Gay Actors Who Quit Hollywood to Pursue Other Interests

Some well-known gay actors chose to step away from on-camera careers and invest their time in new paths—business ownership, writing, public service, advocacy, or local arts scenes far from studio lots. Here’s a consolidated look at those pivots, focusing on what they did next and how they redirected their professional lives.

Tommy Kirk

A Disney favorite from ‘Old Yeller’ and ‘The Shaggy Dog’, Tommy Kirk exited mainstream screen work amid industry backlash and limited opportunities. He went on to run a successful carpet- and upholstery-cleaning business in the San Fernando Valley. Kirk discussed his sexuality and career trajectory candidly in later interviews. He lived primarily outside show-business circles for decades.

Tab Hunter

Known for ‘Battle Cry’ and ‘Damn Yankees’, Tab Hunter gradually shifted focus from studio films to equestrian pursuits and authorship. He co-wrote the bestseller ‘Tab Hunter Confidential’, detailing his career and private life. Hunter maintained a long partnership with producer Allan Glaser and kept a lower public profile. He accepted occasional projects while prioritizing life beyond the traditional Hollywood system.

Dirk Bogarde

Associated with films like ‘Victim’ and ‘The Servant’, Dirk Bogarde pivoted from acting to a prolific literary career. He published multiple memoirs and novels and spent much of his later life in France. Bogarde’s long partnership with Anthony Forwood is well documented in biographies and archives. His work and attention centered on writing and private life rather than studio productions.

Richard Chamberlain

After leading roles in ‘The Thorn Birds’ and ‘Shōgun’, Richard Chamberlain moved away from Hollywood’s hub, residing in Hawaii and emphasizing stage work. He came out publicly in his memoir ‘Shattered Love’, reflecting on personal and career choices. Chamberlain continued acting selectively, often in theater and regional productions. His professional efforts concentrated on arts outside mainstream film and television.

T.R. Knight

Best known for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, T.R. Knight left the series and redirected his career toward New York theater. He has taken roles on stage and made limited, carefully chosen screen appearances. Knight publicly came out during his television run and later emphasized creative control and quality of life. His post-show work has been anchored largely in the theater community.

Wentworth Miller

Following a breakout with ‘Prison Break’, Wentworth Miller came out publicly and shifted toward writing and advocacy. He wrote screenplays, including ‘Stoker’, and has spoken extensively about mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. Miller announced he would not portray straight characters and stepped back from certain franchise commitments. His recent focus has been scripted writing and public advocacy rather than traditional stardom.

Jim Nabors

Beloved for ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ and ‘Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.’, Jim Nabors left Hollywood for a quieter life in Hawaii. He invested in local businesses and performed selectively in concerts and specials. Nabors married his longtime partner in Honolulu and prioritized community life. His later years balanced music on his own terms with a retreat from studio routines.

Chad Allen

A former teen star from ‘Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman’ and ‘Our House’, Chad Allen retired from acting to pursue clinical psychology. He completed graduate training and transitioned into mental-health work. Allen remained active in LGBTQ+ advocacy while building his new profession. His public presence shifted from entertainment to healthcare and service.

Kal Penn

Known for ‘Harold & Kumar’ and ‘House’, Kal Penn stepped away from acting to work in public service. He served in the White House Office of Public Engagement and later taught and lectured on civic participation. Penn returned to selective projects afterward while continuing policy-adjacent work. His hiatus marked a significant pivot beyond film and TV sets.

Danny Pintauro

The ‘Who’s the Boss?’ alum moved away from regular acting and focused on advocacy and work outside show business. He held roles in hospitality and animal care, including veterinary-related positions. Pintauro has spoken publicly about health topics and LGBTQ+ issues. His professional path centered on community engagement and non-entertainment jobs.

David Yost

After ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’, David Yost left the show and shifted behind the scenes. He worked in production and development and later emphasized personal well-being and advocacy. Yost has participated in select franchise events while keeping primary efforts off-camera. His career path moved away from the Hollywood mainstream.

Rupert Everett

Following roles in ‘Another Country’ and ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’, Rupert Everett redirected energy toward writing and directing. He authored memoirs and pursued stage work and European projects outside the studio system. Everett developed self-driven creative endeavors with periodic screen appearances. His output emphasized literature, theater, and independent production.

Glenn Shadix

Recognized from ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Heathers’, Glenn Shadix stepped back from frequent film and TV work. He returned to Alabama, became involved in local arts, and limited on-camera roles. Shadix focused on regional projects and community life. His later activities were centered far from Hollywood’s day-to-day demands.

Eric Millegan

After a notable run on ‘Bones’, Eric Millegan reduced screen appearances to prioritize health and stage work. He has been open about managing bipolar disorder and advocates for mental-health awareness. Millegan’s work has included theater and speaking engagements. His career since has largely unfolded outside the television mainstream.

George Nader

Appearing in titles like ‘Six Bridges to Cross’ and ‘Away All Boats’, George Nader saw his U.S. film career narrow amid tabloid scrutiny. He relocated to Europe for projects and then turned to writing, including the science-fiction novel ‘Chrome’. Nader maintained close friendships in the industry while living more privately. His primary work shifted to literature and life outside Hollywood.

Jack Larson

Known as Jimmy Olsen from ‘Adventures of Superman’, Jack Larson transitioned from acting to writing and producing. He became a playwright and librettist and supported film and arts initiatives. Larson also managed properties and archives related to his partner, director James Bridges. His later decades centered on literary, preservation, and cultural work.

Richard Cromwell

The star of films such as ‘Jezebel’ and ‘The Lives of a Bengal Lancer’ stepped back from screen work. Richard Cromwell pursued painting and design, exhibiting pieces and taking commissions. He also ran small business ventures that kept him outside studio structures. His post-acting years were focused on visual art and independent projects.

Jason Gould

After early screen appearances, Jason Gould chose to prioritize music over acting. He released recordings as a vocalist and performed live. Gould has explored writing and behind-the-scenes creative work at his own pace. His public output has centered on music and personal projects rather than film.

David Burtka

An actor with credits on stage and screen, David Burtka redirected much of his professional energy into culinary arts. He trained formally, worked as a chef, and launched food-focused ventures, including catering and hosting. Burtka authored a cookbook and built a public profile around cooking and entertaining. While he appears on camera occasionally, his primary career is food and lifestyle entrepreneurship.

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which second-act stories you’d add to the list.