Hollywood Actresses Who Haven’t Made a Good Movie in Years

Careers ebb and flow, and some actresses spend long stretches away from the kinds of films that once put them on the map. Many shifted to television, streaming series, stage work, directing, or producing. Others chose family life or business ventures over frequent film roles. Here are forty actresses whose recent years have been quieter on the big screen, along with what they have been up to instead.

Cameron Diaz

Diaz stepped away from acting for much of the past decade to focus on family and her wine business. She returned to sets for streaming projects after years off camera. Earlier in her career she headlined major comedies and action films with strong box office. In recent years her on screen appearances have been limited compared with her peak era.

Meg Ryan

Ryan became closely associated with romantic comedies during the nineties and early two thousands. She later moved toward directing and selective independent work. Public appearances grew sporadic as she prioritized projects behind the scenes and personal life. Her film output has been far less frequent than during her earlier run.

Katherine Heigl

Heigl broke through on television before leading a string of studio comedies. She spent more time in TV dramas and streaming series in the years that followed. Producing roles also became part of her career mix. Theatrical releases grew fewer as small screen work took the lead.

Jessica Alba

Alba shifted focus to building and running a consumer goods company that went public. Acting became an occasional pursuit with emphasis on series work. She has taken executive roles and spokesperson duties tied to her brand. Film appearances have been intermittent while business commitments expanded.

Kate Hudson

Hudson launched an active fitness apparel brand and branched into podcasting and music pursuits. She still acts but often in limited runs and select projects. Red carpet and entrepreneurial headlines often outnumber film releases. Her schedule reflects a balance between entertainment and business.

Lindsay Lohan

Lohan returned to acting with streaming features after time away from Hollywood. Earlier years included charting pop singles and fashion collaborations. She also lived abroad and kept a lower profile on studio films. Recent work leans toward small screen releases over wide theatrical runs.

Alicia Silverstone

Silverstone continues to act in independent productions and stage projects. She writes about vegan living and advocates for animal rights. Family life and theater roles have been steady priorities. Wide release films have been less central than in her breakout years.

Ashley Judd

Judd balanced acting with humanitarian work and global advocacy. She pursued graduate studies and field work with international organizations. Film sets are now one part of a broader public service portfolio. Appearances often arrive through select dramas and documentaries.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Hewitt concentrated on television procedurals and network series. She has also written books and released music. Long term TV commitments shaped her schedule and visibility. Feature film roles became occasional rather than constant.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Gellar moved into voice roles, production, and television projects. She co founded a food startup and developed lifestyle ventures. Family priorities and selective acting choices guided her workload. The big screen has taken a back seat to TV and entrepreneurship.

Amanda Bynes

Bynes stepped away from acting to focus on education and personal well being. She studied at a fashion institute and explored design interests. Public updates have centered on health and private life. Film work has been absent while she remains out of the industry.

Bridget Fonda

Fonda retired from acting and chose a private life outside Hollywood. She rarely makes public appearances or media rounds. Her film career remains a completed chapter by choice. There have been no recent roles as she maintains her retirement.

Eva Mendes

Mendes paused acting to focus on family and design collaborations. She worked on fashion and home lines and served as a brand partner. Social media shares highlight creative projects outside film sets. Screen appearances have been minimal during this period.

Heather Graham

Graham alternates between independent films and television guest roles. She has produced and directed smaller projects. Festival premieres feature in her recent work more than wide releases. Her choices favor creative control over studio scale.

Milla Jovovich

Jovovich fronted long running action franchises before easing her pace. She divided time between modeling, music, and family life. Recent appearances include genre projects with targeted audiences. Theatrical tentpoles have been less frequent than during her franchise years.

Denise Richards

Richards appeared on reality television and hosted lifestyle content. Acting roles continue but often in TV movies and cable features. She engages with fans through social platforms and live events. Large scale theatrical projects have been limited.

Jennifer Garner

Garner works steadily across streaming films and family projects. She also invests time in children’s health advocacy and entrepreneurship. Producing duties and series development factor into her workload. Theatrical releases arrive selectively compared with her earlier run.

