10 A-List Celebrities Who Completely Fell off the Map

Lauryn Hill Tax Sentencing

In the entertainment industry, it is not uncommon for people to come and go.  With all of the competition, and only a certain amount of spotlight, there is simply not enough room for everyone.  However, once a person reaches a certain level of success, most people expect that he/she will be here to stay.  Unfortunately, that is not always the case.  Over the years, many extremely popular celebrities have completely disappeared from the spotlight.  While some of these disappearances are explained, others remain a mystery to both fans and the media.  Here are 10 A-list celebrities who completely fell off the map.

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Actors Rick Moranis (L) and Dave Thomas (R) attend the Walt Disney Pictures premiere of "Brother Bear"

10. Rick Moranis

Rick Moranis gained fame during the 80s for his role in films like Ghostbusters and Little Shop of Horrors. However, in 1997, after six years after the death of his wife, Moranis took a break from acting to spend more time raising his children. Since 1997, Moranis has not made any on-screen appearances other than occasional voice acting gigs.

(Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)

Dave Chappelle Signs Copies Of "Dave Chappelle's Block Party"

9. Dave Chapelle

Dave Chapelle shocked fans in 2005 when he abruptly disappeared from the spotlight, leaving the third season of his popular variety show hanging in the balance.  The public quickly speculated what could possibly make Chapelle walk away from his successful career.  Chapelle stated that he felt like the show was taking away from his career as a stand-up comedian, and needed time to regroup.  Since his disappearance, Chapelle has resurfaced; however, his career has yet to regain its former power.

 (Photo by Chad Buchanan/Getty Images)

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8. Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Jonathan Taylor Thomas was one of Hollywood’s most popular young actors during the 90s.  For seven years, he was one of the lead characters on the popular sitcom Home Improvement, and in 1994 he provided the voice of the Lion King’s young Simba.  However, since the 90s, Thomas has been largely absent from the spotlight.

(photo courtesy of Tumblr)

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7. Mara Wilson

Mara Wilson once had a very promising acting career ahead of her.  After starring in the 1996 film, Matilda, viewers and critics could not wait to see Wilson’s career grow to its full potential. However, Wilson’s career never reached the heights that people had hoped, and after 2000, she disappeared from film and television all together.

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Guns N' Roses And Sebastian Bach Perform At The Joint At The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

6. Axl Rose

Axl Rose is the last original member of the legendary rock group Guns N’ Roses.  However, after years of differences, the band finally disintegrated in 1994.  After the band fell apart, Rose withdrew from the spotlight and refused to many any public appearances.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Macaulay Culkin Signs Copies Of "Junior"

5. Macaulay Culkin

Macauley Culkin was once one of the highest paid child actors in the industry.  Unfortunately, issues between his parents over how to handle his finances led to estrangement from his father and ultimately resulted in the demise of his career.  For years, fans were left to wonder what ever became of Culkin who withdrew from the spotlight in 1994.  Although he has made some appearances since his original departure, he has remained low-key and continues to live his life away from the public eye.

(Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences' "Father's Day Salute To TV Dads"

4. Frankie Muniz

Frankie Muniz gained mainstream success in 2000 after landing a the title role in the popular sitcom Malcolm in the Middle.  For more than a decade, Muniz remained one of the most popular young stars in Hollywood. However, in 2006, Muniz decided to leave acting behind to pursue a career as a race car driver.  Although he has found some success on the track, he is no longer a household name.

 (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Actors Gene Hackman (as Joe Moore) and Rebecca Pidgeon (as Fran Moore) act in a scene in David Mamet's "Heist."

3. Gene Hackman

Since retiring from acting in 2004, Gene Hackman has almost entirely disappeared from the spotlight. Shortly after his retirement, the award-winning actor who now spends his time writing novels, told Larry King that he has no plans to return to acting.

(Photo by Takashi Seida/Heightened Productions Inc. via Getty Images)

Actor Pauly Shore Actor Pauly Shore Attends 2003 Sundance Film Festival

2. Pauly Shore

During the late 80s and early 90s, Pauly Shore was on his way to becoming a household name.  His ability to entertain audiences with his fun sense of humor quickly made him a favorite amongst fans. However, Shore’s star seemed to fall just as quickly as it had risen.  In 2003, Shore even created a mokumentary, Pauly Short is Dead, to discuss his sudden fall from fame. However, by then many of his fans had moved on.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

The Wailers 30th Anniversary Performance

1. Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill was once considered one of the most talented female R&B and hip-hop artists in the music industry. After a successful stint as a member of groundbreaking group, The Fugees, and an award-winning solo album, fans couldn’t wait to see what Hill had in store.  However, in the 2000s, Hill became reclusive and disappeared from the spotlight.  She briefly returned in 2002 and released an album as part of MTV’s Unplugged series.  However, Hill has yet to release another album, and spends most of her time away from the public.

 (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)

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