Thrones fans, it’s hard to see Jack Gleeson’s face and not feel your stomach turn over after he did a little too well of a job portraying the horrible King Joffrey. But after finishing his role successfully, Jack Gleeson decided that he wanted to have a taste of regular life. At only 21 years old, he quit acting and enrolled at Trinity College to get his degree and have a normal young person’s life.
MC Hammer
Stop! Hammer Time! This one-hit-wonder gained worldwide fame in the ‘90s with his iconic song, dance, and of course, Hammer Pants. But after the hype of his career died down, MC Hammer found himself struggling to make a living, so he was eventually forced to find a different path. Nowadays, he works as a Christian minister preaching the word of the Lord to his vast congregation.
Meghan Markle
Although she left Hollywood, Meghan Markle is anything but out of the spotlight. After a successful acting career and a main role on Suits, Meghan met the love of her life, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Marrying a prince is no easy role, so Meghan renounced her acting career and is now fully focussing on being a royal public figure. It’s not Hollywood, but she’s no less famous.
Kal Penn
Depending on what kind of person you are, you probably know Kal Penn as either a major stoner role on Harold and Kumar or as a top physician on House. After leaving House, Kal Penn decided he wanted to step back from acting and take on a more serious career path. He worked as a high-up government official with the title Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Engagement and only recently quit due to the Trump Administration.
Kevin Jonas
Let’s be honest, out of the three singers, Kevin wasn’t typically anyone’s first pick of Jonas Brother. When the band split up in 2011, Nick and Joe went on to pursue their solo music careers and Kevin kind of disappeared into the background. While he was “away” he got married, had children, and became an entrepreneur. He now works in real estate development, construction, and communications.
Tom Sellek
Tom Selleck had a thriving acting career for a few decades before he decided that he was not cut out for life in the Hollywood spotlight. By 2015 he had his last major role in film and moved himself and his family out to an avocado ranch (that formerly belonged to Dean Martin) to live out the rest of his life in the peaceful nature.
Amanda Bynes
If you grew up in the ’90s or early 2000s, you probably watched Amanda Bynes on All That and The Amanda Show, and then later on in hit movies like Hairspray and She’s The Man. Unfortunately, Hollywood did a number on the mental health of poor Amanda Bynes, and she had something of a psychotic break, changing her appearance and eventually checking into a rehabilitation center. She is now reportedly doing better and keeping a low profile.
Cameron Diaz
Everyone who has ever turned on a television knows who the gorgeous Cameron Diaz is. But people might be surprised to know that she decided to leave Hollywood in 2014, after her last role in the new adaptation of Annie. She told the world that she had found “peace in her soul” after leaving, and just needed a quiet break from the lights and cameras.