Hilary Duff

Duff leads popular television comedies and develops music and books. Her production deals focus on series and family friendly content. She balances acting with parenting and brand partnerships. Film roles are occasional while TV remains primary.

Mira Sorvino

Sorvino champions anti trafficking efforts alongside acting. She appears in independent dramas and limited series. Advocacy and festival circuits shape her public schedule. Major studio films are less common than earlier in her career.

Geena Davis

Davis founded an institute researching gender in media. She speaks at conferences and advises studios on representation. Acting continues in select roles across TV and film. Industry reform has been a central focus of her recent years.

Winona Ryder

Ryder reintroduced herself to new audiences through a hit streaming series. She chooses occasional film roles around that schedule. Press coverage often centers on the series and fashion events. The big screen is no longer her primary platform.

Thora Birch

Birch took breaks from acting and later returned through independent projects. She also directed and appeared in television films. Public appearances highlight convention panels and niche festivals. Studio features have been sporadic.

Kristin Davis

Davis remains active through high profile television revivals. She supports wildlife conservation and fundraising efforts. Her work centers on serialized storytelling over films. Travel for advocacy and production fills much of her calendar.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Parker leads streaming revivals and manages fashion and fragrance lines. Producing responsibilities extend across stage and screen. She maintains a presence on Broadway and in television. Film roles arrive occasionally rather than annually.

Ashley Olsen

Olsen moved away from acting to build a luxury fashion house. She works on design and creative direction with her sister. Public visibility comes from runway shows and industry awards. Film sets are not part of her current professional life.

Mary-Kate Olsen

Mary Kate Olsen shares the same fashion focus with a design studio. She oversees collections and brand partnerships. Media appearances relate to fashion weeks and retail launches. Acting has been set aside in favor of business.

Neve Campbell

Campbell alternates between franchise appearances and television dramas. She relocated for family life and stage opportunities. Recent work includes streaming ensembles and limited runs. Feature films are selective commitments.

Teri Hatcher

Hatcher embraced television guest spots and lifestyle projects. She hosts online content and participates in fan events. Acting continues in smaller productions and voice roles. Theatrical releases are uncommon in her recent filmography.

Courteney Cox

Cox focuses on television comedies and home design ventures. She directs and produces alongside acting. Social media and interior projects highlight her brand. Films appear less often than TV work.

Lucy Liu

Liu directed television episodes and starred in network series. She exhibits visual art and participates in cultural programs. Her schedule blends directing, voice acting, and parenting. Large scale film work has been occasional.

Rosario Dawson

Dawson leads science fiction series and supports civic engagement causes. She founded organizations that encourage youth participation. Filmmaking includes producing and voice roles across media. Theatrical projects arrive between television seasons.

Michelle Monaghan

Monaghan works in thrillers and limited series on streaming platforms. She balances production schedules with family life. Press tours often center on episodic releases. Studio films are not as frequent as earlier in her career.

Liv Tyler

Tyler appeared in fantasy television and later stepped back for family. She divides time between the United States and the United Kingdom. Brand ambassadorships and fashion events feature in her calendar. Film appearances have been occasional.

Lauren Holly

Holly acts in television movies and Canadian series. She teaches and mentors young performers. Convention appearances and fan events keep her visible. Wide release features are rare in her recent years.

Gretchen Mol

Mol appears in prestige television and stage productions. She collaborates with acclaimed directors on limited series. Theater commitments and teaching have filled stretches between roles. Feature films are less central than earlier.

Elisha Cuthbert

Cuthbert returned to television comedies after early film success. She participates in Canadian productions close to home. Publicity focuses on series premieres and festival spots. Film work has been sparing.

Jordana Brewster

Brewster is closely tied to a long running action franchise. Between franchise entries she appears in television and independent films. She advocates for education and mental health initiatives. Outside of that series her theatrical slate remains selective.

Ashley Greene

Greene appears in independent thrillers and lifestyle campaigns. She co hosts podcasts and engages with wellness brands. Fan conventions keep her connected to audiences. Studio films have been infrequent in recent years.

Malin Åkerman

Akerman works across cable comedies and indie ensembles. She produces small scale projects with friends and collaborators. Music performances with her band appear between shoots. Major studio releases are occasional rather than regular.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us who else you think belongs on this list.