Actresses Who Quit Acting for Completely Different Careers

The entertainment industry is often seen as a lifelong commitment for those who achieve success on the big and small screens. However many talented women have chosen to walk away from Hollywood to pursue professional paths that are entirely unrelated to performing. These transitions involve shifts into fields like medicine and law as well as dedicated work in diplomacy and scientific research. Each story demonstrates a remarkable ability to reinvent oneself and find fulfillment outside of the global spotlight.

Shirley Temple

The child star became a global icon through her roles in films like ‘Bright Eyes’ and ‘Heidi’. She eventually decided to leave the film industry as an adult to pursue a career in public service. Her new path led her to become a high profile diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. She also worked as the Chief of Protocol of the United States under the Ford administration.

Grace Kelly

After winning an Academy Award for ‘The Country Girl’ this actress became one of the most beloved figures in cinema history. Her acting career ended abruptly when she married Prince Rainier III and became the Princess of Monaco. She shifted her focus entirely to royal duties and various philanthropic initiatives within the principality. The former movie star spent the rest of her life dedicated to her family and her responsibilities as a sovereign.

Audrey Hepburn

While she remains one of the most famous faces in the history of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ this actress significantly reduced her screen time in later years. She chose to dedicate her life to humanitarian work as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Her travels took her to impoverished regions around the world to advocate for children in need of food and medical care. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her tireless efforts in the field of global relief.

Mary-Kate Olsen

The former child performer became a household name alongside her twin sister on the sitcom ‘Full House’. She decided to step away from acting permanently to establish herself in the world of high fashion. Her work as a creative director for the luxury label The Row has garnered significant respect and numerous industry awards. She is now considered a serious fashion mogul who manages a massive global business empire.

Ashley Olsen

Like her sister she began her career as an infant and appeared in dozens of movies and television programs. She retired from the screen in her early twenties to focus on the corporate side of the fashion industry. Her leadership helped build brands such as Elizabeth and James into successful commercial ventures. She remains deeply involved in the design and management of her various retail companies.

Dolores Hart

This actress was a rising star in the late fifties and even shared an on screen kiss with Elvis Presley in ‘Loving You’. She shocked the industry when she decided to leave her career and her fiancé to join a cloistered Benedictine monastery. She became a nun at the Abbey of Regina Laudis where she eventually rose to the rank of Prioress. She continues to live a life of prayer and service within the monastic community today.

Phoebe Cates

Known for her iconic roles in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ and ‘Gremlins’ this actress was a staple of eighties cinema. She chose to retire from the spotlight in order to raise her children and explore a more private professional life. In 2005 she opened a boutique called Blue Tree on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. She spends her days managing the shop which sells unique gifts and high end fashion items.

Ariana Richards

After her memorable performance as Lex Murphy in ‘Jurassic Park’ this young actress seemed destined for a long career in Hollywood. She eventually pivoted away from film sets to follow her passion for the fine arts. She is now a professional painter who creates acclaimed works in the style of impressionism. Her art has been displayed in galleries across the country and has won several prestigious awards.

Mara Wilson

The star of ‘Matilda’ and ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ decided that the lifestyle of a child actor was no longer for her as she entered adulthood. She moved into the world of writing and has since published a memoir titled ‘Where Am I Now?’. Her work also includes stage plays and various articles for online publications. She continues to work as a professional author and narrator while staying largely away from mainstream film roles.

Jennette McCurdy

After starring in the massive hit series ‘iCarly’ she decided to stop acting to focus on her health and personal creative goals. She has since found tremendous success as a writer and a podcaster. Her memoir reached the top of the bestseller lists and detailed her complex experiences within the industry. She now focuses her professional energy on directing and sharing her stories through literary mediums.

Bridgit Mendler

This former Disney Channel star appeared in ‘Good Luck Charlie’ before transitioning into a career in technology and law. She pursued advanced degrees at both MIT and Harvard to expand her expertise beyond the arts. Recently she announced her new role as the CEO of a space startup called Northwood Space. The company aims to revolutionize the way satellite data is processed and sent back to Earth.

