When the spotlight fades: Why these 7 actors walked away from fame
From quiet retreats to maverick paths, these stars traded red carpets for real life
Living by the red carpet and pointed cameras isn't for everyone in Hollywood. Here are 7 actors who opted for an early retirement to choose a different path, or to return later on:
Cate Blanchett
The two-time Oscar winner, who currently has a packed film and theatre calendar, might be the latest to consider an exit from Hollywood to pursue other interests.
Jack Nicholson
One of Hollywood's only actors with three Oscars to his name, the legendary actor from 'The Shining', 'The Departed' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' retired because he no longer wanted to be in the spotlight.
Greta Garbo
One of the most successful stars to transition from silent films to talkies, this enigmatic personality declared her “temporary” retirement at 36, which eventually came to be permanent.
Daniel Day-Lewis
Another of Hollywood's only actors with three Oscars to his name, he is known for his intense, memorable performances, and for retiring twice unsuccessfully.
Cameron Diaz
Acquainted with the Hollywood spotlight since 21, she went from romcoms and comedies to gripping drama film performances, retiring in 2014. About a decade later, she returned to the silver screen fresh, happier and wiser.
Gene Hackman
The superstar that Hollywood lost this year never ran out of fine acting roles since the 80s, but in 2004, he chose to exit his way: to quit the “stressful business” of acting while he was ahead.
Tom Holland and Zendaya
One of Hollywood's latest long-standing power couples with star-studded careers of their own, both of them have often expressed a desire to quit the limelight at some point to focus on the children they plan to raise.