While being a Hollywood star might seem like a dream come true to many of us, there are plenty of actors out there who have packed in the celebrity life. Despite having no shortage of starring roles, awards show sweeps, and adoration from fans, these stars desired a life outside of the limelight and left the glitz and glamor of film and TV stardom behind.

From Evangeline Lilly’s shock retirement announcement post- Marvel , to the surprising reason we haven’t seen Mia Wasikowska on our screens as much in recent years, we're taking a look at the stars who left the limelight behind, the reasoning behind their choices, and whether or not they ever returned…

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Daniel returned to screens with Anemone in 2025 after a nearly eight-year hiatus

Daniel Day-Lewis

The only act

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