Jennifer Stone

Fans recognize her for playing the quirky best friend on the series ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. She took a break from the entertainment industry to study nursing and eventually earned her degree. She spent time working on the front lines in hospitals during the global health crisis that began in 2020. She now balances her time between healthcare and small creative projects while maintaining her license as a registered nurse.

Kay Panabaker

After appearing in ‘Fame’ and various television dramas she decided to leave the acting world behind for a very different environment. She studied history in college before finding her true calling in the field of animal care. She currently works as a zookeeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where she helps manage various species. Her career shift allows her to work directly with wildlife and contribute to conservation efforts.

Leelee Sobieski

This actress gained critical acclaim for her performances in ‘Deep Impact’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut’. She officially retired from acting in 2012 to pursue her interests in the visual arts and motherhood. Under her married name she has established a career as a professional artist specializing in abstract paintings. Her work is regularly exhibited in high profile art shows and galleries in New York and abroad.

Taylor Momsen

She first gained fame as a child in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ and later starred in the series ‘Gossip Girl’. She walked away from her acting career to pursue a full time path as a rock musician and songwriter. As the lead singer of the band The Pretty Reckless she has toured the world and released several successful albums. She has stated that music is her true passion and she has no plans to return to the screen.

Lisa Jakub

The actress who played the oldest daughter in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ left the film industry at the age of twenty two. She moved away from Los Angeles to pursue a career as a writer and a yoga instructor. She has published multiple books about her experiences as a child star and her journey toward mental wellness. She also leads workshops and retreats focused on using writing and mindfulness to manage anxiety.

Bridget Fonda

A member of the famous Fonda acting dynasty she starred in major films like ‘Single White Female’ and ‘Jackie Brown’. She chose to retire from the public eye in the early 2000s to focus on her family life and private interests. She has remained entirely out of the spotlight for over two decades and does not participate in Hollywood events. Her life is now centered on her home and her role as a mother.

Nikki Blonsky

After her breakout role in the musical ‘Hairspray’ she continued to work in the industry for a few years before seeking a more stable career. She obtained her license as a professional cosmetologist and began working at a salon in New York. While she still occasionally takes small roles her primary focus shifted to the beauty and hair industry. She has spoken about the importance of having a practical trade to fall back on outside of entertainment.

Brittany Ashton Holmes

She became famous at a very young age for playing Darla in the movie ‘The Little Rascals’. Unlike many of her peers she chose not to continue pursuing fame and left the industry shortly after her debut. She focused on her education and eventually pursued a degree in political science. She lives a private life far away from the cameras and has shown no interest in a Hollywood comeback.

Karyn Parsons

Best known for playing Hilary Banks on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ she eventually moved into the world of education and literature. She founded a non profit organization called Sweet Blackberry which focuses on sharing little known stories of African American achievement. She produces animated films and writes children’s books to educate young people about history. Her career is now dedicated to cultural preservation and literacy.

Lark Voorhies

She rose to fame playing Lisa Turtle on the hit show ‘Saved by the Bell’. In the years following the series she stepped away from consistent acting to focus on her work as a writer. She has self published several books and explored various creative outlets through the written word. Her professional life now centers on her literary pursuits and her personal creative projects.

Maia Brewton

This child actress was a regular on ‘Parker Lewis Can’t Lose’ and appeared in the classic film ‘Adventures in Babysitting’. She eventually left the acting profession to pursue a higher education and a career in the legal field. She attended Yale University and later became a successful attorney. She now practices law and lives a life completely separate from the Hollywood system.

Ali MacGraw

After starring in the massive hit ‘Love Story’ she became one of the most famous women in the world during the seventies. She eventually moved away from the Hollywood lifestyle to live in New Mexico where she focuses on yoga and animal rights activism. She has released successful yoga videos and works closely with various charitable organizations. Her current life is defined by her commitment to health and the protection of wildlife.

Portia de Rossi

The ‘Arrested Development’ actress announced her retirement from the screen to focus on a unique business venture. She founded a company called General Public which uses advanced technology to create 3D reconstructions of famous artworks. The business aims to make high quality art more accessible to the general public by using modern printing techniques. She spends her time managing the daily operations of this innovative art curation company.

Kelly McGillis

The star of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’ decided to step away from the fame of Hollywood to lead a more grounded life. She moved to North Carolina and began working as a full time counselor for people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. She dedicated herself to helping others through their recovery processes in a clinical setting. While she takes occasional small roles her primary career has been in the field of social service and rehabilitation.

Greta Garbo

This legendary silent film star shocked the world when she retired at the height of her fame at the age of thirty six. She moved to New York City and became a private art collector and a dedicated recluse. She spent several decades living a quiet life and carefully managing her vast collection of fine art. Her mysterious departure from the screen remains one of the most famous exits in cinematic history.

Brigitte Bardot

This French actress was a global sex symbol and a major star of international cinema during the fifties and sixties. She retired from the entertainment world in 1973 to dedicate her life entirely to animal rights activism. She established her own foundation and has since become one of the most vocal advocates for the protection of animals in the world. She uses her influence to campaign against hunting and various forms of animal cruelty.

Hedy Lamarr

Known as one of the most beautiful actresses of the golden age she starred in films like ‘Samson and Delilah’. Beyond the screen she was a brilliant self taught inventor who developed a frequency hopping spread spectrum technology. This invention eventually became the foundation for modern wireless communications like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Her legacy is now celebrated as much for her scientific contributions as her acting career.

Tippi Hedren

The star of ‘The Birds’ and ‘Marnie’ shifted her focus away from acting to address a passion for wildlife conservation. She founded the Shambala Preserve in California which provides a sanctuary for exotic cats like lions and tigers. She spent decades managing the facility and advocating for legislation to stop the private ownership of big cats. Her professional life became defined by her role as a sanctuary director and animal welfare advocate.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

She was a successful actress on the television drama ‘Suits’ before her life changed drastically upon meeting Prince Harry. She retired from acting permanently to fulfill her duties as a senior member of the British Royal Family. Following her departure from formal royal life she transitioned into media production and philanthropic work. She now runs a media company and focuses on global advocacy through her foundation.

Heather Donahue

After the massive success of ‘The Blair Witch Project’ she found it difficult to navigate the pressures of Hollywood. She decided to quit acting to move to a farm where she began growing medical marijuana legally. She wrote a book titled ‘Growgirl’ which detailed her transition from the red carpet to the world of agriculture. She now spends her time as a writer and exploring various sustainable living projects.

Carrie Henn

She is best known for her role as Newt in the science fiction classic ‘Aliens’. Despite the fame from her debut performance she chose not to pursue any further roles in the film industry. She attended university to become a teacher and has spent her entire adult life working in education. She remains happy with her choice to shape the minds of children rather than pursue a career in cinema.

Amber Scott

The young actress who played Maggie Banning in the film ‘Hook’ disappeared from the spotlight shortly after the movie was released. She chose to lead a normal life and focused on her education away from the cameras. She eventually pursued a professional career in the corporate world and maintains a very private lifestyle. She does not participate in the entertainment industry and has no public social media presence.

Kellie Shanygne Williams

Famous for playing Laura Winslow on ‘Family Matters’ she eventually shifted her focus toward community service and public speaking. She created a program for youth in the arts to help teenagers develop their creative and professional skills. She now works as a public speaker and a facilitator for various non profit organizations. Her career is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders in her community.

Staci Keanan

She was a popular teen star on shows like ‘My Two Dads’ and ‘Step by Step’. She retired from acting to pursue a rigorous education that eventually led her to the legal profession. She graduated from law school and became a deputy district attorney in Los Angeles. She now spends her days in the courtroom and has built a respected career in the justice system.

Quinn Cummings

This former child star received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘The Goodbye Girl’. She eventually left acting to become an entrepreneur and a writer. she invented the Hipsling which was a popular baby carrying device used by parents across the country. She also became a successful author and blogger known for her humorous take on parenting and daily life.

Andrea Elson

Fans recognize her for her role as the teenage daughter on the sitcom ‘ALF’ during the late eighties. She decided to leave the entertainment business to focus on her family and her passion for physical fitness. She became a professional yoga instructor and now travels to lead classes and workshops. Her life is centered on promoting health and wellness through the practice of yoga.

Eva Mendes

This actress appeared in major hits like ‘Hitch’ and ‘The Place Beyond the Pines’ before taking a hiatus from the screen. She shifted her professional focus toward fashion and beauty by launching her own successful clothing line. She also became the creative director for a major makeup brand and focuses on various business ventures. She has stated that her primary role now is being a mother and an entrepreneur.

Justine Bateman

After her success on ‘Family Ties’ she took a long break from the industry to explore other intellectual pursuits. She returned to school as an adult and earned a degree in computer science from UCLA. She has since worked in the tech sector and also branched out into directing and writing books about the nature of fame. Her professional life now combines her technical knowledge with her creative experiences.

Danica McKellar

Although she is well known for ‘The Wonder Years’ this actress pursued a high level career in mathematics. She graduated from UCLA with top honors and co authored a scientific paper that resulted in a new mathematical theorem. She has written several bestselling books aimed at making math accessible and fun for young students. While she still acts occasionally her work as a mathematician and educator is her primary professional legacy.

Salma Hayek Pinault

This actress has transitioned into a powerful role as a producer and a global business figure. She manages a successful production company that brings diverse stories to international audiences. She is also deeply involved in high level philanthropy and serves on the boards of several international organizations. Her professional life is now defined by her status as a mogul and an advocate for women’s rights across the globe.

Glenda Jackson

After winning two Academy Awards this British actress left her thriving career to enter the world of politics. She was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party and served for over two decades. She also held the position of Junior Transport Minister under the government of Tony Blair. She dedicated the majority of her later life to public service before briefly returning to the stage in her eighties.

Mia Sara

Known for playing Sloane Peterson in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ she eventually distanced herself from the Hollywood system. She shifted her focus toward writing and has become a published poet and essayist. Her work has appeared in various literary journals and she often participates in poetry readings. She leads a quiet life focused on her family and her accomplishments in the literary world.

Susan Saint James

The star of ‘McMillan & Wife’ and ‘Kate & Allie’ was a staple of television for several decades. She eventually retired from acting to focus on her family and her work with the Special Olympics. She also became an entrepreneur by co founding a company that produces high quality children’s products. Her professional life now revolves around her business interests and her extensive charitable activities.

Melissa Gilbert

This ‘Little House on the Prairie’ actress has spent her adult years moving away from traditional acting roles. She served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild and later ran for a seat in the United States Congress. She has also become a successful author with several memoirs and lifestyle books to her name. Her career now focuses on advocacy for rural communities and her work as a public speaker.

Elizabeth Berkley

After her role in ‘Saved by the Bell’ and the film ‘Showgirls’ she transitioned into a career as a mentor and author. She founded an online platform called Ask Elizabeth which provides advice and support for teenage girls navigating adolescence. She has traveled across the country to lead workshops and has published a book based on her work with young women. Her professional life is now dedicated to empowering the next generation through education and mentorship.

Tami Stronach

She captured hearts as the Childlike Empress in ‘The NeverEnding Story’ but chose not to continue as a child actor. She moved into the world of professional dance and eventually founded her own dance company in New York City. She works as a choreographer and a professor of dance at various academic institutions. Her entire adult career has been dedicated to the art of movement and performance education.

Geneviève Bujold

This French Canadian actress achieved international fame with her Oscar nominated performance in ‘Anne of the Thousand Days’. In her later years she chose to step back from the demands of the film industry to live a more private life. She maintains a quiet existence in California and focuses on her personal interests and family. She remains a respected figure in film history while no longer participating in the commercial side of the industry.

Please share your thoughts on which actress had the most surprising career change in the comments.